PRINTED IN U.S.A.
WARNING
: Disconnect the spark plug wire and
move it away from the spark plug to prevent the
unit from accidentally starting. Protect hands by
using heavy gloves or a rag when grasping the cut-
ting blade.
Installing the Mulching Blade
1.
Remove the existing blade and blade adapter from your
mower by removing the center bolt and cupped washer
which hold the blade and adapter to the engine crank-
shaft. Remove the blade and adapter from the crank-
shaft.
2.
Slide the new blade adapter, Figure 1, onto the crank-
shaft.
3.
Place the blade with the side marked “bottom” (or with
the part number) facing away from the adapter. Be cer-
tain the star pattern on the blade adapter is properly
matched with the star pattern on the blade.
4.
Align the blade bell support over the blade with the tabs
in the holes of the blade and insert the center bolt.
Tighten the center bolt securely to between 450 and 600
inch pounds.
Installing the Mulching Baffle
1.
Lift up and hold the side-discharge chute deflector, Fig-
ure 2.
2.
Insert the bottom lip of the mulching baffle
inside
the
chute opening, Figure 2.
3.
Snap the baffle hooks over the hinge pin of the chute
deflector, Figure 2. The hooks will snap into place on the
hinge pin, locking the mulching baffle firmly onto the
mower.
4.
Release the chute deflector.
NOTE:
For proper assembly, install bottom lip inside chute
opening before placing hooks over the hinge pin.
NOTE:
When you want to side discharge grass clippings
instead of mulching, simply lift the chute deflector and
remove the mulching baffle. It is not necessary to remove the
mulching blade in order to side discharge clippings.
Using your Mulching Kit
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other
objects which could damage the lawn mower or engine. Such
objects can be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direc-
tion and cause serious personal injury to the operator and
others.
WARNING:
If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the mower for damage, and
repair the damage before restarting and operating
the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation
is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
•
For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing
proper mulching. For extremely heavy cutting (thick
grass), reduce the width of cut. The ground speed
should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
•
For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third off the
total length of the grass at any one cutting. Lawn should
be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.
•
For the most effective mulching and to provide the best
cut, operate the mower at full throttle.
•
Be certain to clean the underside of the deck after each
use to avoid a build-up of grass which could prevent
proper mulching.
Star Blade
Adapter
Mulching
Blade
Center Bolt
Blade Bell
Support
Figure 1: Installing the mulching blade.
1
3
4
5
REF. NO.
PART NO.
DESCRIPTION
1
742-0742A
22-inch Mulching Blade
2
631-04045
Mulching Baffle
3
748-0376C
Star Blade Adapter
4
736-0524B
Blade Bell Support
5
710-1044
Center Bolt
Figure 2: Installing the mulching baffle.
Hinge
Pin
Chute
Deflector
Mulching
Baffle
Lip of Mulching Baffle (install inside chute opening)
Hooks
Chute
Opening
2
1
2
Operator’s Guide
OEM-190-133 (22”)
22-inch Mulching Kit
FORM NO. 769-01173
Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation.
Model year 2003 or above
MTD LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019