MTD Front Tine Tiller 300 - Manual (Page 10)

10
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR TILLER
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine
before performing any repairs or
maintenance.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance 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
factory. It requires no checking. See an authorized
service dealer for any service issues.
Clutch Handle
Lubricate the pivot point on the clutch handle and the
cable at least once a season with light oil. The control
must operate freely in both directions.
Pivot Points
Lubricate all pivot points and linkages at least once a
season with light oil.
Tine Shafts
Remove tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at
least once a season.
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 chain case 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 your
authorized service dealer.
• Disconnect and ground spark plug wire against the
engine.
• Remove the two hex washer screws from the front
of the belt cover and remove the lock nut and flat
washer from the side of the belt cover.
• Remove the belt cover. See Figure 11.
Figure 11
• Remove the hex screw and idler pulley from the
idler bracket assembly. See Figure 12.
• Reassemble the new belt and reattach idler pulley
to secure in place.
• Replace belt cover assembly and secure with the
hardware removed earlier.
Belt Cover
Lock Nut &
Flat Washer
Hex Washer
Screw
Hex Washer
Screw