MTD 114-050-000 - Manual (Page 12)

When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal anount
of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade, /m un­
balanced
blade will cause excessive vib'ation
when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage
to the mower and could break, causing personal
injury.
It is recommended that the blade alwa^'S be
removed from the adapter for the best test of
balance. The blade can be tested by balanc ing it
on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove meta from
the heavy side until it balances evenly.
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 loles,
bolts and inner surface of the nuts with ligh oil is
also recommended. A 4 oz. plastic bottle o’ 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.
Blade Mounting Torque
3/8" Dia. Bolt 375 in. lb. min., 450 in. lb. ma<.
5/16" Dia. Bolt 150 In. lb. min., 250 in. lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, all nu ;s and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct
tightness.
DECK
The underside of mower deck should be cl aaned
after each period of use as grass clippings, leaves,
dirt and other matter will accumulate. This ac­
cumulation of grass clippings, etc., is undes irable
as it will invite rust and corrosion and may aause
an uneven discharge of grass clippings at th a next
cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mowsr for­
ward or on its side and scraping clean \/ith a
suitable tool or by washing with a stream of water
from a garden hose.
A
CAUTION
Do not direct the stream of water at
a hot engine as damage to the
engine may result.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
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 the air cleaner, refer to the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
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 specifications.
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 lubrication instructions.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
3. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis
grease to prevent rusting.
4. Store mower in a dry, clean area.
A
CAUTION
When storing any type of power
equipment in an unventilated or
metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust proof the equipment.
Using a iight oil or silicone, coat the
equipment, especially cables and
all moving parts.
HANDLE STORAGE
On units equipped with handle mount brackets,
the handle may be placed in an upright position
for storage.
Move hairpin cotters to outer hole on weld pins.
See figure 4. Press inward on the bottom of the
lower handle and push forward. The handle will
lock in this position.
To piace the handle in the operating position,
remove the starter rope from the rope guide bolt.
Grasp the lower handle at the bottom, press in­
ward slightly and tip the handle backward. Place
the cotter hairpins in the inner holes. With the
spark
plug wire disconnected and grounded,
depress the blade control handle and pull the
starter rope out from the engine. Slip the starter
rope into the rope guide bolt.
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