Service - MTD 02M Operator's Manual

Service

Blade Care
WARNING:
When removing the cutting blade for
sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with
a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the
blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps
below for blade service.
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark
plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual.
2. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and
the carburetor are facing up.
3. Remove the bolt (a) and the blade bell support (b) which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 7-1.
Figure 7-1
4. Remove blade (c) and adapter (d) from the crankshaft.
See Figure 7-1.
5. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance.
Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check.
Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of
grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade
balanced.
(d)
(c)
(b)
(a)
WARNING:
An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It
may cause damage to mower and could break
causing personal injury.
6. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of
the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter (d)
onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter
such that the side of the blade marked "Grass Side" (or with
part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the
operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and
seated on the blade adapter flanges.
7. Place blade bell support (b) on the blade (c). Align notches
on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.
8. Replace hex bolt (a) and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450
in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.).
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the
blade bolt for correct torque.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower
for storage.
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the
Lubrication section on page 14.
• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your
unit.
• Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent
rusting.
• Refer to Engine Operator's Manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly
ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the
equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn
mower before storage.
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