Operator's Manual 21" Hi-Wheel Mower Model Series 540 Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-cov- ered, 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
TABLEOFCONTENTS Content Page 3 6 7 9 Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Assembling Your Lawn Mower Know Your Lawn Mower Operating Your Lawn Mower Making Adjustments 10 11 Content Maintaining Your Lawn Mower Servicing Your Mower Troubleshooting Illustrated Parts List Warranty Page 12 12 13 14 16 FINDINGMODELNUMBER This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance.
SECTION1: IMPORTANT SAFEOPERATION 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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol--HEED ITS WARNING.
16. Mowindaylightor goodartificiallight;walk,notrun. Children 17. Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives, Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to walkways orroads. 18. Iftheequipment shouldstarttovibrateabnormally, the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. They do not stoptheengineandcheckimmediately forthe understand the dangers. Never assume that children cause.Vibrationisgenerallya warningoftrouble. will remain where you last saw them.
11. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely. 12. If gasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineand equipment. Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine. 13. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside wherethereisanopenflame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes dryerorothergasappliances. 14. Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeof grass, leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up. Cleanupoilorfuel spillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris. 15. Allowmowertocool5 minutesbeforestoring.
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE o E i,II t- A POWER POLE ! O >, A CORNER OFA BUILDING I OR A FENCE POST Q,. o o 1:3 09 Q. O _6 t>, E co o >, ,o I t-(,9 Q. o 15 ° o o WARNING O3 64 o tO .co r- Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury.
SECTION3: ASSEMBLING YOURLAWNMOWER • RemovingUnitFromCarton • • • • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and open carton. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., operator's manual, etc.) Cut along corners, lay the carton down flat, and remove all packing material. Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton Make sure that carriage bolt through the upper and lower handles on each side is properly seated. Tighten the wing nuts. See Figure 2.
Fastenthecabletothelowerhandlewiththetwo cabletiesfoundonthelowerhandle.Pullthecable tiestightandtrimofftheexcess.SeeFigure4. Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide to the upper handle. AssemblingGrassCatcher Cable Tie NOTE: If the grass catcher came pre-assembled, proceed to the next section. If # came unassembled, follow the steps below to assemble # first, before attaching to the mower.
IMPORTANT: Makesurecableisroutedtotheoutsideof thehandlesothatitisnotinthewaywhenattaching the grasscatcher. • Liftthereardischarge dooronthemower. • Placethehooks,foundonbothsidesofthegrass catcherframe,overthechutedoorpivotrodatthe rearofthemower.Release thereardischarge door. SeeFigure8. Rear Discharge Door AttachingSide-Discharge Chute • Remove the grass catcher and let the discharge door close.
Readthisoperator'smanualandsafetyrulesbefore operating yourlawnmower.Compare theillustration in Figure10withyourlawnmowertofamiliarize yourself withthelocationofvariouscontrolsandadjustments. Savethismanualforfuturereference. Cutting HeightAdjustmentLevers These levers are located on each wheel and are used to adjust the cutting height. These levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure uniform cut. RecoilStarter The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.
StoppingEngine Mulching • Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade. • Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting. For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. If the grass has grown in excess of 4", mulching is not recommended. Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3.25" maximum before mulching.
SECTION7: MAINTAININGYOURLAWNMOWER • _ ARNING" andAlways the engine and disconnect ground stop the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower. Lubrication BladeControlHandle CleaningMower • 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. • • Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
Sharpening the Blade • • The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower. • • Follow the original angle of grind as a guide. Make sure that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. • _ NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque, excessive ARNING" vibration An unbalanced when rotating blade at high will cause speeds.
SECTION10: PARTSLISTFORSERIES540 @ @ @ 14
Series540 Ref. No. Part No. Ref. No. Part Description 1. 747-1161A Control Handle 2. 749-1092A 3. 4. 747-04080 749-0928B Upper Handle Grass Catcher Frame 5. 720-0279 6. 710-1205 7. 8. 9. 720-0284 10. 33. Part No. Part Description 687-02074 Front Height Adjuster Assembly i RH 687-02075 Front Height Adjuster Assembly i LH 34. 687-02039 Pivot Bar Assembly i RH Wing Nut 687-02040 782-5002B Pivot Bar Assembly i Front Baffle LH 35. Rope Guide 36.
MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. "MTD"warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
