MTD 454 - Manual (Page 6)

6
• Push the cable through the hole in the center of the
handle and snap in the plastic fitting. See Figure 3.
Figure 3
• Remove slot head screw, nut, and two flat washers
from the clutch bail. See Figure 4.
• Fasten the threaded eyebolt onto bail by securing
from top with slot head screw, flat washers and lock
nut.
• Thread eyebolt and nut removed earlier into the
internally threaded tube at the end of the cable.
Thread engagement should be about 3/4”. Tighten
nut against tube at end of cable. See Figure 4.
Figure 4
NOTE: Do not overtighten clutch cable. Too much
tension may cause it to break.
WARNING: Be certain to check the
clutch cable adjustment before operating
the tiller.
Attaching Control Rod
• Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest
position. Refer to Know Your Tiller section.
• Remove hairpin clips from control rod, (rubber
washers to remain on control rod).
• Insert the shorter, (angled), end of the control rod
through the indicator bracket on the shift cover and
secure with hairpin clip that was previously
removed. See Figure 5.
• Insert the longer end of the control rod through the
hole in the gear selector handle and secure with
hairpin clip.See Figure 6.
.
Figure 5
Final Clutch Adjustment
IMPORTANT: Service the engine with oil and gasoline
before checking this adjustment. Refer to the separate
engine manual packed with your tiller for proper fuel
and engine oil recommendations.
Position the tiller so the front counterweight is against a
solid object, such as a wall. With the gear selection
lever in NEUTRAL, start the engine. Refer to the
separate engine manual.
Standing on the right side of the tiller, examine the belt
(inside the belt cover). It should not be turning.
WARNING: Do not put fingers under the
belt cover.
If the belt turns without bail engaged, adjust by
unthreading the internally threaded tube at the end of
the cable a few turns clockwise (when standing in
operator’s position) and then retighten the nut against
the tube.
Now move the shift lever to FORWARD position.
Carefully engage the clutch by lifting the clutch control
bail against the handle. The wheels should spin.
If the wheels do not spin with the unit in forward,
adjust by unthreading the tube at the end of the cable a
few turns counter-clockwise (when standing in
operator’s position) and then retighten the nut against
the tube.
Recheck both adjustments, and readjust as necessary.
Internally
Threaded Tube
Plastic Fitting
Slot Head Screw, Nut,
& Flat Washers
Clutch Control
Slot Head Screw
Flat Washers
Nut
Threaded
Eyebolt
Nut
Internally
Threaded Tube
Control Rod
Rubber
Washer
Indicator Bracket
Hairpin Clip
Idler Pulley Rod