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Controls and Features

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Figure 4-1

Blade Control

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.

WARNING: 

This blade control is a safety device. 

Never attempt to bypass its operations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on top of the upper handle and is 

used to engage the drive. Squeeze it against the upper handle 

to engage the drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from 

propelling.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

One adjustment lever is located on the right rear wheel and one 

is located on the right front wheel. Both levers have to be at the 

same relative position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust the 

cutting height, refer to the “Assembly & Set-Up” Section.

Grass Catcher (If Equipped)

The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag 

the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is 

full, it has to be removed from the mower and emptied before 

any further mowing.

Side Discharge Chute  (If Equipped)

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass 

clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the 

“Assembly & Set-Up” section to attach the side discharge chute.

WARNING: 

Keep hands and feet away from the 

chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label 

on the unit.

Mulch Plug (If Equipped)

The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes. Instead of 

collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the 

side discharge chute, some mower models have the option 

of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called 

mulching.

cutting Height 

Adjustment 

Lever

Blade control

Drive control

Recoil Starter

Deck Wash

Side Discharge 

chute

cutting Height 

Adjustment 

Lever

Mulch Plug

Summary of Contents for Series VB20

Page 1: ...INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OPERATOR S MANUAL LES DISTRIBUTIONS RVI LIMITÉE 2955 JEAN BAPTISTE DESCHAMPS LACHINE QUEBEC H8T 1C5 MTD LLC P O BOX 361131 CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 0019 769 06854A 11 1 11 Self Propelled Mower Model Series VB20 ...

Page 2: ...his entire manual prior to operating the equipment It instructs you how to safely and easily set up operate and maintain your machine Please be sure that you and any other persons who will operate the machine carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property damage All information in this manual is relative to the most recen...

Page 3: ...anders helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower while it is in operation Stop machine if anyone enters area Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during 9 operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes Wear sturdy rough soled work shoes and close fitting 10 slacks and shirts Shirts and pants ...

Page 4: ...the engine is running Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by 26 the manufacturer Failure to do so can result in personal injury When starting engine pull cord slowly until resistance 27 is felt then pull rapidly Rapid retraction of starter cord kickback will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go Broken bones fractures bruises or sprains could result If situati...

Page 5: ...r 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 4 wear gloves and use extra caution when servici...

Page 6: ...I and Three Way Catalyst TWC if so equipped Spark Arrestor Warning This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest covered 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 eff...

Page 7: ...eet away Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass catcher is in its proper place If damaged replace immediately DANGER BYSTANDERS Do not mow when children or others are around DANGER HAND FOOT CUT Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts DANGER THROWN DEBRIS Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction Wear safety glasses DANGER SLOPES Use extra caution on slopes Do no...

Page 8: ...ect See Figure 1 and Figure 2 4 Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope See Figure 1 and Figure 2 5 If there is a gap below the gauge the slope is too steep for safe operation See Figure 2 above 1 5 d a s h e d l i n e Slope Gauge Figure 2 Figure 1 15 Slope 15 Slope WARNING Slopes are a major factor related to tip over and roll over accidents which can result in severe inju...

Page 9: ...ructions and features are equally applicable to the high wheel model as well unless otherwise noted Assembly NOTE This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower Handle Remove any packing material which may be between 1 upper and lower handles Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts fro...

Page 10: ...dle from engine and slip b starter rope into the rope guide See Fig 3 6 Tighten rope guide wing knob c Use cable tie s to secure cable s to lower handle d Grass Catcher If Equipped Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher if 1 needed Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling warning label will be on the outside Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is a at t...

Page 11: ... will stop scalping of grass To remove grass catcher lift rear discharge door on the mower Lift grass catcher up and of the slots in the handle brackets Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of mower Side Discharge Chute If Equipped Your mower may be shipped as a mulcher To convert to side discharge make sure grass catcher if equipped is off of the unit and rear discharge d...

Page 12: ...il provided before starting unit for the first time out 1 of the box Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the 2 separate engine owner s manual WARNING Use extreme care when handling gasoline Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running Extinguish cigarettes cigars pipes and other sources of ignition H...

Page 13: ... Up Section Grass Catcher If Equipped The grass catcher located at the rear of the mower is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site Once the bag is full it has to be removed from the mower and emptied before any further mowing Side Discharge Chute If Equipped Your mower is shipped as a mulcher To discharge the grass clippings to the side instead follow the instructions in the ...

Page 14: ...rn to the off choke position after activating the blade control Therefore quickly move onto step four below Holding these two handles together firmly grasp recoil 4 starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid continuous full arm stroke See Fig 5 1 Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle let the rope rewind slowly Repeat until engine cranks Let the rope rewind each time slowly Briggs Stratton E...

Page 15: ... If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches mulching is not recommended Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead Using Grass Catcher You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower Attach grass catcher following instructions in the 1 Assembly Set Up section Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower Operate mowe...

Page 16: ...ine causing a starting problem 3 Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool Do not spray with water IMPORTANT Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit These may cause damage to bearings or the engine The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability 4 Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground If you had put plastic under the ga...

Page 17: ...MPORTANT After cleaning your deck restart the mower Keep the engine and blade running for a minimum of two minutes allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry Engine Refer to the separate engine manual for engine 1 maintenance instructions Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine 2 manual packed with your unit Read and follow instructions carefully Under normal con...

Page 18: ... store next to corrosive materials such as fertilizer 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 of your lawn mower before storage Blade Care WARNING When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement protect ...

Page 19: ...o engine manual 5 Put CHOKE in the OFF position 6 Engine overheats Engine oil level low 1 Air flow restricted 2 Fill crankcase with proper oil 1 Clean area around and on top of engine 2 Occasional skips hesitates at high speed Spark plug gap too close 1 Adjust gap to 030 Refer to engine manual 1 Idles poorly Spark plug fouled faulty or gap too wide 1 Dirty air cleaner 2 Reset gap to 030 or replace...

Page 20: ...rge Chute WOP 731 07131 Discharge Chute Columbia 942 0741A Mulching Blade 764 04082A Grass Bag Black dust blocking 764 04085A Grass Bag WOP 954 04260 Belt If Equipped NOTE Download a complete Parts Manual refer to customer support on page 2 Be sure to have your model number and serial number ready Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers ...

Page 21: ...as lubricants filters blade sharpening tune ups brake adjustments clutch adjustments deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer e MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of Canada including possessions and territories f Replacement parts that are not ge...

Page 22: ...E RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS SERVICE DEALERS Belts light bulbs clutch parts friction wheels grass bags tires seats rider deck wheels and cutting blades are covered by a 60 day limited warranty Batteries are warranted against defect for 90 days at 100 of their value and 50 of their value for the period between the 91st day and the 120th day Fuses shear bolts and blade adapters are considered consumab...

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