MTD YARD-MAN 978Q Operator's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. MTD Manuals
  4. Lawn Mower
  5. YARD-MAN 978Q
  6. Operator's manual

MTD YARD-MAN 978Q Operator's Manual

21” self-propelled mower
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Operator's Manual
21" Self-Propelled
Mower
Model 978Q
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 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
769-00596.fm
Form No.
(12/2002)

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the YARD-MAN 978Q and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for MTD YARD-MAN 978Q

Summary of Contents for MTD YARD-MAN 978Q

  • Page 1 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, Ohio 44136-0019. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 PRINTED IN U.S.A.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below. (Model Number) (Serial Number) Copy the model number here: Copy the serial number here: MTD LLC P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH 44136 www.yardman.com 330-220-4683 800-800-7310...

  • Page 3: Important Safe Operation Practices

    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.
  • Page 4 immediately and the blade will stop rotating within 3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could three seconds. cause slipping. 9. Mow in daylight or good artificial light; walk, not run. Children 10. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walkways or roads.
  • Page 5 10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when fuel expansion.

  • Page 6: Slope Gauge

    SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes.

  • Page 7: Assembling Your Lawn Mower

    SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER Removing Unit From Carton Setting Up Your Lawn Mower • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut Assembling Handle tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open • Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise carton.
  • Page 8 • Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two Grass Bag cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable Adapter ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 5. Cable Tie Lower Handle Wing Nuts Figure 5 Figure 7 Attaching Starter Rope...

  • Page 9: Know Your Lawn Mower

    SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Recoil Starter Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to with the location of various controls and adjustments.

  • Page 10: Operating Your Lawn Mower

    SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER Starting Engine WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and WARNING: Be sure no one other than the in this manual before operating. operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower.

  • Page 11: Making Adjustments

    Stopping Engine WARNING: If the mower strikes a foreign • Release blade control handle to stop the engine object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug and the blade. wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect • Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from for any damage.
  • Page 12 Drive Clutch Control NOTE: For rough or uneven lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help stop The adjustment wheel is located in the drive clutch scalping. control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen Cutting Height the drive belt.

  • Page 13: Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

    Engine Adjustments • Loosen hex nut which secures the adjustable cable bracket. See Figure 15. Refer to the engine manual for these adjustments. • Push back on the adjustable cable bracket and tighten hex nut. SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER Engine Care WARNING: Always stop the engine and...
  • Page 14 Rear Discharge Door Engine • Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on • Follow the engine manual instructions and each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil. recommended schedule for lubricating engine This will prevent rusting of the discharge door. components.
  • Page 15 • Be sure to install the blade with the side of the • Remove the three hex screws holding the baffle to blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the deck and pivot baffle towards the rear of the the ground when the mower is in the operating mower.
  • Page 16 • Squeeze the belt together and push it forward, • Pinch both sides of the belt together so that the belt while pressing the control arm inward towards the is not in the pulley groove, and the lower pulley can deck and remove the six speed cable from the slot.

  • Page 17: Troubleshooting

    SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Storing Your Lawn Mower • Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting. The following steps should be taken to prepare your • Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next lawn mower for storage.

  • Page 18: Parts List

    SECTION 11: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 978Q 36 37 IMPORTANT: proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts. V-BELTS are specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non OEM) V-Belt can be dangerous by not disengaging completely.
  • Page 19 Model 978Q Ref. Part No. Description Ref. Part No. Description 647-0004 Control Handle 738-0137A Shld Screw.340 ID x.285 OD 731-0904A Upper Control Housing 748-0318 Wheel Rachet 16864 6 Speed Rack Cable Bracket 736-0270 Bell Washer.265 ID x.75 OD 731-0620 Control Lever 710-0751 Hex Cap Screw 1/4-20 x.620 713-0397...
  • Page 20 Model 978Q...
  • Page 21 Model 978Q Ref. Ref. Part No. Part Description Part No. Part Description 720-0223 Grip 712-0896 Hex Jam Nut 1/4-28 732-0803A Spring Lever 782-7598 Belt Keeper 738-0529 Shoulder Nut.825 x.165 Lg. 741-0600 Bearing 710-0751 Cap Screw 1/4-20 x.620 732-0849A Extension Spring 736-0270 Bell Washer.285 ID x.75 OD 750-1050...
  • Page 22 Safety & Decorative Labels 777S30116 AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH • KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS. • REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY THE BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. • DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
  • Page 23 YOUR NOTES...
  • Page 24 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with MTD LLC does not extend any warranty for products respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the sold or exported outside of the United States, its United States, its possessions and territories.

Table of Contents