MTD 12A-44MZ255 Operator's Manual

21” rotary mower

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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

21" Rotary Mower — Model 44M

IMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

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.

FORM NO. 769-03023

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

12/19/2006

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Summary of Contents for MTD 12A-44MZ255

Page 1 (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. FORM NO. 769-03023 PRINTED IN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 12/19/2006...
Page 2 Warranty ..........Back Cover Off Season Storage and Safety Labels ... 13 MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs, and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation. Finding and Recording Model Number BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR NEW...
Page 3 Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Slope Gauge WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
Page 4 WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual.
Page 5 19. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a 6. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclog- of ignition. ging the chute. 7. Never fuel machine indoor because flammable vapors will The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after accumulate in the area.
Page 6 1. Follow the steps below to position the handle. a. Lift the upper handle up from the folded position and pull it back to the extended position. See Figure 3-1. Do not crimp cables. The handle should click into this position. b.
Page 7 5. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher: a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is at the bottom. Check that the bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside). See Figure 3-5. b.
Page 8 Know Your Lawn Mower Blade Control Drive Operating Control Choke Control Your Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Cutting Gasoline Fill Height Adjustment Lever (one at each wheel) WARNING The blade control is a safety device. Never Oil Fill attempt to bypass its operations.
Page 9 WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it. Operating Your Lawn Starting Engine...
Page 10 Lubrication • Lubricate pivot points on the blade and drive control at least once a season with light oil. The controls must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1. • Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil (or motor oil).
Page 11 Blade Care WARNING: When removing cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold blade. 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn Maintaining mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.
Page 12 Problem Cause Remedy 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. Engine fails to start 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark plug. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4.
Page 13 Off-Season Storage 4. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting. The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. 5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next 1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
Page 14 WARNING: Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. If gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes, wash your skin and change clothes immediately. Gasoline and its vapors are •...
Page 15 Running engine produces heat. • Tie up long hair and remove jewelry. Engine parts, especially muffler, • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling draw- strings or items that could become caught. become extremely hot. Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Page 16 Know Your Engine Fuel Cap Air Cleaner Operating Starter Grip Your Engine Oil Fill Cap Oil Drain Spark Plug Muffler Figure 9-1: The major components of the engine. Read this section before starting your lawn mower engine. Compare the illustration in Figure 9-1 with your lawn mower IMPORTANT: This engine to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Page 17 Check Oil Level IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped. 1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. See Figure 9-2. 2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
Page 18 WARNING: Shut off the engine before Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is performing any maintenance. To essential if high level performance is to be maintained. prevent accidental start-up, disconnect Regular maintenance will also ensure a long service life. the spark plug boot.
Page 19 IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used Paper Element oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.
Page 20 Storage Engines stored over 30 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel Electrode system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
Page 21 NOTES...
Page 22 Model 44M Wheel Treads S-Wave Tread Bar Tread...
Page 23 Ref. Part No. Description Ref. Part No. Description 747-1161A Blade Control 746-04299 Control Cable - 48” 749-1092A Upper Handle 710-0606 Screw, 1/4-20 x 1.50 747-04080 Grass Catcher Frame 731-05642 Trailshield Parts List 749-0928A Lower Handle 732-0700 Trailshield Wire 720-0279 Wing Nut 712-0397 Wing Nut, 1/4-20 710-1205...
Page 24 Engine 1P0...
Page 25 Ref. Part No. Description 951-10368 Fuel Tank 951-10369 Flywheel Shroud Illustrated 951-10335 Rubber Fuel Tank Mounting Washer 951-10334 Oil Filler Tube Assembly Parts List 951-10333 Dipstick Assembly 951-10413 Cylinder Head Complete 951-10414 Short Block Assembly 951-10321 Stop Switch and Brake Assembly 951-10319 Recoil Spring and Pulley Assembly 951-10344...
Page 26 Elsewhere in the United States, new non-road, spark-ignition engines certified for model 2005 and later, must meet similar standards set forth by the U. S. EPA. MTD must warranty the emission control system on your engine for the period of time listed below, provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your small off-road engine.
Page 27 (c) MTD will include a copy of the following emission warranty parts list with each new engine, using those portions of the list applicable to the engine.
Page 28 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its posses- exported outside of the United States, its possessions and sions and territories.

This manual is also suitable for:

44m