This document is the operator's manual for a Push Mower, Model BL1740, manufactured by MTD Products Australia Pty Ltd. It provides comprehensive instructions for safe operation, set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the lawn mower.
Function Description:
The MTD BL1740 Push Mower is designed for mowing grass. It is a walk-behind machine that requires manual propulsion. The primary function is to cut grass efficiently and safely, with options for collecting clippings in a grass catcher or rear discharging them. The mower is equipped with a blade control for safety, which stops the engine and blade when released.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific engine details are referred to in a separate engine operator's manual, the document highlights several operational and safety specifications:
- Slope Operation: The mower should not be operated on slopes greater than 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A slope gauge is provided in the manual to help determine safe operating inclines.
- Blade Stop Time: The blade control is designed to stop the blade within three seconds of being released.
- Operator Zone: Operators, children, bystanders, helpers, and pets should maintain a distance of at least 75 feet (22 meters) from the mower during operation.
- Blade Torque: When replacing the blade, the hex bolt should be tightened with a torque of 38 ft/lb (52 Nm) Minimum to 50 ft/lb (68 Nm) Maximum.
- Spark Plug Gap: The recommended spark plug gap is .030".
Usage Features:
- Cutting Height Adjustment: The mower features a cutting height adjustment lever located above the rear right wheel. This allows the user to easily change the cutting height to a desired position. For rough or uneven lawns, a higher position is recommended to prevent scalping.
- Handle Height Adjustment: The handle height can be adjusted to one of three positions for operator comfort. This involves removing and re-securing wing nuts and carriage bolts.
- Grass Catcher: The mower can be used with a grass catcher to collect clippings. Instructions are provided for assembling and attaching the grass catcher, as well as for removing it to dispose of clippings.
- Rear Grass Discharge: The design allows for rear discharging grass clippings without the grass catcher, by inserting rear discharge plugs into the bracket.
- Recoil Starter: The unit is started using a recoil starter rope attached to the right upper handle.
- Blade Control: A blade control lever on the upper handle must be depressed and squeezed to operate the unit and released to stop the engine and blade. This is a critical safety feature.
- Fuel and Oil: The mower requires gasoline and oil, with specific instructions for filling provided in a separate engine manual. It is emphasized that the unit is shipped without gasoline or oil.
Maintenance Features:
- General Maintenance: Regular checks of fasteners, adjustments, and overall safety device operation are recommended.
- Lubrication: Pivot points on the blade control should be lubricated at least once a season with light oil. Engine lubrication schedules are detailed in the accompanying engine manual.
- Deck Care: The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent build-up of grass clippings and debris. This involves disconnecting the spark plug, draining gasoline, and tipping the mower.
- Engine Care: Key engine maintenance jobs include maintaining oil level, servicing the air cleaner (every 25 hours or more frequently in dusty conditions), cleaning and resetting the spark plug gap (replacement recommended at the start of each mowing season), and regularly cleaning the engine to ensure proper air circulation.
- Blade Care: Periodic inspection of the blade adapter for cracks and the blade for damage (bent, cracked, worn) is crucial. Blades should be replaced with original equipment manufacturer's parts. Instructions for removing and replacing the blade assembly, including tightening specifications, are provided. Swing blades can be replaced individually using a new hardware kit.
- Off-Season Storage: Detailed steps are outlined for preparing the mower for storage, including thorough cleaning and lubrication, coating the cutting blade with chassis grease, and following engine storage instructions. The mower should be stored in a dry, clean area away from corrosive materials. Rust-proofing with light oil or silicone is recommended for storage in poorly ventilated or metal sheds.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting table lists common problems (e.g., engine fails to start, engine runs erratic, engine overheats, excessive vibration, mower will not cut grass, uneven cut), their potential causes, and corresponding remedies.
The manual strongly emphasizes safety, with numerous warnings and symbols to alert the operator to potential hazards such as rotating blades, thrown debris, hot surfaces, and flammable gasoline. It also highlights the importance of reading and understanding all instructions before operating the machine.
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