Off Season Storage Instructions - MTD 020 Series Owner's Manual

NOTE: Before reassembling the blade
and the blade adapter to the unit, lubri-
cate the engine crankshaft and the
inner surface of the blade adapter with
light oil(or engine oil). Lubricating the
bolt holes, bolts and inner surface of
the nuts is also recommended.
Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft
•
with the "star" away from the engine. See
figure 12. Place the blade with the side
marked bottom (or with part number) facing
away from the adapter. Align the blade bell
support over the blade with the tabs in the
holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt.
Tighten the hex bolt down securely.
•
NOTE: When reassembling, tighten hex
nuts to between 450 and 600 in/lb.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of
grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If
this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite
rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper
mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower
and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make
certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the sepa-
rate engine manual packed with your unit.
Read and follow instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner as per separate engine
manual under normal conditions. Clean
every few hours under extremely dusty con-
ditions. Poor engine
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.
performance and
The spark plug should be cleaned and the
gap reset once a season. Spark plug re-
placement is recommended at the start of
each mowing season; check engine manual
for correct plug type and gap specifications.
NOTE: This spark ignition system meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or
brush. Keep the cooling system (blower
housing area) clean to permit proper air cir-
culation which
performance and life. Be certain to remove
all grass, dirt and combustible debris from
muffler area.
OFF SEASON STORAGE
INSTRUCTIONS
The following steps should be taken to pre-
pare lawn mower for storage.
Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as
•
described in the lubrication instructions.
Refer to engine manual for correct engine
•
storage instructions.
Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis
•
grease to prevent rusting.
Store mower in a dry, clean area.
•
NOTE: When storing any type of power
equipment in an unventilated or metal
storage shed, care should be taken to
rust-proof the equipment. Using a light
oil or silicone, coat the equipment, es-
pecially cables and all moving parts.
NOTE: If the starter rope becomes dis-
connected from rope guide on handle,
disconnect and ground the spark plug
wire. Depress the blade control handle
and pull the starter rope out from en-
gine slowly. Slip the starter rope into
the rope guide bolt on handle.
12
is essential to engine