MTD 111-080R000 THRU 111-089R000 - Manual (Page 11)

When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle
of grind as a guide. It is
extremely important that each
cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to
prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds,
may cause damage to the mower and could break,
causing personal injury.
It is recommended that the blade always be removed
from the adapter for the best test of balance.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until
it balances evenly.
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.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt and Blade Adapter Bolts:
375 in. lb. min., 450 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 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
cause an uneven discharge of grass clippings at the
next cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and
scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the
spark plug wire is disconnected).
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 25 hours under normal con­
ditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be ser­
viced. 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 recom­
mended at the start of each mowing season; check
engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep
the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to per­
mit proper air circulation which is essential to engine
performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass,
dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE"
The following steps should be takfin to prepare lawn
mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as de­
scribed 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.
NOTE: 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 light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts.
HANDLE STORAGE
The handle may be placed in an upright position for
storage. Move hairpin clips to outer hole on weld pins.
See figure 1. Press inward on the bottom of the lower
handle and push forward. The handle will lock In this
position.
To place the handle in the operating position, remove
the starter rope from the rope guide bolt. Grasp the
lower handle at the bottom, press inward slightly and
tip the handle backward. Place the hairpin clips 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.
NOTE: The use of any accessory on this Rotary Mower other than those manufactured by the mower manufacturer is
not recommended. GRASS CATCHER Model 086 is available as optional equipment for the mowers shown in this manual.
A WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not operate mower unless rear trailing shield and guard or
entire grass catcher is in its proper place.
NOTE: Under normal usage bag material is subject to wear and should be checked periodically. Be sure any replace­
ment bag complies with the mower manufacturer’s recommendations. For replacement bags, use only factory authorized
replacement bag No. 764-0271.
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