Traction Drive System Maintenance - MTD 300 series Shop Manual

Traction drive system maintenance

NOTE: Be careful to keep oil and grease away from the belts and pulleys.
NOTE: Replace any worn or damaged parts discovered during inspection.
NOTE: If a part has failed prematurely, identify and correct the cause of the failure.
1. Loosen the wheel bolts using a 1/2" wrench.
2. If not previously removed, take the belt cover off;
2a. Remove the screw on the right side of the of the
belt cover using a 3/8" wrench.
2b. Squeeze the locking tabs inward and slip
the belt cover up and off of the snow thrower.
3. Tip the snow thrower up onto its auger housing.
4. Inspect the moving parts of the system:
4a. Check the belts for wear or damage.
4b. Check the cables for wear or damage.
4c. Operate the traction clutch control bale; the cable and
clutch should move smoothly.
4d. Check the traction belt tension pulley; it should rotate smoothly and keep adequate tension on the belt.
4e. Check the cross-shaft bearings; wiggle the shafts. There should not be more than .080" (2mm) play in the
shafts.
! CAUTION ! CAUTION
5. For 3-speed snow-throwers;
5a. Relieve tension from the traction drive belt by drawing-back the tension pulley.
5b. Operate the speed control lever; confirm that the variable-speed pulley moves and returns smoothly.
6. Apply grease to the two drive gears.
7. Apply a light coating of oil to the transmission tension spring.
8. Spray some penetrating oil into the area between any rotating shafts and the plain bushings that they ride in.
9. Lubricate the axles so that the wheels can be removed easily in the future:
9a. Remove the wheels.
9b. Apply a light coating of anti-seize grease to the axle.
9c. Replace the wheels.
9d. Install the wheel bolts and Belleville washers; the outer lip of the washer should taper inward to contact the
outer edge of the axle.
9e. Tip the snow thrower back to its normal operating position.
9f. Tighten the wheel bolts to a torque of 20 in-lbs. (2.25 Nm).
10. Check and adjust the tire pressure to 20psi.
NOTE: The transmission is filled with gear oil and sealed at the factory. It is not intended to be serviced, and
will require no maintenance.
When checking actuating or belt-tensioning mechanisms, do not place your fingers
in an area where they might be pinched by unexpected movement.
Maintenance
70T Bull gear
Drive Belt
Tension Spring
14T Pinion
Gear
Figure 2.4
7