YARD OPERATOR'S MANUAL 22" Self-Propelled Mower Model Series 260 Thru 279 IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment. Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, 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).
TABLEOFCONTENTS Content Page Maintaining Safety ........................................... :: ................................................ 3 Slope Gauge... ................................................................................................... 6 Assembling Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 7 Know Your Lawn Mower ....................................................................................
SECTION1: MAINTAININGSAFETY This Warning 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. When you see this symbol, heed itswarning. DANG ER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual.
• Neveroperatethemowerin wetgrass.Alwaysbe • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could sureofyourfooting. Aslipandfallcancauseserious cause slipping. personal injury.Keepa firmholdonthehandleand walk,neverrun. If you feelyou are losingyour CHILDREN footing,RELEASE THEBLADE CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATELY andthebladewil!stoprotating within Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the threeseconds. mower and the mowing activity.
• KeeoaJlnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe equipment isin safe working condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. After striking a foreign obiect, stop the engine. remove the wire from the spark plug, and thoroughly respect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before sta_ng and operating the mower.
o E c m SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE I A POWER POLE O I A CORNER OF A BUILDING OR A FENCE POST o c O D 69 O. O "5 c <,o o o 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. 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.
SECTION3: ASSEMBLING YOURLAWNMOWER IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your mower. NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position. RemovingUnitFromCarton • • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut _ape at carton end and peel along top flap :o open carton, Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e..
RemovingChute Retainer (Models 260 Series) The chute deflector on your mower is held in an upright position by a retainer for shipping purposes only. InstallingMulching Baffle (Model 260 Series) If your mower is equipped with the optional mulching baffle, install it following these instructions: Remove the retainer, following steps below, before running the mower for the first time. • • • Push the chute deflector up and towards the engine. Holding the deflector in this position, remove the retainer.
CuttingHeight AdjustmentLevers -Blade Control _'_ Handle Drive Control Handle Mulching Plug /Discharge Chute Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Drive ControlHandle The drive control handle is located on the upper handle. Squeeze the drive control handle against the upper handle to engage drive system, Release the control qandle to disengage the drive system in order to stop, slow down, or backup.
GasandOilFill-Up continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope return to the starter slowly. Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your mower. Read instructions carefully. UsingYourLawnMower Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine.
Position each handle bracket assembly stud into one of the other holes in the lower handle. Each end of the lower handle must be placed in same relative position, \\ \\ \ \ Wing Nuts Handle Height Adjustment Levers Handle Bracket Figure 9 HandleHeightAdjustment Figure 10 Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position. To lower the height proceed as follows: • • EngineAdjustments Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
Some adjustments will have to be made periodically to maintain your unit properly. All adjustments in the Making Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight. Follow the maintenance schedule under Customer Responsibilities to get quality performance from your lawn mower. Engine Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
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 Jnba]anced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury. To get easier access to the belt. just securely place the mower on raised blocks.
SECTION8: STORINGYOURLAWNMOWER The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. • • • Clean and lubricate mower thoroughIyas described in the lubrication instructions, IMPORTANT:We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. • Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTES 15
ModelSeries260 thru279 66 4 !2 15 19 60 64 34 46 56 / 49 54 52 55 16 33 35
ModelSeries260thru 279 Ref. No, Part No. 1. 747-1214 Drive Control Handle 2. 747-1161 Blade Control Handle 3. 749-1092 4. 746-1092 Upper Handle Drive Control Cable 5. 746-1113 Blade Control Cable - B&S 746-1114 7, 710-1203 720-0279 8, 6. Ref. No, Part Description 36. 37. 38. Part No. Part Description 756-1163 Drive Pulley 74840426 742-0642 Blade Adapter Blade 22" 39. 742-0742 736-0452 Mulching Blade 22" Bell Washer .396 ID x 1.
ModelSeries260 thru279 4 3 ½ I Ref. No, Part No. 618-0392 3. 4. Part Description 721-0329 Upper Housing Assembly Oil Seal .500 ID x .687 OD 741-0673 736-0520 Flange Bearing .503 ID x .689 OD Flat Washer .504 ID x .700 OD x ,030 736-0711 Flat Washer ,504 ID x ,700 OD x ,035 736-0712 Flat Washer .504 ID x .700 OD x ,040 736-0713 5, 717-1596 Flat Washer .504 ID x ,700 OD x .045 Bevel Gear 44T 6. 715-0139 Roll Pin 7. 711-1388 Output Shaft 8. 9.
MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: YARD The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD PRODUCTS tNC ("MTD") 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 c.