MTD 503 User Manual

Operator’s Manual
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
769-01441
(11/2004)
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.
22” Rotary Mower
Model 503
For US Customers: MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
For Canadian Customers: MTD Products Ltd., P. O. BOX 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1

MTD 503 Specifications

General

Engine Type	4-Cycle
Cutting Positions	6
Speed Settings	Single Speed
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge	Yes
Cutting Height	1.25-3.75 inches
Warranty	2 years limited

Summary

Finding Model Number

Calling Customer Support

How to Obtain Service

Section 1: Important Safe Operation Practices

General Operation

General guidelines and precautions for safe and proper lawn mower operation.

Slope Operation

Do

Recommended actions for safe operation on slopes.

Do Not

Prohibited actions for safe operation on slopes.

Children

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline

Precautions for safely handling gasoline.

General Service

General guidelines for servicing and maintaining the mower.

Your Responsibility

Outlines the operator's responsibilities for safe use.

Section 2: Slope Gauge

DANGER

Critical warning about operating on slopes exceeding 15 degrees.

Section 3: Setting Up

Spark Plug Wire

Procedure for disconnecting and grounding the spark plug wire.

Shipping Block

Instructions for removing the shipping block from the chute deflector.

Upper & Lower Handles

Steps for assembling and adjusting the mower handles.

Starter Rope

Mulching Baffle

Installing Front Wheels

Installing Rear Wheels

Section 4: Operating Your Lawn Mower

Know your lawn mower

Identification and function of the mower's main controls and features.

Before Starting

Essential steps and warnings before starting the engine.

Blade Control Handle

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Recoil Starter

Mulching Baffle

Starting Engine

Stopping Engine

Using Your Lawn Mower

Operating Tips

Section 5: Making Adjustments

Cutting Height

How to adjust the cutting height of the mower.

Handle Height

Steps to adjust the height of the mower's handle.

Section 6: Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

General Recommendations

General advice and warranty considerations for mower maintenance.

Lubrication

Lubrication points and procedures for mower components.

Cleaning Mower

Steps for cleaning the underside of the mower deck after use.

Blade Control Handle

Wheels

Chute Deflector

Blade Care and Replacement

Blade Mounting Torque

Recommended torque specifications for the blade mounting bolt.

Off-Season Storage

Section 7: Troubleshooting

Section 8: Parts List /Liste De Pièces

Manufacturer's Limited Warranty For: