Service - MTD FT24 Operator's Manual

Service

WARNING!
Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine before
performing any repairs.
Engine
Refer to the separate Engine Operator's
Manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Tines
Clean the underside of the tine shield after
each use. The dirt washes off the tines easier
if rinsed off immediately instead of after it
dries. Always towel dry the tiller afterwards
and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to
prevent rusting or water damage.
NOTE: Never use a "pressure washer" to
clean your tiller. Water can penetrate tight
areas of the tiller and its chain case and
cause serious damage to machine.
Lubrication
Pivot Points
Remove the belt cover and lubricate all
the pivot points and linkages at least once
a season with light oil. Keep the belts free
of lubrication.
Tine Shafts
Remove the tine assemblies and lubricate
the tine shafts at least once a season.
Wheel Shafts
Remove the wheel assemblies and lubricate
the axle shafts at least once a season.
Chain Drive
The chain drive is pre-lubricated and sealed
at factory.
Adjustments
Cable Adjustment
Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section of
this manual for instructions on adjusting
the forward and reverse cables.
Tines
With the outer tines installed, the working
width of the machine is 24 inches. This
width may be expanded to 26 inches by
removing the clevis and cotter pins, sliding
each outer tine outward away from the
center of the tiller and re-securing the pins
in the holes provided. See Figure 5-1.
24"
Outer Tine
Cotter Pin
Figure 5-1
Off-Season Storage
If the tiller will not be used for a period longer
than 30 days, the following steps should be
taken to prepare the tiller for storage.
1. Clean the exterior of the engine
and the entire tiller thoroughly.
Lubricate the tiller as described in the
lubrication instructions.
2. The use of pressure washers is not
recommended for cleaning your tiller.
They may cause damage to electric
components, spindles, pulleys, bearings
or the engine. The use of pressure
washers will result in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
3. Refer to the engine manual for correct
engine storage instructions.
WARNING:
Drain fuel only
into an approved container
outdoors, away from an open
flame. Allow engine to cool.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, and other sources of
ignition prior to draining fuel.
4. Refer to the Engine Operator's
Manual for more information on
storing the engine.
5. Wipe tines with oiled rag to
prevent rust.
6. Store tiller in a clean, dry area. Do not
store next to corrosive materials, such
as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of
power equipment in an unventilated
area or metal storage shed, care
should be taken to rustproof the
equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment and
especially any springs, bearings and
cables.
Belt Replacement
Clevis Pin
Reverse Drive Belt
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt
made of special material (Kevlar Tensile)
for longer life and better performance. It
26"
should not be replaced with an off-the-
shelf belt. Order all belts through your
authorized service dealer.
1. Disconnect and ground the spark
plug wire against the engine.
2. Remove the belt cover from the left
side of the tiller by removing the two
self-tapping screws and hex stop nut
and washer. See Figure 5-2.
Belt Cover
3. Remove the idler pulley bolt and
move the belt from under the idler
pulley keeper. See Figure 5-3.
Idler Pulley
Keeper
Idler Pulley
Bolt
5
Flat Washer
Lock Nut
Hex Washer Screws
Figure 5-2
Figure 5-3
9