MTD 440 Series Operator's Manual
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O
M
PERATOR'S
ANUAL
Model Series
440 thru 459
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). 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-0914A
10/97

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Summary of Contents for MTD 440 Series

  • 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722. MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
  • Page 2: Section 1: 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 YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
  • Page 3: Slope Operation

    • Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on • Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can units so equipped while starting engine. cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your balance release the blade control •...
  • Page 4 • To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, • After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or remove the wire from the spark plug, and fuel spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
  • Page 5: Section 2: Finding Your Model Number

    Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department. • Every walk behind has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the rear of the deck.
  • Page 6: Slope Gauge

    SLOPE GAUGE...
  • Page 7: Section 4: Unpacking

    SECTION 4: UNPACKING TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON 1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut Briggs & Stratton Engines tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton. 2. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., V-Slot owner’s manual, etc.).
  • Page 8: Section 5: Set-Up Instructions

    SECTION 5: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS GRASS CATCHER ASSEMBLY This owner’s guide covers various models of mowers. Follow only those instructions which NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out pertain to your unit. before assembling (warning label will be on the IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT outside).
  • Page 9 5. Hold the bag and frame so the bag hangs from the frame (is not bunched around the frame). Slit Slide the handle on the grass catcher frame down into the slot in the hardtop cover as shown in Figure 8. Phillips Head Rear...
  • Page 10 To attach the grass catcher: Rear 1. Lift the rear discharge door on the mower. Discharge NOTE: Door Make certain cables are routed to the outside of the handle so they are not in the way when attaching the grass catcher. 2.
  • Page 11: Section 6: Controls

    SECTION 6: CONTROLS The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 15. The blade Blade Control control handle must be depressed in order to Handle Drive Clutch operate the unit. Release the blade control handle Control to stop the engine and blade.
  • Page 12: Before Starting

    WARNING: All Units: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has 1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make been allowed to cool for at least two certain the metal cap on the end of the spark minutes after running.
  • Page 13 3. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent accidental starting Depress Blade while equipment is unattended. Control Handle USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER WARNING: Never operate your unit without either the rear deflector or entire grass catcher assembly in place.
  • Page 14: Section 8: Adjustments

    SECTION 8: ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: 1. Remove the starter rope from the rope guide. Do not at any time make any adjustment to lawn mower without 2. Remove the upper handle by removing the first stopping engine and disconnecting hand knobs and carriage bolts. Lay the upper spark plug wire.
  • Page 15: Carburetor Adjustments

    Briggs & Stratton Quantum Engines Adjustment Wheel Screw Cable Clamp Control Lever on Engine Figure 21 Figure 23 Tecumseh Engines Cable Note: For some people the drive clutch handle Clamp may not be in a comfortable position. You can adjust the handle out by tightening the adjustment wheel.
  • Page 16: Section 9: Lubrication

    SECTION 9: LUBRICATION WARNING: Blade Control: Always stop engine and Lubricate the pivot points on the disconnect spark plug wire before blade control handle and the brake cable at least cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of once a season with light oil. See Figure 24. The work on lawn mower.
  • Page 17: Storage Of The Battery

    4. Install the blade assembly up on the crankshaft. terminal to the left hand side of panel. Replacing the Secure with the hex bolt and bell washer battery pack incorrectly will cause serious damage. (cupped side of washer to blade) and tighten to The positive lead on the wire harness has the torque listed in the “Blade Mounting Torque”...
  • Page 18: Belt Removal And Replacement

    BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT 1. Remove the two shoulder screws from on top of Lock the deck which secures the belt guard to the mower deck. See Figure 26. Bolt Belt Idler Belt Guard Bracket Guide Idler Hex Head Shoulder Spacer Screws Hole...
  • Page 19: Section 11: Off-Season Storage

    SECTION 11: OFF-SEASON STORAGE The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn 4. Follow battery storage instructions on page 17 mower for storage. (Electric Start Units Only). 1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as 5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store described in the lubrication instructions.
  • Page 20: Section 12: Trouble Shooting Guide

    SECTION 12: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Actions Engine fails to Blade control handle disengaged. Engage blade control handle. start Spark plug wire disconnected. Connect wire to spark plug. Dirty aircleaner. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit. Primer button not depressed.
  • Page 21 Shroud Chart Part No. Color Part No. Color Part No. Color Part No. Color 751B281439 Dark Red 731-1395A 731-1587A Black 731-1561 Black 751B281440 Black 731-1396A Black 731-1603A Yellow 751B281443 Bright Red 731-1397A Gray 731-1610A Pewter 731-1620A Gray Hardware: Hardware: Hardware: Hardware: 710-1256 (Screw) 710-1256 (Screw)
  • Page 22 Models 440 thru E459 SEE ENGINE MANUAL...
  • Page 23 Models 440 thru E459 REF. REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION PART NO. DESCRIPTION 731-1057 Upper Drive Cover 736-0331 Bell Washer .39 x 1.13 x .062 731-0620 Drive Lever 710-0216 Hex Screw 3/8-16 x .75 731-1058 Lower Drive Cover 7510042824 Screw #12 x .457 731-1059 Mounting Cap 731-1936...
  • Page 24 Models 440 thru E459 30 31 32 31 IMPORTANT: For a proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts. V-BELTS are specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A sub- stitute (non OEM) V-Belt can be dangerous by not disengaging comletely.
  • Page 25 Models 440 thru E459 REF. REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION PART NO. DESCRIPTION 712-3025 Hex Jam Nut 5/16-24 732-0708 Bearing Retainer 736-0425 Bell Wash .325 x .930 x .045 741-0604 Bearing Sleeve .50 I.D. 756-1042 Pulley 748-0355 Bearing Support 736-0425 Bell Wash .325 x .930 x .045 736-0447 Wave Washer 1.5 x 1.0 x .029 712-0896...
  • Page 26 Models 440 thru E459...
  • Page 27 Models 440 thru E459 REF. REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION PART NO. DESCRIPTION 725-0201 Ignition Key 710-0969 Tapp Screw 725-0873 Key Switch 725-1538 Harness Extension 731-0891A Battery Tray 725-1442 Harness 725-0727 Battery Charger 764-0310 Rear Catcher Frame 725-0298 Fuse 7.5 Amp 782-9011 Mounting Bracket 725-1428...
  • Page 28 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase States of America, its possessions and territories, within the United States of America, its possessions except those sold through the manufacturer’s and territories, the manufacturer will, at its option, authorized channels of export distribution.

This manual is also suitable for:

459 seriesE459

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