Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Self Propelled Mower — Model Series C3X/D3X WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by MTD. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. If applicable, the power testing information used to establish the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately. 14. a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms. b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you. d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Service 3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Notice Regarding Emissions Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER — ROTATING BLADES To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15° Slope WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes. To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line. 2.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Carton • One Lawn Mower • • One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Side Discharge Chute NOTE: Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual covers both the low and high wheel models of this mower. While this manual illustrates the low wheel model, the instructions and features are equally applicable to the high wheel model as well, unless otherwise noted. b.
2. Remove the T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-3. C C Figure 3-5 4. Figure 3-3 3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: a. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. See Figure 3-6. Pull upward on the handle approximately 8 inches until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 3-4.
b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Figure 3-7. 1. On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug. See Figure 3-9. Side Mulching Plug 1 2 Figure 3-7 2. Figure 3-9 Follow steps below to attach grass catcher: 2. a. Lift rear discharge door. b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-8. Let go of discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher.
3. 2 Higher 3 Lower Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier. Drive Control The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels hesitate with the drive control engaged.
4 Controls and Features Speed Control Drive Control Blade Control Drive Control Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Side Discharge Chute Figure 4-1 Blade Control Cutting Height Adjustment Lever The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade. The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel.
5 Operation Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower. 1 2 Refer to engine manual for help with the engine. Kohler Engine: 1.
Using Your Lawn Mower Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others. 1. Once the engine is running and while continuing to hold the blade control down, squeeze either (or both) drive controls against the upper handle to propel mower. See Figure 5-3. 2. To change speed, move speed control to the desired speed.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance 2. General Recommendations The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not require lubrication. 3. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule and instruction for engine lubrication. • Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
Deck Wash (If Equipped) Engine Care Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions. Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING: 1.
7 Service Blade Care WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade. WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury. 5. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine Fails to start Cause Remedy 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
Problem Uneven cut Mower will not self propel High pullback effort 20 Cause Remedy 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place front and rear wheels in same height position. (Dual Height Adjusters) 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 1. Belt not installed properly. 1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement. 2. Debris clogging drive operation. 2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot, and clean out debris. 3. Damaged or worn belt. 3. Inspect and replace belt. 4.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 759-3336 KH-14-132-11-S KH-14-132-03-S 98079-55846 Spark Plug (Kohler Model XT800) Spark Plug (Kohler Model XT675) Spark Plug ( Kohler Model XT173) Spark Plug (NGK BPR5ES) (Honda) KH-14-083-01-S 17211-ZL8-023 KH-14-083-11-S† Air Filter Cartridge ( Kohler) Air Cleaner Element (Honda) Pre-Cleaner (Kohler Model XT173 Only) KH-14-227-11-S KH-14-227-19-S 17620-Z0J-800 Fuel Tank Cap (Kohler Model XT173) Fuel Tank Cap (Kohler Models XT675 & XT800) Fu
Component Part Number and Description 942-0741A 942-0741-X Mulching Blade Xtreme Mulching Blade 764-04097B 964-04151B Grass Bag (Black) Grass Bag (Yardman) 954-04282 Belt Phone (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.mtdproducts.
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10 Attachments & Accessories Component Model Number and Description 490-850-0005 Blade Removal Tool — Holds blade in place for faster, safer removal. SPW-134 Spark Plug Wrench — Duel ended wrench to serve multiple uses. Fits ¾” or 13⁄16” hex plug. 490-850-0008 Oil Siphon — Makes it easy to transfer gas, oil and liquids from tank to container. 490-850-0016 Side Discharge Blower — Blows leaves, grass clippings and debris. Eliminates need for separate blower. Easy installation with no tools.
Component Model Number and Description 22216 STA-BIL® fuel Stabilizer, 32 oz — Treats 80 gallons of fuel. Keeps stored fuel fresh for quick, easy starts. Prevents corrosion from moisture and ethanol-induced attraction. Prevents gum and varnish. 490-290-0012 Mower Cover — Protects your mower against sun, rain and dust damage. Coated for maximum water resistance and repellency. U.V. and milddew resistant 490-900-0062 Non-Stick Mower Deck Spray — Long-Lasting anti-stick graphite spray.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”). b. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one- year warranty. c.
