MTD 111-508R000 - Manual (Page 11)

Wheels—Mower may be provided with bail bearing
wheels. Lubricate at least once a season with light oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner sur­
face of the wheel with light oil. A 4 oz. plastic bottle
of light oil lubricant is available. Order part number
737-0170. Engine oil may also be used.
Engine—Follow engine manual for lubrication in­
structions.
Throttle—Periodically lubricate throttle control lever
and throttle wire assembly with a few drops of light oil
for ease of operation.
MAINTENANCE
A WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and
ground the spark plug wire before perfor­
ming any repairs or maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuei tank and
keep engine spark plug or muffler side up.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to page 13 of this manual for trouble shooting
information.
CUTTING BLADE
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect hands by using heavy gloves or
a rag to grasp the cutting blade. Remove the bolt and
bell washer which hold the blade and adapter to the
engine crankshaft. Remove the blade and adapter from
the crankshaft.
If the blade or blade adapter needs replacing, remove
the two small bolts, lock washers and nuts which hold
the blade to the adapter.
A
WARNING: Periodically inspect the biade
adapter for cracks, especialiy if you strike
a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
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 taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as de­
scribed in the lubrication instructions.
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