MTD YARD-MAN 500 Series User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

C
Charles GibsonAug 3, 2025
How to fix MTD Lawn Mower engine that fails to start?
- J
  Jennifer Conley MDAug 3, 2025
  Several factors can cause the MTD Lawn Mower engine to fail to start. Here are a few things to check: * Ensure the blade control handle is engaged. * Verify the spark plug wire is connected to the spark plug. * Make sure the fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh gasoline. Other potential issues include a faulty spark plug (clean, adjust gap, or replace), a blocked fuel line (clean it), or engine flooding (wait a few minutes to restart, without priming). Also, check if the fuel valve is open (if equipped) and that the engine is properly choked (if equipped with a choke). For electric start models, a burnt fuse could also be the culprit (replace the fuse, referring to the Maintenance Section).
V
Vincent SmithAug 7, 2025
Why does my MTD YARD-MAN 500 engine run erratic?
- M
  Mark JohnsonAug 7, 2025
  If your MTD Lawn Mower engine runs erratically, start by checking the spark plug wire to ensure it's securely connected and tightened. Also, verify that the fuel line isn't blocked and that you're using clean, fresh gasoline. A plugged gas cap vent could also be the issue, so clear the vent. Additionally, water or dirt in the fuel system can cause problems; drain the fuel tank and carburetor and refill with fresh fuel.
R
Ricky MurphyAug 12, 2025
Why MTD YARD-MAN 500 will not mulch grass?
- D
  David LewisAug 12, 2025
  If your MTD Lawn Mower is not mulching grass effectively, it could be due to several reasons. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet; wait until it's drier. If the grass is excessively high, mow once at a higher cutting height, then mow again at the desired height, or try making a narrower cutting path. A dull blade can also hinder mulching, so sharpen or replace it.
K
kellydanielleAug 15, 2025
Why is my MTD YARD-MAN 500 Lawn Mower engine overheating?
- R
  Robin GrayAug 15, 2025
  If your MTD Lawn Mower engine is overheating, first check the engine oil level and fill the crankcase with the proper oil if it's low. Also, make sure that there are no restrictions in the airflow. Remove the blower housing and clean it.
E
eroseAug 20, 2025
What to do if my MTD YARD-MAN 500 has an uneven cut?
- M
  mcooleyAug 20, 2025
  If your MTD Lawn Mower is producing an uneven cut, ensure that all four wheels are in the same height position. Also, check the blade. A dull blade can cause an uneven cut, so sharpen or replace it.
R
Renee StoneAug 25, 2025
Why is my MTD YARD-MAN 500 experiencing excessive vibration?
- M
  Melissa FloresAug 25, 2025
  Excessive vibration in your MTD Lawn Mower can be caused by a loose or unbalanced cutting blade; tighten the blade and adapter. Another cause could be a bent cutting blade, in which case you should replace the blade.
A
adamscassandraAug 28, 2025
Why MTD Lawn Mower wheels will not propel?
- J
  Jennifer WoodAug 29, 2025
  If your MTD Lawn Mower wheels will not propel, check the belt for proper pulley installation and movement. Also, make sure that there is no debris clogging the drive operation. Clean out any debris.

MTD YARD-MAN 500 Series Specifications

General

Starter	Recoil
Mulching Capability	Yes
Side Discharge	Yes
Rear Bag	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Cutting Positions	6
Deck Material	Steel

Summary

Engine Information

Calling Customer Support

Important Safe Operation Practices

Training

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate.

Preparation

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all door mats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects...

Operation

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger housing or discharge chute. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

Maintenance And Storage

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

Your Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

Setting Up Your Snow Thrower

Unpacking

Cut along corners of the carton and lay it down flat. Remove packing material.

Loose Parts

Your snow thrower has been assembled at the factory except the parts shipped loose in the carton.

Before Assembly

Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Setting up the Snow Thrower

Raise the upper handle assembly in the direction shown in Figure 1. Align the upper handles with the lower handle.

Chute Assembly (all models)

Apply a light lubricant (i.e. 3-in-1 oil) to the base of the chute assembly.

For Models with 4 Way Chute Control Box

Pull the hairpin clip out of the clevis pin on the chute support tube. Save this hardware.

For All Models without Engine Covers

Slip the cables, running from the chute to the handle panel into the cable guide located on top of the engine.

Lamp Wire (optional)

Wrap the wire from the lamp down the right handle as shown in Figure 8.

Chute Clean-Out Tool

The chute clean-out tool is fastened with a cable tie to the rear of the auger housing for shipping purposes.

Final Adjustments

After setting up your snow thrower, check the adjustments as instructed below and make any final adjustments necessary before operating the unit.

Auger Control Test

To check the adjustment of the auger control, push forward the left hand control until the rubber bumper is compressed.

Skid Shoe

Locate the shave plate and the skid shoes in Figure 12. The space between this shave plate and the ground can be adjusted.

Drive Control & Shift Lever

Tip the snow thrower forward so that it rests on the auger housing.

Operating Your Snow Thrower

Know The Controls

Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare Figure 12 with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Drive Control/ Auger Control Lock

The drive control is located on the right handle. Squeeze down the traction control to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop.

Auger Control

The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the auger control to engage the augers. Release to stop the snow throwing action.

Ignition Key

The ignition key must be fully inserted in the switch before the unit will start. Remove key when snow thrower is not in use.

Discharge Chute

The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance that the snow is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for greater distance; tilt down for less distance.

Four Way Chute Control

This four-way control lever is meant to control the direction and distance of snow discharge from the chute.

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located in the center of the handle panel and is used to determine ground speed and direction of travel.

Headlight

The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

Chute Clean-Out Tool

The chute clean-out tool is designed to clear a clogged discharge chute.

Gas & Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower.

Starting The Engine

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the snow thrower while starting or operating.

Electric Starter

The snow thrower engine is equipped with a 120 volt A.C. electric starter and recoil starter.

Cold Start

If the unit shows any sign of motion (drive or augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut the engine off immediately.

Warm Start

If restarting a warm engine, rotate choke to OFF instead of FULL and press the starter button.

Recoil Starter

Make sure that the engine has sufficient oil and the auger drive and the traction drive levers are released.

Frozen Recoil Starter

If the starter is frozen and will not turn the engine, proceed as follows:

Before Stopping

Run engine for a few minutes to help dry off any moisture on engine.

To Stop The Snow Thrower

To stop the wheels, release the traction drive lever on the snow thrower.

To Engage Drive

With the engine running near top speed, move shift lever to one of six FORWARD positions or two REVERSE positions.

To Engage Augers

To engage augers and start snow throwing, squeeze the left hand auger clutch grip against the left handle. Release to stop augers.

To Throw Snow

Check the area to be cleared for foreign objects. Remove, if any.

Operating Tips

Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperature.

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower

General Recommendations

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

Engine

Refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit for all engine maintenance.

Lubrication

Lubricate various parts of the snow thrower as instructed for proper maintenance and longevity.

Service & Adjustment

Check V-Belts

Follow instructions below to check the condition of the drive belts every 50 hours of operation.

Check Friction Wheel

Follow instructions below to check the condition of the friction wheel rubber every 50 hours of operation.

Check Chute Cables

Once a season or every 25 hours of operation, whichever is earlier, check whether the chute cables have slackened.

Servicing Augers

The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear pins and cotter pins.

Shave Plate and Skid Shoes

The shave plate and skid shoes on the bottom of the snow thrower are subject to wear. Check these periodically and replace as necessary.

Replacing Skid Shoe

Remove four carriage bolts and hex nuts which attach two skid shoes to the snow thrower on two sides.

Replacing Shave Plate

After removing both skid shoes, remove four carriage bolts and hex nuts which attach shave plate to the snow thrower housing.

Replacing Belt

Check the condition of both auger belt and drive belt every 25 hours of snow thrower operation. Replace if either shows signs of wear and tear.

Drive Belt

Push idler counter-clockwise and insert a Philips head screwdriver in the hole on the idler as shown in Figure 20.

Friction Wheel Rubber

Check the rubber on the friction wheel after 25 hours of operation, and periodically thereafter.

Drive Clutch Adjustment

Refer to the Final Adjustment section of the Assembly instructions to adjust the drive clutch.

Auger Clutch Adjustment

Refer to instructions on page 6 to adjust the auger control.

Shift Rod Adjustment

To adjust the shift rod, proceed as follows.

Off-Season Storage

General Recommendations

If unit is to be stored over 30 days, prepare for storage as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.

Chute Control

If the chute does not rotate fully or its pitch cannot be moved up or down, the four chute control cables will have to be adjusted.

Troubleshooting

Engine fails to start.

Fill tank with fresh gasoline.

Engine runs erratic.

Move choke lever to OFF position.

Loss of power.

Contact service center.

Engine overheats.

Contact service center.

Excessive vibration.

Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire. Tighten all bolts and nuts.

Unit fails to propel itself.

Adjust traction control cable. Refer to Adjustments.

Unit fails to discharge snow.

Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire. Clean discharge chute and inside of auger housing.

Two Year Yard-Man Supreme Warranty

NO FAULT Ninety Day Consumer Warranty on Normal Wear Parts

All normal wear part failures will be covered on this product for a period of 90 days regardless of cause.

Full Ninety Day Warranty on Battery

For ninety (90) days from the date of retail purchase, if any battery included with this unit proves defective in material or workmanship...

Additional Limited Thirty Day Warranty on Battery

After ninety (90) days but within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of purchase, MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will replace the defective battery...

How to Obtain Service

Warranty service is available, with proof of purchase, through your local MTD Authorized Service Dealer.

Other Warranties

All other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability is limited in its duration to that set forth in this express limited warranty.