User manual MTD MULCHING MOWER 540

[. . . ] OPERATOR'S MANUAL 21" Rear & Side Discharge Mulching Mower Model Series 540 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, 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 required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P. O. [. . . ] See Figure 6. Starter Rope Upper Handle Wing Nut Rope Guide Lower Handle Lift the rear discharge door on the mower. Place the hooks, found on both sides of the grass catcher frame, over the chute door pivot rod at the rear of the mower. See Figure 8. Discharge Door Grass Bag Figure 6 · 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. Figure 8 · To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge door on the mower, lift the grass catcher up and off the pivot rod. WARNING: Never operate the mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly seated on the chute pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests firmly against the top of the grass catcher. Attaching Grass Catcher To Mower NOTE: The mulching baffle, if so equipped, is already in place on the mower for shipping purposes. Your lawn mower may be equipped with both a mulching baffle and a mulching plug. While the mulching baffle is located at the rear of the mower, the mulching plug is located on the right side of the cutting deck. Do not remove the mulching plug from the mower even when you are not mulching the grass. · To remove the mulching baffle, lift the rear discharge door on the mower. See Figure 7. Converting To Side Discharge If your unit is equipped with a side discharge chute, you can convert to a side discharge mower as follows: · · Lift the rear discharge door and install the mulching baffle. On the side of the mower, lift the mulching plug and slide the two hooks of the side discharge chute under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly. Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching. · 8 SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Read this operator's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in Figure 9 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. 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. Grass Catcher The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed from the mower and emptied before any further mowing. Blade Control Handle Recoil Starter The recoil starter is attached to the right handle. See Figure 9. Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever 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. Never attempt to bypass its operations. Grass Catcher Mulching Plug Figure 9 Cutting Height Adjustment Levers These levers are located on each wheel and are used to adjust the cutting height. These levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure uniform cut. See Figure 9. Mulching Plug Both the mulching baffle and the mulching plug are used only for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher, some mower models have the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from chute area on the cutting deck. [. . . ] MTD warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship 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 material 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, 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 Products Inc. for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damages. [. . . ]