MTD 030 Series - Manual (Page 14)

14
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
performing any type
of maintenance on
your machine.
Never tip the mower
more than 90º in any
direction and do not
leave the mower tipped
for any length of time.
Oil can drain into
the upper part of the
engine.
Lubrication
• Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once
a season with light oil. The blade control must operate
freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.
• Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light
oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate surface of the axle bolt and inner surface of
the wheel with light oil. See Figure 5-1.
• Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the
chute deflector periodically with light oil to prevent rust.
See Figure 5-1.
• Follow the accompanying engine manual for engine
lubrication schedule and instructions.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to
prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º
in any direction and do not leave the mower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the
upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.
NOTE: Refer to Engine Manual for location of engine
components.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Drain gasoline or place a piece of plastic under the gas
cap.
3. Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep
the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the mower
firmly.
4. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
5. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you
had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to
remove it now.
Engine Care
1. Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
2. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Refer to engine manual.
3. Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
4. Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep
the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to
permit proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing
maintenance work.
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed
here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect
spark plug, and ground against engine
before cleaning, lubricating, or performing any kind
of maintenance on your machine.
Figure 5-1: Lubrication areas on the mower.
WARNING
NOTE: Do not use a
pressure washer or
garden hose to clean
the mower. These may
cause damage to electric
components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or the
engine. The use of water
will result in shortened
life and reduce service-
ability.