MTD YARD-MAN 11B-106C401 - User Manual

OWNER'S GUIDE
20" MULCHING
PUSH MOWER
MODEL NO:
11B-106C401
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
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,
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
FORM NO. 770-8799A
PRINTED IN U.S.A. (9/97)

Summary

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

GENERAL OPERATION

Covers essential safety rules and instructions for operating the lawn mower.

SLOPE OPERATION

DO

Instructions on how to safely operate the mower on slopes.

DO NOT

Prohibitions for operating the mower on slopes.

CHILDREN

SERVICE

SLOPE GAUGE

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

CONTROLS

Blade Control Handle

Explains the function and operation of the blade control handle.

OPERATION

Throttle Control

Details the location and function of the throttle control.

Recoil Starter

Describes the process of starting the mower using the recoil starter.

Gas And Oil Fill-Up

Instructions for correctly filling the mower with gasoline and oil.

ADJUSTMENTS

Cutting Height Adjustment

Guides on how to adjust the mower's cutting height.

Handle Height Adjustment

Instructions for adjusting the mower's handle height.

LUBRICATION

Blade Control

Lubrication points for the blade control handle and brake cable.

Wheels

Guidance on lubricating wheel bearings and axle bolts.

Engine

Refers to the engine manual for specific lubrication instructions.

MAINTENANCE

Cutting Blade

Procedures for removing, inspecting, and reinstalling the cutting blade.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

PARTS LIST

MANUFACTURERS LIMITED WARRANTY

Other Warranties

Details on warranties for engine, batteries, and other components.

How state law relates to this warranty

Explains how state laws affect the warranty rights.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The document is an owner's guide for a Yard-Man 20" Mulching Push Mower, Model No: 11B-106C401, manufactured by MTD Products Inc. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, safe operation, adjustments, maintenance, and off-season storage, along with a troubleshooting guide and parts list.

Function Description:

This Yard-Man push mower is designed primarily for mowing grass and is equipped with an internal combustion engine. Its main function is mulching, meaning it cuts grass into fine pieces and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. The mower can also be converted to a side-discharge mower, allowing clippings to be expelled from the side. It features a 20-inch cutting blade, suitable for residential lawn care. The engine's exhaust system may require a spark arrester, especially in certain regions like California or federal lands, to prevent fire hazards.

Usage Features:

The mower is operated by walking behind it, pushing it across the lawn. Starting the engine involves a recoil starter handle and a blade control handle, which must be depressed to engage the blade and allow the engine to run. Releasing the blade control handle stops both the engine and the blade. A throttle control lever on the upper handle regulates engine speed, though it cannot be used to stop the engine.

Safety is a paramount concern, with numerous warnings provided. Operators are instructed to read the entire guide before use, understand all controls, and be familiar with safe operation practices. It emphasizes keeping the area of operation clear of people and pets, especially small children, and stopping the engine if anyone enters the vicinity. The mower should not be operated by children under 14, and those 14 and older require close parental supervision.

When mowing, operators must wear safety glasses or goggles, sturdy work shoes, and close-fitting clothing. Hands and feet must be kept away from rotating parts and the discharge opening. The guide advises against pulling the mower backward while walking and provides specific steps for backing up safely. It also warns against operating the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Slope operation requires extreme caution. The guide includes a slope gauge and instructs operators to mow across slopes (never up and down) and to avoid slopes greater than 15 degrees. Wet grass should not be mowed due to reduced footing and potential for slipping. Before mowing, the area must be thoroughly inspected and cleared of foreign objects like stones, sticks, wire, bones, and toys, which could be thrown by the blade and cause injury.

For optimal mowing results, the guide recommends not cutting wet grass and adjusting the cutting height based on lawn conditions. It suggests cutting off one-third or less of the total grass length for a healthier lawn and operating the mower at full throttle for the best cut. If the mower strikes a foreign object or vibrates abnormally, the engine must be stopped immediately, inspected for damage, and repaired before further operation.

The cutting height is adjustable at each wheel position, with nine height settings available. All wheels must be set to the same relative position for an even cut. The handle height can also be adjusted to suit the operator's preference.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the mower's longevity and safe operation. Before any cleaning, repairs, or adjustments, the engine must be stopped, and the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded to prevent accidental starting. When tipping the unit for maintenance, the fuel tank should be emptied, and the engine spark plug side kept up.

Lubrication is recommended at least once a season for pivot points on the blade control handle, the brake cable, and wheel bearings. The engine manual provides specific lubrication instructions for the engine itself.

The cutting blade requires periodic inspection for cracks, especially after striking foreign objects, and should be replaced if damaged. When sharpening the blade, the original grind angle must be followed, and equal amounts of material removed from each cutting edge to prevent an unbalanced blade, which can cause excessive vibration and potential injury. The blade can be balanced using a round shaft screwdriver. When reinstalling the blade, it must be oriented with the "Bottom" mark facing the ground and securely fastened with the blade bell support and hex bolt, tightened to a specified torque.

Deck maintenance involves cleaning the underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent the buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and other debris, which can lead to rust, corrosion, and hinder proper mulching. The deck can be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping it clean.

Engine maintenance, as detailed in a separate engine manual, includes maintaining engine oil levels, servicing the air cleaner every 25 hours (or more frequently in dusty conditions), and cleaning and resetting the spark plug gap once a season. The engine's cooling system (blower housing area) should be kept clean to ensure proper air circulation and engine life.

For off-season storage, the mower should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. The engine should be prepared for storage according to its manual, and the cutting blade coated with chassis grease to prevent rusting. The mower should be stored in a dry, clean area, away from corrosive materials. If stored in an unventilated or metal shed, rust-proofing with light oil or silicone on equipment, cables, and moving parts is recommended.

MTD YARD-MAN 11B-106C401 Specifications