Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A AL
_WHH
21" Rotary Mower- Model 588
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
iMPORTANT
FORMNO.770-10111H
10/2005
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
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUSTARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe model plate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear of the deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Model Number
YaRD-MaN)f(
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
%, J
Serial Number
P. O. BOX ;361131
CLEVELAND,OH44136
800-800-731 0
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis product or have any
questions regardingthecontrols, operationor maintenanceof
this unit, youcan seek help from the experts.Choosefrom the
options below:
1. Visit yardman.com for many usefulsuggestions. Click
on CustomerSupport buttonandyou will get the four
options reproducedin this sampleto the right. Click on the
appropriate buttonand helpis immediatelyavailable.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative
at 1(800)800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,
specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywithyour unit, for more information.
Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.
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15°
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehicle compo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof power equipment,carelessnessor error on the part of the operator can
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfandothers.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese
instructionsmayresult
i inpersonalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerandmowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaandunderwatchful
careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealert andturn moweroff if a childentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofachild whomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshould readand
understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscan
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour mowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wall or obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesand keepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
thismachinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyorlight-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeing pulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedbyslippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyoumust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms.
b. Besure youarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan half way
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4
19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthebladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff.Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyou are surethe blade hasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo so canresultinpersonalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310for the nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof this manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan 15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrass canhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfallcancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouare losingyour
balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.
Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containers insideavehicleoron a truckortrailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehicle beforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasoline dispensernozzle.
6. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningat alltimesuntil fuelingis complete.Do
notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilot lightasona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,
orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowa mowertocool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto 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. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcouldexpose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
Operation
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual before attemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and on the machine.
5
Adjustment
NOTE:Stand behind
the mower as il you
were goingto operate
it. Yourrighthand cor-
respondsto the right
i sideof the mower;your
left hand corresponds
to the left side of the
mower.
NOTE:"(ourmower
isshipped with the
handlein the higher
heightposition.
HardwarePack
Wing Nuts (2)
Step 1
Step 2
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyinthehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclip inone holeon theweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usingapairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin. Repeaton otherside.
b. Insertacarriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.
a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
5.
InstallrearwheelsasfollowsinStep5: (maybe
alreadyinstalled)
a. Placerearof themowerdeckonraisedblocks.
b. Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on
selectmodels,thesemaybeincludedseparately
inaplasticbag).
c. Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarmand
securewithlocknut.
d. Assembletheothersideinthe samemanner.
NOTE: Eachend of
i the lower handle must
be placedin the same
i relativeposition.
iMPORTANT
I
This unit isshipped
i without gasolineor
i oil inthe engine. Fill
!iupgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
i accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Step 3 Step 4
6
6. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep6.
Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
C.
f
Step 6
CUTTING
S,ep8
All Wheelsmust be
placed in thesame
relative pos!tionl
J
Step 5
7. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is at thebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.SeeStep7.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideof bag.
8. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothatit restson thegrass
catcher.SeeStep8.
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher,lift rear
dischargedooron themowerasshowninStep8. Lift
grasscatcherupandoutof thepivotrod.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowittocloserearopeningof mower.
_ ARNING: Never operate mower
unless the hooks on the grass
catcher are firmly seated in the
slots on the handle bracket as-
semblies, and the rear discharge
door rests firmly against top of
the grass catcher.
Step 7
Makecertain bagis
turned rightside out
before assembling
(waming labe!will be
on theoutside):
J
Step 7
WARNING
ii_i _ _ _i ii_ i_ i _i!_ _ii
.everoperatemower
unless the hooks on
the grass catcher are
firmly seated in the
slots on the handle
bracket assembiiesl
and the rear dis:
charge door rests
firmly against topof
thegrass catcher:
Step 8
7
Recoil
Starter
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control
Upper Handle
LowerHandle
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
i when handhng
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, pipesand
other sources of
ignition.
Starter Rope-
Grass Catcher
Gasoline Fill
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-
eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.
These are described below and illustrated on this
page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle
of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the
upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
Oil Fill
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for each wheel)
Figure 1
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
manual for this. See Figure 1 above for location of the
oil fill.
2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure1abovefor locationof
gasfill.
__ WARNING:This blade control mecha-
nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers
have to be at the same relative position to ensure a
uniform cut.
_ ARNING:Useextreme carewhenhan-
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.
8
WARNING:Theoperationof any lawn
mowercan result inforeign objects
being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan
damageyoureyesseverely. Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower, or while performingany
adjustments or repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Be surenooneotherthan
the operatorisstanding near the lawn
mower while starting engine or operat-
ingmower.Neverrunengine indoors
or inenclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engineexhaustcontains carbon
monoxide, an odorless anddeadly
gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing awayfrom anymoving partson
engine and lawn mower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm
grip onthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
,_ WARNING:Wait for the blade to stop
__ on themower or to removethe grass
completely beforedoing any work
catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
,__k WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
without either the reardooror the entire
grass catcherassembly firmly secured.
Figure 2
_klL ARNING:if you strike a foreign
1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdof thetotallengthofthegrass.
object,stop theengine.Remove
wire from the sparkplug,thoroughly
inspect mower for any damage,and
repair damagebefore restarting and
operating. Extensivevibration of
mowerduring operation is an indica-
tion of damage.Theunit should be
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.The reardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
7. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertill the
grassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo
a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
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.
9
Maintaining
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
Follow steps below for this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placeapieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tip mowersothat it restsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Hold mowerfirmly.
WARNING
A waysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
plugl andground
against enginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersor garden
hoseto cleanyour
unit. These may cause
i
damageto electric
Componentsspindles
pulleys;bearings
the enginel The use
of waterwill resultin
shortened lifeand
d
Figure 3
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwill void
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_ WARNING: Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and
groundagainst engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kind of maintenanceon your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastonceaseasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
,_ WARNING" Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees inany
-- directions and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain intothe upper
part ofthe engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsonthe ground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performanceby themowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoillevelasinstructedinenginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,referto the
enginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugandresetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
10
Blade Care
_ ARNING: When removing the
cutting blade for sharpeningor
replacement, protect your hands
with a pair of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyif youstrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.See Figure4.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. The bladecanbe sharpenedwithafileor on a grind-
ingwheel.Do notattemptto sharpenthebladewhileit
isstillonthemower.
5. Whensharpeningthe blade,followthe originalangle
ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe
bladebalanced.
.
Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
7.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
,__ WARNING: An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, it
may cause damage to mower, and
could break causing personal
injury.
8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil. Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesthe groundwhenthe mowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.
11.Replacehex boltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs. rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthe bladeboltforcorrecttorque.
L
J
Figure 4
J
Figure 5
Replacing Rear Flap
1. To removerearflap,cutofftheflatendofthewire
rodwhichsecuresitto thedeck.SeeFigure5.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodto deck,bending
theendsofthenewrodoverto secureto deck.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerfor storage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
inthe lubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseof a pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Referto enginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerinadry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usingalightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
Maintaining
Yo ur LaWn
ower
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy ragto
holdthe blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11
Problem Cause Remedy
En n f r Badecontro dsengaged 1 EngagebadecontrO
g ealstostat :
2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected. 2. Connectwiretosparkplug.
Fuel tankemptyo[Stalefuel. 31 Fi!l tankwithClean,freshgaSeiinel
41 Enginenotpiime& 41 Pime engineas instructedin
ioperatingYourLawnMowei:
Fau!tySpa!kplug_ adjustgap,
6 Bockedfue ne 6: Cleanfuelline
I 7. Enqineflooded. 7i Waitafewminutestorestart,but
do notprime.
Forrepairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
iii _iI iii_i/_ i_Iiiii_ i_ iii_i_i_
Engineruns erratic
1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuellineorstalefuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirt infuelsystem.
5. Dirty aircleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
Engne overheats 1. Engineo Ilevel ow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
. andcean.
u 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Occasionalskips
(hesitates)at
highspeed
1. Sparkpluggaptooclose.
2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment
improperlyset.
1. Adjustgap to .030".
2. Referto enginemanual.
des poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyorgap 1. Resetgapto .030"orreplace
toowide. sparkplug.
2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.
3. Dirty aircleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.
Vibration Balanceblade.
Mowerwillnot 1. Wetgrass. 1. Do notmowwhengrassiswet
mulch grass wait untillatertocut.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfourwheelsinsame
\_i, 3J
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.
2 Excessivel hi-h-rass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight
y u u • thenmowagainatdesiredheight
I or makea narrowercuttingpath.
3 Dullblade
I ' ' 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
heightposition.
2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12
iii i_ _ iiii
ii i _iI_ii
13
\
14
1 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
2 749-1092A UpperHandle
3 747-04080 GrassCatcherFrame
4 749-0928A LowerHandle
5 720-0279 WingNut
6 710-1205 RopeGuide
7 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2
8 664-04027 GrassBagAssembly
9 720-02072 Star Knob
10 710-0599 Screw,1/4-20x.500
11 726-0240 CableTie
12 710-0703 CarriageBolt,I/4-20
13 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor
14 750-04162 Spacer
15 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH
16 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH
17 734-04089 RearWheel, 12"x 1.8"
18 731-04150C RearBaffle
19 720-0312 SpringLeverGrip
20 787-01276 Deck- 21"
21 782-5002B FrontBaffle
22 748-0377C BladeAdapter
23 742-0741 MulchingBlade
24 710-1257 HexScrew,3/8-24x2.5
25 687-02077A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02076A PivotArmAssembly-LH
26 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
27 787-01290 FrontAdjustmentPlate
28 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob
29 732-0866 SpringLever
30 738-0507B ShoulderScrew
31 734-04086 FrontWheel,7"x 1.8"
32 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.250
33 746-0554 ControlCable-40.5"
34 731-04998 Trailshield
35 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
36 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20
37 747-0996 RearDoorPivotRod
38 732-0866 SpringLever
39 687-02039A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02040A PivotArmAssembly-LH
40 710-1652 ABScrew
41 714-0104 HairpinClip
42 710-0654A TT SemsScrew,3/8-16x 1.0
43 687-02099A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front-LH
687-02100A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front-RH
44 687-02057 RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH
687-02056 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH
45 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
46 687-02192 HandleBracketAssembly- RH
687-02191 HandleBracketAssembly- LH
47 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x0.75
parts;contact
1,800,800'7310
or Visit us onlineat
wwwlmtdproducts.com
15
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
YaRD-MaN,
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto
newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses-
sionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship
fora periodoftwo(2)yearscommencingonthe dateof originalpurchase
andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeof charge,anypartfoundto
bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly
applyif this producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance
withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen
subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper
maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause
ofotherperilornaturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor
useof anypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDforuse
withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto
anyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butarenotlimitedto itemssuchas:batteries,
belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow
throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITH
PROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.To
locatethedealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD
LLCat RO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,orcall 1-800-800-
7310or logon toourWebsiteat www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay
carryaseparatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicable
manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone
yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments,
deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationofthe exteriorfinish
duetouseorexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e.
f.
g.
No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant-
ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies afterthe applicable
periodof expresswritten warranty above as to the partsas identi-
fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas
mentionedabove,given byany personor entity,includinga dealer
or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbindMTD.Duringthe
periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacement
of the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand
exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot beliable
for incidentalorconsequentialloss or damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteorreplacement lawncare
servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted
product.
Somestatesdo not allowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofany kindbegreaterthantheamountof the
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the
productshall void this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,orinjurytoyouandyour propertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingout ofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHiSWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-
rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor
exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStates,itspossessionsand
territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized
channelsofexportdistribution.
ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
Transportationchargesand servicecalls.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310
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