MTD 190-181 Operator'S Manual Download Page 3

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SECTION 1:  IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

General Operation

1.

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the 
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to 
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place 
for future and regular reference and for ordering 
replacement parts. 

2.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. 
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them 
quickly.

3.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this 
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and 
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in 
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a 
parent. Never allow adults to operate this machine 
without proper instruction. 

4.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, 
keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 
feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop 
machine if anyone enters the area.

5.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be 
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and 
other foreign objects which could be picked up and 
thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause 
serious personal injury. 

6.

Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material 
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, 
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction 
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back 
toward the operator. 

7.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during 
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to 
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can 
cause serious injury to the eyes. 

8.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting 
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be 
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in 
bare feet or sandals.

 

9.

Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge 
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the 
mower without the discharge cover or entire grass 
catcher in its proper place

.

10. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the 

cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate 
hands and feet.

11. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade 

contact or thrown object injuries. 

12. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or 

roads and while not cutting grass. 

13. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing 

roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any 
public roadway. 

14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of 

alcohol or drugs. 

15. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
16. Never carry passengers.
17. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up 

slowly. Always look down and behind before and while 
backing to avoid a back-over accident.

18. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine 

smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

19. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and 

wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before 
removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging 
chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any 
adjustments. 

20. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn 

off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking 
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

21. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine 

into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or 
down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing 
serious personal injury

The unit must be pushed 

manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

22. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do 

not touch.

23. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving 

under low tree branches, wires, door openings etc., 
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, 
which could result in serious injury.

24. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake 

pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting 
to start engine.

25. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass 

of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow 
through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of 
dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine 
exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a 
potential fire hazard.

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.

WARNING: 

The Battery and Engine Exhaust contains chemicals known to the State of California 

to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The battery and posts contain lead; 
wash hands after handling

.

WARNING: 

This machine

 

was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this 

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in 
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to 
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Summary of Contents for 190-181

Page 1: ...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 In the State of California the above is required by law Se...

Page 2: ...te the model number in the front left portion of the plastic grass catcher cover A sample model plate is explained below For future reference please copy model number and serial number of the tractor...

Page 3: ...f alcohol or drugs 15 Mow only in daylight or good artificial light 16 Never carry passengers 17 Disengage blade s before shifting into reverse Back up slowly Always look down and behind before and wh...

Page 4: ...on could cause sliding 6 Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill Over speeding may cause the operator to lose control of the machine resulting in serious injury or death 7 Do not tow heavy pull beh...

Page 5: ...ation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation Adjust and service as required 5 Check the blade s and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness Also visuall...

Page 6: ...extra items which are not used on your unit Figure 1 Contents of Hardware Pack Figure 2 NOTE Each item has been identified in Figure 2 for ease of assembly and the letter code assigned here is maintai...

Page 7: ...t bracket F in Figure 2 Secure with nut A in Figure 2 See Figure 4 Place one support bracket on each side of the tractor frame aligning the two smaller holes on the bracket with corresponding holes on...

Page 8: ...des packed with the bagger Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked Bottom or with a part number stamped in it facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position Mount...

Page 9: ...position A or C corresponding to the position of the grasscatcher pin at A B or C on the deck See Figure 9 Figure 9 Lower the deck to its lowest position Lock the discharge chute in position by hooki...

Page 10: ...bag cover by lifting the cover up Do not remove the chute tube assembly from the tractor See Figure 12A Remove the grass bags by lifting up and moving the bags away from the support tube assembly See...

Page 11: ...ock Nut 1 4 20 15 714 0117 Hairpin Clip 16 723 04008 Chute Strap 17 731 04159 Discharge Chute Elbow 18 731 0926B Catcher Tube 19 736 0253 Beleville Washer 20 736 0270 Beleville Washer 21 736 0407 Bell...

Page 12: ...such 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 MTD LLC does not ex...

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