MTD 250 Operator's Manual page 13

For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
WARNING: Always stop engine, discon-
nect spark plug, and ground against
engine before cleaning, lubricating or
performing any maintenance on your
machine.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine mainte-
nance instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
• Service air cleaner every ten hours under normal
conditions. Clean every hour 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
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
IMPORTANT: Never run your engine without
air cleaner completely assembled.
• 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 engine manual for correct plug type
and gap specification.
• Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
Lubrication
Transmission
The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory. It requires no maintenance. See an authorized
service dealer for any service issues.
Tine Shafts
Remove tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at
least once a season.
Wheel Shaft
Remove wheel assembly and lubricate the axle shaft at
least once a season.
Cleaning Tine Area
Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use.
The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off im-
mediately 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.
IMPORTANT: Never use a pressure washer
to clean the tiller. Water can penetrate tight
areas of the tiller causing serious damage.
Replacing the Belt
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt made of
special material for longer life and better performance.
Replace with a factory-approved OEM belt. See the
retailer from which you purchased your tiller, an autho-
rized MTD Service Dealer, or call 1-800-800-7310 for
information regarding price and availability.
1. Remove the belt cover and engine by removing the six
screws and lock nuts holding the engine and cover to
the shield, Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1: Remove engine and cover to access the belt.
2. Loosen the lock nut shown in Step A Figure 6-2.
3. Unloop the belt from the pulleys, Step B Figure 6-2.
4. Reassemble the new belt and tighten the lock nut.
5. Reattach belt cover and engine using the hardware
removed earlier.
A
Figure 6-2: Loosen the nut to remove the belt.
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6
Maintaining
Your Tiller
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
performing any type
of maintenance on the
machine.
IMPORTANT: Never
use a pressure washer
to clean your tiller.
Water can penetrate
tight areas of the tiller
causing serious damage
to the unit.
B
IMPORTANT: Never run
your engine without the
air cleaner completely
assembled.