Maintenance & Adjustments - MTD 260 Series Operator's Manual

Maintenance & Adjustments
Maintenance
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing any
maintenance.
• The warranty on this string trimmer does not cover items
that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain
the string trimmer 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, disconnect spark
plug, and ground against engine before performing
any type of maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the control lever at least once a
season with light oil. This control must operate freely in
both directions. See Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1
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 axle bolt and inner surface of the wheel with
light oil. See Figure 6-1.
3. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication
schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the machine after each use to prevent build-
up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below:.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from string
trimmer or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip trimmer so that it rests on its side. Keep the side with
the air cleaner facing up. Hold trimmer firmly.
WARNING:
Never tip the trimmer more than 90º in
any direction and do not leave the trimmer tipped
for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper
part of the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the machine with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose
to clean the machine. These may cause damage to the
engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
4. Put the trimmer back on its wheels on the ground. If you
had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to
remove it now.
Engine Care
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the trimmer is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.
• Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions.
Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.
Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates
that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air
cleaner, refer to the engine manual.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark
plug replacement is recommended at the start of each
mowing season. Check engine manual for correct plug
type and gap specifications.
• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation.
Remove all grass, dirt and debris from muffler area.
• Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated
with a gasoline stabilizer such as STA-BIL® to prevent
deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on
essential carburetor parts.
Off-Season Storage
Take the following steps to prepare your trimmer for storage.
Refer to engine manual for specific engine storage instructions
• Clean and lubricate trimmer.
• Store trimmer in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
• Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially
cables and all moving parts of your string trimmer.
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