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21” Rear Discharge

Rotary Mower

Model 589 

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

FORM NO. 

770-10111C.fm

(10/2000)

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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

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.

ECO #

 

2844 

Summary of Contents for 589

Page 1: ... 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 sp...

Page 2: ...nt or an authorized dealer You can locate the model number by looking down at the rear of the 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 operation or maintenance of this uni...

Page 3: ...chine 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 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 steel toed...

Page 4: ...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 occur when gaso...

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: ... N T I N G A 1 5 S L O P E WARNING 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 slopes never across ...

Page 7: ...acket assemblies Tighten the wing nuts between the upper handle and the lower handle carriage bolts must be seated properly into the handle See Figure 2 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 at this time Figure 2 Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the weld pins on the handle brack...

Page 8: ... frame by working the six plastic channels on bag over frame All the plastic channels attach from the outside of bag See Figure 7 Figure 7 Attaching Grass Catcher To Mower Remove the mulching baffle in order to install and use the grass catcher Lift the rear discharge door and remove the rear mulching baffle from the mower See Figure 8 Figure 8 Holding open the rear discharge door place the grass ...

Page 9: ...mower The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit Release blade control handle to stop engine and blade See Figure 10 WARNING This blade control mechanism is a safety device Never attempt to bypass its operations Cutting Height Adjustment Levers These levers are located on each wheel and are used to adjust the cutting height These levers have to be at the same relative ...

Page 10: ...pull slightly harder at this point Let the rope rewind slowly Pull rope with a rapid continuous full arm stroke Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle let the rope rewind slowly Stopping Engine Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting Throttle Speed Your lawn mower engine is equipped wit...

Page 11: ...mounting bracket Figure 12 Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes of the weld pins and replace the carriage bolts and wing nuts on the handle brackets Attach the starter rope as instructed in the Assembly section Engine Adjustments Refer to the engine manual for details and instructions regarding engine adjustments SECTION 7 MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN...

Page 12: ...the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil Be sure to install the blade with the side marked Bottom or with part number facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft Place the blade on the adapter The blade has to be aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges Place blade bell support on bla...

Page 13: ... a few minutes to restart but do not prime Engine runs erratic 1 Spark plug wire loose 2 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 3 Vent in gas plugged 4 Water or dirt in fuel system 5 Dirty air cleaner 6 Carburetor out of adjustment 1 Connect and tighten spark plug wire 2 Clean fuel line fill tank with clean fresh gasoline 3 Clear vent 4 Drain fuel tank Refill with fresh fuel 5 Clean air cleaner 6 Adjust ...

Page 14: ... LIST FOR MODEL 589 1 2 11 3 7 13 6 20 23 66 53 58 30 31 73 76 36 32 34 33 70 59 45 44 81 50 55 56 82 40 83 72 71 60 41 16 80 87 22 26 12 61 67 54 65 64 64 39 51 78 87 49 46 5 18 19 9 4 14 79 42 44 43 47 48 63 84 85 85 86 ...

Page 15: ...ont Axle Bolt 47 720 0190 Height Adjuster Knob 48 736 0504 Wave Washer 510 x 750 49 14578 Height Adjuster Assembly R H 14579 Hgt Adj Assembly L H Not Shown 50 17488A Pivot Bar R H 17489A Pivot Bar L H 51 782 5002 Front Baffle 53 782 5003 Rear Baffle 54 710 1017 Tap Screw 1 4 14 x 625 55 710 0599 Hew Washer Screw 1 4 20 x 500 56 682 3056A Handle Bracket R H 682 3057A Handle Bracket L H Not Shown 58...

Page 16: ...anty 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 ou...

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