MTD 243-600 - Manual (Page 4)

ASSEMBLY STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Your new edger is shipped preassembled with the excep­
tion of the handle, rear wheels, and throttle control.
1. Remove the edger and all parts from the carton. Make
certain that all loose parts and literature are removed
from carton before carton is discarded.
2. Assemble the lower handle into the slots in the rear of
the frame. Line up the holes in the handle with the holes
in the frame and insert the axle bolt through the wheel,
belleville washer, frame, handle, lockwasher and secure
with hex nut as shown on the parts drawing.
3. Assemble the upper handle assembly to the lower han­
dle with four carriage bolts, lockwashers and nuts.
4. Assemble the clutch rod to the clutch handle and pivot
bracket assembly and secure with cotter pins.
5. Check the lubrication section of this manual for proper
engine lubrication care.
1. Fill the crankcase with oil. See Lubrication section of
this manual.
2. Fill the gasoline tank with “regular” gasoline.
3. Move the depth control adjustment lever back as far
as it will travel and engage the pin in the clutch plate
(ref. no. 4).
4. Set the engine control in the “choke” position.
5. Grasp the starter handle and pull out the cord rapidly.
Return it slowly to the engine. If the engine does not
start after two pulls, move the engine control to the
“fast” position.
CONTROLS
ENGINE — One lever operates the choke, regulates the
engine speed and stops the engine. Ref. No. 73.
DEPTH CONTROL ADJUSTMENT - The clutching and
declutching of the belt is accomplished by moving the
clutch handle. To declutch pull the handle towards you
as you operate the edger. The farther you push the handle
forward the deeper the cut. To operate the clutch handle,
move it to the left so the pin clears the clutch plate. Ref.
No. 4.
CAM LEVER — The cam lever releases the blade guard
assembly so it can be rotated to any position. The cam
lever can be tightened by adjusting the hex nut on the
stud (ref. no. 29). Ref. No. 27.
BLADE PLANE ADJUSTMENT - The cutting blade can be
adjusted from vertical to horizontal position by releasing
the lever on the pivot bracket assembly and rotating the
spindle housing. The notches will hold it in any position.
Ref. No. 24.
WHEEL HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT - Loosening the
lever on the front of the frame will allow you to move the
front wheel bracket assembly to either side of the frame.
Ref. No. 58.
WHEEL VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT - By releasing the
lever on the R. H. side of the frame you can raise and lower
the front wheel of your edger. Additional adjustment can
be made by unscrewing the axle bolt and using the differ­
ent holes in the end of the wheel bracket assembly. Ref.
No. 24.
By becoming familiar with all the controls and adjust­
ments before you operate your edger you will be able to
easily adjust your edger to a variety of cutting and trim­
ming conditions. While the engine is running, DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS except with
the engine control or the depth control adjustment.
LUBRICATION
ENGINE — Fill sump with oil. Use a high quality detergent
oil classified “For Service MS”. Nothing should be added
to the recommended oil. SUMMER—Use SAE 30. WIN-
TER-(Below 40° F.) Use SAE 5W-20 or SAE 10W.
D ir e c t io n s : Place the engine level. Remove filler plug.
FILL THE OIL SUMP TO POINT OF OVER­
FLOW. Pour slowly.
WHEELS — The wheel bearings are lifetime fortiflex and
require no lubrication.
CUTTER HEAD BEARINGS - The two ball bearings in the
cutter head are lubricated and sealed at the factory and
require no lubrication. Lubricate all other moving parts
with engine oil.
MAINTENANCE
BLADE REMOVAL — Use a wrench on both sides of the
blade when removing it for replacement.
BELT REMOVAL — To remove the V-Belt, remove the belt
guard on the engine pulley and the belt guard on the
spindle housing. Replace with a % x 31.2" V-Belt. (Part
Number 754-142.)