MTD VB20 series Operator'S Manual Download Page 3

Important Safe Operation Practices

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General Operation

1. 

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 

manual(s)  before operation. Keep this manual in a safe 

place for future and regular reference and for ordering 

replacement parts.

2. 

Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use 

of this machine before operating it.

3. 

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.

4. 

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.

5. 

Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these 

rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this 

machine.

6. 

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.

7. 

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. 

8. 

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. 

9. 

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.

10.  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.

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

cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers, 

hands, toes and feet.

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 VB20 series

Page 1: ...ce 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 INSTRUCTIONS MAY RES...

Page 2: ...tion at all times Throughout this manual all references to right and left side of the machine are observed from the operating position The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine related iss...

Page 3: ...and pets at least 75 feet from mower while it is in operation Stop machine if anyone enters area 9 Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or...

Page 4: ...ment while the engine is running 26 Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer Failure to do so can result in personal injury 27 When starting engine pull cord slowly unt...

Page 5: ...frequent intervals for 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...

Page 6: ...al 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 arrestor meeting ap...

Page 7: ...jury keep hands and feet 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 arou...

Page 8: ...ct 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 S...

Page 9: ...3 2 Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up B Figure 3 2 Assembly NOTE This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanyin...

Page 10: ...4 c Reattach wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier into lower holes of handle as shown in Figure 3 5 C C Figure 3 5 4 The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle Loosen th...

Page 11: ...There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the front and rear right wheel 1 Pull the height adjustment lever towards wheel unit will tend to fall when lever is moved outward b Slip plas...

Page 12: ...justment wheel is located in the drive control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt You will need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel itself with the dri...

Page 13: ...eck Wash If Equipped Your mower s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck s underside Side Discharge...

Page 14: ...operating the mower or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it Using as Mulcher For mulching grass remove the grass catcher and allow the rear discharge door to close the rear opening of mo...

Page 15: ...h directions See Figure 6 1 Figure 6 1 2 The transmission is pre lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not require lubrication 3 Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule...

Page 16: ...ng in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts Deck Wash If Equipped Your mower s deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system Use the deck wash to rinse g...

Page 17: ...ening the blade follow the original angle of grind Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced WARNING An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds It...

Page 18: ...the season for instance when bagging more frequent charging may be necessary 3 After charging disconnect charger plug from outlet first then disconnect charger lead from battery and reattach cover se...

Page 19: ...ng steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions Coat mower s cutting blade with chassis grease to prev...

Page 20: ...rratic 1 Spark plug boot loose 2 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 3 Vent in gas cap plugged 4 Water or dirt in fuel system 5 Dirty air cleaner 6 Unit running with CHOKE if equipped applied 1 Connect an...

Page 21: ...eplace blade Uneven cut 1 Wheels not positioned correctly 2 Dull blade 1 Place front and rear wheels in same height position 2 Sharpen or replace blade Mower will not self propel 1 Belt not installed...

Page 22: ...MTD BS 591868 Spark Plug Briggs Stratton 951 10298 Air Cleaner Kit MTD BS 491588S Air Filter Cartridge Briggs Stratton BS 493537S Pre Cleaner Briggs Stratton 951 12738 Fuel Cap Assembly Phase 3 Engin...

Page 23: ...erial number ready Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www mtdproducts com Component Part Number and Description 731 07486 Discharge Chute 942 0741A Mulching Blade 942 0741 X X...

Page 24: ...s need for separate blower Easy installation with no tools 490 850 0015 Cargo Carrier Conveniently holds drinks tools and more Simple installation Attaches in less than two minutes with no tools 490 2...

Page 25: ...starts Prevents corrosion from moisture and ethanol induced attraction Prevents gum and varnish 490 290 0012 Mower Cover Protects your mower against sun rain and dust damage Coated for maximum water r...

Page 26: ...26...

Page 27: ...27...

Page 28: ...ese items may carry a separate manufacturer s warranty Refer to applicable manufacturer s warranty for terms and conditions b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a separate one year warranty...

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