OPERATOR’S MANUAL 21” Self-Propelled Mower Model Number 979 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 forestcovered, 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3 Slope Gauge...................................................................................................... 6 Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7 Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 8 Operating Your Lawn Mower .....................
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 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 - heed its warning.
20. 21. 22. 23. unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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!” Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. FOL DO N DO TTE DL IN E , 15° S EN TI NG A 15 ° SL O PE OR A FENCE POST A CORNER OF A BUILDING A POWER POLE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE R EP RE WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury.
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your mower. Handle Assembly NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.
NOTE: Make certain the drive cable is routed around the outside and above the lower handle so it does not interfere with attaching the grass bag. • • Lower Handle The rope guide, which is connected to the support rod, is located on the right side of lower handle. See Figure 5. With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded, hold the blade control handle against the upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the starter rope into the rope guide.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER Towards Better Mower Performance 1. Pour fresh, clean gasoline into the mower’s gas tank until the tank is full. Do not use gasoline that is more than 30 days old. 2. Make sure to connect the mower’s spark plug wire before trying to start the engine. 3. Add engine oil to the oil fill on the mower engine. Check the dipstick and add more if necessary. Remember that the oil level has to touch the fill line. 4.
you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut. NOTE: The chute door has been designed to move the starter rope out of the way of the bag when the chute door is opened. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth. This mower is designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the best cut and do the most effective job of mowing or mulching.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Do not at any time make any adjustments without first stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug wire. • Cutting Height Adjustment • • Your mower is shipped with the cutting height in the lowest position. The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever out and away from the mower and then move it forward or backward to select a new cutting height. See Figure 10.
required due to normal wear on the cable. Adjustment is needed if all six speeds do not work. • The adjustable cable bracket is located on the left side of the mower beside the engine. See Figure 14. • • Loosen hex nut which secures the adjustable cable bracket. See Figure 14. Push back on the adjustable cable bracket and tighten hex nut. Adjustable Cable Bracket Start engine and place speed control lever in the sixth speed position. See Figure 13.
• • Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight. Follow the maintenance schedule under Customer Responsibilities to get quality performance from your lawn mower. • Lubrication • WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of service work on the lawn mower. usually indicate that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury. • The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter when testing for balance. Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
Six-Speed Cable Slot • Belt Control Arm Pinch both sides of the belt together so that the belt is not in the pulley groove, and the lower pulley can be pushed towards the engine. See Figure 22. Lower Pulley Half Belt Belt Guard Pin Lower Pulley Half Figure 22 Crankshaft • • Pivot the control arm back to its original position and reinstall the six-speed cable into the slot. See Figure 23. Check and make sure the belt is routed inside the pulley halves and the belt guard pin.
• • • Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer. NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts.
Notes 17
Model 979 1 2 3 93 4 15 14 8 5 17 9 7 6 12 23 20 18 13 10 22 19 16 11 35 36 37 38 39 33 21 43 42 44 40 41 45 48 50 56 54 52 57 28 24 32 34 27 49 46 51 55 53 57 59 45 62 63 64 65 47 58 25 66 31 26 33 67 89 61 68 69 70 73 88 71 72 76 77 90 29 91 30 74 75 78 79 81 80 92 82 83 84 85 86 87 18 60
Model 979 Ref. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. Part No.
Model 979 1 2 15 16 8 3 17 28 27 11 4 26 5 6 25 9 24 7 10 18 12 21 14 29 7 13 23 14 22 30 19 7 31 30 20 33 32 34 35 36 37 38 40 39 43 41 42 44 45 46 48 47 49 51 58 52 50 53 56 54 55 57 20
Model 979 Ref. No. Part No. Ref. No. Part Description Part No. Part Description 1. 720-0223 Grip 30. 736-0425 Bell Washer .325 ID x .930 OD 2. 732-0803A Spring Lever 31. 756-0656 Pulley 3. 738-0529 Shoulder Nut .825 x .165 Lg. 32. 736-3084 Flat Washer .510 ID x 1.120 OD 4. 710-0751 Cap Screw 1/4-20 x .620 33. 712-0896 Hex Jam Nut 1/4-28 5. 736-0270 Bell Washer .285 ID x .75 OD 34. 782-7598 Belt Keeper 6. 748-0318 Wheel Rachet 35. 741-0600 Bearing 7.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD PRODUCTS INC (“MTD”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. MTD warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in material or workmanship.
