Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Self Propelled Mower — Model Series VB20 WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by MTD. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 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.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately. 14. a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms. b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you. d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Service 3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Notice Regarding Emissions Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER — ROTATING BLADES To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices d line dotte (repr esent ing a 15° s lope) or a fence post WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. 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. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate walk-behind mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Carton • One Lawn Mower • • One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Side Discharge Chute Assembly b. NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot upper handle up as shown in Fig. 3-2.
2. Remove the T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in Fig. 3-3. C C 4. Figure 3-3 3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower handle (shown in Fig. 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Fig. 3-4. Figure 3-5 The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. See Fig. 3-6. a. Hold blade control against upper handle. b.
b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Fig. 3-7. Side Discharge Chute Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door is closed. 1. On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug. See Figure 3-9. Side Mulching Plug 1 2 Figure 3-7 2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher: a. Lift rear discharge door. b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown in Fig.
2. Move lever to desired position for a change in cutting height. See Fig. 3-10. 2 Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most comfortable. See Fig. 3-11 inset. 3. Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier. Drive Control Higher The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt.
4 Controls and Features Blade Control Drive Control Electric Start Ignition Switch Recoil Starter Side Discharge Chute Deck Wash Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Figure 4-1 Blade Control Deck Wash (If Equipped) The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.
5 Operation Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance 2. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not require lubrication. General Recommendations 3. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule and instruction for engine lubrication. • Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
Deck Wash (If Equipped) Engine Care Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions. Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING: 1.
7 Service Blade Care WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury. 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. 5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
Replacing Battery (If Equipped) Charging Battery (If Equipped) WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which WARNING: The battery contains corrosive fluid may cause burns. Do not short circuit or mutilate batteries in any way. Do not put batteries in fire as these may burst or release toxic materials. and toxic material; handle with care and keep away from children. Do not puncture, disassemble, mutilate or incinerate the battery. Explosive gases could be vented during charging or discharging.
Replacing Fuse (If Equipped) Off-Season Storage The electric starter circuit and battery are protected by a 40 ampere fuse. If the fuse burns out, the electric starter will not operate. If the unit fails to start with the electric starter, perform the following steps to check the fuse inside the battery housing: The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. • Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions. 1.
9 Troubleshooting Problem Engine Fails to start Cause Remedy 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
Problem Uneven cut Mower will not self propel Cause Remedy 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place front and rear wheels in same height position. 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 1. Belt not installed properly. 1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement. 2. Debris clogging drive operation. 2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot, and clean out debris. 3. Damaged or worn belt. 3. Inspect and replace belt.
10 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 951-10292 Spark Plug (MTD) KH-14-132-03-S Spark Plug (Kohler) 951-10298 Air Cleaner Kit (MTD) KH-14-083-01-S Air Filter Cartridge (Kohler) 951-10300 KH-14-227-11-S Fuel Cap Assembly (MTD) Fuel Tank Cap (Kohler) 951-10358 Fuel Filter (MTD) 734-2042A Front Wheel 634-04630 Rear Wheel Phone (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready).
Component Part Number and Description 731-07486 731-07131 Discharge Chute Discharge Chute w/Clip 942-0741A Mulching Blade 764-04082A Grass Bag 954-04260 Belt 725-04329† Battery Charger 725-04903† Battery 925-0201† Key † If Equipped Phone (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.mtdproducts.
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 and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/ or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”).
