Maintenance & Adjustment - MTD 390 Series Operator's Manual

Maintenance & Adjustments
WARNING!
Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine before performing any
repairs.
Maintenance
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 the machine.
Adjustments
Cable Adjustment
Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section of this manual for
instructions on adjusting the forward and reverse cables.
End Caps
The end cap, which is used to prevent tilled soil from overflowing
onto unwanted areas, are removable from the axle. Remove the
hairpin clip and clevis pin that secure each end cap and slide the
end caps off the axle. See Figure 6-1.
Clevis Pin
End Cap
Figure 6-1
Tines
With the outer tines installed, the working width of the machine
is 24". This width may be expanded to 26" 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 6-2.
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
Cotter Pin
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 the factory.
Clevis Pin
Outer Tine
Cotter Pin
End Cap
Figure 6-2
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