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22” Rotary Mowers

Model 503

Operator’s Manual

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

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 grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting            
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. 
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have 
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized 
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 

769-00904.fm

(10/03)

Summary of Contents for Model 503

Page 1: ... with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws if any If a spark arrester is used it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator In the State of California the above is required by law Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code Other states may have similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands A spark arrester for the muffler is available through yo...

Page 2: ... seek help from the experts Choose from the options below Visit yardman com for many useful suggestions Click on Customer Support button and you will get the four options reproduced here Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative please call 1 800 800 7310 The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine related i...

Page 3: ...ke Also avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator 5 To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury stay in the operator zone behind the handles and keep children bystanders helpers and pets at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in operation Stop machine if anyone enters the area 6 Always wear safet...

Page 4: ... 1 Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator 2 Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area 3 Before and while moving backwards look behind and down for small children 4 Use extreme care when approaching blind corners doorways shrubs trees or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child who may run into the mo...

Page 5: ...isconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower 8 Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running 9 Grass catcher components discharge cover and trail shield are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thr...

Page 6: ... N T I N G A 1 5 S L O P E WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2 1 2 feet every 10 feet A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury If operating a walk behind mower on such a slope it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip resulting in serious injury Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes never across ...

Page 7: ...ated securely into the handle bracket assemblies Figure 2 To secure the upper and lower handle tighten the wing nuts near the top of lower handle carriage bolts must be seated properly into the handle Tighten the wing nuts at the end of the lower handle to secure the handle to handle bracket assemblies See Figure 3 NOTE Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher position If you wish to lo...

Page 8: ...ition remove the retainer See Figure 8 Lower the chute deflector carefully to its operating position keeping your fingers out of the way Figure 8 WARNING The chute retainer must be removed and discarded before operating the mower Installing Mulching Baffle If your mower is equipped with the optional mulching baffle install it on the right side of the deck following these instructions Make sure to ...

Page 9: ...ust the cutting height All four levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure an uniform cut See Figure 10 Engine Controls See the separate engine manual for the location and function of the controls on the engine Figure 10 Stopping Engine Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it to a bolt on the engine WARNING Before using ...

Page 10: ...ation of damage The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired Mulching For effective mulching do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck preventing proper mulching of grass clippings New or thick grass may require a narrower cut The ground speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn If mowing has been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow in...

Page 11: ... any kind of service work on the lawn mower Blade Control Handle Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil The blade control must operate freely in both directions See Figure 13 Wheels Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil or motor oil If the wheels are removed for any reason lubricate the surface of the pivot arm and inner su...

Page 12: ...Sharpening WARNING When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks especially if you strike a foreign object Replace when necessary Removing the Blade Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and...

Page 13: ...erheats 1 Engine oil level low 2 Air flow restricted 3 Carburetor not adjusted properly 1 Fill crankcase with proper oil 2 Remove blower housing and clean 3 Adjust carburetor Idles poorly 1 Spark plug fouled faulty or gap too wide 2 Carburetor improperly adjusted 3 Dirty air cleaner 1 Reset gap to 030 or replace spark plug 2 Adjust carburetor 3 Clean air cleaner Excessive vibration 1 Cutting blade...

Page 14: ...14 SECTION 9 PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 503 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 6 13 14 16 17 19 20 43 23 24 25 26 29 33 34 35 36 38 39 31 40 42 44 46 18 12 10 15 41 21 27 32 31 22 28 17 48 47 47 48 48 11 49 If Equipped 7 8 ...

Page 15: ... 748 0376C Blade Adapter 24 742 0742A 22 Mulching Blade 25 710 1044 Hex Cap Screw 3 8 24 x 1 5 26 736 0524A Blade Bell Support 27 738 1172 Shoulder Screw 3 8 16 x 302 28 736 0741 Bell Washer 760 ID x 1 25 OD 29 734 04086 Front Wheel Assembly 7 x 1 8 31 720 0426 Height Adjuster Knob 32 732 1026 Front Spring Lever 33 747 0710 Hinge Pin 34 732 1014 Torsion Spring 35 17032A Deflector Chute Adapter 36 ...

Page 16: ...intenance items such as lubricants filters blade sharpening tune ups brake adjustments clutch adjustments deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States its possessions and territories except those sold through MTD s authorized channels of export distribution e Rep...

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