MTD 112-260 - Manual (Page 4)

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: This instruction manual covers various models, and
all accessories shown do not necessarily apply to
your model mower.
OPERATION
1. Service engine with gas and oil. See engine manual packed
with lawn mower for complete instructions for care and
maintenance of engine. READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.
2. To disconnect the power to the rear drive wheels so the
mower can be pushed by hand, depress the handle. To
engage the drive wheels, lift the handle.
3. When turning the mower depress the handle and raise the
front wheels, and pivot on the tear wheels. The differen­
tial action of the rear axle allows the wheels to turn in­
dependently on turns and allows both wheels to drive
when the handle is in the UP position.
START ENGINE
With the throttle control lever conveniently mounted on the
handle, start, fast, slow and s t o p p i n g of the engine is
conveniently controlled with one lever.
After the engine has been properly fueled and oiled (Refer
to engine operating and maintenance instructions), start
engine in the following manner;
RECOIL STARTER
1. Move throttle control lever to START position.
2. Crank engine. Pull recoil until starter drive engages and
then with a quick firm pull. Do not pull out so far that
rope stops with a jerk as this will cause rope failure. Do
not allow rope and handle to snap back into place.
3. After two or three full firm pulls on recoil, move speed
control to run position or as soon as engine fires.
4. Operate a new engine at intermediate speeds and light
load for the first few hours as you would a new automotive
engine.
5. To stop engine, move speed control lever to stop position.
6. If carburetor needs adjustment to start or for operation,
see “Carburetor Readjustment” section.
NOTE; A brief break-in period is essential to insure
maximum engine life. This consists of running the en­
gine at half speed for a period of time required to use
one tank of gasoline. This is necessary on the initial
run only. It is also recommended that the oil be changed
after five (5) hours of operation. This allows for the
removal of impurities which may have accumulated dur­
ing the break-in period. Subsequent oil changes should
be made as stated in the engine manual. Always check
oil before using your mower. Be sure crankcase is full.
ADJUSTMENTS
CAUTION: Do not at any time make any adjustment to lawn
mower without first stopping engine and disconnecting spark
plug wire.
1.
CUTTING HEIGHT - This mower can be adjusted for
seven cutting heights from l”to 3”. To change the height,
move the height adjustment lever away from the engine
and forward to lower the cutting height and move to rear
to raise the cutting height. The one lever adjusts all four
wheels at the same time.
LOW
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H I G H
C U T T I N G H E I G H T S
2. The position of the upper handle can be changed so the
end of the handle turns down instead of up to place it in
the most comfortable position for the operator.
3. THROTTLE - If adjustment becomes necessary, the
throttle control wire assembly can be reset as follows:
a) Loosen, but do not remove, screw securing throttle
control wire assembly at engine.
b) Move throttle control lever on handle to “ F A S T ”
position.
c) Move lever, to which controLwire is fastened at engine,
to full open position and retighten screw to secure
throttle control wire assembly.
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug
wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of work
on lawn mower.
1. ENGINE-Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions.
2. CONTROLS-Lubricate periodically the control assem­
blies and conduit and wire with light engine oil for ease
of operation.
3. WHEELS-The front and rear wheels of your unit are ball
bearings and require periodic lubrication with a light
engine oil.
4. PROTECTIVE SHIELD-The pivotpoints on the protective
shield should be lubricated periodically with light oil to
prevent any rust or binding.
5. CHUTE DEFLECTOR-The torsion spring and pivot point
should be lubricated periodically with light oil to prevent
any rust or binding. Deflector must work freely.
CUTTING BLADE
The blade may easily be removed for grinding or replacement
as follows:
1. Remove bolt and lockwasher holding blade and blade
adapter to engine crankshaft.
2. Remove blade and blade adapter from engine crankshaft.
3. Remove two bolts, lockwashers and nuts holding blade
to blade adapter (if necessary).
When sharpening blade, follow the original angle of grind as
guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge re­
ceives 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 as­
sembled properly and tightened securely.