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IMPORTANT: 

Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722, U.S.A.

20” Rotary Lawn Mower

Model Series

020 

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Warning: 

This unit is equipped with an internal 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 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 State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have 
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized 
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

Operator’s Manual

FORM NO. 770-10382.FM

(5/2000)

ECO No. 1224

Summary of Contents for series 20

Page 1: ... 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 State of California the above is required by law Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code Other states may have similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands A spark arrester for the muffler is a...

Page 2: ...ed dealer You can locate the model number by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the mower deck A sample model plate is explained below For future reference please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls operatio...

Page 3: ...rom the mower while it is in operation Stop mower if anyone enters the area 6 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 7 Wear sturdy rough soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirts Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and stee...

Page 4: ... to operate a power mower 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 Service Safe Handling Of Gasoline 1 To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive Serious personal injury can o...

Page 5: ...ning 9 Grass catcher components 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 immediately with original equipment manufacturer s O E M parts only listed in this manual Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper ...

Page 6: ... DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY 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 A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury If operating a walk behind mower on such a slope it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip resulting in serious injury Operate RIDING mowers up and down slop...

Page 7: ... position Disconnect Spark Plug Wire WARNING Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting NOTE On engines with a rubber boot attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to ground Figure 1 IMPORTANT This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine Do not start the engine before filling up gasoline and oil IMPORTANT Before starting to assemb...

Page 8: ...ng or during assembly of other two handles reassemble it now If the blade control handle is firmly secured in place you may proceed to the next assembly WARNING The blade control handle is a safety device Never attempt to bypass its operations To reattach the blade control handle to the upper handle first identify the proper holes in the upper handle This can be done by placing the blade control h...

Page 9: ...heel to the deck with the large bell washer and the nut Repeat on other sides Remove blocks and put the mower on ground Attaching Chute Deflector Align the holes on the chute deflector with the corresponding holes on the deck Using group 5 from hardware pack place carriage bolts from underside of the deck and up through the chute deflector See Figure 9 Secure each bolt with a washer and lock nut F...

Page 10: ...ow instructions carefully WARNING Never fill fuel tank indoors with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running Before Starting Attach spark plug wire to spark plug If unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the spark plug wire ensure that the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire inside the rubber boot is fastened securely over the met...

Page 11: ...e upper hole Throttle Control Your lawn mower engine is equipped with a fixed throttle control that does not need adjustment Carburetor WARNING If any adjustments are made to the engine while the engine is running e g carburetor keep clear of all moving parts Be careful of heated surfaces and muffler Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to compensate for differences in fuel temperature alt...

Page 12: ...Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly Always remove blade from the adapter for the best test of balance Figure 15 To reassemble blade Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil or engine oil Also lubricate the bolt holes bolts and inner surface of the nuts Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the star away from the engi...

Page 13: ...an fuel line 6 Clean adjust gap or replace 7 Refer to the engine manual 8 Wait for a while and crank the engine Engine runs erratic 1 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 2 Carburetor out of adjustment 1 Clean fuel line fill tank with clean fresh gasoline 2 Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit Engine overheats 1 Engine oil level low 2 Dirty air cleaner 3 Air flow restricted 4 Carburetor not...

Page 14: ...14 SECTION 10 PARTS LIST FOR MODEL SERIES 020 5 4 15 18 27 19 19 20 21 7 6 23 24 22 24 22 23 16 17 16 15 14 23 13 22 22 9 8 10 25 25 24 24 23 11 2 12 1 3 10 26 28 28 28 28 ...

Page 15: ...tting Blade 12 731 0064 Discharge Chute 13 710 0932 Carriage Screw 1 4 20 x 1 0 14 736 0173 Flat Washer 15 712 0324 Lock Nut 1 4 20 16 710 3008 Hex Bolt 5 16 18 17 712 3004A Lock Nut 5 16 18 18 710 1205 Eye Bolt 19 710 0262 Carriage Bolt 5 16 18 x 1 5 20 736 0119 Lock Washer 21 712 0267 Nut 5 16 18 22 734 1779 Wheel 23 738 0533 Shoulder Screw 498 x 1 635 24 736 0105 Bell Washer 25 712 0798 Flange ...

Page 16: ...y 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 brake adjustments clutch adjustments or deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outsi...

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