METRO 21 ® For Serial Nos. 790,000 & Higher Part No. 4500-400 Rev.
WARNING CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Important: When the mower is used or operated on any California forest, brush or grass covered land, a working spark arrester must be attached to the muffler. If not, the operator is violating state law, Section 4442 Public Resource Code. To acquire a spark arrester for your unit, see your Engine Service Dealer.
Introduction CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of your Exmark Mower. This product has been carefully designed and manufactured to give you a maximum amount of dependability and years of trouble-free operation. This manual contains operating, maintenance, adjustment, and safety instructions for your Exmark mower. Figure 1 BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER, CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY. 1.
Contents Emptying the Fuel Tank and Cleaning the Fuel Filter (Kawasaki Units Only)......................................................... 34 Waste Disposal .............................................. 34 Storage ................................................................. 35 Preparing the Fuel System.............................. 35 Preparing the Engine ..................................... 35 General Storage Information ......................... 35 Removing the Lawn Mower from Storage............
Safety Safety Safe Operating Practices Safety Alert Symbol Training This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary mowers and the B71.4 specifications of the American National Standards Institute in effect at the time of production • Read the Operator’s Manual and other training material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.
Safety DANGER DANGER In certain conditions gasoline is extremely flammable and vapors are explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you, others, and cause property damage. In certain conditions during fueling, static electricity can be released causing a spark which can ignite gasoline vapors. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others and cause property damage. • Fill the fuel tank outdoors in an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
Safety Operation • Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running. WARNING • Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, remove the spark plug wire(s) and/or remove key. Operating engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot. Severe burns can occur on contact and debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire. – Before checking, cleaning or working on the mower.
Safety Maintenance and Storage • Be aware of the mower discharge path and direct discharge away from others. • Do Not operate the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Use extreme care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. • Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire(s) and/or remove key. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
Safety Safety and Instructional Decals • Keep all safety signs legible. Remove all grease, dirt and debris from safety signs and instructional labels. • Replace all worn, damaged, or missing safety signs. • When replacement components are installed, be sure that current safety signs are affixed to the replaced components. • If an attachment or accessory has been installed, make sure current safety signs are visible.
Safety 74-1970 For Self-Propelled Units (MSKA21, MSKA21CA, MSKA21B, MSKA21BCA, MSHN21, and MSHN21B) 1. Transmission speeds 2. Neutral 77-0500 Common to All Units 103-6328 For MSKA21B and MSHN21B Units Only 1. Choke 2. Fast 3. Continuous variable setting 4. Slow 5. Engine—stop 93-7398 Common to All Units 104-1329 Common to All Units 104-8585 Common to All Units 103-6327 For MPKA21, MSKA21, and MSHN21 Units Only 1. Choke 2. Fast 3. Continuous variable setting 4.
Safety 109-8190 On MPKA21CA and MSKA21CA Units Only 1. Fast 2. Continuous variable setting 3. Slow 109-8191 On MPKA21CA, MSKA21CA, and MSKA21BCA Units Only 109-8194 On MSKA21BCA Units Only 1. Fast 2. Continuous variable setting 3. Slow 4.
Specifications Specifications Model Numbers Serial Nos: 790,000 and Higher MPKA21; MPKA21CA; MSKA21; MSKA21CA; MSKA21B; MSKA21BCA; MSHN21; MSHN21B Systems Cutting Deck • Cutting Width: 21 inches (53.3 cm) Engine • Blade Brake: When the blade engagement control is moved to the disengaged position a friction brake pad stops the rotation of the blades. • Engine Specifications: See your Engine Owner’s Manual • RPM: 3300 (No Load) • Blade Size: (1 ea.): 20.88 inches (53.0 cm) • Deck: 21 inches rigid.
Product Overview Overall Length and Height at 2 1/4 inch Cutting Height: Handle Setting Length Height High 60.50 inches (153.7 cm) 42.75 inches (108.6 cm) Medium 64.25 inches (163.2 cm) 40.38 inches (102.6 cm) Low 67.00 inches (170.2 cm) 37.88 inches (96.2 cm) Product Overview Overall Length and Height at Alternate Handle Mounting Position: Handle Setting Length Height High 62.63 inches (159.1 cm) 37.50 inches (95.3 cm) Medium 64.38 inches (163.5 cm) 35.50 inches (90.2 cm) 66.
Operation Operation control lever. When this bail is released the unit will stop moving. Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position. Throttle-Choke Control Controls The throttle-choke control is located on the left side of the handles as shown in Figure 4. Blade Control Bail The lever is used to control engine speed. Moving the lever to the full forward (Choke) position will place the lever in the choke position.
Operation Figure 5 1. Ground speed control Figure 7 MSHN21 and MSHN21B Units Fuel Shut-Off Valve 1. Fuel valve For MPKA21, MSKA21, and MSKA21B Units: The fuel shut off valve is installed on the fuel line midway between the fuel tank and the engine as shown in Figure 6. For MPKA21CA, MSKA21CA, and MSKA21BCA Units:Do not have a fuel shut off valve.
Operation Make sure you understand the controls, their locations, their functions, and their safety requirements. 1. Install the hardware in the lower holes in the handle and latches as shown in Figure 8. 2. Install hardware in one of the three adjustment holes in the upper ends of each of the handle latches to obtain the desired handle height within the selected range. Refer to the Maintenance section and perform all the necessary inspection and maintenance steps. Operating Instructions 3.
Operation For MSHN21 and MSHN21B Units: see Figure 7. MPKA21CA, MSKA21CA, and MSKA21BCA Units: Do Not have a fuel valve. 3. For MSHN21 MSHN21B, MPKA21, MSKA21, and MSKA21B Units: Move the throttle-choke control to the Choke position. Note: Do Not use the choke when the engine is warms up. For MPKA21CA, MSKA21CA, and MSKA21BCA Units: Move the throttle control to the Fast position. Press the primer bulb two times (see Figure 11). Figure 9 All Honda Units 1. Oil fill/dipstick 2. Recoil starter handle 3.
Operation Note: If the blade does not stop within 3 seconds after releasing the blade control bail, contact an Authorized Service Dealer. 2. Close the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped with, when the machine will not be in use for a few days, when transporting, or when the unit is parked inside a building. Note: The blade control lever will release rapidly when the blade control bail is released. To avoid minor injury, keep hands clear of the blade control lever when the blade control bail is released.
Operation DANGER If the blade brake clutch system is inoperative, the blade will continue to rotate when you release the blade control bail. Contact with the blade could occur, causing serious injury. • Check the BBC operation before each use. • Never use the BBC-equipped lawn mower with an inoperative safety system. • Take your lawn mower to an Authorized Service Dealer for repair if the safety system fails to operate properly. Figure 12 1. Crumpled newspaper 2. 5 inches (12.7 cm) 6.
Operation WARNING Adjusting the cutting height levers could bring your hands into contact with a moving blade. A moving blade can cause serious injury. • Stop the engine and wait for all movement to stop before adjusting the cutting height. • Do Not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height. Figure 14 1. Bag Frame on retaining post. 1. Pull the wheel height adjustment lever toward the wheel (Figure 13) and move it to the desired setting. 3.
Operation • Mowing with the Grass Bag DANGER WARNING If the discharge door does not close completely, the lawn mower could throw objects. Thrown objects can result serious personal injury or death to the operator or bystanders. A worn grass bag could allow small stones and other similar debris to be thrown in the operator’s or bystander’s direction. Thrown objects can result serious personal injury or death to the operator or bystanders.
Operation • Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass. • Set the cutting height on the front wheels one notch lower than the rear wheels. For example, set the front wheels at 2 1/4 inches (57 mm) and the rear wheels at the 2 3/4 inches (70 mm). Cutting Leaves • After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need to make more than one pass over the leaves.
Maintenance Maintenance Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position. WARNING WARNING If you leave the wire on the spark plug, someone could accidentally start the engine. Accidental starting of the engine could seriously injure you or other bystanders. The engine can become very hot. Touching a hot engine can cause severe burns. Allow the engine to cool completely before service or making repairs around the engine area.
Maintenance Periodic Maintenance Check Engine Oil Level Service Interval: Before each use or daily 1. Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Make sure unit is on a level surface. 2. Check with engine cold. 3. Clean area around dipstick. Remove dipstick and wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick and push it all the way down into the tube. Do Not screw into place. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level. Figure 17 Kawasaki Engine 1. Dipstick 2. Full 3. Add 4.
Maintenance 4. Tip the lawn mower onto its right side (see Figure 18 and Figure 19). Figure 20 1. Sail 2. Flat Figure 18 Blade Brake Clutch Units Only 1. Accelerator 2. Anti-Scalp Cup 3. Blade 4. Blade Nuts 3. Wear 4. Slot Note: For the best performance, install a new blade before the cutting season begins. During the year, file down any small nicks to maintain the cutting edge. DANGER A worn or damaged blade can break.
Maintenance 10. Return the lawn mower to its upright position. 11. Connect the wire to the spark plug. Check for Loose Hardware Figure 21 1. Cutting angle Service Interval: Before each use or daily 2. Cutting edge radius 1. Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove key. Engage parking brake. 8. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center hole of the blade over a nail or screwdriver shank clamped horizontally in a vise (Figure 22).
Maintenance 2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Figure 9). 3. Remove the two wing nuts that secure the cover (Figure 24). Figure 23 1. Cover 2. Foam pre-cleaner 3. Paper air filter 4. Air filter base 4. Remove the paper air filter and discard it as required. Note: Do Not try to clean a paper air filter. Figure 24 5. Remove the foam pre-cleaner and wash it with a mild detergent and water, then blot it dry. 1. Wing nuts 2. Cover 3. Paper element 6.
Maintenance 11. Dip the foam element in clean engine oil, then squeeze out the excess oil. 11. Wipe up any spilled oil. 12. Connect the wire to the spark plug. Note: Excess oil in the foam element restricts the air flow through the element and may reach the paper filter and clog it. 12. Wipe dirt from the base and the cover with a moist rag. 13. Recycle the used oil according to local codes.
Maintenance Servicing the Wheels wheel halves and tighten. Remove the two long screws or bolts and replace them with two cap screws and two locknuts. Service Interval: Every 100 hours Removing the Wheels 1. Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop. 2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug. 3. Remove the bolt, the wheel spacer, and the locknut mounting the wheel to the pivot arm (Figure 26). 7. Install the wheel to the pivot arm with the cap screws, a spacer, and a locknut.
Maintenance Check Spark Plugs 1. Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove key. Engage parking brake. Service Interval: Every 100 hours 2. Lubricate fittings with one to two pumps of NGLI grade #2 multi-purpose gun grease. 1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Refer to the following chart for fitting locations and lubrication schedule. 2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Figure 9 and Figure 10). Lubrication Chart Fitting Locations 3.
Maintenance Adjustments • For Blade Brake Clutch Units: 1. Loosen the cable clamp screw until the cable conduit slides (see Figure 31). Note: Wait for all moving parts to stop and remove spark plug wire before servicing, cleaning, or making any adjustments to the unit.
Maintenance Cleaning 6. Turn off the water. 7. Start the lawn mower, engage the blade, and let the lawn mower run for a few minutes to dry out its components. Clean Grass Build-Up Under Deck Scraping Method Service Interval: Before each use or daily 1. Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove spark plug wire. 2. To ensure the best performance, keep the underside of the lawn mower housing clean (Figure 32).
Maintenance 5. Install the belt cover. WARNING 6. Connect the wire to the spark plug. Grass clippings and other objects can be thrown from an open discharge tunnel. Thrown objects can cause serious injury or kill the operator or bystanders. Cleaning the Blade Brake Clutch Shield Never start or operate the lawn mower unless one of the following is true: Service Interval: Every 50 hours 1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
Maintenance 7. Remove the BBC shield and brush or blow all the debris from under the shield and around the BBC system. 8. Install the BBC shield. Rotate the tabs 180° back into position. Tighten the nuts to the bolts on tabs to secure the BBC shield to the deck. 9. Install the blade, the accelerator, the anti-scalp cup, and the two blade nuts. 10. Turn the lawn mower upright. 11. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Storage Storage General Storage Information Preparing the Fuel System 1. Clean the lawn mower housing. Refer to Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower Housing section in Cleaning. To prepare the lawn mower for off season storage, perform the recommended maintenance procedures. 2. Clean any dirt and chaff from the cylinder, cylinder head fins, and blower housing. Store the lawn mower in a cool, clean, dry place. Cover the lawn mower to keep it clean and protected. 3.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Important: It is essential that all operator safety mechanisms be connected and in proper operating condition prior to mower use. When a problem occurs, Do Not overlook the simple causes. For example: starting problems could be caused by an empty fuel tank. The following table lists some of the common causes of trouble. If a problem continues, contact an Authorized Service Dealer. Problem Engine will not start, starts hard, or fails to keep running. Engine loses power.
Troubleshooting Problem Lawn mower does not self-propel (Self-Propelled Models Only) Possible Cause Corrective Action 1. The self-propel drive cable is out of adjustment or is damaged. 1. Adjust the self-propel drive cable. Replace the cable if necessary. 2. There is debris under the belt cover. 2. Clean the debris from under the belt cover.
Exmark Commercial Turf Equipment 1 Year Limited Warranty If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the Service Dealer’s analysis or with the assistance provided, contact us at: Exmark Customer Service Department The Exmark Warranty Company 2101 Ashland Avenue Beatrice, NE 68310 402-223-6375 or service@exmark.com Conditions and Products Covered Exmark Mfg. Co. Inc.
Service Record Date: Description of Work Done: 39 Service Done By:
SEE EXMARK’S COMPLETE LINE OF ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS MID-MOUNT RIDING ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS CUSTOM RIDE SEAT SUSPENSION SYSTEM OPERATOR CONTROLLED DISCHARGE FULL SUSPENSION SEAT ROLL OVER PROTECTION SYSTEM (ROPS) DECK LIFT ASSIST KIT SUN SHADE HITCH KIT TRASH CONTAINER LIGHT KIT TURF STRIPER 12V POWER PORT ULTRA VAC COLLECTION SYSTEM MICRO-MULCH SYSTEM ULTRA VAC QUICK DISPOSAL SYSTEM OUT-FRONT RIDING ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS CUSTOM RIDE SEAT SUSPENSION SYSTEM SNOW BLADE DUAL-TAIL WHEEL SN
