MTD 112-020A - Manual (Page 9)

B. Sharpening
Remove the cutting blade by following the direc­
tions of the preceding section.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grliKi as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount
of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An un­
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage
to the mower and couid break, causing personal
injury.
The blade can be tested for balance by balancing
it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
NOTE
It is recommended that the blade
always be removed from the adapter
for the best test of balance.
C. Reassembly
Before reassembling the blade and the blade
adapter
to the unit, lubricate the engine
crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade
adapter with light oil. Lubricating the bolt holes,
bolts and inner surface of the nuts with light oil is
also recommended. A 4 oz. plastic bottle of light
oil lubricant is available. Order part number
737-0170. Engine oil may also be used.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the
blade with the side of the blade marked “Bottom”
(or with part number) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position. Make certain
key is in place on the crankshaft.
Blade Mounting Torque
3/8" Dia. Bolt 375 in. lb. min., 450 in. lb. max.
5/16" Dia. Bolt 150 in. lb. min., 250 in. lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts
and bolts must be checked periodically for correct
tightness.
DECK
The underside of mower deck should be cleaned
after each period of use as grass clippings, leaves,
dirt and other matter will accumulate. This ac­
cumulation of grass clippings, etc., is undesirable
as it will invite rust and corrosion and may cause
an uneven discharge of grass clippings at the next
cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower for­
ward or on its side and scraping clean with a
suitable tool or by washing with a stream of water
from a garden hose.
CAUTION
Do not direct the stream of water art -. €
a hot engine as damage to the
engine may result.
-. v
AIR CLEANER
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extreme­
ly dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually Indicates that the air cleaner
should be serviced. To service air cleaner, refer to
engine manual packed with your mower,
SPARK PLUG
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. Check engine manual for correct plug
type and gap specification.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare
lawn mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as
described in the preceding instructions.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
3. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis
grease to prevent rusting.
4. Place blocks under deck to raise tires clear of
floor.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area.