MTD Series 410 thru 420 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
9
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine. Remove wire from the
spark plug, thoroughly inspect mower for
any damage, and repair damage before restarting
and operating. Extensive vibration of mower during
operation is an indication of damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected and repaired.
Using as Mulcher
For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and side
discharge chute from the mower. For effective mulching,
do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to
grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recom-
mended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.
Using Grass Catcher
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while
you are operating the mower. Refer to setup section for
instructions on attaching the grass catcher.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower
while starting 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 engine
and lawn mower.
Follow the set of instructions pertaining to your unit.
Refer to engine manual for help with the engine.
Briggs & Stratton/ Tecumseh Engine:
1. Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds
between each push. See Figure 4-2. In temperature
around 55° F or below, prime five times. Do not prime
to restart a warm engine.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control
against upper handle.
3. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil
starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continu-
ous, full arm stroke. See Figure 4-2. Keeping a firm
grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each
time slowly.
Honda Engine:
1. Place the fuel valve lever found on the left side of the
engine into the ON (OPEN) position. See Figure 4-3.
2. Move the choke lever all the way backward into the
choke position.
3. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control
against upper handle. The choke will now begin to
slowly return to the off choke position after activating
the blade control. Therefore, quickly move onto step
four below.
4. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil
starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continu-
ous, full arm stroke. See Figure 4-3. Keeping a firm
grip on the starter handle let the rope rewind slowly.
Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each
time slowly.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop com-
pletely before performing any work on the
mower or to remove the grass catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
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.
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
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.
Be sure no one other than
the operator is standing
near the lawn mower while
starting 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 engine
and lawn mower.
Never operate your mower
without either the rear door
or the entire grass catcher
assembly firmly secured.
Figure 4-2: Starting the Briggs & Stratton/ Tecumseh engine.
Figure 4-3: Starting the Honda engine.
ON
OFF
4
1
3
2
3
3
1
2