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Operator’s Manual 21” Rotary Mower Model 588Q Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-cov- ered, 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).
Know Your Lawn Mower Operating Your Lawn Mower 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.
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.
immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds. 9. Mow in daylight or good artificial light; walk, not 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.
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10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion. 11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. 12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.
Carriage Wing Nut shown here. Bolt Before Assembly • Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. See Figure 1. Spark Plug Wire Spark Plug Figure 1 NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.
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• After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage bolt, from the hardware pack, in the upper hole on the handle mounting bracket and secure with plastic wing nut from the hardware pack. See Figure 4. Repeat on the other side. •...
Figure 10 Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: If the mower strikes a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect for any damage. Repair the damage promptly before restarting and operating the mower. Bagging Grass Clippings You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.
• Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap. • Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Wheels not positioned correctly. Dull blade. 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. We do not recommend the use of a IMPORTANT: pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. “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 materials or workmanship.