Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

Operator’s Manual

Push Mower — Model Series 070

WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

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

Printed In USA Form No. 769-05345

(September 1, 2009)
 To The Owner 1
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC
MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
performance when properly operated and maintained. equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other directly. MTD’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.
result in personal injury or property damage. Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent machine are observed from the operating position
product information available at the time of printing. Review The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine, issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated machine, for more information.

Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices......................................... 3 Service......................................................................15
Assembly & Set-Up................................................... 9 Troubleshooting......................................................16
Controls & Features.................................................12 Replacement Parts..................................................17
Operation.................................................................13 Warranty................................................................. 20
Maintenance & Adjustment..................................14

Record Product Information Model Number

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary, Serial Number
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

Customer Support
Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
◊ Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com
◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683
◊ Write us at MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2
 Important Safe Operation Practices 2
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!

California Proposition 65
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: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

General Operation 6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be

used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before foreign objects, which could be tripped over or picked up
attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious
and follow all instructions on the machine and in the personal injury.
manuals) before operation. Keep this manual in a safe
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
replacement parts.
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction,
2. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
of this machine before operating it. toward the operator.
3. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, 8. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all stay in operator zone behind handles and keep children,
times. This machine has been designed to perform one job: bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower
to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose. while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.
4. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 9. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand operation and while performing an adjustment or repair
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised cause serious injury to the eyes.
by an adult.
10. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
machine. operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers,
hands, toes and feet.

3
 12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade 27. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
contact or thrown object injuries. is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the could result.
handle immediately. 28. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
14. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are use care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support
walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or for assistance or the name of the nearest service dealer.
obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping Slope Operation
and then follow these steps:
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which
a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms. can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to
toward you. measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or
hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
15. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
Do:
alcohol or drugs. 1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
16. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines
so equipped while starting engine. 2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
17. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt
obstacles.
to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device
inoperative and may result in personal injury through 3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
contact with the rotating blade. The blade control handle serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
must operate easily in both directions and automatically balance, release the blade control handle immediately and
return to the disengaged position when released. the blade will stop rotating within three (3) seconds.
18. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of Do Not:
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the 1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop could lose your footing or balance.
rotating within three seconds. 2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on
19. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never the slope gauge.
run. 3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
20. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads. slipping.

21. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop Children

the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
22. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers.
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the blade control is released. 1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under watchful
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
are sure the blade has stopped rotating. 2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
23. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge 3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety down for small children.
protective devices in place and working. Never operate 4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
result in personal injury. your vision of a child who may run into the mower.
24. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do 5. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can
not touch. suffer burns from a hot muffler.
25. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height 6. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
adjustment while the engine is running. machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
26. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal adult.
injury.

4 Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

Service 3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
Safe Handling Of Gasoline: for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with
the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only,
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable original equipment specifications may lead to improper
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can performance and compromise safety!”
occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes,
which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
immediately. wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
2. Use only an approved gasoline container. 5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
3. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the 6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
ground away from your vehicle before filling. operation regularly.
4. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or 7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. damage before starting and operating the mower.
5. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or 8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do adjustment while the engine is running.
not use a nozzle lock-open device. 9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield
6. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources are subject to wear and damage which could expose
of ignition. moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety
protection, frequently check components and replace
7. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
accumulate in the area. (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
8. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while engine is hot or which do not meet the original equipment specifications
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before may lead to improper performance and compromise
refueling. safety!”
9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1 inch 10. Do not change the engine’s governor setting or over-speed
below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion. the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
10. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. operating speed of the engine.

11. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. 11. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before or leaks. Replace if necessary.
starting engine. 12. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an open 13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space necessary.
heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. 14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper
13. To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves, disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and 15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
remove any fuel soaked debris. (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
14. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing. this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 140 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
General Service: Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
and deadly gas. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
Do not modify engine
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
unintended starting. way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices 5

 Notice Regarding Emissions Spark Arrestor
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal Warning: This machine is equipped with an
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) internal combustion engine and should not be used
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
may include the following emission control systems: Engine covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped. 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 required 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.

6 Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES

To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

DANGER — BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.

DANGER — HAND/ FOOT CUT

Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

DANGER — THROWN DEBRIS

Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.

DANGER — SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.

WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING— HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.

warning: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices 7

8
Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...
or a fence post

Fold a
long
dotte
d line
(repr
esent

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

s a 15
° slop
e)

15°

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees
(a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding
mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate walk-behind mowers across the face of slopes, never
up and down slopes.
 Assembly & Set-Up 3
Contents of Carton
• One Lawn Mower • One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Bottle of Oil
• One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Hardware Pack • Four Wheels

Assembly Handle
NOTE: This lawn mower is shipped without gasoline or oil in 1. Perform the following sequence for the handle setup:
the engine. Fill up the gasoline and oil as instructed in the NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher
accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower. height position.
1. For shipping purposes, the chute deflector on your mower a. Lift the upper handle up from folded position and
is held in an upright position by a retainer. Remove the pull it to extended position following the arrow in
retainer as follows: Fig. 3-2. The handle should click into this position.
a. Push the chute deflector up towards the engine.
Holding the deflector in this position, remove the
retainer and discard. See Fig. 3-1.
b. Lower the chute deflector carefully keeping your
fingers out of the way. A

Figure 3-2

b. Make sure the carriage bolt is seated properly in the

handle. Tighten the star knobs securing the upper
handle to the lower handle.
Figure 3-1

9
 2. If satisfied with the height of the handle, tighten the star 3. Position the recoil starter by following the steps below:
knobs at the ends of the lower handle shown in Fig. 3-3. a. Hold the blade control against the upper handle.
For convenience of operation, you may adjust the handle
height as follows: b. Slowly pull the starter rope out of the engine. See
Fig. 3-4.

B
A

B
D

A C

Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
NOTE: Each end of the lower handle must be placed in the
same position on the mounting brackets. c. Slip the starter rope into the rope guide.
a. Remove the star knobs shown in Fig. 3-3 and remove d. Tighten the rope guide wing nut.
the lower handle. 4. Use the cable tie provided to secure cable to the lower
b. Position each handle bracket stud into the top hole handle. Pull the cable tie tight and trim excess. See Fig. 3-5.
in the lower handle.
c. Tighten the star knobs.

Figure 3-5

10 Section 3 — Assembly & Set-Up

Wheels Adjustments
Install wheels as follows in Figure 3-6:
Cutting Height
Each wheel can be adjusted to change the cutting height of the
mower.
1. Remove the carriage bolts and related hardware from the
wheels as shown in Figure 3-7.

Figure 3-6
1. Using hardware from hardware pack, secure the wheel
to the deck as shown in Figure 3-6. The small bell washer
should be installed with the crown side facing the wheel.
2. Secure the wheel to the deck with the flange lock nut.
Repeat on other sides. Figure 3-7

2. Reattach the wheels with carriage bolts in one of the three

available holes on the deck. Remember to attach ALL
wheels at the same relative position to ensure an even
cut. Refer to instructions for attaching the wheels in the
previous step. For a higher cutting height, use the lower
hole; for a lower cutting height, use the upper hole.
IMPORTANT: When adjusting the cutting height, be sure to
set all four wheels at the same height. For rough or uneven
lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher
position to prevent scalping of the grass.

Set-Up
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for additional
engine information.
1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out
of the box.
2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
separate engine owner’s manual.
WARNING: 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 any other
sources of ignition.

Section 3 — Assembly & Set-Up 11

 Controls and Features 4
Blade Control

Recoil Starter

Figure 4-1

Blade Control Recoil Starter

The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand
Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.
unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.
WARNING: This blade control is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its operations.

12
 Operation 5
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator
is standing near the lawn mower while starting 2
engine or operating mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on 3
engine and lawn mower.
1. When starting the engine for the first time, push primer (if
equipped) five times. For all future starts, push the primer
three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. 1
See Fig. 5-1. Do not prime to restart a warm engine.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control 3
against upper handle.
3. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil
starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous,
full arm stroke. See Fig. 5-1. Keeping a firm grip on the
starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat until
engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly. Figure 5-1

Stopping Engine WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the

1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade. engine. Remove wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely repair damage before restarting and operating.
before performing any work on the mower. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
Using Your Lawn Mower inspected and repaired.
Be sure lawn is clear of 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.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can
result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

13
 Maintenance & Adjustments 6
Maintenance 4. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication
schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
General Recommendations Deck Care
• Always observe safety rules when performing any
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent
maintenance.
build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that for this job.
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
the lawn mower as instructed here.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once each
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in
any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for
season.
any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are of the engine causing a starting problem.
tight.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark tool. Do not spray with water.
plug, and ground against engine before performing IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose
any type of maintenance on your machine. to clean your unit. These may cause damage to the engine.
The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce
Lubrication serviceability.
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you
a season with light oil. This control must operate freely in
had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to
both directions. See Fig. 6-1.
remove it now.
2. Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil (or
motor oil). If wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate Engine Care
surface of the axle bolt and inner surface of the wheel with A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good
light oil. See Fig. 6-1. performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
3. Lubricate the torsion springs and pivot points on the side accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.
discharge chute periodically with light oil to prevent rust. • Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
See Fig. 6-1.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours 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.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark
plug replacement is recommended at the start of each
mowing season. Check engine manual for correct plug
type and gap specifications.
• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation.
Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler
area.

Figure 6-1

14
 Service 7
Blade Care WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It
WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for may cause damage to mower and could break
sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with causing personal injury.
a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the 5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of
blade. the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter
strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with
below for blade service. part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the
1. Disconnect spark plug boot from spark plug. Turn mower operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and
on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor seated on the blade adapter flanges.
are facing up. 6. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs.
2. Remove the bolt which holds the blade and the blade min., 600 in. lbs. max.
adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Fig. 7-1. To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the
blade bolt for correct torque.

Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower
for storage.
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the
lubrication instructions.
• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your
unit.

Blade • Refer to Engine manual for correct engine storage

instructions.
Blade
Adapter • Coat mower’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.
Bolt When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly
ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the
equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn
Figure 7-1 mower before storage.
3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft. See Fig.
7-1.
4. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance.
Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check.
Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of
grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade
balanced.

15
 Troubleshooting 8
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine Fails to start 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line.
7. Engine flooded. 7. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
8. Fuel valve (if equipped) closed. 8. Open fuel valve. See engine manual.
9. Engine not choked (if equipped with choke). 9. Choke engine. See engine manual.
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug boot loose. 1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. 2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, 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. Refer to engine manual.
6. Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped) 6. Push CHOKE knob in.
applied.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low. 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Air flow restricted. 2. Clean area around and on top of engine.

Occasional skips 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 wide. 1. Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
2. Dirty air cleaner. 2. Refer to engine manual.
Excessive Vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. Bent cutting blade. 2. See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not 1. Wet grass. 1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
mulch grass (If Applicable) later to cut.
2. Excessively high grass. 2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting path.
3. Dull blade. 3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place all four wheels in same height position
(if equipped with individual height adjusters).
2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade.

16
 Replacement Parts 9
Component Part Number and Description

759-3338 Spark Plug

490-200-0011 Air Filter Cartridge

BS-497929S Fuel Tank Cap (Briggs & Stratton Model

10T502-0457-B1)
BS-795472S Fuel Tank Cap (Briggs & Stratton Model
10L502-0457-F2)

734-04063 Wheel

731-1034B Discharge Chute (w/label)

742-0642A Standard Blade

† If Equipped

Phone (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and
serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.mtdproducts.com

17
 Notes

18
Notes 19
 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR

The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with c. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade
respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments,
and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior finish
with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/ due to use or exposure.
or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”). d. Service completed by someone other than an authorized service
“MTD” warrants this product (excluding its Normal Wear Parts and dealer.
Attachments as described below) against defects in material and e. MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported
workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date outside of the United States and/or Canada, and their respective
of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of possessions and territories, except those sold through MTD’s
charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship. authorized channels of export distribution.
This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been
operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual f. Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts.
furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse, g. Transportation charges and service calls.
abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance,
h. MTD does not warrant this product for commercial use.
alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other
peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
of any part, accessory or attachment not approved by MTD for use merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose, applies after
with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the
to any resulting damage. parts as identified. No other express warranty, whether written or
oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity,
Normal Wear Parts are warranted to be free from defects in material
including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall
and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
bind MTD. During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy
purchase. Normal wear parts include, but are not limited to items
is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above.
such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade adapters, tines, grass bags,
wheels, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower skid shoes, friction The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and
wheels, shave plates, auger spiral rubber and tires. exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD shall not be liable
for incidental or consequential loss or damage including, without
Attachments — MTD warrants attachments for this product against
limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year,
care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a
commencing on the date of the attachment’s original purchase or
warranted product.
lease. Attachments include, but are not limited to items such as:
grass collectors and mulch kits. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH
warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply
PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service dealer.
to you.
To locate the dealer in your area:
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of
In the U.S.A.
the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of safety features of
Check your Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131, the product shall void this warranty. You assume the risk and liability
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220- for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others
4683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com. and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the
In Canada product.
Contact MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, or call 1-800- This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the
668-1238 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdcanada.com. original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a
gift.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following
cases: HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This limited
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
a. The engine or component parts thereof. These items may carry a rights which vary from state to state.
separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer to applicable manufac-
turer’s warranty for terms and conditions. IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of Purchase to
obtain warranty coverage.
b. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one-
year warranty.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220-4683
MTD Canada Limited - KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1; Phone 1-800-668-1238
GDOC-100015 REV. B