Maintenance - MTD 500 Series Operator's Manual

5

Maintenance

WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
cleaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of
maintenance on your
machine.
If unit is tipped for
easier access to
blade or belt, tip
mower as specified
in separate engine
manual. If it does not
specify turn mower
on its side making
sure that the air filter
and the carburetor
are up.
Cutting grass in
sandy soil condition
causes abrasive wear
to the blade.
Figure 5-1
Lubrication
1. Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle
at least once a season with light oil. The blade
control must operate freely in both directions. See
Figure 5-1.
2. If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels,
lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all
other types require no lubrication. However, if the
wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the
surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the
wheel with light automotive oil.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point periodi-
cally with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.
4. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
Engine
1. Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
2. Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and
follow instructions carefully.
3. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions.
4. Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area)
clean to permit proper air circulation which is es-
sential to engine performance and life. Be certain to
remove all grass, dirt and combustible debris from
muffler area.
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
prevent proper mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scrap-
ing clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
Replacing Rear Flap
The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower deck. If
the rear flap becomes damaged, replace it by cutting off
the flat end of the wire rod which secures it to the deck
using a pair of side-cutters. Attach the new rear flap using
the new rod provided with the rear flap, bending the ends
of the rod over to secure.
Blade Care
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:
1. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-2
2. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
3. The blade may be resharpened by removing it and
either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping as
close to the original bevel as possible. Do not attempt
to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.
4. It is extremely important that each cutting edge
receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an
unbalanced blade.
NOTE: Improper blade balance will result in excessive
vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and
mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade after sharpen-
ing. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance
condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Always remove blade from the adapter for testing
balance.
5. The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it
on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly.
6 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.
10