MTD 020 Series User Manual

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4
Operating 
Your Lawn 
Mower
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle. 
Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to 
operate the unit. Release it to stop the engine and 
blade.
WARNING: This blade control is a safety 
device. Never attempt to bypass its 
operations.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. 
Stand behind the unit, depress blade control, and pull 
the recoil starter rope to start the unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Gas and Oil Fill-Up 
1.  Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine 
manual for this. 
2.  Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the 
engine manual. See engine manual for location of gas 
and oil fill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when 
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely 
flammable and the vapors are explosive. 
Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is 
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes 
and other sources of ignition.
WARNING
This blade control is a 
safety device. Do not 
bypass its operations.
Use extreme care 
when handling 
gasoline. Gasoline is 
extremely flammable 
and the vapors are 
explosive. Never fuel 
the machine indoors 
or while the engine 
is hot or running. 
Extinguish cigarettes, 
cigars, pipes and 
other sources of 
ignition.
Figure 4-1: The main components on the mower.
Now that you have assembled your lawn mower, it’s important to become aquainted with its controls and features. 
Recoil Starter
Blade Control