MTD 240 Series - Manual (Page 13)

13
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug,
and ground against engine
before cleaning, lubricating
or performing maintenance
on your machine.
IMPORTANT: Never use a
pressure washer to clean
your tiller. Water can
penetrate tight areas of
the tiller causing serious
damage to the unit.
IMPORTANT: Never run
your engine without the
air cleaner completely
assembled.
6
Maintaining
Your Tiller
WARNING
Replacing the Belt
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt made of
special material for longer life and better performance.
It should not be replaced with an off-the-shelf belt. See
the retailer from which you purchased your tiller, an
authorized MTD Service Dealer, or call 1-800-800-7310
for information regarding price and availability.
1. Remove the frame and engine by removing the six
screws and lock nuts holding the engine and frame to
the shield, Figure 6-1.
2. Loosen the lock nut shown in Step A Figure 6-2.
3. Unloop the belt from the pulleys, Step B Figure 6-2.
4. Reassemble the new belt and tighten the lock nut.
5. Reattach frame and engine using the hardware
removed earlier.
WARNING: Always stop engine, discon-
nect spark plug, and ground against
engine before cleaning, lubricating or
performing any maintenance on your
machine.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine mainte-
nance instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
• Service air cleaner every ten hours under normal
conditions. Clean every hour under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be
serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
IMPORTANT: Never run your engine without
air cleaner completely assembled.
• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
every 25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug
replacement is recommended at the start of each tiller
season; check engine manual for correct plug type
and gap specification.
• Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
Lubrication
Transmission
The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the fac-
tory. It requires no checking. See an authorized service
dealer for any service issues.
Tine Shafts
Remove tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at
least once a season.
Wheel Shaft
Remove wheel assembly and lubricate the axle shaft at
least once a season.
Cleaning Tine Area
Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use.
The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off im-
mediately instead of after it dries. Always towel dry the
tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to
prevent rusting or water damage.
IMPORTANT: Never use a “pressure washer”
to clean your tiller. Water can penetrate tight
areas of the tiller causing serious damage.
Figure 6-2: Loosen the nut to remove the belt.
A
B
Figure 6-1: Remove engine and frame to gain access to the belt.
(Model 241 shown)