MTD 21” Self Starter 589 - Manual (Page 7)

7
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your mower.
Removing Unit From Carton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton. Remove loose parts if included with unit
(i.e., operator’s manual, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
Hardware Pack
Please identify each piece
of the hardware pack as
shown here.
Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground to a bolt
on the engine. Leave safety key in locked position. See
Figure 1.
Figure 1
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
Assembling Handle
• Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position.
• Make certain the lower handle is seated securely
into the handle bracket 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 bracket assemblies. Using
a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle
against the handle bracket assemblies. Insert the
hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on other side. See Figure 3.
• After you have moved the hairpin clip, install the
carriage bolt, (carriage bolt must go to the inside of
handle) included in the hardware pack, in the upper
hole on the handle mounting bracket. Secure with
one plastic wing nut, also included in the hardware
pack. See Figure 3. Repeat process on other side.
Figure 3
• Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two
cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable
ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 4.
Figure 4
Wing Carriage
1/4-20 (2) 1/4-20 (2)
Bolt Nut
Spark Plug
Spark Plug
Wire
1. Move bag
2. Lift lower handle
3. Lift upper
handle
away
Carriage Bolt
Wing Nut
Upper
Move Hairpin Clip
Handle
Mounting
Brkt.
Hole
Cable Tie
Lower
Handle