MTD 38 - User Manual

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Summary

Safe Operation Practices

Children Safety

Safety advice regarding children's presence near the mower.

General Operation Guidelines

General rules for operating the mower safely.

Slope Operation Guidelines

Safe operation on slopes, including do's and don'ts.

Setup and Adjustment

Loose Parts Identification

Identification and separation of hardware pack components for assembly.

Handle and Control Assembly

Attaching mower handles, blade control handle, and cable.

Wheel and Starter Installation

Attaching wheels and recoil starter, and reattaching spark plug wire.

Height Adjustments

Adjusting cutting height and handle height for operation.

Operating Your Lawn Mower

Mower Components and Controls

Overview of key mower components and their functions.

Fueling and Oil Procedures

Instructions for checking oil and filling the fuel tank.

Starting and Operating Procedures

Step-by-step guide for starting, operating, and stopping the mower.

Mowing Best Practices

Tips for achieving optimal mowing results and lawn health.

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

General Maintenance and Lubrication

General recommendations, safety, and lubrication points.

Cleaning and Blade Maintenance

Procedures for cleaning the mower deck and maintaining the blade.

Off-Season Storage

Steps to prepare the mower for long-term storage.

This document is an operator's manual for a 22-inch rotary mower, Model 038, manufactured by MTD LLC. It provides comprehensive information on assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety practices.

Function Description

The device is a walk-behind 22-inch rotary lawn mower designed for cutting grass. It features an internal combustion engine and a rotating blade for efficient lawn maintenance. The mower is intended for use on unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land, provided the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester to comply with local and state laws, such as Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code. The spark arrester, if used, must be maintained in effective working order. The manual emphasizes that the unit is designed specifically for mowing grass and should not be used for any other purpose.

Important Technical Specifications

Mower Type: 22-inch Rotary Mower
Model Number: 038
Engine: Internal combustion engine (specific details are referred to in a separate engine manual). The unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine, requiring the operator to fill these before operation.
Blade Control Handle: A safety device that must be depressed and squeezed against the upper handle to operate the unit. Releasing it stops the engine and blade within three seconds.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Adjustable via levers at each wheel. All four wheels must be set to the same height for a uniform cut.
Handle Height Adjustment: The handle height can be adjusted for operator convenience.
Spark Arrester: Required for operation in certain areas to prevent fire hazards from engine exhaust.
Blade Torque: When replacing the blade, the hex bolt must be tightened to a torque of 450 in. lbs. min. to 600 in. lbs. max.

Usage Features

Safety First: The manual strongly emphasizes safety, including warnings about thrown objects, amputations, and the dangers of operating on slopes. Operators must wear safety glasses, sturdy work shoes, and close-fitting clothing.
Slope Operation: A crucial feature is the slope gauge provided to determine safe operating inclines. The mower should not be used on slopes exceeding 15 degrees (approximately 2.5 feet rise every 10 feet). Walk-behind mowers should be operated across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Starting the Engine: Involves pushing the primer (three times for normal temperatures, five times for temperatures below 55°F), squeezing the blade control handle, and pulling the recoil starter with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. The rope should be allowed to rewind slowly.
Stopping the Engine: Release the blade control handle. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine for safety during maintenance.
Operating Tips:
- Avoid cutting wet grass for best results.
- New, thick, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.
- For a healthier lawn, never cut more than one-third of the total grass length.
- Adjust ground speed according to lawn conditions.
- Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
- Walk, never run.
- Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Children and Bystanders: Keep children, bystanders, helpers, and pets at least 75 feet from the mower during operation. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the mower.
Fuel Handling: Extreme care is required due to gasoline's flammability. Fueling should be done outdoors, away from ignition sources, and only when the engine is cool. The fuel tank should not be overfilled.

Maintenance Features

General Recommendations:
- Always observe safety rules.
- Warranty coverage depends on proper operation and maintenance as instructed.
- Engine-governed speed changes will void the engine warranty.
- All adjustments should be checked at least once per season.
- Always stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and ground it against the engine before any maintenance.
Lubrication:
- Lubricate pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil.
- Lubricate wheels and axle bolts at least once a season with light oil.
- Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the chute deflector periodically to prevent rust.
- Refer to the engine manual for specific engine lubrication schedules.
Cleaning the Mower:
- Clean the underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent grass clipping build-up.
- Never tip the mower more than 90° in any direction or for extended periods, as oil can drain into the engine's upper part, causing starting problems.
- Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean the mower, as this can damage electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine, shortening its life and reducing serviceability.
Blade Care:
- Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially after striking foreign objects.
- When removing the blade for sharpening or replacement, protect hands with heavy gloves or a heavy rag.
- Sharpen the blade with a file or grinding wheel, maintaining the original angle of grind and ensuring equal grinding on each cutting edge for balance.
- An unbalanced blade causes excessive vibration and can damage the mower or cause personal injury.
- Ensure the blade is placed on the adapter with the "Bottom" side facing the ground and aligned with the adapter flanges.
- Tighten the blade hex bolt to the specified torque.
Off-Season Storage:
- Thoroughly clean and lubricate the mower.
- Refer to the engine manual for specific engine storage instructions.
- Coat the cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
- Store the mower in a dry, clean area, away from corrosive materials like fertilizer.
- For storage in poorly ventilated or metal sheds, rust-proof the equipment by coating with light oil or silicone, especially cables and moving parts.
Troubleshooting: A dedicated section provides common problems, their causes, and remedies, such as engine failing to start, erratic running, overheating, or uneven cutting. For repairs beyond minor adjustments, contact an authorized service dealer.