Yard Machines 378 manual

Operato rs Manual IMPOR TANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFUL LY MTD PRODUCTS INC. P .O. B OX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722 PRINTED IN U.S.A. Model Series 370 thru 389 Rotary Mowers 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 gra[...]

2 SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY R[...]

3 • Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so equipped while starting engine. • The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with the rotating blade. The blade control handle must operate easily in b[...]

4 • To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing. • Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the spark [...]

5 SLOPE GAUGE Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approxima tely 2-1/2 feet e very 10 f eet). A rid ing m ower could overturn a nd cause serious i njury. If operating a walk-be hind mower on su c h a slope , it is extremely difficult to mai nta i n your footing a nd you could slip, resulti ng in serious injury. Op[...]

6 SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new walk behind. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain your walk behind. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start to prepare your walk behind for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in thi[...]

7 SECTION 3: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS REM OVE UNIT FROM CARTON • See Figure 2. • 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., owner’s manual, etc.). • Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat. • Remove packing material. R[...]

8 SECTION 4: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS This guide covers models 370 - 379 single speed self propelled mowers and 380 - 389 six speed self propelled mowers. Much of this guide pertains to both models. Howeve r , there are some areas where only one model is covered. Use only the information that is appropriate for your model. ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMB LY ?[...]

9 Step 3. Tighten wing nuts. Step 4. Raise complete handle assembly until it clicks into place. Make sure not to kink the control cables. Step 5. Pinch lower handle against mounting bracket with pliers. Step 6. Move hairpin clip from outer to inner hole on handle mounting bracket. Step 7. Attach control cables to handle with pull ties found on the [...]

10 SECTION 5: CONTROLS Figure 4 BLADE CONTROL HANDLE The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 4. The blade control handle must be depressed in order to start and operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade. WARNING: The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt[...]

11 NOTE: Only move the shift lever when the engine is running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine off can cause damage to the mower. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever out and away from the mower and then move it forward[...]

12 EACH TIME BEFORE YOU S TART YOUR MOWER • Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug. • Check for proper drive clutch operation using the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST. NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST To perform the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST answ[...]

13 BAGGING GRASS CLIPPINGS This mower can bag grass clippings. Follow steps 1 and 2 to ready the mower for bagging. EMPTYING A FULL B AG OF GRASS Once the grass bag is full it will need to be emptied, follow steps 3 and 4 to empty the grass bag. MULCHING GRASS CLIPPINGS This mower can also mulch grass clippings. Follow step 1 to ready this mower fo[...]

14 SIDE DISCHARGING GRASS CLIPPINGS (Optional) SECTION 7: ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Do not at any time make any adjustment to lawn mower without first stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug wire. HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT Figure 6 Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position. To lower the handle height, proceed as follows. ?[...]

15 THR OTTLE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT Figure 7 If the throttle control requires adjustment or if it has been replaced, adjust the throttle control as follows. • Remove the screw shown in Figure 7. Remove the cable clamp from the cable. • Push the throttle control lever on the handle all the way forward as far as it will go, then back it off one “cl[...]

16 SECTION 8: LUBRICATION WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of work on the lawn mower. Figure 9 Blade Control: Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil. See Figure 9. The blade control must operate freely i[...]

17 DECK The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching, discharge or bagging. The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suit[...]

18 SHIFT LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT (Models 380 - 389 Only) Periodic adjustment of the six speed shift cable may be required due to normal wear on the cable. Adjustment is needed if all six speeds do not work. The adjustable cable bracket is located on the left side of the mower, beside the engine. Follow steps 1 through 7 to adjust the shift lever. St[...]

19 DRIVE BE LT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT (Model 370 Series) If you need to replace a worn or broken drive belt, follow steps 1 through 22. Step 1. Disconnect the spark plug and ground it. Step 2. Drain the fuel tank. Step 3. Remove rear hub caps and wheels. Step 4. Remove eight phillips head screws. Step 5. Tip mower back on its handle and block secu[...]

20 Step 14. Replace large baffle. Step 15. Replace small baffle and three hex head screws holding it in place. Step 16. Replace blade adapter and blade. See the Blade Removal, Sharpening and Replacement Section for proper assembly. Step 17. Replace the eight phillips head screws that hold the large baffle in place. Step 18. Replace the rear wheels,[...]

21 DRIVE BE LT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT (Model 380 Series) If you need to replace a worn or broken drive belt, follow steps 1 through 30. Step 1. Disconnect the spark plug and ground it. Step 2. Drain the fuel tank. Step 3. Remove rear hub caps and wheels. Step 4. Remove eight phillips head screws. Step 5. Tip mower back on its handle and block secu[...]

22 Step 13. Squeeze the belt together and push belt forward. Press the control arm inward towards the deck and remove the six speed cable from the slot. Step 18. Pivot the control arm down away from the pulley and belt. Step 14. Place the new belt over the transmission pulley. Start the belt in pulley groove and rotate pulley until belt is seated i[...]

23 Step 21. Pinch belt together so that it is not in the pulley groove, and the lower pulley can be pushed towards the engine. Step 22. Pivot the control arm back to its original position and reinstall the six-speed cable into the slot. Step 23. Check and make sure the belt is routed inside the pulley halves and the belt guard pin. Step 24. Replace[...]

24 SECTION 10: OFF-SEASON STORAGE The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower for storage. • 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 i[...]

25 Models 370 thru 389 Front Axle Assembly & Height Adjuster † See Wheel and Hub Cap Chart on Page 6 RE F . NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 611-0060 Axle Ass’ y , F rt. 2 710-1348 AB Pan Scr. 1/4-14 x .50 Lg. 3 714-0104 Cotter Pin .072 x 1.12 Lg. 4 732-0820 Ext. Spring 5 747-0920 Adj. Rod 6 736-0105 Sp r. Washer 7 738-0102 Shl. Bolt .498 x 1.445[...]

26 Models 370 thru 379 †† WHEEL ASSEMB LY CHART Size Tread Type Front Wheels Part No. Bearings Rear Wheels Part No. 8” x 1.75” Bar T read 634-0020 - - - 634-0020 8” x 1.75” “T” T read 734-1268 741-0484 734-1412 8” x 2” “S” Wave 734-1790 ( Y ellow Rim) 741-0484 734-1791 ( Y ellow Rim) 8” x 2” “S” Wave 734-1821 741-048[...]

27 Models 370 thru 379 RE F . NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 747-0824 Control Handle Ass’y (Std.) 647-0004 Control Handle Ass’y (Deluxe) 2 731-1639 Baffle 3 710-0605 Oval C-Sunk Mach.-Scr. 4 736-0501 Sp r.Wash.66” I. D . 5 720-0279 Handle Knob 1/4-20 Thd. 6 646-0875 Throttle Body 7 712-0324 Hex L-Nut 1/4-20 8 749-0439B Upper Handle 9 746-0876 Thr[...]

28 Model 380 thru 389[...]

29 Model 380 thru 389 RE F . NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 747-0824 Control Handle Ass’y (Std) 647-0004 Control Handle Ass’y (Deluxe) 2 731-1639 Baffle 3 710-0605 Oval C-Sunk Mach.-Scr. 4 736-0501 Sp r.Wash..66” I. D . 5 720-0279 Handle Knob 1/4-20 Thd. 6 646-0875 Throttle Body 7 712-0324 Hex L-Nut 1/4-20 8 749-0439B Upper Handle 9 746-0876 Thro[...]

30 112 732-0627 Shift Lever Spring 113 16864 6 S p. Rack Cable Bracket 114 712-0414 Weld T op L. 1/4-20 115 16855 Pawl Plate 116 748-0381 Pawl R.H. 748-0188B Pawl L.H. (Not Shown) 117 738-0137A Shldr Scr. .340 x .285 118 10622B Spring, Rachet 119 † Hub Cap 120 731-1685 Mulch Plug 121 731-1461 Chute Deflector 122 747-0958 Chute Mounting Rod 123 71[...]

31 Shroud Chart Pa rt No. 751B281439 751B281440 751B281443 Color Dark Red Black Bright Red Part No. 731-1395A 731-1396A 731-1397A Color Red Black Gray Pa rt No. 731-1587A 731-1603A 731-1610A 731-1620A Color Black Y ellow Pewter Gray Pa rt No. 731-1561 Color Black Hardware: 710-1256 (Screw) Hardware: 710-1256 (Screw) Hardware: 710-1184 (Screw) Hardw[...]

MANU FA CTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase within the United States of America, its possessions and territories, MTD PRODUCTS INC will, at its option, repair or replace, for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. This warranty covers un[...]