OPERATOR’S MANUAL 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).
Troubleshooting ... 16 Parts List... 18 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. Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below.
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.
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating. 20. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working.
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WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine. NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your lawn mower. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
• Side Discharge Chute • Hardware Pack Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire • Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground against the engine. See Figure 1. Spark Plug Wire Figure 1 Setting Up Your Lawn Mower •...
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure 6 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
7. To mulch insert the mulch plug/cover on the mower. 8. Before storing the lawn mower for the winter, use stabilizer-treated fuel and run the tank dry. 9. Thirty days before start of the new season, check the air filter, spark plug and blade on the lawn mower, and replace if needed.
you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth. This mower is designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the best cut and do the most effective job of mowing or mulching.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Do not at any time make any adjustments without first stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug wire. Cutting Height Adjustment Your mower is shipped with the cutting height in the lowest position. The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel.
Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed in this manual.
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Blade Control: Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions.
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speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury. The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter when testing for balance.
• Tighten the hex bolt to secure the blade to torque: Belt 450-600 in. lbs. Storing your Lawn Mower Lower Pulley The following steps should be taken to prepare your Half lawn mower for storage.
• Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions. • Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting. • Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer. SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Engine fails to start 1.
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Model 979 Ref. Part No. Part Description 747-0824 Control Handle 731-0904A Upper Control Handle 16864 6 Spd. Rack Cable Bracket 731-0620 Control Lever 713-0397 Gear Insert 732-0627 Shift Lever Spring 731-0924 6 Speed Shift Lever 731-0905A Lower Control Housing 710-1667A C Sunk Tap Screw #10 x .75 Lg...
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Model 979 Ref. Part No. Part Description 720-0223 Grip 732-0803A Spring Lever 738-0529 Shoulder Nut .825 x .165 Lg. 710-0751 Cap Screw 1/4-20 x .620 736-0270 Bell Washer .285 ID x .75 OD 748-0318 Wheel Rachet 736-0369 Flat Washer .508 ID x 1.0 OD...
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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD PROD- UCTS INC (“MTD”) with respect to new merchandise pur- chased 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...