OPERATOR’S MANUAL 20” Mulching Self Starter Push Mower Model 109T 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 Unpacking.......................................................................................................... 7 Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7 Know 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. 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. 21. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. 22. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury. 23.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 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. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and de-energize the starter.
IN WARNING 15° G NTIN E S E EPR E, R OPE ° SL 5 1 A 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. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury. Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
SECTION 3: UNPACKING 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. • • • Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., operators manual, bottle of oil, etc.). Cut corners and lay carton down flat. Remove packing material. Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts. SECTION 4: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil.
• The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide. For location of the wing nut, see Figure 4. Slip rope into rope guide Wing Nut • Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher. To convert it to a side-discharge mower, lift the mulching plug. Slide the two hooks on the sidedischarge deflector under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug. See Figure 5.
NOTE: The safety key must be in the run position to start the mower for both systems, either the self starter or recoil starter. starter control button will automatically return to the off/ up position once the blade control handle is released. NOTE: The starter button must be depressed to start the engine with either the self starter or recoil starting system. Start Control Button The start control button is located on the upper left side of the handle. See Figure 6.
1. 2. 3. 4. Check oil level and add fuel, if necessary. Open shut off valve (if equipped) 1/4 turn. Turn safety key 1/4 turn clockwise to RUN position. Firmly push primer bulb 3 times (For a cold engine only!). 5. While standing at upper handle, depress the starter control button with the thumb of your right hand. 6. Using your left hand, pull the blade control handle all the way toward the upper handle. See Figure 7. Starter will de-energize and engine will start.
SECTION 7: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS Handle Height Adjustment WARNING: Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire and DE-ENERGIZE starter before performing any adjustments or repairs. DO NOT attempt any maintenance or service to the engine and/or mower equipped with the safety key in the unlocked and/or energized mode. Notch WARNING: NEVER assume starter is deenergized, even if the key is in the locked position and/or removed from the engine.
SECTION 8: SERVICE Engine WARNING: Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire and DE-ENERGIZE starter before lubricating, repairing or servicing. DO NOT attempt any maintenance or service to the engine and/or mower equipped with the safety key in the unlocked and/or energized mode. Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions. Lubrication Chart: WARNING: NEVER assume starter is deenergized, even if the key is in the locked position and/or removed from the engine.
• • • Blade Adapter Deck Maintenance Blade Bell Support • Hex Bolt • Figure 11 WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. • • • • When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
SECTION 10: OFF-SEASON STORAGE The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower for storage. • Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions. WARNING: Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire and DE-ENERGIZE starter before performing any repairs or maintenance. DO NOT attempt any maintenance or service to the engine and/or mower equipped with the safety key in the unlocked and/or energized mode.
SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start Blade control handle disengaged. Start control button not depressed. Spark plug wire disconnected. Safety key not in run position. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded. Engine not primed. Engage blade control handle. Depress starter control button. Connect wire to spark plug. Place safety key in run position. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
Model 109T 37 35 39 38 41 36 40 28 29 30 49 34 32 31 33 27 43 35 45 42 46 44 48 47 22 3 23 2 20 1 7 15 18 21 6 13 24 25 4 12 5 16 14 18 14 15 19 6 21 17 12 16 13 8 11 9 10 16 26
Model 109T 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. Part No. Ref. No. Part Description 17098 Hinge Clip 731-0872A Rear Flap 682-3025 Handle Bracket Ass’y LH 682-3024 Handle Bracket Ass’y RH 712-0431 Flange Lock Nut 3/8-16 731-1426 Hub Cap-Yellow 682-0139 Deck Assembly 753-0588 Blade Adapter Kit 736-0524A Blade Bell Support 710-1044 Hex Bolt 7/16-20 x .88” 742-0740 20” Mulch Blade 738-0102 Axle Bolt 736-0105 Bell Washer .
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.
