MTD 114-050A - Manual (Page 4)

THROTTLE
If adjustment becomes necessary, the throttle control
wire assembly can be reset as follows:
1. Loosen, but do not remove, screw securing throttle
control wire assembly at engine.
2. Move throttle control lever on handle to "FAST"
position.
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.
NOTE
3. Move lever, to which control wire is fastened at
engine, to full open position and retighten screw
to secure throttle control wire assembly.
Periodically check ALL nuts and bolts
for correct tightness to insure sofe oper­
ation of your unit.
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT: Always stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any
kind of work on lawn mower.
Wheels —• Wheel bearings are of lifetime Fortiflex. They
require no lubrication.
Optional Ball Bearing Wheels — Wheel bearings are
ball bearings and require lubrication at least once a
season with a light oil.
Throttle — Periodically lubricate throttle control lever
and throttle wire assembly with a few drops of light
oil (SAE No. 10 or 20) for ease of operation.
Protective Shield — The pivot points on the protective
shield should be lubricated periodically with light oil
to prevent any rust or binding.
Chute Deflector — The torsion spring and pivot point
should be lubricated periodically with light oil to pre­
vent any rust or binding. Deflector must work freely.
CHANGE OIL
(Oil Sump)
Change oil after 5 hours
of operation while en­
gine is warm. There­
after, change oil every
25 hours of operation
while engine is warm.
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).
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 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 pre­
venting proper discharge of grass clippings. If wet
grass must be cut, reduce walking speed to help dis­
tribute 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 clip­
pings to discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn.
This permits recutting of the clippings to further pul­
verize them. When cutting high weeds, discharge to­
wards cut portion then recut at right angles to first di­
rection.
Lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is
growth.