Maintenance And Adjustments - MTD Series 450 Operator's Manual

Maintenance & Adjustments
6
_ ARNING! Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine before performing any
maintenance or repairs.
Maintenance
Engine
Refer to the separate Engine Operator's Manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Tires
Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 14 p.s.i.
on 14 inch tires and 20 p.s.i, on 16 inch tires. (Check the sidewall
of the tire for the manufacturer's recommended pressure).
Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal
tire pressure should be maintained on both tires.
Air Cleaner
WARNING! Excessive pressure (over 30 p.s.i.) when
seating beads may cause the tire/rim assembly to
burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury.
Service the air cleaner every 10 hours under normal conditions.
Clean it every hour under extremely dusty conditions. Poor
engine performance or flooding usually indicates that the air
cleaner should be serviced. Refer to the Engine Operator's
Manual for maintenance instructions.
SparkPlug
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset every
25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each tiller season; check the
Engine Operator's Manual for the correct plug type and gap
specification.
Lubrication
Transmission
The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory. It
requires no checking unless the transmission is disassembled. To
fill with grease, lay the right half of the transmission on its side,
add 22 ounces of Benalene 920 grease, and assemble the left
half to it. This grease can be obtained at your nearest authorized
dealer by ordering part number 737-0300 or calling the Customer
Support number on page 2.
Clutch Handle
Lubricate the pivot point on the clutch handle and the cable at
least once a season with light oil. The control must operate freely
in both directions.
PivotPoints
Lubricate all the pivot points and linkages at least once a season
with light oil.
TineShafts
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.
Adjustments
WARNING! Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running, except
where specified in the Operator's Manual.
Engine Adjustment
Refer to the separate Engine Operator's Manual for engine
adjustment instructions.
HandleAdjustment
The handle may be adjusted to the desired height. Refer to the
Controls & Features Section for details.
Belt Tension Adjustment
Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required due to
normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment is needed if the
tines or wheels seem to hesitate while turning, but the engine
maintains the same speed. To adjust the tension on the belt, refer
to the Assembly & Set-Up Section for instructions.