Know Your Lawn Mower - MTD 430-439 Series Operator's Manual

Converting to Side-Discharge
Figure 14
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure
15 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Recoil Starter
Grass Catcher
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.
WARNING:
The blade control handle is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations. The blade will be rotating whenever
the engine is running.
Mulching
Plug
Hinge
Pin
Side
Chute
Deflector
Blade Control
Handle
Side-Discharge
Chute
Mulch Plug
• Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher. To
convert it to a side-discharge mower, lift the
mulching plug. Slide the two hooks on the side-
discharge deflector under the hinge pin on the
mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug.
See Figure 14 .
• Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time,
even when you are not mulching.
WARNING:
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
seated in the slots on the handle bracket
assemblies, and the rear discharge door rests
firmly against the top of the grass catcher.
Figure 15
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
This lever, located at each wheel, lets you adjust
cutting height of the grass. Remember to put all four
levers at the same height to avoid uneven cut.
Throttle Control
The engine is equipped with a constant speed throttle
for maximum engine and cutting performance.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start engine.
10
Never operate the mower
Grass Bag-Fill
Indicator (Optional)
Spark Plug
Height Adjustment
Lever