MTD 500 Thru 509, Operator'S Manual, Page: 7 / 16

7
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.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug. See Figure 1.
Figure 1
Setting Up Your Lawn Mower
• Raise the lower handle, as shown in Figure 2
(Step1), until it snaps into place. Lift up and pull
back on the upper handle to raise the handle into
the operating position (Step 2). See Figure 2. Make
certain the lower handle is seated securely into the
handle bracket assemblies.
Figure 2
• To secure the upper and lower handle, tighten the
wing nuts near the top of lower handle (carriage
bolts must be seated properly into the
handle).Tighten the wing nuts at the end of the
lower handle to secure the handle to handle
bracket assemblies. See Figure 3.
NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher position. If you wish to lower the height of the
handle, refer to the Adjustment Section.
Figure 3
• Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the cable
tie found on the lower handle. Pull the cable tie tight
and trim off the excess. See Figure 4.
Figure 4
• If not already, move rope guide to the first hole
above the lower handle on right side. The wing nut
loosens and secures the rope guide to handle.
See Figure 5.
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. Tighten wing nut.