Yard Machines 540 Series Operator's Manual
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Yard Machines 540 Series Operator's Manual

21” two-in-one mulching mower
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O
M
PERATOR'S
ANUAL
21" Two-in-One
Mulching Mower
540 Series
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 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-0912A
(12/97)

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Summary of Contents for Yard Machines 540 Series

  • Page 1 PERATOR’S ANUAL 21” Two-in-One Mulching Mower 540 Series 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 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).

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Content Safe Operation Practices ...3 Slope Guage ...5 Finding Model Number...6 Unpacking ...6 Setting Up Mower ...7 Controls...11 Operation ...12 Maintenance ...14 Lubrication ...15 Service & Adjustments...16 Off-Season Storage ... 18 Trouble-Shooting Guide... 19 Parts List ...20 Shroud Chart...23 Warranty ...24 This owner’s guide covers various models of mowers.

  • Page 3: Safe Operation Practices

    SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 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 your lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
  • Page 4 • Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. • Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury.

  • Page 5: Slope Guage

    SECTION 1: SLOPE GAUGE Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

  • Page 6: Finding Model Number

    SECTION 3: FINDING MODEL NUMBER This owner’s guide is an important part of your new Yard-Machine lawn mower. It will help you to assemble, prepare and maintain your mower. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start assembling the mower for its first use, please locate its model plate and copy the information on to this owner’s guide.

  • Page 7: Setting Up Mower

    SECTION 5: SETTING UP MOWER Tools Required • Pair of Pliers • Funnel • Set of adjustable wrenches Disconnecting Spark Plug • Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it against the engine. See Figure 3. •...
  • Page 8 • Raise the lower handle in the direction shown in Figure 4 (step 2) till it snaps into place. • Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in Figure 4 (step 3). Tighten the wing nuts which are already on the handle. See Figure 5A. Note: Make sure to route the cables inside the lower handle.
  • Page 9 Following parts are included with a hard top grass bag: front frame, rear frame, grass bag, hardtop cover, mounting bracket, phillips screw and hex lock nut. Assemble soft grass bag as follows: NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside) . •...
  • Page 10 Attaching Grasscatcher to Mower NOTE: Your mower was shipped with the rear mulching baffle in place on the mower. Remove the mulching baffle in order to install and use the grass catcher. For instructions on how to bag the grass clippings, please refer to page 14 of this manual.

  • Page 11: Controls

    • Slide the two hooks on the side discharge chute under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly. See Figure 11. Lower the mulching plug. Do not remove the mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.

  • Page 12: Operation

    Recoil Starter The recoil starter is attached to the handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start the unit. Primer The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor. Use it to start a cold engine, but do not use it to restart a warm engine after short shutdown.

  • Page 13: Stopping Engine

    Pull starter rope • Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug. • To prevent the unit from sliding, place your foot firmly against the tire. •...

  • Page 14: Maintenance

    Bagging Grass Clippings You can use the grasscatcher bag to collect clippings while you are operating the mower. Attach the grasscatcher following instructions on page 10 of this manual. Operate the mower till the grass bag is full, or the job is completed whichever is earlier.

  • Page 15: Lubrication

    WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem. Lubrication For complete lubrication chart, see Figure 15. Wheels •...

  • Page 16: Service & Adjustments

    • Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean mower unless the muffler, air filter and the carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can shorten engine life. •...

  • Page 17: Adjusting Handle Height

    IMPORTANT: The bolt, used to secure the blade to the engine, is specially heat-treated. Do not substitute. To order replacement bolt, refer to the Parts List section of this manual. WARNING: To ensure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

  • Page 18: Off-Season Storage

    • Push the throttle control lever on the handle all the way forward as far as it will go, then back it off one “click.” Make certain the throttle control lever remains in this position. • Push the control lever on the engine as far toward the rear of the engine as it will go. Secure the cable in this position with the cable clamp and screw.

  • Page 19: Trouble-Shooting Guide

    Other • Do not store gasoline from one season to another. • Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in the gasoline will cause problems. Store unit in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer. NOTE: If storing in an unventilated or metal storage shed, be certain to rustproof the equipment by coating with a light oil or silicone.

  • Page 20: Parts List

    SECTION 12: REPAIR PARTS Remote Throttle Assembly Fixed Throttle Assembly...
  • Page 21 Ref. Part No. Code 747-0824 Control Handle Assembly 710-1205 Rope Guide 720-0279 Handle Knob 710-1174 Curved Hd. Bolt 5/16-18 x 2” 720-0276 Hand Knob 710-0605 Oval C-Sunk Screw 736-0501 Spring Washer 712-0324 Hex Lock Nut 1/4-20 Thd. 746-0876 Throttle Lever 749-0438B Upper Handle 720-0295...
  • Page 22 Table continued from previous page Ref. Part No. Code 710-0871 Hex Slot Sems Scr. (Tec.) 710-1237 Hex Washer Hd. Screw (B&S ) 710-1174 Carr. Bolt 5/16-18 x 2.0 736-0182 Wave Washer 736-0105 Spring Washer 731-1426 Hub Cap: Radial Yellow 731-0982A Hub Cap: Radial Beige 731-0981A Hub Cap: Radial Grey...

  • Page 23: Shroud Chart

    SECTION 14: SHROUD CHART Part No. Color Part No. 751B281439 Dark Red 731-1395A 751B281440 Black 731-1396A 751B281443 Bright Red 731-1397A Hardware: Hardware: 710-1256 (Screw) 710-1256 (Screw) Part No. Color Part No. 731-1402A Yellow 7510143208 731-1694 Black 731-1695 Silver 731-1934 Charcoal Hardware: Hardware: 710-1258 (Screw)

  • Page 24: Warranty

    MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase within the United States of America, its possessions and territories, MTD PRODUCTS INC will, at its option, repair or replace, for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.

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