Instructions / Assembly

• Install one of the three new blades included in the mulch kit on the spindle assembly. Be sure to install the blade
with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
• Secure with the hex flange nut removed earlier.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 to 90 foot-pounds.
• Repeat with the other two blades. Then flip the deck back to its operating position.
• Remount the cutting deck following instructions in the owner/operator’s manual of the tractor.
Installing Mulch Plug
• Locate two rectangular holes on the cutting
deck surface.
• Pivot the discharge chute up to access the deck
opening. See Figure 2.
• Insert the mulch plug in the deck opening,
aligning the top edge of the plug with the deck.
Make sure the notches on the plug are in the
slots on the deck opening. See Figure 2.
• Lightly tab on the plug with your hand so that the
notches fit properly under the chute tabs and the
plug is secure.
Mulching
The mulch plug allows the tractor to recirculate
grass clippings into the lawn where they act as a
natural fertilizer.
Observe following points for best results in
mulching:
• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the deck preventing
proper mulching.
• Do not attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches. Maintain a
slow ground speed to allow the grass clippings more time to be mulched effectively.
• Always position the throttle control lever of the tractor in the FAST (rabbit) position while mulching.
WARNING: Do not under any circumstances attempt to mow through grass which exceeds 10 inches in
height. Debris may build up on the mowing deck and come into contact with belts and other moving parts or
the engine’s exhaust system presenting a potential fire hazard.
Insert mulch
plug this way
Deck opening
Raise discharge
chute this way
Figure 2
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019