Operator’s Manual 21” Rotary Mower Model 588Q 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Assembling Your Lawn Mower Know Your Lawn Mower Operating Your Lawn Mower Content Service & Adjustments Maintaining Your Lawn Mower Troubleshooting Illustrated Parts List Warranty Page 3 6 7 9 10 Page 11 12 13 14 16 FINDING MODEL NUMBER 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. Please read and understand what it says.
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.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause slipping. immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds. Mow in daylight or good artificial light; walk, not run. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walkways or roads. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. 5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. 7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower. 8.
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 O N DOT TED SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE NG A 15 ° SL OPE OR A FENCE POST A CORNER OF A BUILDING A POWER POLE LINE , RE P R ESE NTI 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 Removing Unit From Carton • • • • 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 thoroughly for loose parts.
• • • After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage bolt, from the hardware pack, in the upper hole on the handle mounting bracket and secure with plastic wing nut from the hardware pack. See Figure 4. Repeat on the other side. Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 5. • Assembling Grass Catcher NOTE: If the grass catcher came pre-assembled, Cable Tie proceed to the next section.
IMPORTANT: Make sure cable is routed to the outside of the handle so that it is not in the way when attaching the grass catcher. • • • Rear Discharge Door Lift the rear discharge door on the mower. Place the hooks, found on both sides of the grass catcher frame, over the chute door pivot rod at the rear of the mower. Release the rear discharge door. See Figure 9. To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge door on the mower, lift the grass catcher up and off the pivot rod.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER Recoil Starter WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and gasoline before starting the mower for the first time. Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary for subsequent starts. Fuel Valve Gas & Oil Fill-Up • • Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
• WARNING: If the mower strikes a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect for any damage. Repair the damage promptly before restarting and operating the mower. • • Bagging Grass Clippings • You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings while you are operating the mower. Attach grass catcher following instructions on page 8 of this manual. Grass clippings will automatically collect in the bag as you run the mower.
• • Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck. Rear Discharge Door Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft. Blade Adapter Handle Bracket Blade Bell Support d Ro re i W Handle Bracket Hex Bolt Rear Flap Figure 15 Figure 14 Sharpening the Blade • Blade Care WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Off-Season Storage Wheels • Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, 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 pivot arm axle and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil. The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. • IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
SECTION 9: PARTS LIST MODEL 588Q 2 1 13 14 12 6 7 11 8 9 10 31 49 22 16 34 19 45 67 23 64 21 20 18 32 24 35 33 46 15 25 39 36 49 49 40 42 43 37 49 60 50 59 61 55 40 62 49 47 57 58 66 14 56
Model 588Q Ref. No. 1. 2. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 31. 32. 33. 34. Part No. 749-1092A 747-1161A 720-0279 710-1205 710-1174 736-0451 720-0284 749-0928A 746-1113 664-04007 747-04080 714-0104 731-04134 732-0700 731-1236 750-04162 732-04090 732-04089 687-02056 687-02057 734-04093 787-01103 710-0654A 782-5003 710-1017 712-3005 710-0703 Ref. No. Part Description Upper Handle Control Handle Handle Knob Rope Guide Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 2” Shoulder Washer.320 ID x.
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”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.
