Yard-Man 573 Lawn Mower User Manual
Contents
1. Y AO 3 V 41 4 4 4341 WOLLYSA V HLIM T4AZ7 SIHL OTOH ONY LHDIS I AT44VS 41VH4dO LON AVIN NOA SAdOTS ININHALIA OL AGINS V SV 30 4 SIHL ASN SECTION 3 ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER To Remove Unit From Carton Remove staples break glue on top flaps or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton Remove loose parts included with your unit i e operator s manual etc e Cut along corners and lay carton down flat Remove packing material e Holl or slide unit out of carton IMPORTANT This unit is shipped without gasoline Make sure to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your mower NOTE Reference to right or left side of the mower is observed from the operating position Tools Required Pair of pliers not necessary but helpful Disconnect Spark Plug Wire Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark plug and attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to ground See Figure 1 Spark Plug Figure 1 Attaching Handle Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the handle into the operating position Make certain the lower handle is seated securely into the handle mounting brackets Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle carriage bolts and saddle washers must be seated2. 9 Making Adi stmenis 10 Maintaining Your Lawn MOWET 10 Off Season Eaa aa ray arar aray l 12 i roubleshooting c a aba 13 Parts E 0 14 FINDING MODEL NUMBER 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 Before you start assembling your new equipment please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the cutting deck A sample model plate is explained below For future reference please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below Model Number Serial Number Copy the model number here Copy the serial number here YARD MAN 57 3 Se1131 EEE CLEVELAND OH 44136 www yardman com 330 220 4683 800 800 7310 ENGINE INFORMATION The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine related issues with regards to performance
3. Pull cable ties tight and cut off the extra See Figure 5 Cable Tie Lower Handle Figure 5 Converting to Side Discharge Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher To convert it to a side discharge mower lift the mulching plug Slide the two hooks on the side discharge chute under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly Lower the mulching plug See Figure 6 Mulching Plug Side Discharge Chute Figure 6 SECTION 4 KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Compare Figure 7 with your equipment to get familiar with the mower controls before operating it Blade Control Handle The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade WARNING This control mechanism is a safety device Never attempt to bypass its operations The blade will be rotating whenever the engine is running Throttle Control Your engine is equipped with a constant speed throttle which is set at full throttle for best performance Starter Rope The starter rope is attached to the handle Stand behind the unit and pull the starter rope to start the unit Primer The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor Use it to start a cold engine but do not use it to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown Mulching Plug The mulching plug is used only for mulching purposes This process recirc
4. Assy 8 x 2 125 48 712 0328 Hex Nut 3 8 24 23 736 0504 Wave Washer 49 712 3020 Lock Nut 24 738 0102 Axle Bolt Front 50 734 2043 Rear Wheel 14 x 2 125 25 731 1426 Hubcap Radial Spoke Yellow 51 736 3050 Flat Washer 26 738 0507B Shoulder Bolt 52 731 04123 Engine Shroud 27 15262B Pivot Bar 53 738 04032 Hex Bolt 10 32 x 0 30 28 682 0518 Handle Bracket Assembly RH NOTE For painted parts please refer to the list of color codes below Please add the applicable color code wherever needed to the part number to order a replacement part For instance if a part numbered 700 xxxx is painted Yard Man Green the part number to order would be 700 xxxx 0665 Yard Man Green 0665 Yard Man Yellow 0674 Powder Black 0637 MANUFACTURER S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited vvarranty set forth belovv is given by MTD LLC vvith respect to nevv merchandise purchased and used in the United States its possessions and territories MTD LLC warrants this product against defects for a period of two 2 years commencing on the date of original purchase and will at its option repair or replace free of charge any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator s Manual furnished with the product and has not been subject to misuse abuse commercial use neglect
5. belovv bottom offiller neck to provide space for fuel expansion Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely f gasoline is spilled vvipe it off the engine and equipment Move unit to another area VVait 5 minutes before starting the engine Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame spark or pilot light as on a water heater space heater furnace clothes dryer or other gas appliances To reduce fire hazard keep mower free of grass leaves or other debris build up Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing General Service 1 Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide an odorless and deadly gas Before cleaning repairing or inspecting make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness Also visually inspect blade for damage e g bent cracked worn Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture s O E M blade only listed in this manual Use of parts which do not TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS DISCHARGE CHUTE COVER OR GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE DANGER KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY 10 11 12
6. conditions b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a separate one year warranty c Routine maintenance items such as lubricants filters blade sharpening tune ups brake adjustments clutch adjustments deck PW MTD adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d MTDLLC does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States its possesions and territories except those sold through MTD LLC s authorized channels of export distribution e Parts that are not genuine MTD parts are not covered by this warranty f Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer is not covered by this warranty g Transportation charges and service calls are not covered No implied warranty including any implied warranty of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified No other express warranty whether written or oral except as mentioned above given by any person or entity including a dealer or retailer with respect to any product shall bind MTD LLC During the period of the warranty the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale MTD LLC shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or
7. damage including without limitation expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold Alteration of safety features of the product shall void this warranty You assume the risk and liability for loss damage or injury to you and your property and or to others and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a gift HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state MTD LLC P O BOX 361131 CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 0019 Phone 1 800 800 7310
8. meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them Keep all nuts bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper operation regularly After striking a foreign object stop the engine disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running Grass catcher components discharge cover and trail shield are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown For safety protection frequently check components and replace with original equipment manufacturer s O E M parts only listed in this manual Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary Observe proper disposal laws and regulations Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment Your Responsibility Restr
9. power rating specifications warranty and service Please refer to the engine manufacturer s Ovvner s Operator s Manual packed separately with your unit for more information CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls operation or maintenance of this unit please call the Customer Support Department Call 1 330 220 4MTD 4683 or 1 800 800 7310 to reach a Customer Support representative Please have your unit s model number and serial number ready when you call See previous section to locate this information You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call For more details about your unit visit our website at vvvvv yardman com SECTION 1 IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING This symbol points out important safety instructions which if not followed could endanger the personal safety and or property of yourself and others Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury When you see this symbol HEED ITS WARNING WARNING Engine exhaust some of its constituents and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm WARNING This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operat
10. stones sticks wire or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others For best results do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower preventing proper discharge of grass clippings and could cause you to slip and fall New grass thick grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut Speed of the mower should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn Fora healthier lawn always cut off one third or less of the total length of grass Lawn should be mowed in the fall season as long as there is growth WARNING If you strike a foreign object stop the engine Remove wire from spark plug thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired SECTION 6 MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING Do not at any time make any adjustment to your lawn mower without first stopping the engine and disconnecting the spark plug wire Handle Height Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position To lower the handle height for your convenience proceed as follows Lovver wa Handle DH Notch G Figure 8 Remove the starter rope from the rope guide Remove the upp
11. 6 Wait afew minutes to restart Do not prime Engine runs erratic 11 Spark plug wire loose 1 Connect and tighten spark plug wire 2 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 2 Clean fuel line fill tank with fresh gasoline 3 Vent in gas cap plugged 3 Clear vent 4 Water or dirt in fuel system 4 Drain fuel tank Refill with fresh fuel 5 Dirty air cleaner 5 Clean air cleaner 6 Carburetor out of adjustment 6 Adjust carburetor Engine overheats 1 Engine oil level low 1 Fill crankcase with proper oil 2 Air flow restricted 2 Remove blower housing and clean 3 Carburetor not adjusted properly 3 Adjust carburetor Occasional skip 1 Spark plug gap too close 1 Adjust gap to 030 hesitates at high speed Idles poorly 1 Spark plug fouled faulty or gap too 11 Reset gap to 030 or replace spark plug wide 2 Carburetor improperly adjusted 2 Adjust carburetor 3 Dirty air cleaner 3 Clean air cleaner Excessive vibration 11 Cutting blade loose or unbalanced 11 Tighten blade and adapter Balance blade 2 Bent cutting blade 2 Replace blade Mower will not mulch 11 Wet grass 1 Wait until later to cut grass 2 Excessively high grass 2 Mow once at a high cutting height then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting swath 1 2 width 3 Dull blade 3 Sharpen or replace blade Uneven cut 1 Wheels not positioned correctly 1 Place all four wheels in same height position 2 Dull blade 2 Sharpen or repl
12. Y RD M N by MTD Operators Manual 20 Mulching Lawn Mower MODEL 573 z 7 IMPORTANT Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment Warning This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest covered brush covered or grass covered land unless the engine s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws if any If a spark arrester is used it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator In the State of California the above is re quired by law Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code Other states may have similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department P O Box 361131 Cleveland Ohio 44136 0019 MTD LLC P O BOX 361131 CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 0019 PRINTED IN U S A FORM NO 769 00514 10 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page Important Safe Operation 2 3 lope GUAJ rra a aa TAONA 6 Assembling Your Lawn MOWED 7 Know Your Lawn 5 anina ARNAN ANANN SANEA NANa 8 Operating Your LAWN
13. accident improper maintenance alteration vandalism theft fire water or damage because of other peril or natural disaster Damage resulting from the installation or use of any accessory or attachment not approved by MTD LLC for use with the product s covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage Normal wear parts or components thereof are subject to separate terms as follows All normal wear parts or component failures will be covered on the product fora period of 90 days regardless of cause After 90 days but within the two year period normal wear part failures will be covered ONLY IF caused by defects in materials or workmanship of OTHER component parts Normal wear parts and components include but are not limited to batteries belts blades blade adapters grass bags rider deck wheels seats snow thrower skid shoes shave plates auger spiral rubber and tires HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE Warranty service is available WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE through your local authorized service dealer To locate the dealer in your area check your Yellow Pages or contact MTD LLC at P O Box 361131 Cleveland Ohio 44136 0019 or call 1 800 800 7310 or log on to our Web site at www mtdproducts com This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases a The engine or component parts thereof These items carry a separate manufacturer s warranty Refer to applicable manufacturer s warranty for terms and
14. ace blade PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 573 SECTION 10 For engine parts break down refer to the engine manual 14 Model 573 Ref No Part No Description Ref No Part No Description 1 747 0824 Control Handle 682 0517 Handle Bracket Assembly LH 2 710 1270 Oval C Sunk Screw 29 736 0331 Bell Washer 3 712 0324 Hex Lock Nut 30 732 0731 Torsion Spring 4 746 0883 Control Housing 31 14578 Height Adjust Assembly RH 5 738 0878 Rear Axle 14579 Height Adjust Assembly LH 6 749 0705 Upper Handle 32 782 7006 Mounting Bracket 7 710 1205 Rope Guide 33 736 0270 Bell Washer 8 710 1174 Carriage Bolt 34 710 0599 Hex Washer Hd TT Screw 9 749 0928A Lower Handle 35 710 0654A TT Sems Screw 10 720 0279 Wing Nut 36 731 1409 Chute Deflector 11 720 0284 Hand Knob 37 682 7002 Mulching Plug Assembly 12 714 0104 Hairpin Clip 38 712 0431 Hex Lock Nut 13 746 0555 Control Cable 55 39 15261A Height Adjustment Plate 14 750 0151 Spacer 41 748 0376C Blade Adapter 15 726 0240 Cable Tie 753 0588 Blade Adapter Kit for service 16 17098 Hinge Clip 42 742 0740 20 Mulching Blade 17 731 0872A Trail Shield 43 736 0524A IBlade Bell Support 18 682 0139 Cutting Deck Assembiy 20 44 710 1044 Hex Bolt 19 736 0105 Bell VVasher 45 747 0710 Hinge Pin 20 720 0426 Knob Height Adiustment 46 736 0451 Saddle VVasher 21 732 0404 Lever Spring 47 712 0798 Lock Nut 22 734 2005A Front Wheel
15. d position All wheels must be placed in the same relative position See Figure 9 Figure 9 SECTION 7 MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance work on lawn mower Lubrication Blade Control e Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil See Figure 10 The blade control must operate freely in both directions Wheels e Lubricate the wheel bearings if so equipped at least once a season with light oil or engine oil Also if the wheels are removed for any reason lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil See Figure 10 Engine Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions Lubricate Lubricate Figure 10 NOTE When tipping the unit empty fuel tank and keep engine spark plug side up Cutting Blade T WARNING When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement protect hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade To remove blade Remove the bolt and blade bell support which hold the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft See Figure 11 Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft WARNING Periodically inspect the blade A adapter for cracks especially if you strike a foreign object Replace when necessary When sharp
16. dden objects or bumps which can cause you to slip or trip Tall grass can hide obstacles 3 Always be sure of your footing A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury If you feel you are losing your balance release the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds Do Not 1 Do not mow near drop offs ditches or embankmenis you could lose your footing or balance 2 Do not movv slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge 3 Do not mow on wet grass Unstable footing could cause slipping Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity They do not understand the dangers Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them 1 Keep children out of the mowing area and under the vvatchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator 2 Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area 3 Before and while moving backwards look behind and down for small children 4 Use extreme care when approaching blind corners doorways shrubs trees or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child who may run into the mower 5 Keep children away from hot or running engines They can suffer burns from a hot muffler 6 Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a power mower Children 14 years old and over should read and
17. ening the blade follow the original angle of grind as a guide It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds may damage the mower and or cause personal injury blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter for the best test of balance Blade Adapter Figure 11 e Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil or engine oil Also lubricate the bolt holes and bolts To Reinstall Blade e Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked Bottom or with part number facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position e Make sure the blade is aligned with and seated onto the blade adapter flanges Place blade bell support on blade Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with the small holes in the blade See Figure 11 e Replace hex bolt Tighten to recommended torque Blade Torque 450 in Ibs min 600 in Ibs max To ensure safe operation of mower check all nuts and bolts periodically for correct torque Cutting Deck The underside of the m
18. er handle by removing the hand knobs and carriage bolts Lay the upper handle out of the way being careful not to bend or kink cables Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the handle brackets Press outward on the legs of the lower handle and remove it from the mower Turn the lower handle around so the notches on the bottom of the lower handle are facing forward as shown in Figure 8 Reassemble placing the bottom holes in the handle over the weld pins in the handle mounting bracket Reassemble the upper handle Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld pins Reattach the starter rope Carburetor Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to compensate for differences in fuel temperature altitude and load To adjust carburetor refer to the engine manual NOTE A dirty air cleaner will cause an engine to run rough Make sure air cleaner is clean and attached to the carburetor before adjusting carburetor WARNING If any adjustments are made to the engine while the engine is running e g carburetor keep clear of all moving parts and heated surfaces e g muffler Cutting Height An adjusting plate and thumb lever at each wheel position provides cutting height adjustment Each adjusting plate has nine height positions Height of cut will be changed when the thumb lever is moved from one hole to another Simply depress the lever towards wheel and move wheel and lever assembly to desire
19. g keep the cutting height position high until it is determined which height is best for your lawn Refer to height adjustments section of this manual on page 10 for instruction on how to adjust the cutting height and the handle height Before Starting Attach spark plug wire to spark plug Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire inside the rubber boot is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug To Start Engine and Engage Blade e Prime engine as instructed in the engine manual Standing behind the unit depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle rope will pull slightly harder at this point Let the rope rewind slowly e Pull rope with a rapid continuous full arm stroke Keep a firm grip on starter handle Return it slowly to the rope guide If you encounter any problems refer to the Trouble Shooting Guide for helpful information Stopping Engine and Blade e Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade WARNING The blade continues to rotate A for a few seconds after the engine is shut off Do not touch the blade in any way while it is still rotating e Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended Using Your Rotary Mower e Be sure that lawn is clear of
20. he use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit They may cause damage to electric components spindles pulleys bearings or the engine The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability 12 Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush Keep the cooling system blower housing area cleaned to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life Make sure to remove all grass dirt and combustible debris from muffler area Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions e Coat movver s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting Store mower in a dry clean area Do not store next to corrosive materials such as fertilizer NOTE When storing any type of power equipment in an unventilated or metal storage shed care should be taken to rust proof the equipment Using a light oil or silicone coat the lawn mower especially cables and all moving parts before storing it for the off season SECTION 9 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Cause s Corrective Action Engine fails to start 11 Blade control handle disengaged 11 Engage blade control handle 2 Spark plug wire disconnected 2 Connect wire to spark plug 3 Fuel tank empty or stale fuel 3 Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline 4 Blocked fuel line 4 Clean fuel line 5 Faulty spark plug 5 Clean adjust gap or replace 6 Engine flooded
21. ict the use of this power machine to persons who read understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine A WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS THIS GUARD OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE A DANGER AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH e KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING P ARTS THE REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION WEAR SAFETY GLASSES DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES DO NOT MOW GREATER THAN 15 MOW ACROSS NEVER UP AND DOWN NEVER PULL MOWER CLOSE 10 YOUR BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE MOV L S MANUAL KE FT LOOK i ING BAC A DISCHARGE COVER ETC SLOPES WAND ARDS SLOPE GAUGE SECTION 2 s dols umop pue dn JaAeu sadojs Jo E y SSOIDe samou GNIHAE MIVM 18 0 s dojs 10 E y SSOUDe S dO S umop pue dn SIBMOW ONIGIY 0 Anfu snoH s ul dils pino noA pue ino ureyurew o SI 31 dolS e yons uo 1 MOUL puiy q yjem e BHulyesodo y Anfu Snoues sne pue pino Jemow Bupu y Q OL Alone 199 Z L Z sli e G Jo sseoxe Ul dojs e YIM S ullMul UO mow 104 oq W onsen S 1504 34 V HO o
22. ion in this manual As with any type of power equipment carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death General Operation 1 Read this operator s manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble this machine Read understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual s before operation Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts This machine is a precision piece of power equipment not a plaything Therefore exercise extreme caution at all times Your unit has been designed to perform one job to mow grass Do not use it for any other purpose Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these safe operation rules should use this machine Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used Remove all stones sticks wire bones toys and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or picked up and thr
23. mes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating 13 Never operate mower without proper trail shield discharge cover grass catcher blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working Never operate mower with damaged safety devices Failure to do so can result in personal injury 14 Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn Do not touch 15 Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the original equipment manufacturer O E M Failure to do so can result in personal injury 16 If situations occur which are not covered in this manual use care and good judgment Contact your dealer for assistance Telephone 1 800 800 7310 for the name of your nearest dealer Slope Operation Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury Operation on slopes requires extra caution If you feel uneasy ona slope do not mow it Before operating this unit ona slope or hilly area use the slope gauge on page 6 to measure slopes If the slope is greater than 15 degrees do not mow it Do 1 Mow across the face of slopes never up and down Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes 2 Watch for holes ruts rocks hi
24. ower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a build up of grass clippings leaves dirt or other matter If this debris is allowed to accumulate it will invite rust and corrosion and may prevent proper mulching The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected NOTE We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit They may cause damage to electric components spindles pulleys bearings or the engine The use of water will shorten life and reduce serviceability Engine Refer to the engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions e Maintain engine oil as instructed in the engine manual Service air cleaner every 25 hours of operation under normal conditions Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced To service the air cleaner refer to the engine manual e The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each movving season check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications SECTION 6 OFF SEASON STORAGE The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower for storage e Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions NOTE We do not recommend t
25. own by the blade Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads sidewalks bystanders and the like Also avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury stay in the operator zone behind the handles and keep bystanders helpers children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation Stop machine if anyone enters the area Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes Thrown 10 11 objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes Wear sturdy rough soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirts Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel toed shoes are recommended Never operate this machine in bare feet sandals slippery or light weight e g canvas shoes Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling release the handle immediately Never pull the mower back towa
26. properly into the handle as shown See Figure 2 NOTE Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position If you wish to lower the height of the handle refer to the instructions for handle height adjustment on page 10 Carriage Bolt D Upper Handle Knob Saddle Washer Figure 2 Remove the hairpin clips from the outer holes in the weld pins on the handle mounting brackets Using a pair of pliers squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the handle mounting bracket Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin See Figure 3 Repeat on other side Hairpin Clip in Inner Hole Lower Handle N S Handle Mounting Bracket Figure 3 Attaching Starter Rope The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide For location of the wing nut see Figure 4 Insert starter rope into rope guide m SE Figure 4 Rope Guide With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded hold the blade control handle against the upper handle and pull the starter rope out of the engine Release the blade control handle Slip the starter rope into the rope guide Tighten the wing nut See Figure 4 Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened securely e Attach cables to the lower handle with the two cable ties already on the lower handle insert pegs on cable ties into the holes on the lower handle
27. rd you while you are walking If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping and then follow these steps a Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms b Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing c Pull the mower back slowly no more than half way toward you d Repeat these steps as needed Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Do not engage the self propelled mechanism on units so equipped while starting engine The blade control handle is a safety device Never attempt to bypass its operation Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with the rotating blade The blade control handle must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when released Never operate the mower in wet grass Always be sure of your footing A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury If you feel you are losing your footing release the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds 9 Mow in daylight or good artificial light Walk never run 10 Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives walkways or roads 11 If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally stop the engine and check immediately for the cause Vibration is generally a warning of trouble 12 Shut the engine off and wait until the blade co
28. ulates the clippings back to the lawn Do not operate the mower if the mulching plug is not firmly situated on the unit Cutting Height Adjustment Lever This lever located at each wheel lets you adjust cutting height of the grass Remember to put all four levers at the same height position to avoid uneven cut Blade Control Handle Rear Height Adj Lever Starter Rope Adjustment Chute Lever Figure 7 SECTION 5 OPERATING YOUR LAWN 47 VVARNING Keep hands and feet avvay from the chute area on cutting deck The blade vvill be rotating whenever the engine is running WARNING Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting the engine or operating the mower WARNING Never run engine indoors or in enclosed poorly ventilated areas Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide an odorless and deadly gas and Oil Fill Up Service the mower engine with gasoline and oil following instructions in the engine manual If your mower was shipped with oil in the engine fill up the required amount of gasoline only Always make sure there is adequate oil in the engine before starting the engine Fill up as necessary WARNING Never fill fuel tank indoors with A engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running Adjusting Cutting Height Your mower was shipped at the lowest cutting height For best results in mowin
29. understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent Service Safe Handling Of Gasoline 1 To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite 2 Wash your skin and change clothes immediately 3 Use only an approved gasoline container 4 Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling 5 If possible remove gas powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground If this is not possible then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle 6 Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete Do not use a nozzle lock open device 10 11 12 13 14 15 Extinguish all cigarettes cigars pipes and other sources of ignition Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running Allovv engine to cool at least tvvo minutes before refueling Never over fill fuel tank Fill tank to no more than 1 inch
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