MTD 021 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
11
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING: Never operate your unit without
either the rear deflector or entire grass catcher
assembly in place.
Make sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower
and/or cause personal injury.
For best results, do not cut wet grass. New grass or
thick grass requires a narrower cut. Blade speed
and cutting height should be adjusted to the
condition of the lawn.
For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third of
the total length of the grass at any one cutting.
This mower is designed to operate at full throttle.
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 lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug
wire.
Cutting Height
You can adjust the cutting height of the mower
according to your convenience.
Remove the axle bolts and related hardware from
the wheels.
Reattach the wheels with axle bolts at another hole.
Remember to attach all wheels at the same relative
position to ensure even cut. Refer to instructions for
attaching the wheels in the assembly section of this
manual. For higher cutting height, use lower hole
on the deck and for lower cutting height, use the
upper hole.
Throttle Control
Your lawn mower engine is equipped with a fixed
throttle control that does not need adjustment.
Carburetor
WARNING: If any adjustments are made
to the engine while the engine is running (e.g.
carburetor), keep clear of all moving parts. Be
careful of heated surfaces and muffler.
Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load. To adjust carburetor, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your mower.
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner will cause an engine to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is clean and attached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Deck Care
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit.These may
cause damage to electric components spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
shorten life of the mower and reduce its serviceability.
The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each use to prevent 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 cause an uneven discharge of
grass clippings at the next cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and
scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the
spark plug wire is disconnected).
Lubrication
(Refer to Lubrication Chart in Figure 13.)
Always stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or
doing any kind of work on lawn mower.
Blade Control
Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle and the brake cable at least once a season
with light oil. The blade control must operate freely
in both directions.