Bolens Lawn Mower Model 588Q User Manual

Operator’s Manual  
21” Rotary Mower  
Model 588Q  
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-cov-  
ered, 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.  
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019  
769-00962.
(11/2003)  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
Form No.  
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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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal  
injury. When you see this symbol—HEED ITS WARNING.  
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit  
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
WARNING: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this  
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in  
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to  
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.  
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-  
General Operation  
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover  
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety  
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are  
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,  
recommended. Never operate this machine in bare  
understand, and follow all instructions on the  
feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)  
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be  
shoes.  
completely familiar with the controls and the proper  
8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or  
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this  
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can  
manual in a safe place for future and regular  
amputate hands and feet.  
reference and for ordering replacement parts.  
9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause  
2. This machine is a precision piece of power  
blade contact or thrown object injuries.  
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise  
10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being  
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been  
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping  
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not  
use it for any other purpose.  
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate  
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are  
falling; release the handle immediately.  
11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you  
this machine. Children 14 years old and over  
should read and understand the operation  
instructions and safety rules in this manual and  
are walking. If you must back the mower away from  
a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to  
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:  
should be trained and supervised by a parent. Only  
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend  
responsible individuals who are familiar with these  
your arms.  
safe operation rules should use this machine.  
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure  
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to  
footing.  
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,  
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than  
toys and other foreign objects which could be  
half way toward you.  
tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade.  
d. Repeat these steps as needed.  
Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.  
5. Do not operate the mower while under the influence  
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of  
of alcohol or drugs.  
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and  
6. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on  
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a  
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged  
units so equipped while starting engine.  
7. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never  
material to ricochet back toward the operator.  
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes  
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object  
the safety device inoperative and may result in  
injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles  
personal injury through contact with the rotating  
and keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at  
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in  
blade. The blade control handle must operate  
easily in both directions and automatically return to  
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.  
the disengaged position when released.  
6. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes  
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be  
during equipment operation and while performing  
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause  
an adjustment or repair. Thrown objects which  
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing  
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.  
your footing, release the blade control handle  
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immediately and the blade will stop rotating within  
three seconds.  
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could  
cause slipping.  
9. Mow in daylight or good artificial light; walk, not run.  
10. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives,  
walkways or roads.  
Children  
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to  
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to  
the mower and the mowing activity. They do not  
understand the dangers. Never assume that children  
will remain where you last saw them.  
11. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,  
stop the engine and check immediately for the  
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.  
12. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes  
to a complete stop before removing the grass  
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade  
continues to rotate for a few seconds after the  
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body  
in the blade area until you are sure the blade has  
stopped rotating.  
13. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,  
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control  
handle or other safety protective devices in place  
and working. Never operate mower with damaged  
safety devices. Failure to do so can result in  
personal injury.  
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  
mower.  
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.  
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.  
6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate  
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over  
should read and understand the operation  
instructions and safety rules in this manual and  
should be trained and supervised by a parent.  
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a  
burn. Do not touch.  
15. Only use parts and accessories made by the  
original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M). Failure  
to do so can result in personal injury.  
16. If situations occur which are not covered in this  
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your  
dealer for assistance. Call 1-800-800-7310 for the  
name of your nearest dealer.  
Service  
Safe Handling of Gasoline:  
Slope Operation  
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use  
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is  
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.  
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is  
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.  
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.  
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.  
4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or  
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place  
containers on the ground away from your vehicle  
before filling.  
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from  
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this  
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a  
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a  
gasoline dispenser nozzle.  
6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel  
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is  
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.  
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other  
sources of ignition.  
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable  
vapors will accumulate in the area.  
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine  
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two  
minutes before refueling.  
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall  
accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation  
on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a  
slope, do not mow it. Before operating this unit on a  
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to  
measure slopes. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees,  
do not mow it.  
Do:  
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.  
Exercise caution when changing direction.  
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or  
bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall  
grass can hide obstacles.  
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can  
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are  
losing your balance, release the blade control  
handle immediately, and the blade will stop rotating  
within 3 seconds.  
Do Not:  
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or  
embankments, you could lose your footing or  
balance.  
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as  
shown on the slope gauge.  
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10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½  
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for  
fuel expansion.  
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the  
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when  
servicing them.  
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.  
12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and  
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5  
minutes before starting the engine.  
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the  
equipment is in safe working condition.  
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their  
proper operation regularly.  
13. Never store the machine or fuel container inside  
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as  
on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes  
dryer or other gas appliances.  
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,  
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel  
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.  
15. Allow mower to cool 5 minutes before storing.  
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,  
disconnect 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  
thrown. For safety protection, frequently check  
components and replace immediately with original  
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only,  
listed here. Use of parts which do not meet the  
original equipment specifications may lead to  
improper performance and compromise safety.  
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or  
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the  
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.  
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as  
necessary.  
General Service:  
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly  
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon  
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.  
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make  
certain the blade and all moving parts have  
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and  
ground against the engine to prevent unintended  
starting.  
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at  
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,  
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,  
cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original  
equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only,  
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not  
meet the original equipment specifications may  
lead to improper performance and compromise  
safety!”  
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.  
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm  
the environment.  
Your Responsibility  
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and  
instructions in this manual and on the machine.  
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SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE  
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower  
on such slopes.  
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SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER  
Removing Unit From Carton  
Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut  
tape at carton end and open carton.  
Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,  
operator’s manual, etc.)  
Cut along corners, lay the carton down flat, and  
remove all packing material.  
Lower Handle  
Handle  
Bracket  
Upper  
Handle  
Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton  
thoroughly for loose parts.  
Loose Parts in Carton  
Grass Bag  
Rear Wheels  
Hardware Pack  
Bottle of Oil  
Figure 2  
Make sure that carriage bolt through the upper and  
lower handles on each side is properly seated.  
Tighten the wing nuts. See Figure 3.  
Hardware Pack  
Please identify each piece  
of the hardware pack as  
shown here.  
Carriage  
Bolt  
Wing Nut  
Carriage  
Bolt  
Tighten these  
wing nuts  
Before Assembly  
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the  
spark plug wire from the spark plug. See Figure 1.  
Carriage  
Bolt  
Spark Plug  
Wire  
Figure 3  
Remove hairpin clip from the outer hole of the weld  
pin on each handle brackets. Using a pair of pliers,  
squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the  
handle bracket. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner  
hole on the weld pin. Repeat on the other side. See  
Figure 4.  
Spark Plug  
Carriage Bolt  
Figure 1  
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower  
is observed from the operating position.  
Weld Pin  
Wing Nut  
Setting Up Your Lawn Mower  
Assembling Handle  
Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise  
the handle into the operating position. See Figure  
2. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely  
into the handle bracket assemblies.  
Hairpin Clip  
Figure 4  
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After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage  
bolt, from the hardware pack, in the upper hole on  
the handle mounting bracket and secure with  
plastic wing nut from the hardware pack. See  
Figure 4. Repeat on the other side.  
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 5.  
With the spark plug wire disconnected and  
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the  
upper handle, and pull the rope out of the engine.  
Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown  
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide  
to the upper handle.  
Assembling Grass Catcher  
NOTE: If the grass catcher came pre-assembled,  
proceed to the next section. If it came unassembled,  
follow the steps below to assemble it first, before  
attaching to the mower.  
Cable Tie  
Lower  
Handle  
Insert frame into grass bag with the black plastic  
side on the bottom of bag. See Figure 8.  
Slip the openings in the side of the plastic channel  
on bag over the hooks on the grass catcher frame.  
Secure bag to the frame by working the six plastic  
channels on bag over frame. All of the plastic chan-  
nels except the center top of the bag attach from  
the outside of bag. The center top of the bag  
attaches from inside the bag. See Figure 8.  
Figure 5  
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.  
Attaching Rear Wheels  
Grass Catcher  
Insert frame  
Frame  
Remove the hex flanged nut on the rear axle from  
each side and place the rear wheel on the axle. See  
Figure 6. Reinsert the flanged nut into the axle as  
shown, and tighten securely. Repeat on other side.  
into bag  
Rear Wheel  
Rear Axle  
Grass Bag  
Hex  
Nut  
Grass Catcher  
Plastic  
Assembly  
Complete  
Channel  
Figure 6  
Attaching Starter Rope  
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of  
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 7.  
Wing Nut  
Figure 8  
Upper Handle  
Starter Rope  
Attaching Grass Catcher To Mower  
WARNING: Never operate the mower  
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are  
firmly seated on the chute pivot rod, and the  
rear discharge door rests firmly against the top  
of the grass catcher.  
Lower Handle  
Rope Guide  
Figure 7  
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IMPORTANT: Make sure cable is routed to the outside of  
the handle so that it is not in the way when attaching the  
grass catcher.  
Rear Discharge Door  
Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.  
Place the hooks, found on both sides of the grass  
catcher frame, over the chute door pivot rod at the  
rear of the mower. Release the rear discharge door.  
See Figure 9.  
Grass Catcher  
To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge  
door on the mower, lift the grass catcher up and off  
the pivot rod. Release the rear discharge door.  
Figure 9  
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER  
Blade Control Handle  
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle  
of the mower. The blade control handle must be  
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release blade  
control handle to stop engine and blade.  
Upper Handle  
Blade Control Handle  
WARNING: This blade control mechanism is  
a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its  
operations.  
Grass Catcher  
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers  
These levers are located on each wheel and are used  
to adjust the cutting height. All four levers have to be at  
the same relative position to ensure uniform cut.  
Cutting  
Height Adj.  
Lever*  
Recoil Starter  
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.  
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to  
start the unit.  
Starter  
Rope  
Grass Catcher  
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is  
used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another  
site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed from the  
mower and emptied before any further mowing.  
* Only one called out here  
Figure 10  
Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before  
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in  
Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself  
with the location of various controls and adjustments.  
Save this manual for future reference.  
WARNING: The operation of any lawn  
mower can result in foreign objects being  
thrown into the eyes, which can damage your  
eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses  
while operating the mower, or while performing  
any adjustments or repairs on it.  
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SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER  
Recoil  
Starter  
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all  
instructions and warnings on the machine and  
in this manual before operating.  
NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and  
gasoline before starting the mower for the first time.  
Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary  
for subsequent starts.  
Fuel Valve  
Gas & Oil Fill-Up  
Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow  
relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.  
Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in  
the engine manual.  
Choke Lever  
Figure 11  
Move the choke lever all the way backward into the  
choke position. Once the engine is warm, the lever  
will automatically revert to the RUN position. Refer  
to the engine manual for further details.  
Standing behind the mower, depress the blade  
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.  
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until  
engine reaches the start of compression cycle  
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the  
rope rewind slowly.  
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.  
Before Starting Mower  
Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.  
Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the  
rope rewind slowly.  
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain  
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire  
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over  
the metal tip on the spark plug.  
Stopping Engine  
Starting Engine  
Release blade control handle to stop the engine  
and the blade.  
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the  
operator is standing near the lawn mower while  
starting engine or operating mower.  
Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from  
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.  
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit  
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in  
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine  
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an  
odorless and deadly gas.  
for more detailed instructions.  
Using Your Lawn Mower  
WARNING: Never operate the mower  
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are  
seated in the slots on the handle bracket  
assemblies, and the rear discharge door rests  
firmly against the top of the grass catcher.  
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and  
loose clothing away from any moving parts on  
engine and lawn mower.  
Make sure the fuel valve lever found on the left side of  
the engine is in the ON position. See Figure 11.  
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,  
or other objects which could damage lawn mower  
or engine.  
For best results, do not cut wet grass. New grass or  
thick grass may require a narrower cut.  
For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less  
of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be  
trimmed in fall as long as there is growth.  
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Attach grass catcher following instructions on page  
8 of this manual. Grass clippings will automatically  
collect in the bag as you run the mower.  
Operate the mower till the grass bag is full.  
Stop engine completely by releasing the blade  
control handle. Make sure that the unit has come to  
a complete stop.  
WARNING: If the mower strikes a foreign  
object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug  
wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect  
for any damage. Repair the damage promptly  
before restarting and operating the mower.  
Bagging Grass Clippings  
Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away  
from the mower to dispose of the grass clippings.  
You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings  
while you are operating the mower.  
SECTION 6: SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS  
WARNING: Do not at any time make any  
adjustments without first stopping engine and  
disconnecting spark plug wire.  
Cutting Height Adjustment  
IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same  
relative position.  
Handle Height Adjustment  
For rough or uneven lawns, move the height  
adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help  
stop scalping of the grass.  
Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher  
height position. To lower the height proceed as follows:  
An adjusting plate and thumb lever at each wheel  
position provides cutting height adjustment. Each  
adjusting plate has nine height positions. Height of cut  
will change when you move the thumb lever from one  
position to another.  
Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.  
Remove the upper handle by removing the hand  
knobs and carriage bolts. Lay the upper handle out  
of the way, being careful not to bend or kink the  
cables.  
Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the  
handle brackets and remove the wing nuts and  
carriage bolts from the upper hole on the handle  
mounting bracket. Press out on the legs of the  
lower handle and remove lower handle from the  
mower.  
Simply depress the lever towards the wheel and  
move the lever assembly to desired position. See  
Figure 13.  
Height Adjustment  
Lever  
Turn lower handle around so the notch on the  
bottom of the lower handle is facing forward.  
See Figure 12.  
Notch  
Lower Handle  
Figure 13  
Engine Adjustments  
Refer to the engine manual for these adjustments.  
Figure 12  
Reassemble, placing the bottom holes in the  
handle over the weld pins in the handle mounting  
bracket.  
Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld  
pins and insert the carriage bolts the upper hole on  
the handle mounting bracket and secure with  
plastic wing nuts. Repeat on the other side.  
Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle.  
Attach the starter rope as instructed in the  
Assembly Section.  
Replacing Rear Flap  
To remove rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire  
rod which secures it to the deck. See Figure 14.  
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Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending  
the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck.  
Remove the blade and the adapter from the  
crankshaft.  
Rear Discharge  
Door  
Blade  
Adapter  
Handle  
Bracket  
Blade Bell  
Support  
Handle  
Bracket  
Hex Bolt  
Rear Flap  
Figure 15  
Figure 14  
Sharpening the Blade  
The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a  
grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the  
blade while it is still on the mower.  
Blade Care  
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.  
Follow the original angle of grind as a guide. Make  
sure that each cutting edge receives an equal  
amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.  
Balancing the Blade  
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,  
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when  
necessary.  
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round  
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy  
side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that  
the blade always be removed from the adapter  
when testing for balance.  
Removing the Blade  
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.  
Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter  
and the carburetor are up.  
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause  
excessive vibration when rotating at high  
speeds. It may cause damage to the mower,  
and could break causing personal injury.  
Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which  
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine  
crankshaft. See Figure 15.  
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER  
Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep  
WARNING: Always stop the engine and  
disconnect the spark plug wire before  
performing any maintenance work or  
adjustments on your lawn mower.  
the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the  
mower firmly.  
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than  
90 degrees in any directions and do not leave  
the mower tipped for any length of time.  
Cleaning Mower  
Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a  
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.  
Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.  
Remove plastic from around gas cap, if any.  
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned  
after each use to prevent any build-up of grass  
clippings, leaves, dirt, or other debris.  
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure  
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may  
cause damage to bearings, or the engine. The use of  
water will result in shortened life and reduce  
serviceability.  
Lubrication  
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.  
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain the gasoline from  
the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under  
the gas cap.  
12  
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Wheels  
Off-Season Storage  
Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,  
The following steps should be taken to prepare your  
lawn mower for storage.  
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.  
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,  
lubricate the surface of the pivot arm axle and the  
inner surface of the wheel with light oil.  
Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described  
in the lubrication instructions.  
IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a  
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.  
Rear Discharge Door  
Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on  
each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil.  
This will prevent rusting of the discharge door.  
Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage  
instructions.  
Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to  
prevent rusting.  
Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next  
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.  
Engine Care  
WARNING: Make sure to avoid muffler and  
surrounding areas while the mower engine is  
hot because temperature of these areas of the  
engine may exceed 150o F.  
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a  
poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be  
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or  
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all  
moving parts.  
Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed  
list and instructions.  
SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING  
Problem  
Cause  
Remedy  
Engine fails to start  
1. Blade control handle disengaged.  
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.  
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.  
4. Blocked fuel line.  
1. Engage blade control handle.  
2. Connect wire to spark plug.  
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.  
4. Clean fuel line.  
5. Faulty spark plug.  
6. Engine flooded  
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.  
6. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not  
prime.  
Engine runs erratic  
Engine overheats  
1. Spark plug wire loose.  
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.  
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.  
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh  
gasoline.  
3. Vent in gas plugged.  
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.  
5. Dirty air cleaner.  
6. Carburetor out of adjustment.  
1. Engine oil level low.  
3. Clear vent.  
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.  
5. Refer to engine manual.  
6. Refer to engine manual.  
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.  
2. Remove blower housing and clean.  
3. Refer to engine manual.  
1. Adjust gap to.030”.  
2. Air flow restricted.  
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.  
Occasional skip (hesitates) at 1. Spark plug gap too close.  
high speed  
Idles poorly  
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide. 1. Reset gap to.030” or replace spark plug.  
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.  
3. Dirty air cleaner.  
2. Refer to engine manual.  
3. Clean air cleaner.  
Excessive vibration  
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.  
2. Bent cutting blade.  
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.  
2. Replace blade.  
Mower will not mulch grass  
1. Wet grass.  
1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later  
to cut.  
2. Excessively high grass.  
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow  
again at desired height or make a narrower  
cutting path.  
3. Dull blade.  
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.  
2. Dull blade.  
3. Sharpen or replace blade.  
1. Place all four wheels in same height position.  
2. Sharpen or replace blade.  
Uneven cut  
13  
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SECTION 9: PARTS LIST MODEL 588Q  
2
1
13  
14  
12  
6
7
11  
8
9
10  
31  
22  
49  
16  
34  
19  
32  
64  
20  
21  
18  
24  
35  
33  
45  
15  
46  
67  
25  
39  
23  
36  
49  
49  
37  
43  
42  
49  
40  
60  
50  
56  
59  
61  
55  
40  
62  
49  
66  
57  
58  
47  
14  
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Model 588Q  
Ref.  
Ref.  
No.  
Part No.  
No.  
Part Description  
Upper Handle  
Part No.  
Part Description  
1.  
2.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
749-1092A  
747-1161A  
720-0279  
710-1205  
710-1174  
736-0451  
35. 687-02033  
687-02031  
Handle Bracket Assembly — RH  
Handle Bracket Assembly — LH  
TT Screw 1/4-14 x.625  
Hex Screw 3/8-16 x 0.75  
Pivot Bar Assembly — RH  
Pivot Bar Assembly — LH  
Shoulder Screw  
Control Handle  
Handle Knob  
36. 710-1652  
37. 710-0216  
39. 687-02039  
687-02040  
Rope Guide  
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 2”  
Shoulder Washer.320 ID x.930 OD  
Wing Nut  
10. 720-0284  
11. 749-0928A  
12. 746-1113  
13. 664-04007  
14. 747-04080  
15. 714-0104  
16. 731-04134  
18. 732-0700  
19. 731-1236  
20. 750-04162  
21. 732-04090  
732-04089  
40. 738-0507B  
42. 732-0866  
43. 720-0312  
45. 712-0397  
46. 687-02074  
687-02075  
Lower Handle  
Rear Spring Lever  
Control Cable 37.75”  
Grass Bag  
Spring Lever Grip  
Wing Nut  
Grass Catcher Frame  
Hairpin Clip  
Front Height Adjuster Assembly — RH  
Front Height Adjuster Assembly — LH  
Front Wheel: 8 x 2.125  
Flange Lock Nut 3/8-16  
Front Baffle  
Grass Bag Door  
47. 734-2005A  
49. 712-0431  
50. 782-5002A  
55. 748-0376C  
56. 742-0641  
57. 736-0524A  
58. 710-1044  
59. 15261A  
Wire Rod  
Trail Shield  
Spacer.375 O.D. x.50 I.D. x 1.02”  
Torsion Spring — RH  
Torsion Spring — LH  
Handle Bracket Assembly — RH  
Handle Bracket Assembly — LH  
Rear Wheel: 12 x 2.125  
Deck: 21”  
Blade Adapter  
21” Blade  
Blade Bell Support  
22. 687-02056  
687-02057  
Hex Cap Screw 3/8-24 x 1.5  
Height Adjustment Plate  
Knob  
23. 734-04093  
24. 787-01103  
25. 710-0654A  
31. 782-5003  
32. 710-1017  
33. 712-3005  
34. 710-0703  
60. 720-0426  
61. 687-02077  
687-02076  
Pivot Bar Assembly — RH  
Pivot Bar Assembly — LH  
Spring Lever  
Hex Washer Screw 3/8-16 x 1.0  
Rear Baffle - LH  
62. 732-0404  
64. 747-0996  
66. 731-0981A  
67. 710-0599  
Tap Screw 1/4-14 x.625.  
Flange Lock Nut 3/8-16  
Hex Carriage Screw 1/4-20  
Chute Door Pivot Rod  
Hubcap  
Tap Screw 1/4-20 x.500  
15  
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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:  
The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with  
respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the  
United States, its possessions and territories.  
e.  
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.  
Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts.  
Transportation charges and service calls.  
“MTD”warrants this product against defects in material and  
workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the  
date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or  
replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in  
materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only  
apply if this product has been operated and maintained in  
accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the  
product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse,  
commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance,  
alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of  
other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the  
installation or use of any part, accessory or attachment not  
approved by MTD for use with the product(s) covered by this  
manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage.  
f.  
g.  
No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of  
merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,  
applies after the applicable period of express written  
warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other  
express warranty, whether written or oral, except as  
mentioned above, given by any person or entity,  
including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product,  
shall bind MTD. During the period of the warranty, the  
exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product  
as set forth above.  
The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the  
sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD  
shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or  
damage including, without limitation, expenses incurred  
for substitute or replacement lawn care services or for  
rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted  
product.  
Normal wear parts are warranted to be free from defects in  
material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from  
the date of purchase. Normal wear parts include, but not  
limited to items such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade  
adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower  
skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber and tires.  
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,  
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized  
service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your  
Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131,  
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310 or 1-  
330-220-4683 or log on to our Web site at  
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of  
incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how  
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or  
limitations may not apply to you.  
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the  
amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration  
of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.  
You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to  
you and your property and/or to others and their property  
arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.  
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the  
following cases:  
a.  
The engine or component parts thereof. These items  
may carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer  
to applicable manufacturer’s warranty for terms and  
conditions.  
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the  
original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased  
as a gift.  
b.  
c.  
Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a  
separate one year warranty.  
HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This  
limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may  
also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
Routine maintenance 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.  
IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of  
Purchase to obtain warranty coverage.  
d.  
Service completed by someone other than an  
authorized service dealer.  
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220-4683  
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