MTD Series 540 - Manual (Page 12)

12
Lubrication
Always stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or
doing any kind of service work on the lawn
mower.
Blade Control: Lubricate the pivot points on the blade
control handle and the brake cable at least once a
season with light oil. The blade control must operate
freely in both directions. See Figure 12.
Rear & Side Discharge Doors: The torsion springs
and pivot points should be lubricated periodically with
light oil to prevent any rust or binding. Door must work
freely.
Wheels: The wheels require no lubrication. However, if
the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the
surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the
wheel with light oil. Engine oil may also be used.
Engine: Follow engine manual for instruction and
schedule of lubrication.
Figure 12
Maintenance
NOTE: When tipping the unit or emptying the fuel tank
keep the air cleaner side of engine up. Never tip the
mower more than 90 degrees 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.
Replacing Rear Flap
• To remove rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire
rod which secures it to the deck. See Figure 13.
• Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending
the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck
Figure 13
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicate that the air cleaner should be
serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season.
• 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 grass, dirt, and combustible debris
from muffler area.
Deck
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned
after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt, or other matter. If this debris is allowed to
accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may
prevent proper mulching, discharge, or bagging. The
deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping
clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. The
use of water will result in shorten life and reduce
serviceability.
Cutting Blade Removal, Replacement, and Sharpening
• 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.
• Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 14.
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate
Handle
Bracket
Handle
Bracket
Wi
re
Rod
Rear Discharge
Door
Rear Flap