MTD 717, 18A-717-700 Manual

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

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. When you see this symbol— HEED ITS WARNING.

This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

When using electric lawnmowers, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. These basic precautions include the following:

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles and keep children and bystanders at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop motor if anyone enters the area.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a walt or obstruction, which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8. Always wear proper eye protection while operating or performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
9. Always use a face or dust mask if operating in a dusty environment.
10. Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and footwear is recommended when working outdoors.
11. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the lawn mower. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
12. To prevent electric shock use only with a UL listed extension cord set suitable for outdoor use, such as Type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.
13. Extension Cord - Make sure your extension cord set is in good condition, is heavy enough to carry the current your mower will draw, and is polarized (one blade of plug is wider than the other). A 50' length of 12 AWG cord should be used. A longer length or undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in a loss of power and overheating.
14. To reduce the likelihood of disconnection of the lawn mower from the extension cord set, be sure to use the cord restraint provided as shown in the illustration below as well as a modern, tightly fitting extension cord:
    

15. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this lawn mower has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and wilt require the use of a polarized extension cord. The mower plug wilt only fit into the polarized extension cord one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord wilt require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug wilt fit into the polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the walt outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper walt outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.

16. Home circuit — This mower should be operated on a 15 AMP circuit. If you experience difficulty in starting with a standard 15 AMP fuse or circuit breaker, contact your nearest authorized service facility. Do not use a higher rated fuse or breaker without consulting your power company.
17. Do not abuse the cord by pulling the mower by the cord or yanking it to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
18. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Never operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or lightweight (e.g. canvas) shoes. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately.
19. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
    • Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms.
    • Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
    • Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.
    • Repeat these steps as needed.
20. Do not use lawn mower for any job except that for which it is intended. Do not force the lawn mower — Cut grass at a rate, for which the mower is designed, which will not sacrifice the performance or safety of the machine.
21. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
22. Stay Alert — Do not operate the mower when you are tired. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.
23. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet.
24. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the motor is running.
25. Avoid dangerous environments — Never operate the mower in the rain or in wet or damp grass.
26. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never run.
27. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
28. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the motor and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
29. Stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
30. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, blade/motor control or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
31. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
32. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or telephone 1-800-800-7310 for assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.

Do:

1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Remove all objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc., which could be tripped over or thrown by the blade.
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your balance, release the blade/motor control handle immediately, and the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you could lose your footing or balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause slipping.

Children

1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
   • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
   • Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.
   • Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child who may run into the mower.
2. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a power mower. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

Service

1. When servicing use only identical replacement parts listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!'
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the power cord when not in use to prevent unintended starting.
3. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
4. Inspect lawn mower cord and extension cords periodically and replace immediately, if damaged. Lawn mower cord should be repaired by an authorized service facility only.
5. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
6. To reduce a fire hazard, keep the motor free of grass, leaves and debris build-up.
7. Check the blade and motor mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, and worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) blade only, listed in this manual.
8. Maintain your mower with care — Keep mower blade sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Mower blades are sharp and can cut, wrap the blade or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
10. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the motor and disconnect the power cord. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before operating the mower.
12. 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. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) parts only, listed in this manual.
13. When not in use, store lawn mower indoors in a dry area, locked-up and/or out of the reach of children.

Double Insulated Lawn Mower

Double insulation is a concept in the safety of electric lawn mowers, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system. Wherever there is electric current in the mower, there are two complete sets of insulation to protect the user. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation.

Servicing of a lawn mower with double insulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. For repair service we suggest you return the lawn mower to your nearest authorized service dealer. Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

• Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand, and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
  

SLOPE GAUGE

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

Do not mow on inclines with a slope m excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Remove Unit From Carton

NOTE: Reference to the right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.

• Remove staples, break glue on the top flaps, or cut the tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open the carton.
• Remove any loose parts included with the unit (i.e., operator's manual, etc.).
• Cut the corners and lay the carton down flat.
• Remove packing material.

Roll or slide the unit out of carton. Check the carton thoroughly for loose parts

REMOVE MANUAL & LOOSE PARTS

Figure 1

ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Loose Parts in Carton

• Side discharge deflector.
• Operator's Manual.

Tools Required

• A pair of pliers.

Assembling Handle

• Remove any packing material which may be between the upper and lower handles for shipping purposes.
• Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the handle into the operating position. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely into the handle mounting brackets. Refer to the steps in Figure 2.
  
  Figure 2
• The upper handle may be adjusted to three different height positions. To adjust the handle at the desired position, align one of the three marks on the top of the lower handle insulators with the mark on the upper handle insulators. See Figure 3.
  
  Figure 3

The handle insulators are not only used to adjust handle height, but are also a safety device and should never be altered in any way. If replacement is necessary, use original equipment parts as shown in the parts list.

• Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle. Make sure that carriage bolts are seated properly into the handle insulators.
• Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Refer to Figure 4.
  
  Figure 4
• Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the handle mounting bracket. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin. Repeat on the other side.
• Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened securely.

Never operate the mower without the proper trail shield, mulch plug, side discharge deflector, motor/blade control or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate the mower with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

Attaching The Side Discharge Deflector

To convert your mower from a mulcher 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 as shown in Figure 5.
  
  Figure 5
• Lower the mulching plug. Do not remove the mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

Read this operator's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in Figure 6 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

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.

Motor/Blade Control Assembly

The motor/blade control is located on the upper handle of the mower. Refer to Figure 6. The motor/blade control handle engages and disengages the motor and blade.

The motor / blade control assembly is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.

Rear Trailing Shield

The rear trailing shield, attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility of objects being thrown at the operator from the rear of the mower as shown in Figure 6.

Circuit Breaker

The mower is equipped with a circuit breaker, located on the motor/blade control. See Figure 8. This circuit breaker may trip when too much strain is placed on the mower. See the Making Adjustments section.

Cord Restraint

The cord restraint is located on the back of the upper handle and when used properly, helps to protect the motor/blade control assembly and also the extension cord powering the unit.

Height Adjustment Lever

A height adjustment lever at each wheel provides cutting height adjustment. Each adjuster has nine height positions. Height of cut will be changed when the lever is moved from one position to another. Simply depress the lever towards wheel and move wheel and lever assembly to desired position. All wheels must be placed in the same relative position.

Mulch Plug

The mower is equipped with a mulching plug that cuts and recuts the grass for finer clippings. Refer to the next section for tips when cutting with the mulch plug in place. The mower should never be used without the mulch plug mounted to the mower. It should not be removed even when the side discharge deflector is in place.

Side Discharge Deflector

The side discharge deflector is a device to be mounted on the machine when the grass is too high to mulch or when side discharging is preferred. The grass clippings produced when using the side discharge deflector will be noticeably larger than those produced when mulching.

OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Cord Connection

Extension Cord Selection

Shown below is the length of extension cord and its corresponding acceptable cord ratings.

• 50' Cord — use 12 AWG
  The extension cord should be a UL listed cord set suitable for outdoor use.

Using any other length or rating of cord will diminish the performance and possibly the life of the electric motor, and may also cause breakers to trip or fuses to blow in your home's fusebox.

Cord Restraint

• Attach the extension cord (not provided with unit) to the cord restraint as follows.
• Form a small loop in the extension cord. Allow enough excess cord to make the connection to the motor/blade control (approximately 7 inches).
• Slip the loop through the slot on the bottom of the cord restraint, and up over the tab, to prevent disconnection from the motor/blade control during operation. See Figure 7.
  
  Figure 7
• Keep the cord restraint as close to the motor/blade control as possible.

Connecting to the Motor/Blade Control Assembly

Connect the plug on the extension cord fully onto the plug on the mower. The mower is equipped with a polarized AC power plug (one blade of the plug is wider than the other), which will fit into the plug on the extension cord only one way. If unable to make a full connection, try reversing the plug on the extension cord. Should the plugs still fail to fit, contact your service dealer for assistance. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

Connecting to the Electric Power Source

This mower should be operated on a 15 AMP circuit. If you experience difficulty in starting with a standard 15 AMP fuse or circuit breaker, contact you nearest authorized service facility. Do not use a higher rated fuse or breaker without consulting your power company.

Plug the extension cord into any convenient 1 10-120 volt 60 cycle A.C. outlet or receptacle for your source of power. This outlet may be located either out-of-doors or indoors. To avoid blowing fuses, pick an outlet that is not overloaded. Your mower will operate satisfactorily on a circuit that is fused for 15 amperes. Do not use oversize fuses without consulting an electrician. If an inside receptacle is used, the extension cord can be taken out either through the doorway or a window.

Starting the Motor and Blade

NOTE: The wheels on your unit are set in a low cutting height position for shipping purposes. For best results, raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See cutting height adjustment in the Making Adjustments section.

To engage the motor and blade, first be certain to follow the previous steps for connecting a suitable extension cord, then referring to Figure 8:
"
Figure 8

• Stand behind the unit and depress the locking button.
• While holding the locking button down, pull the blade/motor control lever and hold it against the upper handle.
• Release the locking button.

Stopping the Motor and Blade

The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut off. If motor does not come to a stop when the motor/blade control handle is released, contact an authorized service dealer.

To stop the motor and blade from spinning:

• Release the motor/blade control lever from its position against the upper handle and the blade and motor will quickly come to a stop.

NOTE: A high pitched noise may occur as the electric motor decelerates and some sparking may occur also at the same time. This is normal behavior when the motor and blade is disengaged.

Mowing Your Lawn

NOTE: A sharp blade will greatly increase the performance of the lawn mower, especially in conditions of higher grass. Be sure to check the blade and sharpen it at least once a year as outlined in the Maintenance section.

• Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wires, or other objects that could damage the lawn mower or motor. Such objects could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.
• To prevent electric shock, do not operate the mower in damp or wet conditions.
• Always start from the point closest to the power source where the cord is connected. Never mow around the lawn in circles; travel back and forth across the lawn, starting from the point closest to the outlet and then moving away from the outlet so the cord lies in the cut portion of the lawn, out of the way. Refer to Figure 9.
  
  Figure 9
• Do not allow the extension cord to wrap around trees, shrubs or other obstacles. When picking up the extension cord, wind the cord in a series of equal loops on each side of your hand to prevent snarling.

• When cutting heavy grass, reduce walking speed to allow more effective cut and proper discharge of the clippings. For a healthy lawn, always cut off one third or less of the total length of the grass. The average lawn should be approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches during the cool season, and over 2 inches during hot months. For a healthier and better looking lawn, cut more often and after moderate growth. The lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.

Mulching Tips

• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing proper mulching of grass clippings. New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. The ground speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4", mow twice to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4" maximum.

If you strike a foreign object, stop the motor, and unplug from the power supply circuit. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Excessive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

Cutting Height Adjustment

A height adjustment lever at each wheel provides cutting height adjustment. Each adjuster has nine height positions. Height of cut will be changed when the lever is moved from one position to another.

• Depress the lever towards wheel and move the wheel and lever assembly to desired position.
• To raise the height, push the lever towards the front of the mower on both front wheels, and push the lever toward the back of the mower on the rear wheels. Refer to Figure 10.
  
  Figure 10
  
• All wheels must be placed in the same relative position. For rough or uneven lawns, move the wheels to a position which will give a higher cutting height.

Handle Height Adjustment

• The upper handle may be adjusted to three different height positions. To adjust the handle at the desired position, align one of the three marks on the top of the lower handle insulators with the mark on the upper handle insulators. Refer to Figure 3.
• Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle. Make sure that carriage bolts are seated properly into the handle insulators.

Resetting the Circuit Breaker

The mower is equipped with a circuit breaker, located on the motor/blade control assembly as shown in Figure 8. This circuit breaker may trip when too much strain is placed on the mower. The circuit breaker may have been tripped if the mower will not run.

• If this occurs, unplug the mower, wait approximately five minutes, then depress the reset button. Refer to Figure 8.
• Plug the mower back in, restart the mower, but be sure to reduce the strain on the mower (i.e., mow at a higher cutting height, slow down cutting speed, or take a smaller width of cut).
• If the circuit breaker does not reset, or if it trips repeatedly under normal cutting conditions, unplug the mower from the extension cord and unplug the extension cord from the power source. Then check to make certain your cord is the correct length and rating as listed in the Operating Your Lawn Mower section. If the cord is correct and is also not damaged, take the machine to an authorized service dealer for repair.

MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Always stop the motor and disconnect from the power source before cleaning, lubricating or performing any repairs or maintenance on the lawn mower.

Cutting Blade Replacement

Always protect hands by wearing heavy gloves and/or wrapping cutting edges with newspapers or other materials when performing any blade maintenance. Be certain to disconnect the power supply.

Removing the Blade

• Stop the motor and disconnect the power supply to the mower. Turn the mower on its side.
• Use a block of wood between blade and mower deck to prevent the blade from turning when the bolt is removed.
• Using a 24mm wrench or socket, loosen the blade bolt and remove the blade. Refer to Figure 11.
  
  Figure 11

Installing the Blade

The blade hardware is not only used to attach the blade assembly, but is also an insulated safety device and should never be altered in any way. If replacement is necessary, use original equipment parts as shown in the parts list.

• Make certain the blade hub assembly is bottomed out against the motor shaft.
• Place the cutting blade, locking plate, and blade bolt against the blade hub assembly and thread the blade bolt in finger tight. Refer to Figure 11.

NOTE: Make certain to replace the parts in the exact order in which they were removed. When installing the cutting blade, be sure it is installed with the cutved ends pointing towards the mower deck and not towards the ground.

• Torque the blade bolt down using a torque wrench to assure the bolt is tightened properly. The recommended torque for the blade bolt is 450-600 in. lbs. To insure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Sharpening the Blade

To sharpen the blade, first remove the blade as outlined in the previous section. DO NOT attempt to sharpen the blade while it is attached to the mower. The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel.

• When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
• Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver or a blade balancer. See Figure 12.
  
  Figure 12
• If the blade is not balanced, remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may also cause damage to the mower and could break, causing personal injury.

• Reinstall the blade as described earlier in this section making certain to torque the cutting blade to specifications.

Mower Deck

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose the mower to water.

The underside of mower deck should be cleaned after each use as grass clippings, leaves, dirt and other debris will accumulate. This accumulation of grass clippings, etc., is undesirable as it will promote rust and corrosion.

• Remove any buildup of grass and leaves on or around the motor cover (do not use water). Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth occasionally.
• If debris is allowed to build up on the underside of the unit, tilt the mower forward or on its side and scrape it clean with a suitable tool.

Lubrication

At the beginning and end of each mowing season:

• Lubricate the springs on the rear discharge door with a light oil.
• Lubricate the height adjustment levers and related hardware with light oil.
• Remove the wheels and lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
• Remove the blade and blade hub assembly and lubricate the motor shaft with light oil or engine oil. Refer to Figure 11.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

The following steps should be taken to prepare the lawn mower for storage.

• Make certain the power supply is disconnected.
• Clean mower as instructed in previous section.
• Inspect and replace/sharpen blade if required. Refer to the Maintenance section.
• Lubricate the mower as noted above.
• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer and rock salt.
• Wipe extension cord to remove any foreign substance such as oil or stains. Replace extension cord if cut or damaged in any way.
• Wind cord in a series of equal loops on each side of your hand to prevent snarling.
• Store mower indoors, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. Do not cover lawn mower with a solid plastic sheet. Any plastic covering traps moisture around the mower which promote rust and corrosion.

The handle may be folded away completely for storage.

• Loosen the hand knobs on the sides of the handle, and fold the upper handle down.
• Remove the hairpin clips, pull outward on each side of the lower handle, and lift the sides of the lower handle past the edges of the handle mounting brackets. Fold the lower handle forward. Make sure not to bend or kink the power cord.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Trouble	Possible Cause(s)	Corrective Action
Handle not in position.	Carriage bolts not seated in the handle insulators.	Adjust the height of the handle and make sure that the carriage bolts are seated properly into the handle insulators. Tighten the hand knobs.
Mower not starting.	Cord disconnected from the motor/ blade control. Motor/blade control switch defective. Extension cord not connected to the plug on the mower. Extension cord not connected to a source of power. Circuit breaker on the mower or in the house receptacle tripped.	Reconnect the cord keeping the cord restraint close to the motor/blade control. Replace motor/blade control switch. Connect the extension cord to the plug on the mower. Connect the extension cord to a 1 10-120 volt 60 cycle A.C. receptacle. Reset the circuit breaker following instructions in the Operating Your Lawn Mower section of this manual.
Circuit breaker on the mower tripping.	Too much workload on the mower. Fuse blown; outlet overloaded.	Raise the cutting height, reset the circuit breaker on the mower, take a smaller width of cut, and walk slowly. Connect to an outlet that is fused for 15 amperes. Reset the circuit breaker and start the mower again.
Mower cutting grass unevenly.	Lawn rough or uneven. Cutting height not set properly.	Move the wheels to a higher cutting height position. All wheels must be placed in the same cutting height for the mower to cut evenly.
Mower not mulching properly.	Wet grass clippings stick to the underside of the deck.	Wait till the grass dries before mowing.
Hard to push.	High grass or cutting height too low. Rear of mower housing and blade dragging in heavy grass.	Raise cutting height. Raise cutting height.
Mower vibrating at higher speed.	Bent motor shaft. Blade is unbalanced.	Stop the motor, disconnect the power source and inspect for damage. Repair before restarting. If vibration persists, take it to a service dealer. Balance the blade by grinding each cutting edge equally.
Cord disconnects frequently.	Extension cord is not properly attached to the cord restraint. Old, worn, or loose extension cord.	Reconnect the extension cord to the cord restraint on the guide rod. Replace extension cord.

PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 717

Model 717

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available.

The answer you are looking for could be just a mouse click away!

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more information.

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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. A sample model plate is also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE

To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages, or contact
MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361 131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019,
or call 1-800-800-7310 or 1330-220-4683
or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.

Documents / Resources

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download MTD 717, 18A-717-700 Manual