Manual

ManualsBrandsMTD ManualsLawn MowerE970-E979

YaRD.MaNTM

OWNER'S Gulr)E

Model Shown E979

Model Series

970-979

E'970-E979

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 forest-

covered, 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 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have

similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark attester for the muffler isavailable through your nearest engine authorized

service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-0417B

Summary of content (32 pages)

PAGE 1
YaRD.MaN TM OWNER'S Gulr)E Model Series 970-979 E'970-E979 Model Shown E979 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).
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USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY. O -! SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE I A POWER POLE I A CORNER OF A BUILDING I i..._.. OR A FENCE POST I ' Oo_ ' 15 ° WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
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SECTION 2: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OF::{ PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE A-I-TEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE • INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED ITS WARNING.
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• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATLEY and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds, • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. • Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
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• Never tamper withsafetydevices. Check theirproper operation regularly. • Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stop the engine, remove thewirefromthesparkplug,andthoroughly inspectthe mowerfor any damage.Repairthe damage beforestarting andoperating themower. • Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheight adjustment whiletheengine isrunning.
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• The model plate will look like Figure 2. This is where mower model number will be. X-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX [ This is where mower serial number will be.
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DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it against the engine by attaching rubber boot to a bolt or metal clip to the grounding post on the engine. See Figure 4. Sp_/_rPlUg _ 1_" v Spark Plug Figure 4 SECTION 6: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY • Pair of Pliers (Not necessary, but helpful) • Motor Oil • Fresh Gasoline IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL in the engine.
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Step 4. Raise complete handle assembly until it clicks into place. Make sure not to kink the control cables. Step 3. Tighten wing nuts. HE Handle Assembly Step 5. Pinch lower handle against mounting bracket with pliers, Step 7. Attach control cables to handle with pull ties found on the handle. Step 6. Move hairpin clip from outer to inner hole on left and right handle mounting brackets, Inner Hole _4_ Hairpin Clip Pinch Here Step 8.
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SECTION 7: CONTROLS BladeControl Handle Control Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Control Figure 5 BLADE CONTROL HANDLE The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 5. The blade control handle must be depressed in order to start and operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade. blade will be rotating whenever engine running. WARNING: The blade controlthe handle is is a safety device.
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RECOIL STARTER The recoil starter handle is attached to the lower handle. See Figure 5. Stand behind the unit in the operating position to start the unit. DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL Squeeze the drive clutch control to engage the drive system. Release the clutch control to disengage the drive system. Release the clutch control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or stopping. SHIFT LEVER The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control housing on the upper handle. See Figure 5.
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GAS AND OIL FILL-UP Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual. Read all instructions carefully. _, cool for at leastNever two minutes ARNING: fill fuel after tank running. indoors with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to EACH TIME BEFORE YOU STARTYOUR MOWER ELECTRIC START UNITS ONLY: away from children. Do not puncture disassemble, or incinerate.
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If you answered "yes" to all three questions, your mower passed the test and you can start your mower. If you answered "no" to any of the three questions, you will have to adjust the drive clutch control following instructions in the DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL ADJUSTMENT section. TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE • Move the throttle control lever all the way forward. • Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine manual.
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BAGGING GRASS CLIPPINGS (Model 979 Only) This mower can bag grass clippings. Follow steps 1 through 3 to ready the mower for bagging. Step 1. Remove wing nuts holding mulching baffle or side discharge chute in place. Then remove plug or discharge chute. Step 2. Replace with bagging adapter. Attach using wing nuts. Ete sure that inner lip of attachment goes under the edge of the deck. Step 3, Lift chute door and slide bag onto adapter.
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EMPTYING YOUR GRASS BAG Holding the grass bag by both the rear handle and the lower handle, lift it straight up. The chute door will move the rope out of the way of the bag. Remove the bag from the bagging adaptor on the mower. While holding the lower handle lift up the rear section of the grass bag as shown in Figure 9. The bag will open and the grass clippings will fall out. See Figure 9. When replacing your grass bag be sure the top of the bag rests on the wire support between the handles.
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SECTION 9: ADJUSTMENTS disconnecting spark wire. WARNING: Do notplug at any time make any adjustment to lawn mower without first stopping engine and HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT Notch Lower Handle Figure 10 Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position. To lower the height proceed as follows: • Remove the starter rope from the rope guide. • Remove the upper handle by removing the hand knobs and carriage bolts.
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DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL ADJUSTMENT The drive clutch control adjustment wheel is located in the drive clutch control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will have to adjust the drive clutch control if any of the following happens: • The mower does not propel itself with the drive clutch engaged. • The mower's drive wheels hesitate with the drive clutch engaged. To resolve the above problems, rotate the adjustment wheel with your fingers.
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SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE maintenance. Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire before performing any repairs or WARNING: NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and keep the engine spark plug side up. Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. C)ilcan drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem. ENGINE Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
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CUTTING BLADE REMOVAL, REPLACEMENT AND SHARPENING Blade Blade Bell S Support Bolt Figure 13 • When removing the cutting blade for sharpening gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade. or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy • Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. • Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft. Replace when necessary.
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DRIVE BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT Step 1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine. Step 9. Remove the hex bolt holding the transmission to the mower housing. Step 2. Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage. Rear Height Adjustm_ nt Lever Step 3. Place shift lever in the first position. Step 4. Tip the mower on its side. Block securely. Step 5. Remove the center bolt which secures the blade to the crankshaft.
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Step13. Squeezethebelttogetherandpushit forward.Pressthecontrolarminwardtowards thedeckandremovethesixspeedcablefrom theslot. Six-Speed Cable Slot Step 16. Place the new belt over the transmission pulley. Start the belt in the pulley groove and rotate the pulley until the belt is seated in the transmission pulley. Step 17. Place the belt between the idler pulley and the belt keeper bracket. Belt Step 18. Using pliers, rotate the belt keeper bracket so that it snaps into slot on the idler bracket.
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Step21. Pinchbothsidesofthebelttogethersothat the beltis notinthepulleygroove,andthelower pulleycanbepushedtowardstheengine. Lower Pulley Half \ Step 22. Pivot the control arm back to its original position and reinstall the six-speed cable into the slot. Step 23. Check and make sure the belt is routed inside the pulley halves and the belt guard pin. o © Belt Belt Guard Pin Step 24. Reinstall the bolt securing transmission to rear mower housing. Step 25.
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Blade Control: Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil. See Figure 14. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. Wheels: Lubricate the wheels 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. See Figure 14. Engine: Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions.
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SECTION 13: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Engine fails to start Blade control handle disengaged. Spark plug wire disconnected. Throttle control lever not in correct Engine runs erratic Cause(s) Corrective starting position. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Engage blade control handle. Connect wire to spark plug. Move throttle lever to FAST or START position. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Clean fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded.
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Models 959/979/E979 TRANSMISSION AND PULLEY FOR REFERENCE ONLY 64 / 25 18_82813 \ 26 32 33 38 30 15 28 14 62 26 7 \ 66 Iley assembly for ly 60 51 58 55 56 45 59 37 73 2 6 25 16 43 42 43 62 10 54 68 7O 68 24 61
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Models 959/979/E979 Ref. No. I I 1 I 710-0134 Ref. No. Description 4O Scr. Carr. 1/4-20 x .62 Part No. Description 731-1901 Trail Shield 732-0842 Trail Shield Wire 2 I 710-0654A Scr. TT:3/8-18:1.00 3 I 710-0703 Scr. 1/4-20 x .750 42 611-0064-0665 4 I 43 710-1241 Fr. Axle Ass'y. Hx Scr. Wash Hd. Hi.-Lo. 5 I 7_-0233 I 738-0204 782-0046-0665 Wing Nut 1/4-20 .25 I.D. x .50 O.D'. 44 710-1242 Scr. Torx, Truss Hi.-Lo. Wash. FI..334 45 714-0104 Cotter Pin .072 x 1.12 Lg.
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Models 959/979 27 16 13 13 19 7 22 3 26 7 / 25 36 3 5 31 26
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Vlodels 959/979 Ref. No. Part No. Code Ref. No. Description Part No. Code Description 1 710-1174 Bolt Cur. Carr. 5/16-18 x 2.0 19 710-0841 C Sunk Tap Screw #10 x .75 L 2 714-0104 Cotter Pin .072 x 1.12 Lg. 20 732-0627 Shift Lever Spring 3 4 720-0241 726-0240 Knob Ass'y Wingnut 5/16-18 21 16864 6 Spd. Rack Cable Brkt. 731-0905 Lower Control Housing 5 736-0451 Strap 4.3 Lg. Wash. Sad..
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Model E979 29 37 11 53 19 43 17 22 3 26 4 36 3 2 28 / 25
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Model E979 Ref. No. Part No. Code Ref. No. Description Part No. Code Description 1 710-1174 Bolt Cur. Carr. 5/16-18 x 2.0 29 749-0439B 2 714-0104 Cotter Pin .072 x 1.12 Lg. 30 749-0907A 3 720-0241 Knob Ass'y Wing Nut 5/16-18 31 631-0071 Grassbag Cover w/ Label 4 726-0240 747-0939 Pivot Rod 736-0451 33 726-0106 6 712-0429 N Strap 4.3 Lg. Wash. Sad..320 ID x.830 OD Hex Nut 5/16 Thd.
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Models 959/979/E979 13 16 18 17 7 5 Ref. No. Part No. Code Description 1 746-0939 6 Spd. Cable 2 656-0613 3 710-0167 4 5 710-0896 711-1114 Pulley Ass'y Multi- Spd. Scr. 1/4-20 x .50 Carr. Scr. AB 1/4-14 x .625 Hxinwsh 6 712-0287 Nut 1/4-20 7 732-0807 8 736-0270 Torsion Spring LH Bell Wash..265 X .75 X .062 Pivot Shaft 9 736-0329 10 736-0526 Lock Wash. 1/4 Reg Duty Wave Wash. 1.38 x .88 x .029 11 738-0924 Shld.Scr..375 12 750-1070 Slev Spcr .88 IDx1.00 OD x.
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Models 959/979/E979 Ref. No. 5 Part No. Code 1 712-3025 Hx. Jam Nut 5/16-24 2 736-0425 Bell Wash..325 x .930 x .045 3 756-0656 4 736-3084 Pulley FI.Wash..510 x 1.120 x .060 5 712-0896 Hx. Jam Nut 1/4-28 6 782-7598 Belt Keeper 7 741-0600 Bearing 8 750-1050 9 682-0027A Flange Spacer Idler Bracket 10 710-0299 11 732-0849A N Extension Spring 12 741-0682A N 13 736-0570 Bearing Sleeve Fl. Wash..885 x 1.145 x.
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MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase within the United States of America, its possessions and territories, MTD Products will, at its option, repair or replace, for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.