MTD 21 - User Manual

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
MTD LLC P.O. Box 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
Operator’s Manual
FORM NO.
770-10419A.FM
(9/2002)
20” Rotary Lawn Mower
Models 020
021
022

MTD 21 Specifications

General

Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge	Yes
Cutting Width	21 inches
Engine Type	Gasoline

Summary

Section 1: Important Safe Operation Practices

General Operation Safety

Read and follow all safety instructions before operating the lawn mower.

Slope Operation Safety

Guidelines for safe mowing on inclines to prevent slips and falls.

Child Safety Precautions

Measures to protect children from mower hazards during operation.

Service Safety Guidelines

Safety rules for handling gasoline and performing maintenance.

Section 2: Slope Gauge

Section 4: Assembling Your Lawn Mower

Spark Plug Wire Safety

Critical step to disconnect spark plug wire before any work.

Install Blade Control Handle

Procedures for reattaching or securing the blade control handle.

Section 5: Operating Your Lawn Mower

Fuel and Oil Filling

Safe procedures for adding gasoline and oil to the engine.

Pre-Start Procedures

Start Engine and Engage Blade

Step-by-step guide to starting the engine and engaging the cutting blade.

Stop Engine and Blade

Correct procedures for safely shutting down the engine and blade.

Using Your Lawn Mower

General Mowing Practices

Key rules for safe and effective mowing, including safety devices.

Safety: Striking Foreign Objects

Actions to take if the mower hits an object, including inspection.

Section 6: Making Adjustments

Safety: Adjustments

Warning to stop engine and disconnect spark plug before any adjustments.

Section 7: Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

Blade Maintenance

Balance Mower Blade

Steps for sharpening and balancing the blade to prevent vibration.

Section 8: Off-Season Storage

Section 9: Troubleshooting Guide

Engine Starting Problems

Common issues and solutions when the engine fails to start.

Engine Running Issues

Troubleshooting for erratic engine operation and overheating.

Performance Issues

Model Series 020 Parts

Manufacturers Limited Warranty