Maintenance; Blade Replacement - MTD 020 Series Owner's Manual

Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
•
it against the engine to prevent accidental
starting while equipment is unattended.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from spark plug, thoroughly in-
spect the mower for any damage,
and repair the damage before re-
starting and operating the mower.
Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation is an indication of
damage.
promptly inspected and repaired.
ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: DO NOT AT ANY TIME
MAKE ANY
LAWNMOWER
STOPPING
DISCONNECTING
PLUG WIRE
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
Minor carburetor adjustment may be re-
quired to compensate for differences in fuel,
temperature, altitude and load. Refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your
mower for carburetor adjustment information.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment may be made by removing and
moving axle bolts to desired position. Cut-
ting heights will be raised as axle bolts are
moved to a lower hole and lowered as axle
bolts are moved to a higher hole in the deck
All axle bolts must be assembled so that the
cupped side of the washers are against the
deck. Refer to figure 8.
LUBRICATION
BLADE CONTROL - Lubricate the pivot
points on the blade control handle and the
brake cable at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control must operate freely in
both directions.
CHUTE DEFLECTOR - The torsion spring
and pivot point should be lubricated periodi-
cally with light oil to prevent any rust or
binding. Deflector must work freely.
WHEELS - The wheels require no lubrica-
tion. However, if the wheels are removed for
any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle
bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with
light automotive oil.
ENGINE - Follow engine manual for lubrica-
tion instructions.
The unit should
ADJUSTMENT
WITHOUT FIRST
THE ENGINE
THE SPARK
For best results your blade should be sharp.
The blade may be resharpened by removing
it and either grinding or filing the cutting
edge keeping as close to the original bevel
as possible.
Improper blade balance will result in exces-
sive vibration causing eventual damage to
the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully
be
balance blade after sharpening.
After prolonged use, especially in sandy soil
conditions, the blade will become worn and
lose some of the original shape. Cutting effi-
ciently will be reduced and the blade should
be replaced. Replace with an approved fac-
TO
tory
damage resulting from blade unbalance con-
AND
dition
manufacturer.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

CAUTION: Cutting grass in sandy soil
conditions causes abrasive wear to the
blades.
Tip mower as specified in separate engine
•
manual. If it is not specified tip with carbure-
tor up.
Remove the bolt and blade support which
•
holds the blade and adapter to the engine
crankshaft.
Remove the blade and adapter from the
•
crankshaft.
Blade
Figure 12
11

MAINTENANCE

replacement blade
is not the responsibility
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect
and ground the spark plug wire be-
fore working on the cutting blade to
prevent accidental engine starting.
Protect hands
gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting
blades.
Blade
Adapter
only. Possible
of the
by using heavy
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt