Maintenance - MTD Yard-Man 12A-559K401 Operator's Manual

Adjusting Cutting Height
Refer to height adjustments section of this manual on page 16 for instruction on how to adjust the cutting height and
the handle height.
• For best results in mowing, keep the cutting height position high until it is determined which height is best for
your lawn.
SECTION 8: MAINTENANCE
,_ WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any
maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower.
Cleaning Mower
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent any build-up of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt, or other debris. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will result in rust and corrosion.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
• Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the mower
firmly.
• Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool.
• Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground, If you had put plastic under the gas cap, make sure to
remove it now.
,_ WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.
Engine Maintenance
• A _ist of key maintenance iobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for detailed list and instructions.
• Change engine oil after the first two operating hours and every 25 operating hours thereafter. Check the oil
level before starting the engine every time.
• Service foam filter in the air cleaner every 25 hours of use and replace the paper filter component every 100
hours. You may have to service the air filter more frequently if you are operating the mower under extremely
dusty conditions.
• Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush. We do not recommend using a
garden hose to clean mower unless the muffler, air tilter and the carburetor are covered to keep water out,
Water in engine can shorten engine life.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to .030" at least once a season or every 50 hours of operation. Spark
plug replacement is recommended at the start of each season. Refer to the engine manual for correct spark
plug type.
• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arrestors can create a fire
hazard, Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because
temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150 ° F.
Lubrication
For complete lubrication chart, see Figure 12.
Wheels
• Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, at least once a season with light oil or engine oil. Also, if
the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the
wheel with light oil.
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