Operator’s Manual 21” Self Starter High-Wheel Rotary Mower Model 589 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 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). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3 Slope Gauge...................................................................................................... 6 Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7 Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 9 Operating Your Lawn Mower .....................
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—HEED ITS WARNING.
6. 20. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury. 21. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. 22. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury. 23.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and de-energize the starter.
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. FOL D SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE A POWER POLE ° SL OP E OR A FENCE POST A CORNER OF A BUILDING ON D O T T ED L IN E , R EPR ESE N T I N GA 15 15° WARNING 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.
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER 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. 2. Lift lower handle 1. Move bag away Removing Unit From Carton • • • 3. Lift upper handle Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., operator’s manual, etc.
Attaching Starter Rope • • The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide. See Figure 5. Starter Rope All the plastic channels attach from the outside of bag. See Figure 7.
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure 9 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the operator’s eyes and causing severe eye damage.
Stopping Engine NOTE: The starter button must be depressed to start the engine with either the self starter or recoil starting system. • Engine Controls See the separate engine manual for the location and function of the controls on the engine. Release safety blade control handle (the start control button will automatically return to the off/up position), engine and blade will stop within a few seconds. NOTE: Engine may stop with a ratcheting sound.
• 1. 2. 3. 4. Check oil level and add fuel, if necessary. Open shut off valve (if equipped) 1/4 turn. Turn safety key 1/4 turn clockwise to RUN position. Firmly push primer bulb 3 times (For a cold engine only!). 5. While standing at upper handle, depress the starter control button with the thumb of your right hand. 6. Using your left hand, pull the blade control handle all the way toward the upper handle. See Figure 10. Starter will de-energize and engine will start.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best results, raise the cutting position until you have determined which height is best for your lawn. stop the engine. Remove wire from spark plug and de-energize, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Excessive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING: Be sure to disconnect the IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. The use of water will result in shorter life and less serviceability. spark plug wire and DE-ENERGIZE starter before performing any repairs or maintenance. DO NOT attempt any maintenance or service to the engine and/or mower equipped with the safety key in the unlocked and/or energized mode.
• • • • Engine Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter.The blade has to be aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with small holes in the blade. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max. Follow the engine manual for lubrication instructions.
SECTION 9: TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Remedy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Blade control handle disengaged. Start control button not depressed. Spark plug wire disconnected. Safety key not in run position Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Self starter already de-energized 9. 1. 2. Spark plug wire loose. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Vent in gas plugged. Water or dirt in fuel system. Dirty air cleaner.
SECTION 10: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 589 73 70 69 65 72 2 1 14 68 67 71 63 64 66 12 15 9 5 76 8 7 75 10 9 8 13 28 18 6 19 23 24 77 18 46 25 20 28 78 33 37 47 17 29 38 32 27 21 41 26 45 22 34 74 31 42 32 38 25 49 53 40 39 35 36 54 40 44 51 52 43 50 46 55 57 56 61 38 62 59 74 60 47 16 58
Model 589 Series Ref. No. 1. 2. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. Part No. 749-04001 647-0070 712-0324 712-0397 710-1205 710-1174 736-0451 720-0284 746-1141 749-0907B 664-0085 747-04080 782-5004A 714-0104 731-04134 732-0700 731-1236 732-04090 747-0996 750-04162 687-02032 687-02034 26. 27. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: 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 LLC warrants this product against defects 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.
