MTD 454 - Manual (Page 11)

11
Wheel Shafts
Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle shafts
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
immediately 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
and its chaincase and cause serious damage to the
unit.
Belt Replacement
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt made of
special material (Kevlar Tensile) for longer life and
better performance. It should not be replaced with an
off-the-shelf belt. Order all belts through you authorized
service dealer.
• Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against
the engine.
• Remove the belt cover from the left side of the tiller
by remove two torx screws from the top of belt
cover. See Figure 8.
• Remove the hex cap nut and flat washer from the
side of the belt cover and remove the self tap screw
at the bottom of the front of the cover.
Figure 8
• Remove the belt keeper bracket located behind the
engine pulley by removing two hex bolts and lock
washers. See Figure 9.
• Remove belt and reassemble new belt. Follow
instructions in reverse order.
NOTE: Upon reassembly, make certain the belt is
routed over the idler pulley and inside of belt keepers by
engine pulley. See Figure 9.
Figure 9
Off-Season Storage
If the tiller will not be used for a period longer than 30
days, the following steps should be taken to prepare the
tiller for storage.
• Clean the exterior of engine and the entire tiller
thoroughly. Lubricate the tiller as described in the
lubrication instructions.
• We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers to clean your unit. They may cause
damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys,
bearings or the engine. The use of pressure
washers will result in shortened life and reduce
serviceability.
• Refer to the engine manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
• Wipe tines with oiled rag to prevent rust.
• Store tiller in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment and especially any
springs, bearings, and cables.
Torx Screws
Self Tap Screw
Hex Cap Nut
& Flat Washer
Belt Cover
Idler Pulley Rod
Engine
Pulley
Idler Bracket Belt Keeper
Bracket