OPERATOR’S MANUAL 21” Rear & Side Discharge Mulching Mower Model Series 540 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).
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3 Slope Gauge...................................................................................................... 6 Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7 Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 9 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.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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. NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position. Removing Unit From Carton • • • • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.
Attaching Starter Rope • Discharge Door The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide. See Figure 5. Upper Handle Starter Rope Wing Nut Rope Guide Lower Handle Grass Bag Figure 5 • Figure 7 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 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Grass Catcher Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in Figure 9 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site.
• • Stand behind the mower and squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle. Grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches the start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope return to the starter slowly.
IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same relative position. For rough or uneven lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help stop scalping of the grass. Height Adjustment Lever Engine Adjustments See the separate engine manual packed with your unit for adjustments to the engine. Figure 11 SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER General Recommendations • • Some adjustments will have to be made periodically to maintain your unit properly.
Lubrication Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of service work on the lawn mower. Rear Discharge Door Handle Bracket Blade Control: Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 12.
• Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft. • • Blade Adapter • • Blade Bell Support NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque. Hex Bolt Storing your Lawn Mower Figure 14 The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug wire loose. 2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. 3. 4. 5. 6. Engine overheats Blade control handle disengaged. Spark plug wire disconnected. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded Vent in gas plugged. Water or dirt in fuel system. Dirty air cleaner. Carburetor out of adjustment. 1. Engine oil level low. 2. Air flow restricted. 3.
Notes 15
Model Series 540 19 15 1 11 12 21 5 3 16 95 9 96 2 18 4 6 14 52 17 4 57 13 57 20 52 23 20 61 30 92 58 31 56 39 24 89 82 80 55 50 88 40 81 59 62 71 22 84 76 83 73 44 70 41 44 63 51 47 42 86 43 85 90 94 87 49 32 36 53 66 54 64 71 67 60 93 72 16 34 33
Model Series 540 Ref. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 47. 49. Part No.
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.
