Hairpin Clip
Inner Hole | Lower Handle |
Outer Hole
Weld Pin | Handle Mounting |
Bracket |
Figure 4
NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position. If you wish to lower the height of the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.
•Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Refer to Figure 4.
•Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the handle mounting bracket.
•Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin. Repeat on other side.
•Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide to the right side of upper handle. See Figure 5.
•With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded, hold the blade control handle (see Figure 8) against the upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine.
•Release the blade control handle.
•Slip the starter rope into the rope guide.
•Tighten the wing nut. See Figure 5.
Wing Nut
Rope Guide 
Starter Rope
Figure 5
Setting Up Chute Deflector
The chute deflector on your mower is held in an upright position by a retainer for shipping purposes only. See Figure 6.
•To remove this retainer, move the
•Remove the retainer and carefully lower the chute into operating position keeping fingers out of the way.
WARNING: The chute retainer, used for shipping, must be removed and discarded before operating the mower.
Chute Deflector
Chute Retainer
Figure 6
Mulching Baffle (If so Equipped)
A mulching kit is available for the mowers shown in this manual. To obtain a mulching kit, contact a local MTD Products parts and service dealer .
If your mower is equipped with the optional mulching baffle, refer to Figure 7 and install as follows.
Chute Deflector
Hooks
Mulching Baffle
Notches
Figure 7
•Lift the chute deflector on the mower. Slide the notches in the bottom of the mulching baffle over the lip of the discharge opening.
•Push the hooks on the top of the baffle until they snap over the hinge on the chute deflector.
•Release the chute deflector.
8