MTD 112-518R000 - Manual (Page 12)

TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to page 16 of this manual for trouble shooting
information.
CUTTING BLADE
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect hands by using heavy gbves or
a rag to grasp the cutting blade. Remove the holt 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 wh ch hold
the blade to the adapter.
A WARNING: Periodically inspect tha biade
adapter for cracks, especialiy if you
strike a foreign object. Repiacc 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 round
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heiivy 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 sulace 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 mo\/er is in
the operating position.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
Blade Adapter Bolts: 200 in. lbs. min., 350 in. It is. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and bolts
must be checked periodically for correct tightne ss.
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 al owed to
accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may
cause an uneven discharge of grass clippinc s 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 specifi­
cations.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit 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
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. Do not store
next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventiiated 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 outward 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. Grasp the lower
handle at the bottom, press outward 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.
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