Yard-Man 26M Operator's Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Engine • Parts Lists • Warranty

A O A AL

YaRD-MaN

22-inch Rotary Mower- Model 26M

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit isequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbythe operator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.Asparkarrester forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

iMPORTANT

FORMNO.769-02298A

2/28/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 13

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOUBEGINASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethe modelplateonthe

equipmentand copythe informationtothe sample modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe

modelplateby standingat the operatingpositionand lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.This information willbe necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb site,to obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSup- port Department,orwhencontactingan authorized

servicedealer.

Engine Appendix .............................................. 14

Engine Safe Operation Practices ................. 14

Operating Your Engine .................................. 16

Maintaining Your Engine ............................... 18

Parts List ........................................................... 22

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

YaRD-MaN

www.yardman.com 330-220-4683

P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH 44136

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do/VOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

If you havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveany questionsregardingthecontrols, operation,or maintenanceof this unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefrom the optionsbelow:

• Visit us on the web atwww.yardman.corn

• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat1=800=800=7310.

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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents, andcertain vehiclecompo- nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas built to beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this manual.As with any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor error onthe part ofthe operatorcan result in seriousinjury.This machine is capable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowingobjects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.

RNING

This symbol points out important safety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safety and/or property

ofyourselfandothers. Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man- ualbeforeattempting to

operatethis machine. Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

resultin personalinjury.

i When youseethis

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

i Flesponsibility

I Restrictthe use i of this power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthewarnings

and instructions

in this manual

andon the machine.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence ofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedtomowerand mowing activity.Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.Neverassume thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecare whenapproachingblind corners, doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure yourvisionofa childwhomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatea power mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseof this machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture andregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment, nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesof safe operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury, stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesandkeepchildren, bystanders,helpers,and petsat least75feet frommower whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera- tionandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotect youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperate thismachinein barefeet,sandals, slipperyor lightweight (e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeing pulled overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingortripping. Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms. b. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengage theself-propelledmechanismon unitsso equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthesafetydevice inoperativeandmayresult inpersonalinjurythrough contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourfooting,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog- gingthechute. Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewseconds

after theengineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypart ofthe body

inthebladearea untilyouare surethe bladehasstopped rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandle,or othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyuseparts andaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresult inpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310for the nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,donotmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes; neverup anddown. Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,where you couldloseyour footingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextreme care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable andthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes whichcanignite.

2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailer

andrefuelit on theground.If thisis notpossible,thenrefuel suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimof thefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersources

of ignition.

8. Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethan Y2inch belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment. Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen flame,sparkor pilot lightas onawater heater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryer,orothergas appliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass, leaves, orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowerto coolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip- mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon- nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine. Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustment whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim- mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.) partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useof partswhich do notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructionswhich, if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal safety and/or property

ofyourself andothers.

Readand followall

instructions inthisman- ual before attemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay result in personalinjury. Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

T_:_ X

f 1. For shippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your

mowerisheldinan uprightpositionbya retainer. Removetheretaineras follows:

a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding

deflectorinthisposition,removetheretainerand discard.SeeStep 1.

b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour

fingersoutof theway.

discarded before operatingthe moWer.

NOTE:Your mower

sshippedwith the

handlein the higher

height position.

Step 1

Step 2

,_ WARNING: The chute retainer

must be removed and discarded before operating the mower.

Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup: a. Liftthe upperhandleupfromfoldedpositionAand

pullitto extendedpositionBfollowingthearrowin Step2. Thehandleshouldclickinto thisposition.

b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperly

in thehandle.Tightenwingnutssecuringupper handletothe lowerhandle

3. If satisfiedwithheightof handle,tightenwingnuts atthe endsof thelowerhandleshownin Step3. For convenienceof operating,youmayadjustthehandle

heightby removingthewing nutsshownin Step3 and removingthelowerhandle.

a. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetop hole

in thelowerhandle.SeeStep3 inset.

b. Tightenthewingnuts.

4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the lowerhandle.Pullcabletie tightandtrimexcess.See Step4.

NOTE: Eachendof

the lower handle must

beplaced in the same relativeoosition.

IMPORTANT

This unit isshipped without gasolineor oil

in the engine. Fill up

gasoline and oil as

instructedintheengine

operation section

BEFOREoperating

your mower.

Step 3 Step 4

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsinStep5: a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutof engine. c. Slipstarterropeintothe ropeguide.

d. Tightenropeguidewingnut.

6. Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange thecuttingheightofthe mower.

a. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel. b. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein

cuttingheight.SeeStep6.

c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

7. Installmulchingbaffleonthe rightsideofthemower followingthestepsbelow:

a. Lift upandholdthe side-dischargechutedeflector

andinsertbottomlipof themulchingbaffleinside thechuteopeningSeeStep7.

b. Snaphooksd the mulchingbaffleoverthe hinge

pinofthe chutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap intoplaceon thehingepin, lockingthemulching

bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.

Step 5

CUTTINGHEIGHT Step 6

Allwheels must be

placedinthesame relativeposition. For

roughor unevenlawns, movethe heightadjust-

mentleverto a higher position,Thiswill stop

scalping of grass.

Step 6

MULCHING BAFFLE

Step 7

Forproperassembly, installbottom lipinside

chute opening before

placinghooks overthe hingepin.

iMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

without gasoline or oil

in the engine.Fill up gasolineandoil as

instructedinthe engine operationsection BEFOREoperating

yourmower.

Step 7

WARNING

Know Your Lawn Mower

Control

Drive Control

Control

Recoil

Starter

GasolineFill

Mulching

The blade control mechanism is a

safety device. Never attempt to bypass its

operations.

I Use extreme care

when handling gasoline.Gasoline is

extremely flammable and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and other sources of

ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute area on cutting deck.

Referto warning label onthe unit.

Figure 1

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmower,it'simportant tobecomeacquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolis attachedtothe upperhandleof themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade.

,__ WARNING:Thisblade control mecha-

nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe undersideofthe upperhandleand isusedtoengagethe drive.Squeeze

itagainstthe upperhandleto engagethedrive; release itto slowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.

Mulching Baffle

insteadof collectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass catcher,yourmowerhas theoptionof recirculatingthe clippingsbacktothe lawn.Removegrasscatcher(if applicable),andoperatewiththe mulchingbaffleonly forthispurpose.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedon eachwheelandis usedto adjustthecuttingheight.All fourleversmustbe atthe samepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

Height Adjustment

Levers

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle. Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Choke Control

Thechokecontrolislocatedonthe leftsideofthe handle andwhenactivated,closesthe chokeplateonthe

carburetorandaidsin startingtheengine.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Addoilprovidedbeforestartingunitfor thefirsttime outof thebox.Followengineoperationsectionfor

this.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe engineoperationsection.

__L ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesandother sources of ignition.

,,,

_ ARNING:Theoperationof any lawn if

mowercanresult inforeign objects being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or whileperforming any adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan

,_i_ theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-

ingmower.Neverrun engineindoors orin enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas. Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monox- ide,an odorlessand deadly gas. Keep

hands, feet,hair and loose clothing awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

WARNING:Alwayskeep hands and feet clear of equipment

movingparts. Do not use a pres- surized startingfluid. Vaporsare

flammable.

1. Pullout thechokeknob locatedon theleftsideof the upperhandle.SeeFigure2.

NOTE:Useof thechokemaybe necessaryiftheengine iswarmor theair temperatureishigh.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,depressthebladecontrol and holditagainstthe upperhandle.

3. Pullthe startergriplightlyuntilresistanceisfelt, thenpullrapidlytoovercomecompression,prevent kickbackandstartengine.Repeatif necessary.See

Figure2.

IMPORTANT:Donotallowthestartergriptosnap backagainsttheropeguide.Returnitgentlyto prevent damagetothe starter.

4. Whenenginewarmsup,pushinthechokeknob.See

Figure2.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

_ ARNING:Neveroperate your mower

without eitherthe rear door orthe entire

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Figure 2

Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.

Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the operatorandothers.

WARNING:ifyou strike aforeign object,stopthe engine.Remove spark plug boot from the spark plug, thoroughly inspectmowerfor any damage,and repair damagebefore restartingandoperating.Extensive vibration ofmowerduring operation isan indicationofdamage.The unit should be promptly inspectedand

repaired.

1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrive controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.

2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethan one- thirdof thetotallengthofthe grass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcher(if apllicable)andinstallmulchingbafflefollowinginstruc- tionsonpage7.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof 4 inches,mulchingisnot recommended.Usethe grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, which can damage your eyes

severely. Always wear safety glasseswhile

operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sureno one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands,feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and lawn mower.

A ,vavs

disconnectspark

plugl and ground

performingany type

Figure 3

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnot cover itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty, operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce eachseason.

5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese aretight.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolanddrive controlatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil. These controlsmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.See Figure3.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarm andinner surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil. SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach endofthe sidemulchingplug/chutedeflectorperiodi- callywithlightoil to preventrust.SeeFigure3.

4. Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedand sealedatthe factoryanddoesnot requirelubrication.

5. Followtheenginemaintenancesectionforlubrication scheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugboot.Draingasolinefrom lawn mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tip mowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe sidewiththe aircleanerfacingup. Holdmowerfirmly.

WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore than 90 degrees in anydirections and do not leavethe mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe upper part of the enginecausinga starting problem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If youhadput plasticunderthe gascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

disconnect spark plug, andground against engine beforecleaning, lubricatingor doing any kind of maintenanceon your machine.

Wedo not rec0mmend

the use ofa pressure

_bL ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

washerorgarden hoseto clean

uniLThese maycause

damage to e ectriC compOnentSspindles

pulleys;bearingS,or

the enginel The use

of water Willresult in

shorten edlife and

reduceServiceability,

Engine Care

1. Maintainoillevelasinstructedintheenginemainte- nancesection.

Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely dustyconditions.Refertotheenginemaintenance

section.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season. Checktheenginemaintenancesectionforcorrect plugtypeandgapspecifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Blade Care

__lk ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfrom sparkplug.Turn moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade adapterfromthe enginecrankshaft.SeeFigure4.

3. The bladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind- ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile it is stillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromthe heavysideuntil it balancesevenly.

_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface ofthe bladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidethe blade adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade on theadaptersuchthatthesideofthe blademarked "Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthe groundwhen themoweris in theoperatingposition.Makesurethat bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches on thebladebell supportwithsmallholesin blade.

Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

in.Ibs. rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

bladefor sharpeningor replacement, protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating

athigh speeds, it maycausedamage to mower,and could break causing

personalinjury.

Belt Care

1. Removethefrontdrivecoverbyslidingoffthe two plasticrivetson eachside ofthecoverwitha screwdriver.SeeFigure5.

2. Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringto trans- mission.SeeFigure5 inset.Donot removescrew completely.As youloosenit, tensiononthebelt willbe

released.

Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebelt offthe transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand aroundtheblade.SeeFigure6.

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make surebelt isfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier tosecurebelt tensionspringtothetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

_ _ i i i iii _ _ ii _i ii ii

Maintaining

You r LaWn

MOwer

WARNING

When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or

replacement or when sliding the belt

around it, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade will cause excessive

vibrationwhen rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage to mower, and could

break causing per- sonal injury.

Problem Cause Remedy

En inef Istostart 1 Badecontro d sengaged 1 Engagebadecontro

g a ....

2. Sparkplugbootdisconnected. 2. Connectwireto sparkplug•

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel• 3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline•

Trouble

4. CHOKEnotactivated• 4 Chokeengineas instructed-in a t ug. OperatingYourLawnMower.

Shootin 2. F ulysparkpl 5. Clean,adjustgap orreplace

6. Blockedfuel line. 6. Cleanfuelline.

7. Engineflooded. 7. Waitafewminutestorestart.

Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugbootloose. 1. Connectand tightenspark

plugboot.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuelline;fill tankwithclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Ventingascapplugged. 3. Clearvent.

4. Waterordirt infuelsystem. 4. Drainfueltank. Refillwith

freshfuel.

Forrepairsbeyond section.

the minor adjust- 6. UnitrunningwithCHOKEapplied. 6. PushCHOKEknobin. ments listed here,

5. Dirty aircleaner. 5. Referto enginemaintenance

contact an authorized Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil. service dealer. 2. Airflowrestricted. 2. Removebower housing

andclean.

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjustgapto.030".

(hesitates)at

highspeed

Idles oorl 1 Sparkpug foued fauty or gap 1 Resetgapto 030" or repace

P Y •

toowide. sparkplug.

2. Dirty aircleaner. 2. Referto enginemaintenance

secton.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.

Vibration Balanceblade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill

mulch rass(If wat unti aterto cut

Equpped) 2 Excessivel h h rass 2 Mowonceata h ghcutt ngheght

not I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;

Y g g " " thenmowagainat desiredheight

I ormakeanarrowercuttingpath.

3 Dull blade

• " 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsinsame

heightposition.

2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpenorreplaceblade.

MowerwillRot 1. Belt notinstalledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstal-

If r I atonandmovement

se pope I

'% ..........

2. Debrs c oggng drveoperaton. 2. Stopengne,dsconnectsparkpug

I bootandcleanoutdebris.

3. Damagedorworn belt. 3. Inspectandreplacebelt.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin thelubricationinstructions.

2. We donotrecommendtheuseofapressurewasher or gardenhoseto cleanyour unit.

3. Referto enginemanualforcorrectengine storageinstructions.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto preventrusting.

5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone, coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_

engine.Readand follow Operating Instructions before running 1 Gasoline is flammable. Allow engine to cool at least /

2 minutes before refueling. Engines emit carbon monoxide. DO NOT run in enclosed

area.

DONOTremove safety

(or any) labels from

mower for any reason.

WARNING: Gasoline and itsvaporsare extremely flammable and explosive.Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsordeath. Ifgasoline is spilled onyourselfor your clothes,wash yourskin and change clothes immediately.

WARNING

Gasolineand itsvapors areextremelyflam-

mableand explosive.

, Fireor explosioncan

causesevereburns

i ordeath.If gasolineis

spilledon yourselfor yourclothes,washyour

I skinand changeclothes _immediately.

i Starting enginecreates i sparking.Sparkingcan

I ignite nearbyflamma-

b e gases. Explosion and fire could result.

Unintentionalsparking can resultin fireor

electric shock. Unin-

tentional start-up can

result in entanglement,

:raumaticamputation,

or laceration.

Gasolineand its vaporsare extremely flammable and

explosive.Fire or explosioncan cause severe burns or death. If

gasoline isspilled on yourself or yourclothes, washyour skin

and change clothes immediately.

Whenaddingfuel,turnengineOFFandletengine coolat least2 minutesbeforeremovinggascap.

Fillfueltankoutdoorsor inwellventilatedarea.

Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona truck or trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontain-

ersonthe groundawayfromyourvehiclebefore filling.

• Ifpossible,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailerandrefuelit on theground.Ifthis is notpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentona trailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline dispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzlein contactwiththerimof thefuel tankorcontaineropeningat alltimesuntilfueling is complete.Donotusea nozzlelock-opendevice.

• Donotoverfillfueltank. Filltankto approximately 2 cmbelowlowestportionof necktoallowforfuel expansion.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilot lights,heat,andother ignitionsources.

• Neverfuelequipmentindoorsbecauseflammable vaporswillaccumulatein the area.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andother sourcesofignition.

• Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

• Whenstartingengine,makesuresparkplug,muffler, fuelcap andaircleanerarein place.

• Donotcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved.

• Iffuelspills,waituntilit evaporatesbeforestarting

engine.

• Whenoperatingequipment,donottipengineor equipmentatanglewhichcausesgasolineto spill.

• Donotchokecarburetorto stopengine.

• Whentransportingequipment,transportwithfueltank

EMPTY. Whenstoringgasolineorequipmentwithfuelin tank,

storeawayfromfurnaces,stoves,waterheatersor otherappliancesthathavepilotlightorotherignition sourcebecausetheycanignitegasolinevapors.

,_ Starting engine creates spark-

ing. Sparking can ignite nearby

__ flammable gases. Explosion and

fire could result.

• IfthereisanaturalorLPgasleakageinarea,donot startengine.

• Donotusepressurizedstartingfluidsbecausevapors areflammable.

_ ngines give off carbon mon-

oxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas.Breathing carbon

monoxide can cause nausea, fainting, or death.

• Startandrunengineoutdoors.

• Donotstartor runengineinenclosedarea,evenif

doorsor windowsare open.

__ nintentional sparking can result

infire or electric shock. Unin-

tentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic amputa- tion, or laceration.

• Beforepeformingadjustmentsorrepairs,disconnect sparkplugwireand keepitawayfromsparkplug.

• Whentestingforspark,useapprovedsparkplug tester.

• Donotcheckforsparkwithsparkplug removed.

Runningengine produces heat. Engineparts, especially muffler,

become extremely hot. Severe

thermal burns canoccur on

contact. Combustibledebris, suchas leaves, grass, brush, etc.,

cancatchfire.

• Allowmuffler,enginecylinder,andfinstocool before touching.

• Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.They can sufferburnsfroma hot muffler.

Removeaccumulatedcombustiblesfrommufflerand

cylinderarea.

_ Rotating engine partscan

Operateequipmentwithguardsin place. Keephandsandfeetawayfromrotatingparts.

contactor entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing,or accessories.

Traumaticamputation or severe lacerationcan result.

• Tieuplonghairand removejewelry. Donotwearloose-fittingclothing,danglingdraw-

stringsoritemsthatcouldbecomecaught.

,__ Rapid retraction of starter cord

• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresis- tanceisfelt,thenpullrapidly.

• Removeall externalequipment/engineloadsbefore

startingengine.

• Directcoupledequipmentcomponentssuchas,but notlimitedto blades,impellers,pulleys,sprockets, etc.,mustbesecurelyattached.

Safety Label Location

Thislabelwarnsyouof potentialhazardsthat can causeseriousinjury.Readitcarefully.SeeFigure1for explanationof symbols. If thelabelcomesoffor becomeshardto read,contact thedealerfor replacement.

(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than

you can let go. Brokenbones, fractures, bruisesor sprains

could result.

WARNING

Runningengine produces heat.Engine parts,especiallymuf-

fler, become extremely

hot. Severethermal burnscan occuron

contact.Combustible debris,suchas leaves,

grass,brush,etc.,can

catch fire.

International Symbols and Meanings

SafetyAlert

ReadOwner's

Manual

Hot Surface

UnleadedFuel Start Run

Figure 1

ToxicFumes GasolineIs

Flammable

Rotatingengineparts can contactorentangle

hands,feet. hair.cloth- ing,or accessories.

Traumaticamputation orseverelaceration

can result.

Rapidretractionof startercord (kickback)

will pull handand

armtowardengine

fasterthan you can

let go. Broken bones.

fractures, bruisesor

sprainscould result.

IMPORTANT:Thisengine

isshippedwithoutgaso- lineoroil inthe engine. Runningthe enginewith

insufficientoil cancause

seriousenginedamage andvoidthe engine warranty.

Know Your Engine

f Fuel Cap

Air Cleaner

Starter

Grip

Oil Fiii Cap

Oil Drain

Mufflel Spark Plug

:!P65Eng!neSh°w ,

Figure9-1:Themajorcomponentsoftheengine.Theshroudonyourenginemaydiffer.

Readthissectionbeforestartingyourlawnmowerengine.Comparetheillustrationsin Figure9-1withyour lawn mowerenginetofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe locationofvariouscontrolsandadjustments.

Pre-Operation Check

Oil Recommendations

IMPORTANT:Usingnon-

detergentoilor2-stroke engineoilcouldshorten

the engine'sservicelife.

Besureto checkthe

engineon a levelsurface withthe enginestopped.

IMPORTANT:Thisengineis shippedwithoutgasolineor oil intheengine.Runningthe enginewithinsufficientoil cancauseseriousenginedamageandvoidthe engine warranty.

• Beforestartingengine,fillwithoil. Donotover-fill.Oil capacityisabout20oz.

Usea 4-stroke,oran equivalenthighdetergent, premiumqualitymotoroilcertifiedto meetorexceed U.S.automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsforservice classificationSG,SE Motoroils classifiedSG,SF will showthis designationon thecontainer.

SAE10W-30is recommendedforgeneral,alltem- peratureuse.If singleviscosityoil isused,selectthe appropriateviscosityfor theaveragetemperaturein your areafromthechartto theright.

m30

20w40, 20w50 _ _ _ _

t I iv

15w40, 15w50=m=_ ==== mmm _ ====hb,,

®,

10w40 ______ 10w30 __mm=__m

(°C}-30 ° -20° -10° 0° 10° 200 300 400

(°F)-20o 0o 200 400 600 80° 1000

Ambient Temperature

1. SingleViscosity

2. MultiViscosity IMPORTANT:Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke

engineoil couldshortenthe engine'sservicelife.

Check Oil Level

iMPORTANT:Besure to checkthe engine ona level surfacewith the engine stopped.

1. Removetheoilfillercapandwipethedipstickclean, Figure9-2.

Insertthe dipstickintothe oil fillerneck, butdo not screwit in.

If thelevelislow,slowlyaddoil tothe upperlimiton thedipstick.

4. Tightendipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

iMPORTANT:Donot overfill. Overfilling with oil may causesmoking,hardstarting, spark plugfouling, or

oil saturation of air cleaner. Fuel Recommendations

Useautomotivegasoline(Unleadedor Iowleadedto minimizecombustionchamberdeposits).Neverusean oil/gasolinemixtureordirtygasoline.Avoidgettingdirt, dust,or waterinthe fueltank.

_ ARNING:Gasoline isextremelyflam-mableand is explosiveunder certain

conditions.

Refuel ina well-ventilatedarea with theengine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks inthe areawhere the engineisrefueledor where gasoline is stored.

Donot overfill thefuel tank (thereshouldbenofuel inthe filler neck). Afterrefueling, makesure thetank

cap isclosed properlyand securely. Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled

fuel or fuel vapormayignite.If anyfuel is spilled, makesure the areaisdry beforestarting the engine.

Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontact with skin or breathing of vapor.

Check Fuel Level

1. Cleanaroundfuelfill beforeremovingcaptofuel.

2. Filltankto approximatelyoneinchbelowlowest portionof necktoallowforfuelexpansion.Becareful

notto overfill.

iMPORTANT:Before refueling,allow engineto cool two minutes.

Starting The Engine

_ ARNING:Alwayskeephandsand

1. Pulloutthechokeknoblocatedontheleft sideofthe upperhandle,Figure9-3.

feet clearofequipmentmoving parts.

Donot useapressurizedstarting fluid.

Vaporsare flammable.

Figure9-2:Checkingtheoil level.

Figure9-3:Startingthe mower.(Yourmowermaydifferfrom

thatshown)

2. Standingbehindthemower,depressthebladecontrol handleandholditagainstthe upperhandle.

3. Pullthe startergriplightlyuntilresistanceisfelt, thenpull rapidlytoovercomecompression,prevent kickbackandstartengine.Repeatif necessary.

iMPORTANT:Donot allow thestartergripto snap back against the rope guide. Return itgently to preventdamageto the starter.

4. Whenenginewarmsup, pushinthe chokeknob.

Stopping The Engine

1. Releasethebladecontrolhandle.

Your

WARNING

A!way keophandsaod

feet clear ofequipment

moving Parts,Do not usea Pressurizedstarting fluid,

Vaporsareflammable,

IMPORTANT:Donot allowthe starter gripto

snapbackagainst the engine. Returnitgently

....................

starter.

NOTE:Useof the chokemaynot be necessary if the engine iswarm or the air temperature is high.

_ ARNING:Shut off theenginebefore

IMPORTANT:Ifenginemustbe tippedto transport equipmentorto inspector removegrass,keepspark plugsideof engineup.Transportingor tippingengine sparkplugdownmaycausesmoking,hardstarting, sparkplugfouling,or oil saturationof aircleaner.

performing any maintenance.To prevent accidental start-up, disconnect the spark plug boot.

Maintenance Schedule

Tasks

First5hours

Eachuseor

every5 hours

Everyseason Everyseason

Periodicinspectionandadjustmentof theengineis essentialifhighlevelperformanceisto bemaintained. Regularmaintenancewillalso ensurealongservicelife. Therequiredserviceintervalsandthe kindof mainte- nanceto be performedare describedin thetable below. Followthehourlyor calendarintervals,whicheveroccur first.Morefrequentserviceis requiredwhenoperatingin

adverseconditions.

Everyseason

or 25 hours or50hours

or 100hours

ServiceDates_

Shut off the engine

any maintenance;To

preventaccidental

start,upi disconnect

Beforetippingengine

or equipment to drain oil, drain fuel

fromtank by running

;ngine until fuel tank

; empty;

ChangeEngine Oil

ServiceAir Cleaner

Service Spark

Plug

CleanAround

Muffler

1 Servicemorefrequentlywhenusedindustyareas.

ff Ifoperatingunderheavyloador highambienttemperature.

Oil Change IMPORTANT:Be suretocheckengineona levelsurface

withtheenginestopped.Drainthe oilwhilethe engineis stillwarmto assurerapidandcompletedraining.

IMPORTANT

Besureto check

engineon

Plug

surface with the engine

stopped: Draintheoil

while theengine iSstili

warm to assure rapid

and Completedraining:

Oil Service

• Checkoillevelregularly.

• Besurecorrectoillevelismaintained.Checkevery 5 hoursordaily beforestartingengine.Seeoil

checkingprocedureintheOperationsection.

Figure 5

Removeoilfill capanddrainoilby eitherremoving drainplugor turningmoweronitsside (aircleanerside up)andallowingoilto drainintoa suitablecontainer. SeeFigure5.

__IL WARNING:Beforetipping engineor

2. Reinstallthedrainplug(if removed),andtightenit securely.

3. Refillwiththe recommendedoil (see Operation section)andchecktheoil level.See Figure5.

4. Reinstalltheoilfillcapsecurely.

equipmentto drain oil, drain fuel from tank byrunningengineuntil fuel tank is empty.

IMPORTANT:Usedmotoroilmaycauseskincancer if repeatedlyleft incontactwiththe skinforprolonged periods.Althoughthisis unlikelyunlessyouhandleused oilon a dailybasis,itis stilladvisabletothoroughlywash yourhandswithsoapandwateras soonas possible afterhandlingusedoil.

NOTE:Pleasedisposeofusedmotoroil in a mannerthat iscompatiblewiththeenvironment.We suggestyoutake itin a sealedcontainertoyourlocalservicestationfor reclamation.Donot throwit inthe trashor pouriton the ground.

PaperElement

Air Cleaner Service Adirty aircleanerwill restrictairflowtothe carburetor.

Topreventcarburetormalfunction,servicetheaircleaner regularly.Servicemorefrequentlywhenoperatingthe enginein extremelydustyareas.

_ ARNING:Neveruse gasolineorlow

IMPORTANT:Neverrunthe enginewithouttheair cleaner.Rapidenginewearwillresult.

1. Removethewingboltandtheaircleanercover. Removethe elementsandseparatethem.SeeFigure

6.Carefullycheckbothelementsforholesortears andreplaceif damaged.

2. Foamelement:Washtheelementin a solutionof householddetergentandwarmwater,thenrinse

thoroughly,or washin nonflammableorhighflash pointsolvent.Allowtheelementto drythoroughly. Soakthe elementin cleanengineoil andsqueezeout theexcessoil. Theenginewill smokeduringinitial start-upif toomuchoil is left inthefoam.

3. Paperelement: Taptheelementlightlyseveraltimes ona hardsurfaceto removeexcessdirt,or blow compressedair throughthefilterfromtheinsideout. Nevertry tobrushthedirt off; brushingwillforce dirtintothefibers.Replacethepaperelementif it is excessivelydirty.

Spark Plug Service

__IL ARNING:DONOTcheckfor spark

flash pointsolventsfor cleaningthe air cleanerelement.Afire or explosion

couldresult.

with spark plugremoved.DONOT crank enginewith spark plugremoved.

Foam

Figure 6

Figure 7

,_ WARNING:ifthe engine hasbeen

2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplug ifthereisapparentwear,or ifthe insulatoriscracked orchipped.Cleanthe sparkplugwitha wirebrushifit

isto be reused.

3. Measurethepluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctas necessarybybendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure8. Thegapshouldbe:0.030in.

running,the muffler will bevery hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

WARNING

Never use gasoline or lowflash pointsol-

ventsfor cleaning the

air cleaner element.

Afire or explosion could result.

DO NOTcheck for

spark with spark plug

removed. DO NOT crankengine with

spark plug removed.

if the engine has been running, the

muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to

touch the muffler.

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmust be properlygappedand freeofdeposits.

1. Removethe sparkplugbootanduseasparkplug wrenchtoremovetheplug.SeeFigure7.

Electrode

4. Checkthatthe sparkplugwasheris in goodcondition andthreadthe sparkplugin byhandto preventcross- threading.

5. Afterthe sparkplugisseated,tightenwitha sparkplug wrenchtocompressthewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2turn afterthesparkplugseatstocompressthewasher.When reinstallinga usedsparkplug, tighten1/8-1/4turnafterthe sparkplugseatsto compressthewasher.

WARNING

Accumulationof

debrisaround muffler

Couldcauseafire.

inspect and

,, ,, 0.030 in.

Figure 8

IMPORTANT:The sparkplugmustbe securelytightened. Animproperlytightenedsparkplugcanbecomeveryhot

andmaydamagetheengine.

Clean Engine If theenginehas beenrunning,allowitto coolfor atleast halfanhourbeforecleaning.Periodicallyremovegrass anddirtbuild-upfromengine.Cleanfingerguardand aroundmuffler.Cleanwitha brushorcompressedair.

IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.

_ ARNING:Accumulationof debris

around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and cleanbefore every use.

iMPORTANT

Donotsprayengine

with watertOclean

becauseWatercould

contaminatefuel:

Usinga gardenhose

or pressurewashing

equipmentcan also

force water into the

aircleaner Ormuffler oPeninglWater in the air cleanerWillsoak

the paperelemenL andwater that passes

through the element or muffler Canenter

the cylinderi causing

Enginesstoredover30 daysneedtobedrainedof fuel topreventdeteriorationandgumfromforminginfuel

Storage

systemoron essentialcarburetorparts.Ifthe gasolinein yourenginedeterioratesduringstorage,youmayneedto

havethecarburetor,andotherfuelsystemcomponents, servicedorreplaced.

1. Removeall fuelfromtankby runningengineuntilit stopsfromlackof fuel.

2. Changeoil.SeeOilChangesection.

3. Removesparkplugandpourabout1/2anounceof engineoil intocylinder.Replacesparkplugandcrank slowlyto distributeoil.

4. Cleangrassanddebrisfromaroundengine,under fingerguard,and under,aroundandbehindmuffler. Touchupanydamagedpaint,andcoatotherareas thatmayrustwitha lightfilmof oil.

5. Storeina clean,dryandwell ventilatedareaaway fromanyappliancethatoperateswitha flameor pilotlight,suchas a furnace,waterheater,or clothes dryer.Alsoavoidanyareawitha sparkproducing electricmotor,orwherepowertoolsareoperated.

6. If possible,alsoavoidstorageareaswithhighhumid- ity,becausethatpromotesrustandcorrosion.

7. Keepthe enginelevelin storage.Tiltingcancause fuelor oil leakage.

Removing From Storage

1. Checkyourengineas describedinthePre-Operation Checksectionofthis manual.

2. If thefuelwasdrainedduringstoragepreparation,fill thetankwithfreshgasoline.Ifyou keepa container ofgasolineforrefueling,makecertainitcontainsonly

freshfuel.Gasolineoxidizesanddeterioratesover time,causinghardstarting.

3. If thecylinderwascoatedwithoil duringstorage preparation,theenginewill smokebrieflyat startup.

Thisisnormal.

Model 261Vl

) _

"\\

'_\\\\\

J"\_ i

jJ \\_.\

iL41J --_-,

1. 747-1214 DriveControl

2. 747-1161A BladeControl

3. 746-04300 BladeControlCable

4. 746-04304 DriveControlCable

5. 749-1092A UpperHandle

6. 710-1205 EyeBolt

7. 720-0279 WingNut, 1/4-20

8. 732-1026 SpringLever

9. 687-02139 PivotArmAssembly

10. 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2.0

11. 712-04064 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20

12. 720-04072 Star Knob

13. 749-04037 LowerHandle

14. 725-0157 CableTie

15. 17098 HingeClip

16. 731-04019 TrailShield

17. 710-0599 HexScrew,1/4-20x.500

18. 682-3064 HandleBracketAssy- RH

19. 736-0741 BellWasher,.760x 1.25x.041

20. 712-04065 LockNut,3/8-16

21. 682-3065 HandleBracketAssembly- LH

22. 687-02046 22" DeckAssembly

23. 710-0654A HexWasherScr., 3/8-16x 1.0

24. 754-04100 V-Belt,3Lx32.90

25. 782-0585A ForwardHeightAdj.Plate- LH

26. 728-0199 Rivet

27. 750-04407 SleeveSpacer,.550IDx 2.22

28. 716-0198 RetainerRing

29. 618-04375 TransmissionAssy.Comp.

30. 750-04406A SleeveSpacer,.550IDx 8.51

31. 731-04636 TransmissionCover

32. 748-04016A BladeAdapter

33. 742-0742A 22" MulchingBlade

34. 736-0524B BellBladeSupport

35. 710-1044 HexCapScrew,3/8-24x 1.5

36. 782-0584 ForwardHght.Adj.Plate- RH

37. 741-0710 Sly.Bearing,.502x.627x 1.00

38. 710-0216 HexCapScrew,3/8-16x.75

39. 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob

40. 748-0455 BearingSupport

41. 731-04643 WheelDustCover

42. 715-0221 Pin

43. 717-1762 SpurGear 14T-RH 717-1761 SpurGear14T-LH

44. 732-04049 Ext.Spring,.47ODx2.50

45. 634-04100 FrontWheel 8 x 1.8

46. 747-0710 HingePin

47. 732-1014 TorsionSpring

48. 731-1034B SideDischargeAssembly

49. 736-0270 BellWasher,.265IDx.75OD

50. 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter

51. 741-0751 HeightAdjustmentBearing

52. 687-02051 RearHgt.Adj.LeverAssembly

53. 687-02140 FrontLeverAssembly- LH

687-02141 FrontLeverAssembly-RH

54. 687-02094 RearPivotArmAssembly

55. 738-1173 ShoulderScrew,3/8-16

56. 716-0865 SnapRing.500

57. 734-04087 RearWheel8x 1.8

58. 631-04045 MulchingBaffle

59. 748-0390 BearingSupportSpacer

60. 731-05401 EngineShroud(Yellow)

61. 710-04577 MachineScrew,M4X.7

62. 746-04295 ChokeCable

63. 710-0606 HexScrew,1/4-20x 1.50

_FACTORY PARTS

iiii_i_ii__!_i!_II__i!i _:i_iiii_i!_il_i_

To order replacement

parts,contact

,8oo;8oo,731o

wwwimtdproduCts:com:

IMPORTANT

Fora properworking machine,use Factory

ApprovedParts. V-BELTS arespecially

designedto engage anddisengage safely. A substitute (non OEM)

V-Beltcanbe danger- ousby not disengaging

completely.

Engine 1P65

21-

........24

--7

14-

1. 951-10337 FuelTank

2. 951-10336 FlywheelShroud

3. 951-10335 RubberFuelTankMountingWasher

4. 951-10334 Oil FillerTubeAssembly

5. 951-10333 DipstickAssembly

6. 951-10406 CylinderHeadComplete

7. 951-10407 ShortBlockAssembly

8. 951-10320 StopSwitchandBrakeAssembly

9. 951-10319 RecoilSpringandPulleyAssembly

10. 951-10314 PushRodKit

11. 951-10313 ValveKit

12. 951-10370 Oil DrainPlugandWasherAssembly

13. 951-10367 IgnitionCoil

14. 951-10309 CarburetorAssembly

15. 951-10307 FlywheelKey

16. 951-10405 Air CleanerHousingAssemblyComplete

17. 951-10304 MufflerStudAssembly

18. 951-10363 FuelLineKit- Inc.hoses,clamps&filter

19. 951-10358 FuelFilter

20. 951-10300 FuelCapAssembly

21. 951-10299 RecoilStarterAssembly

22. 951-10298 Air CleanerKit

23. 951-10297 Air CleanerThumbScrew

24. 951-10404 MufflerGuard

25. 951-10403 Muffler

26. 951-10402 MufflerGasket/HeatShield

27. 951-10293 GovernorReturnSpring

28. 951-10292 SparkPlug

- 952Z1P65FU Engine- Complete

- 951-10325 CarburetorKit- Major

- 951-10322 CarburetorKit- Minor

ii i _iI_ ii

x x

- 951-10409 GasketKit- Complete

- 951-10410 GasketKit- External

- 951-10351 SparkArrestor

NOTE:Illustratedpartswithoutanumericcall-outarenotservicablecomponents.

MTD LLC (MTD), The United States Environment Protection Agency (U. S. EPA)

Emission Control System Warranty Statement

(Owner's Defect Warranty Rights and Obligations)

TheU.S. EPAandMTDarepleasedtoexplaintheemissionscontrolsystemwarrantyonyour modelyear2005and latersmalloff-roadengine. Newsmalloff-roadenginesmustbedesigned,builtandequippedtomeetthestringentanti-smogstandards.MTDmustwarrantytheemission controlsystemonyour engineforthe periodoftimelistedbelow,providedtherehasbeennoabuse,neglector impropermaintenanceof yoursmall off-roadengine.

Youremissioncontrolsystemmayincludepartssuchas thecarburetor,aircleaner,ignitionsystem,exhaustsystem,andotherassociatedemis- sion-relatedcomponents.

Whereawarrantableconditionexists,MTDwill repairyoursmalloff-roadengineat nocostto yourincludingdiagnosis,partsandlabor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

Thisemissionscontrolsystemiswarrantedfortwoyears.If anyemission-relatedpartonyourengineisdefective,thepartwill be repairedor replacedbyMTD.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSiBiLiTiES:

Asthe smalloff-roadengineowner,youare responsiblefor theperformanceofthe requiredmaintenancelistedinyourOwner'sManual.MTD recommendsthatyouretainall yourreceiptscoveringmaintenancesonyoursmalloff-roadengine,butMTDcannotdenywarrantysolelyforthe lackofreceiptsor foryourfailureto ensuretheperformanceto all scheduledmaintenance.

Asthe smalloff-roadengineowner,youshouldhoweverbeawarethatMTDmaydenyyour warrantycoverageifyoursmalloff-roadengineor part hasfaileddue toabuse,neglect,impropermaintenanceor unapprovedmodifications.

Youare responsibleforpresentingyoursmalloff-roadenginetoan AuthorizedMTDServiceDealeras soonas a problemexists.Thewarranted repairsshouldbe completedina reasonableamountof time,notto exceed30 days.

If youhaveanyquestionsregardingyourwarrantyrightsand responsibilities,you shouldcontacta MTDServiceRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310 andaddressisMTDLLC,EO.Box361131,ClevelandOH,44136-0019.

DEFECTS WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS FOR 1995 AND LATER SMALL OFF=ROAD ENGINES:

Thissectionappliesto 1995andlatersmalloff-roadengines.Thewarrantyperiodbeginsonthe datetheengineorequipmentisdeliveredtoan ultimatepurchaser.

(a) GeneralEmissionsWarrantyCovera_

MTDmustwarranttothe ultimatepurchaserandeachsubsequentpurchaserthatthe engineis:

(1)Designed,built,andequippedso asto conformwithallapplicableregulationsadoptedbytheAir ResourcesBoardpursuantto itsauthorityin Chapters1and2,Part5, Division26of theHealthandSafetyCode;and

(2) Freefromdefectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipthatcausethefailureofa warrantedparttobe identicalinall materialrespectstothepartas describedintheenginemanufacturer'sapplicationforcertificationforaperiodoftwoyears.

.(b)The warrantyonemissions-relatedpartswillbe interpretedasfollows:

(1)Anywarrantedpartthatisnot scheduledforreplacementasrequiredmaintenanceinthewritteninstructionsrequiredbySubsection(c) mustbewarrantedforthewarrantyperioddefinedinSubsection(a)(2).If anysuchpartfailsduringthe periodofwarrantycoverage,it mustbe repairedor replacedbyMTDaccordingto Subsection(4)below.Any suchpartrepairedor replacedunderthewarrantymustbewarrantedfor theremainingwarrantyperiod.

(2)Anywarrantedpartthat isscheduledonlyfor regularinspectioninthewritteninstructionsrequiredbySubsection(c)mustbewarrantedfor thewarrantyperioddefinedinSubsection(a)(2).A statementinsuchwritteninstructionstotheeffectof"repairor replaceasnecessary"will notreducetheperiodof warrantycoverage.Anysuchpart repairedor replacedunderwarrantymustbe warrantedforthe remainingwarranty period.

(3) Anywarrantedpartthat whichisscheduledforreplacementas requiredmaintenanceinthewritteninstructionsrequiredbySubsection(c) mustbewarrantedfortheperiodof timepriortothe firstscheduledreplacementpointfor thatpart.Ifthe partfailspriortothefirst scheduled replacement,thepart mustbe repairedor replacedby MTDaccordingtoSubsection(4) below.Anysuchpartrepairedorreplacedunder warrantymustbewarrantedforthe remainderof theperiodpriorto thefirstscheduledreplacementpointforthepart.

(4) Repairorreplacementofany warrantedpartunderthe warrantyprovisionsofthisarticlemustbe performedatnochargetotheownerata warrantystation.

(5) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsof Subsection(4)above,warrantyservicesorrepairsmustbeprovidedatall MTDdistributioncentersthat arefranchisedto servicethesubjectengines.

(6) Theownermustnot bechargedfordiagnosticlaborthatleadstothe determinationthata warrantedpartisinfact defective,providedthat suchdiagnosticworkisperformedata warrantystation.

EPA-1

(7)Theenginemanufactureris liablefordamagesto otherenginecomponentsproximatelycausedbya failureunderwarrantyof anywarranted part.

(8) Throughouttheengine'swarrantyperioddefinedinSubsection(a)(2),MTDwillmaintainasupplyofwarrantedpartssufficienttomeetthe expecteddemandforsuchparts.

(9) Anyreplacementpartmaybe usedin theperformanceofanywarrantymaintenanceor repairsandmustbe providedwithoutchargetothe owner.Suchusewillnot reducethewarrantyobligationsof MTD.

(10)Add-onormodifiedpartsthatarenotexemptedbytheAir ResourcesBoardmaynotbeused.The useof anynon-exemptedadd-onor modifiedpartsshallbegroundsfordisallowingawarrantyclaimmadeinaccordancewiththisarticle.The enginemanufacturershallnotbe liableunderthisarticletowarrantfailuresof warrantedpartscausedbythe useof non-exemptedadd-onor modifiedpart.

(c)MTDwillincludea copyofthe followingemissionwarrantypartslistwitheachnewengine,usingthoseportionsofthelistapplicabletothe

e__&gine.

(1)FuelMeteringSystem

•Coldstartenrichmentsystem(softchoke)

•Carburetorandinternalparts

•FuelPump

(2)Air InductionSystem

•Aircleaner

•Intakemanifold

(3) IgnitionSystem

•Sparkplug(s)

•MagnetoIgnitionSystem (4)ExhaustSystem (5) MiscellaneousItemsUsedinAboveSystem

•Vacuum,temperature,position,timesensitivevalvesandswitches

•Connectorsandassemblies

EPA-1

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

Thelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespectto newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,itsposses-

sionsandterritories. "MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship

fora periodof two(2) yearscommencingonthedateoforiginalpurchase andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly applyif this producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromthe installationor useof anypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDfor use withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto anyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand workmanshipfora periodof thirty(30)daysfromthe dateof purchase. Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries, belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

HOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITH PROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.To locatethedealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD LLCat RO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,or call1-800-800- 7310or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases: a. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone

yearwarranty.

b. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments, deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationof theexteriorfinish duetouse orexposure.

c. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

MTDdoesnotextendany warrantyforproductssoldor exportedoutsideofthe UnitedStates,its possessionsand territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized channelsofexportdistribution.

ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts. Transportationchargesand servicecalls.

No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant- ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies afterthe applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi- fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas mentionedabove,given by any personor entity,includingadealer or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty, the exclusiveremedyisrepairor replacement of the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable for incidentalorconsequentialloss or damageincluding,without limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteorreplacement lawncare

servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replaceawarranted product.

Somestatesdo not allowtheexclusionorlimitationofincidentalor consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplyto you.

Innoeventshall recoveryof anykind begreaterthantheamountof the purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safety features of the productshall void this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor loss,damage,orinjurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir propertyarisingout ofthe misuseorinabilityto usetheproduct.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthanthe original purchaseror tothe personforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-

rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrights whichvaryfromstateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310

Yard-Man 26M Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual