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15

SECTION 8:  OFF-SEASON STORAGE

If the lawn mower is not going to be used for 30 days or 
longer, prepare the unit for storage. Follow the steps 
below for proper storage of the mower.

Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described 
in the lubrication instructions.

Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage 
instructions.

Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to 
prevent rusting.

Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next 
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

NOTE:  When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated 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.

SECTION 9:  TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer
or call Customer Service at 1(330) 220-4MTD or 1(800)800-7310.

Trouble

Possible Cause(s)

Corrective Actions

Engine fails to 

start

1.

Blade control handle disengaged.

2.

Spark plug wire disconnected.

3.

Dirty aircleaner.

4.

Primer button not depressed.

5.

Throttle control lever (if so equipped) not in 
correct starting position .

6.

Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.

7.

Blocked fuel line 

8.

Faulty spark plug.

9.

Engine flooded.

1.

Engage blade control handle.

2.

Connect wire to spark plug.

3.

Refer to the engine manual.

4.

Refer to the engine manual.

5.

Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.

6.

Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline. 

7.

Clean fuel line.

8.

Clean, adjust gap or replace.

9.

Refer to the engine manual.

Engine runs 
erratic

1.

Throttle lever (if so equipped) in START. 

2.

Spark plug wire loose.

3.

Blocked fuel line (if equipped) or stale fuel.

4.

Vent in gas cap plugged.

5.

Water or dirt in fuel system.

6.

Dirty air cleaner.

7.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

1.

Move throttle lever (if so equipped) to FAST position.

2.

Connect and tighten spark plug wire. 

3.

Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 

4.

Clear vent or threads or replace.

5.

Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.

6.

Refer to the engine manual.

7.

Refer to the engine manual.

Engine 
overheats

1.

Engine oil level low.

2.

Dirty aircleaner.

3.

Air flow restricted.

4.

Carburetor not adjusted properly.

1.

Fill crankcase with proper oil.

2.

Refer to the engine manual.

3.

Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove 
blower housing and clean. 

4.

Refer to the engine manual.

Occasional skip 
(hesitates) at 
high speed

1.

Spark plug gap too close.

2.

Carburetor idle mixture adjustment     
improperly set.

1.

Adjust gap to .030".

2.

Refer to the engine manual.

Idles poorly

1.

Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.

2.

Carburetor improperly adjusted.

3.

Dirty air cleaner.

1.

Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.

2.

Refer to the engine manual.

3.

Refer to the engine manual.

Excessive 
vibration

1.

Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.

2.

Bent cutting blade.

1.

Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.

2.

See an authorized service dealer.

Mower will not 
mulch grass

1.

Engine speed too low.

2.

Wet grass.

3.

Excessively high grass.

1.

Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.

2.

Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.

3.

Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at 
desired height or make a narrower cutting swath (1/2 
width).

Uneven cut

1.

Wheels not positioned correctly.

2.

Dull blade.

1.

Place all four wheels in same height position.

2.

Sharpen or replace blade.

Summary of Contents for 429 Series

Page 1: ...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 effective working order by the operator In the Sta...

Page 2: ...rom our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer You can locate the model number by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the deck A sample model plate is expla...

Page 3: ...75 feet from the machine while it is in operation Stop machine if anyone enters the area 6 Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to...

Page 4: ...uld read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent Service Safe Handling Of Gasoline 1 To avoid personal injury or prop...

Page 5: ...ents discharge cover and trail shield are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown For safety protection frequently check components and replace immedia...

Page 6: ...Y NOT OPERATE SAFELY Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2 1 2 feet every 10 feet On steeper inclines a riding mower could overturn and cause serious in...

Page 7: ...r is observed from the operating position Remove any packing material which may be between the upper and lower handles for shipping purposes Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the handle in...

Page 8: ...nnel on bag over the hooks on the grass catcher frame Secure bag to frame by working the plastic channels on bag over frame as shown in Figure 6B All of the plastic channels except center top of bag a...

Page 9: ...r To remove the mulching baffle lift the rear discharge door on the mower Remove the mulching baffle See Figure 11 inset Figure 11 To attach the grass catcher Lift the rear discharge door on the mower...

Page 10: ...PORTANT This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil before operating your mower SECTION 4 KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Compare the illustratio...

Page 11: ...ipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark plug wire ensure that the metal cap at the end of the spark plug wire inside the rubber boot is fastened securely over the spark plug s metal tip To...

Page 12: ...grass may require a narrower cut The ground speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn If mowing has been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 mulching is not reco...

Page 13: ...g at high speeds and may cause damage to the mower and or personal injury The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly...

Page 14: ...he gap once a season Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications Clean engine regularly with a cloth or br...

Page 15: ...Throttle lever if so equipped in START 2 Spark plug wire loose 3 Blocked fuel line if equipped or stale fuel 4 Vent in gas cap plugged 5 Water or dirt in fuel system 6 Dirty air cleaner 7 Carburetor o...

Page 16: ...l Chart See Illustration Type of Wheel Part No Tread Color Wheels w o bearings 734 1781 Slot Hub Bar Tread Grey Wheels w o bearings 734 1987 8 x 1 8 Sp 734 1988 7 x 1 8 Bar Tread Grey Wheels w o beari...

Page 17: ...ash 39 I D x 1 38 40 712 0798 Hex Nut 3 8 16 Thd 41 15261A Height Adj Plate 42 15262B Pivot Bar 43 14832 Spring Lever Ass y w Knob 44 738 0507B Shld Bolt 5 Dia x 357 45 736 0105 Bell Wash 38 I D x 88...

Page 18: ...731 1695 Silver 731 1934A Charcoal Hardware 710 1274 Shroud Color 731 1585B Black Hardware 7510042823 Shroud Color 731 1586B Black 731 1612A Red Hardware 7510042823 Shroud Color 7510143208 Black Shrou...

Page 19: ...19 YOUR NOTES Date Comments...

Page 20: ...on these items b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a sepa rate one year warranty c Routine maintenance items such as lubricants filters blade sharpening and tune ups or adjustments such as...

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