MTD 113-070 - Manual (Page 6)

MAINTENANCE
CUTTING BLADE — The blade may easily be removed for
grinding or replacement as follows:
1. Remove bolt and lock washer holding blade and blade
adapter to engine crankshaft.
2. Remove blade and blade adapter from engine crankshaft.
3. Remove two bolts, lock washers and nuts holding blade
to blade adapter (if necessary).
When sharpening 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 and may cause
damage to the mower.
Upon reassembly, make certain all parts are assembled
properly and tightened securely.
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 accumulation 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 forward 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 at a hot
engine as damage to the engine may result.
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.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
For the best results do not cut wet grass because it tends to
stick to the underside of the mower, thus preventing proper
discharge of grass clippings. If wet grass must be cut, reduce
walking speed to help distribute the clippings more
effectively.
New grass should be treated as wet grass, otherwise a
normal walking speed is about the right pace for efficient
mowing.
The best mowing pattern is one that allows the clippings to
discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn. This permits
recutting of the clippings to further pulverize them. When
cutting high weeds, discharge towards cut portion then
recut at right angles to first direction.
Lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.