Maintaining Your Lawn Mower - MTD 80 Operator's Manual


Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
performing any type
of maintenance on
your machine.
Do not use a pressure
washer or garden
hose to clean your
unit. These may cause
damage to electric
components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or
the engine. The use
of water will result
in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
Figure -1
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing any
type of maintenance.
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed
here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine, discon-
nect spark plug, and ground against
engine before performing any type of
maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least
once a season with light oil. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.
2. Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with
light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the
chute deflector periodically with light oil to prevent
rust. See Figure 5-1.
4. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica-
tion schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Cleaning Mower
WARNING: Never tip the mower more
than 90º in any direction and do not
leave the mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine
causing a starting problem.
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
Follow steps below for this job.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep
the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the
mower firmly.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
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