READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, 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). 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,
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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty OPERATOR’S MANUAL 21-inch Rotary Lawn Mower — Model 54M IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, 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 you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. To reach a local White Outdoor dealer or retailer, visit www.whiteoutdoor.com or phone our Dealer Locator line at 1-800-949-4483.
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Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Slope Gauge WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can Safe result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury. 23. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your White Outdoor dealer or call (800) 949-4483 for the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
Setup and Adjustment Figure 3-1: Attach wheels. Stand behind the mower as if you were going to operate it. Your right hand cor- responds to the right side of the mower; your left hand corresponds to the left side of the mower.
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5. To secure cables to the handle, insert posts on cable ties into holes provided on the lower handle. Pull cable ties tight and trim excess. 6. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher. Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside) a.
Operating Your Lawn Recoil Starter Mower WARNING This blade control mechanism is a safety device. Do not bypass its operations. Figure 4-1: The major components on the mower. Use extreme care when Now that you have setup your lawn mower for operation, handling gasoline.
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. Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower...
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower Figure 5-1: Areas to lubricate on mower. General Recommendations • Always observe safety rules when performing WARNING any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse Always stop engine, or negligence.
Blade Care WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade. Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
Problem Engine fails to start Trouble Shooting Engine runs erratic For repairs beyond the minor adjust- ments listed here, contact an authorized service dealer. Engine overheats Occasional skips (hesitates) at high speed Idles poorly Excessive Vibration Mower will not mulch grass Uneven cut Cause 1.
Engine Safe Operation Practices • When adding fuel, turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2 minutes before removing gas cap. • Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area. • Use only an approved gasoline container. •...
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Running engine produces heat. Engine parts, especially muffler, become extremely hot. Severe thermal burns can occur on contact. Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc., can catch fire. • Allow muffler, engine cylinder, and fins to cool before touching. •...
Operating Your Engine IMPORTANT: This engine Figure 9-1: The major components of the engine. The shroud on your engine may differ. is shipped without gaso- line or oil in the engine. Read this section before starting your lawn mower engine. Compare the illustrations in Figure 9-1 with your lawn Running the engine with mower engine to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Check Oil Level IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped. 1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean, Figure 9-2. 2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport equipment or to inspect or remove grass, keep spark Maintaining plug side of engine up. Transporting or tipping engine spark plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, Your spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner. Engine Tasks Check Engine...
IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.
��������� Maintaining Your Engine Figure 10-4: Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. 3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending side electrode, Figure 10-4. The gap should be set to 0.030 in. 4.
MTD LLC (MTD), The United States Environment Protection Agency (U. S. EPA) The U. S. EPA and MTD are pleased to explain the emissions control system warranty on your model year 2005 and later small off-road engine. New small off-road engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the stringent anti-smog standards. MTD must warranty the emission control system on your engine for the period of time listed below, provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your small off-road engine.
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(7) The engine manufacturer is liable for damages to other engine components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any warranted part. (8) Throughout the engine’s warranty period defined in Subsection (a)(2), MTD will maintain a supply of warranted parts sufficient to meet the expected demand for such parts.
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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 posses- sions 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.