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Important Safe Operation Practices

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General Operation

Read this operator’s manual  carefully in its entirety before 
attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, 
and follow all instructions on the machine and in the 
manuals)  before operation. Keep this manual in a safe 
place for future and regular reference and for ordering 
replacement parts
Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use 
of this machine before operating it.
This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, 
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all 
times. This machine has been designed to perform one job: 
to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand 
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual 
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised 
by an adult.
Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these 
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this 
machine.

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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 tripped over or picked up 
and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious 
personal injury.
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. 
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, 
stay in operator zone behind handles and keep children, 
bystanders, 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 
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 
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms 
and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never 
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the 
cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers, 
hands, toes and feet.

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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!

DANGER: 

This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands, 
toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions 
could result in serious injury or death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: 

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components 

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects 
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: 

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead 

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive 
harm. 

Wash hands after handling.

Summary of Contents for 54K

Page 1: ...Maintenance Service Troubleshooting Warranty WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIO...

Page 2: ...models MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor...

Page 3: ...ts 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 operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to...

Page 4: ...e parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer Failure to do so can result in personal injury 12 13 14 a b c d 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 When starting engine pull cord slo...

Page 5: ...11 12 13 14 1 2 Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness Also visually inspect blade for damage e g bent cracked worn Replace blade with the original equipm...

Page 6: ...the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department P O Box 361131 Cleveland Ohio 44136 0019 Average Useful Life According to the Consumer...

Page 7: ...a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely WARNING Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2...

Page 8: ...ely into the handle mounting brackets Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up Tighten star knobs to secure upper handle to lower handle Make sure that each carriage bolt is seated properly in t...

Page 9: ...ottom Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame See Fig 3 5 All the plastic channels except center top of bag attach from outside of bag Attach center top of bag from inside of bag 1 2...

Page 10: ...time out of the box Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate engine owner s manual WARNING Use extreme care when handling gasoline Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors...

Page 11: ...o 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 Your mower is shipped as a mu...

Page 12: ...ently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others WARNING The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes...

Page 13: ...1 Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot points on the rear discharge door and side mulch plug periodically with light oil to prevent rust See Fig 6 1 Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubric...

Page 14: ...s instructed in engine manual Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates t...

Page 15: ...rect engine storage instructions Store mower in a dry clean area Do not store next to corrosive materials such as fertilizer When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal st...

Page 16: ...ll tank with clean fresh gasoline Clear vent Drain fuel tank Refill with fresh fuel Refer to engine manual Push CHOKE knob in 1 2 3 4 5 6 Engine overheats Engine oil level low Air flow restricted 1 2...

Page 17: ...Notes 9 17...

Page 18: ...18 Model 54K 6 5 54 51 3 55 28 24 37 50 24 39 40 41 24 43 45 44 26 27 28 36 25 35 34 24 23 14 13 11 18 17 16 15 29 32 31 24 33 46 9 49 2 1 12 22 21 20 19 38 47 42 4 7 10 8 52 48 30 53...

Page 19: ...ht Adjustment Plate 26 687 02337 Pivot Arm Assy RH 687 02338 Pivot Arm Assy LH 27 734 2005A Front Wheel Ref No Part Number Description 28 738 04266 Shoulder Scr 5D x 385 29 732 0404 Front Spring Lever...

Page 20: ...arranty Refer to applicable manufactur er s warranty for terms and conditions b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a separate one year warranty c Routine maintenance items such as lubricants...

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