MTD Yard-Man 989 Series

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is an operator's manual for a Yard-Man 21" Self-Propelled Mower, Model Series 989, manufactured by MTD LLC. It provides comprehensive information on the assembly, operation, maintenance, and safety of the lawn mower.

Function Description:

The Yard-Man 21" Self-Propelled Mower is designed for residential lawn care, specifically for mowing grass. Its self-propelled feature assists the operator by reducing the effort required to push the mower, making it suitable for various terrains, including slopes up to 15 degrees. The mower offers multiple cutting modes: mulching, side discharge, and bagging, allowing users to choose the best option for their lawn conditions and preferences. The internal combustion engine powers both the cutting blade and the drive system.

Important Technical Specifications:

Mower Type: 21" Self-Propelled Mower
Model Series: 989
Engine: Internal combustion engine (specific engine details are referred to in a separate engine manual)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Slope Operation Limit: Not to be operated on slopes greater than 15 degrees (approximately 2-1/2 feet rise every 10 feet).
Blade Control: Safety device that engages/disengages the engine and blade.
Drive Control: Lever to engage/disengage the self-propelled drive system.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Adjustable via a lever located above the rear left wheel.
Fuel: Gasoline (specific type and capacity referred to in engine manual).
Oil: Engine oil (specific type and capacity referred to in engine manual).
Spark Arrester: Required by law in some areas for unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land.
Warranty: Two (2) years for defects in material and workmanship; thirty (30) days for normal wear parts.

Usage Features:

Assembly: The manual details the steps for unfolding and securing the handle, attaching the drive cable, installing the starter rope into the rope guide, and securing cables with ties. It also covers the installation of the discharge chute and grass bag, or the mulching cover.
Starting the Engine: Involves placing the fuel valve lever to ON, moving the choke lever backward, squeezing the blade control, and pulling the recoil starter rope.
Stopping the Engine: Achieved by releasing the blade control and disconnecting the spark plug wire.
Cutting Height Adjustment: A lever allows for easy adjustment of the cutting height by pulling it out, moving it to the desired position, and releasing it. All wheels must be set to the same height.
Self-Propelled Operation: Engaged by squeezing the drive control lever. The drive belt tension can be adjusted using a wheel in the drive control handle housing if the mower does not propel itself or hesitates.
Mulching: To use the mower as a mulcher, the grass catcher and chute must be removed, and the mulch cover reattached. It is recommended not to cut wet or excessively thick grass for effective mulching.
Bagging: The grass catcher collects clippings. It is attached to the discharge chute. The manual provides instructions for attaching and removing the grass bag, noting that the chute door is designed to move the starter rope out of the way.
Side Discharge: The side discharge chute can be attached to expel clippings instead of collecting them in the bag or mulching.
Safety Guidelines: Emphasizes reading the manual, wearing safety glasses, using sturdy footwear, keeping children and bystanders away (75 feet), avoiding wet grass, and operating on appropriate slopes. It warns against operating without safety devices and bypassing the blade control.
Troubleshooting: A dedicated section helps diagnose common issues like engine failure to start, erratic engine runs, overheating, skips, poor idling, excessive vibration, and problems with mulching or self-propulsion, providing potential causes and remedies.

Maintenance Features:

Lubrication: Recommends lubricating pivot points on the blade control, wheels, and discharge chute torsion spring at least once a season with light oil. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed.
Deck Care: Instructions for cleaning the underside of the deck, emphasizing not to tip the mower more than 90 degrees to prevent oil drainage into the engine.
Engine Care: Refers to the engine manual for specific instructions on oil level, air cleaner service (every 25 hours or more frequently in dusty conditions), spark plug cleaning/resetting, and general engine cleaning.
Blade Care: Detailed instructions for removing, sharpening, balancing, and reinstalling the cutting blade. It warns against unbalanced blades causing excessive vibration and potential injury. Proper torque specifications for the hex bolt are provided (450-600 in. lbs.).
Belt Care: Comprehensive guide for removing and installing the drive belt, including steps for disconnecting the spark plug, draining fuel, tipping the mower, removing the blade and baffle, and routing the new belt. It highlights the importance of routing the belt inside the belt keeper rod.
Rear Flap Replacement: Instructions for cutting off the old wire rod and attaching a new flap and rod.
General Recommendations: Advises observing safety rules, maintaining the mower as instructed to preserve warranty, avoiding changes to engine-governed speed, checking adjustments seasonally, and periodically checking fasteners.
Off-Season Storage: Steps include thorough cleaning and lubrication, coating the cutting blade with chassis grease, storing in a dry, clean area away from corrosive materials, and rust-proofing equipment with light oil or silicone. Engine storage instructions are referred to in the engine manual.
Safety Labels: The manual includes images and descriptions of all safety labels found on the mower, emphasizing the importance of not removing them.

The manual stresses the operator's responsibility to read, understand, and follow all warnings and instructions to prevent personal injury and property damage. It also provides contact information for customer support and ordering genuine factory parts.