MTD 54M Operator's Manual page 10

Your LaWn
MoWer
IMPORTANT: Do not
use a pressurewasher
or garden hose to
clean your uniL These
may cause damage to
electric components
spindlesl pulleys; bear:
ings or the engine The
Useof water Willresult
in Shortenedlife and
reduce SerViceabilityl
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivot pointson theblade controlat least
oncea seasonwith lightoil. The bladecontrol must
operatefreely in both directions.See Figure5-1.
2. Lubricatethe wheelsat least oncea seasonwith
lightoil (or motoroil). If wheelsare removedfor any
reason,lubricatesurfaceof the pivotarm and inner
surfaceof thewheelwith light oil. See Figure5-1.
3. Lubricatethe torsionspringand pivot pointon the rear
dischargedoor and side mulchplug periodicallywith
lightoil to preventrust.See Figure5-1.
Figure5-1:Areasto lubricateon mower.
Deck Care
Cleanundersideof the mowerdeck after eachuse to
preventbuild-upof grass clippingsor otherdebris. Follow
stepsbelowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplug wire. Draingasolinefrom lawn
moweror placea pieceof plasticunderthegas cap.
2. Tip mowersothat it restson the housing.Keepthe
sidewith the air cleanerfacingup. Hold mowerfirmly.
Figure5-2: Remove rearflap.
General Recommendations
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing
anymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon this lawnmowerdoesnot cover
itemsthat havebeen subjectedto operatorabuse
or negligence.To receivefull valuefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governed speedwill void
enginewarranty.
• All adjustmentsshouldbe checkedat leastonce
eachseason.
Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
are tight.
_ ARNING:Never tip the mower more than go°
in any direction and do not leavethe mower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper partof the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrapeand cleanthe undersideof the deck with a
suitabletool. Do notspraywith water.
4. Putthe mowerback on its wheelson the ground.If
youhad putplasticunderthe gas capearlier,make
sureto removeit now.
Engine Care
NOTE:Referto the engineoperationand maintenance
sectionsin this manualfor detailedinstructions.
e
e
e
e
Maintainoil level.
Serviceair cleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfew hoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.
Cleansparkplug and resetthegap once a season.
Cleanengineregularlywith a cloth or brush. Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea) cleanto permit
properair circulation.Removeall grass,dirt, and
combustible debrisfrom mufflerarea.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap, lift rear door,and pressflap in on
eithersideto removefrom hole.See Figure5-2.
2. Removeflapfrom oppositeholeand replacewith new
flap in the oppositeorderand mannerof removal.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect
sparkplug, and groundagainst engine
before performing any type of maintenance on your
machine.
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