IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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
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Operator’s Manual 21” Rear & Side Discharge Mulching Lawn Mower Model 437 IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment. 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...
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.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds.
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7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition. 8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area. 9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER Removing Unit From Carton • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps or cut tape at carton end and peel top flap to open carton. • Remove loose parts if included with unit. • Cut corners and lay carton down flat.
Upper Hole Wing Nut Move Hairpin Clip Figure 4 • Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 5 . Cable Tie Post on Cable Tie...
Removing Grass Catcher • Lift the rear discharge door on the mower, and lift the grass catcher up. • Release the rear discharge door. Converting to Side-Discharge • Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher. To convert it to a side-discharge mower, lift the mulching plug.
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.
Operating Your Lawn Mower • Once the engine has started, squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle to run the lawn mower. • Do not operate the mower without the mulching cover, the grass catcher bag, or the discharge chute properly installed.
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or adjustments on the mower. WARNING: Never tip mower more than 90 degrees in any direction and do not leave it tipped for long.
SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR MOWER Blade Care Periodically inspect the blade adapter and pulley for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect hands by using heavy gloves or a thick rag to grasp the cutting blade.
Replacing Rear Flap • To remove rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire rod which secures it to the deck. See Figure 15 . SECTION 8: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS Adjusting Handle Height Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position.
SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. Store the mower in a clean, dry area. Gasoline • Do not store gasoline from one season to another. Gasoline, stored more than one month, may affect engine performance.
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Model 437 Ref. Part No. Description 747-1161A Control Handle 710-1205 Rope Guide 720-0279 Handle Knob 1/4-20 Thd. 710-1174 Curved Hd. Bolt 5/16-18 x 2" 720-0284 Hand Knob 749-1092A Upper Handle 749-0928A Lower Handle 726-0240 Cable Tie 747-04080 Grass Catcher Frame...
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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 possessions and territories. MTD LLC warrants this product against defects 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.