MTD 12A-446M729 User Manual

Operator's Manual
21" Rear-Discharge
Lawn Mower
Model Series 440
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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 arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10134E
(10/23/2003)

MTD 12A-446M729 Specifications

General

Brand	MTD
Model	12A-446M729
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

Finding Model Number

Customer Support

Important Safe Operation Practices

General Operation

Read manual, understand controls, and keep for future reference.

Slope Operation

Children

Safe Handling of Gasoline

General Service

Your Responsibility

Slope Gauge

Assembling Your Lawn Mower

Removing Unit From Carton

Instructions for unpacking the mower from its shipping carton.

Disconnecting Spark Plug

Procedure to disconnect the spark plug wire before setting up the mower.

Assembling Handle

Steps to assemble the mower's handle components, including tightening nuts and securing cables.

Assembling Your Lawn Mower

Assembling Soft Grass Bag

Instructions for placing and securing the grass bag onto its frame.

Attaching Starter Rope

Steps to attach the starter rope to the mower's handle guide.

Grass Catcher Assembly

Instructions for attaching the grass catcher to the mower deck.

Assembling Your Lawn Mower

Removing Grass Catcher

Procedure to remove the grass catcher from the mower.

Chute Deflector

Instructions for assembling and attaching the chute deflector.

Converting to Mulcher

Instructions for converting the mower from bagging to mulching.

Know Your Lawn Mower

Blade Control Handle

Description of the blade control handle's location and function.

Lower Bail Handle

Description of the lower bail handle's location and how to engage the drive.

Recoil Starter

Location and procedure for using the recoil starter to start the engine.

Operating Your Lawn Mower

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Safety precautions and instructions for filling the fuel tank and checking oil.

Starting Engine

Safety warnings and basic steps for starting the engine.

Stopping Engine

Instructions on how to stop the engine and blade, and disconnect the spark plug wire.

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

Adjusting Cutting Height

Guidance on adjusting the cutting height for optimal mowing results.

Cleaning the Lawn Mower

Steps for cleaning the mower deck and underside after use, avoiding pressure washers.

Engine Maintenance

Key engine maintenance tasks like oil changes, air filter service, and spark plug checks.

Servicing Your Lawn Mower

Lubrication

Guidance on lubricating various parts of the mower, including wheels, handles, and engine.

Blade Care

Instructions for inspecting, removing, and handling the mower blade.

Servicing Your Lawn Mower

Blade Mounting Torque

Specifies the correct torque for mounting the mower blade bolt.

To Sharpen Blade

Instructions on how to sharpen the mower blade, including balancing.

Replacing Drive Belt

Detailed steps for removing and replacing the mower's drive belt.

Making Adjustments

Adjusting Handle Height

Steps to adjust the height of the mower's handle for comfortable operation.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Instructions on how to adjust the cutting height using the wheel levers.

Making Adjustments

Off-Season Storage

Mower Storage Preparation

Steps for cleaning, lubricating, and preparing the mower for storage.

Engine Storage Preparation

Guidance for off-season engine storage, referring to the engine manual.

Trouble-Shooting Guide

Parts List

Manufacturer's Limited Warranty