Maintenance & Adjustment; Customer Support - MTD 450 Series Operator's Manual

Maintenance & Adjustments
WARNING!
ground it against the engine before performing any
maintenance or repairs.
Maintenance
Engine
Refer to the separate Engine Operator's Manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Tires
Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 14 p.s.i.
on 14 inch tires and 20 p.s.i. on 16 inch tires. (Check the sidewall
of the tire for the manufacturer's recommended pressure).
Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal
tire pressure should be maintained on both tires.
WARNING!
seating beads may cause the tire/rim assembly to
burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury.
Lubrication
Transmission
The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory. It
requires no checking unless the transmission is disassembled. To
fill with grease, lay the right half of the transmission on its side,
add 22 ounces of Benalene 920 grease, and assemble the left
half to it. This grease can be obtained at your nearest authorized
dealer by ordering part number 737-0300 or calling the Customer
Support number on page 2.
Clutch Handle
Lubricate the pivot point on the clutch handle and the cable at
least once a season with light oil. The control must operate freely
in both directions.
Pivot Points
Lubricate all the pivot points and linkages at least once a season
with light oil.
Tine Shafts
Remove the tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at least
once a season.
Wheel Shafts
Remove the wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle shafts at
least once a season.
Adjustments
WARNING!
adjustments while the engine is running, except
where specified in the Operator's Manual.
Engine Adjustment
Refer to the separate Engine Operator's Manual for engine
adjustment instructions.
14
Disconnect the spark plug wire and
Excessive pressure (over 30 p.s.i.) when
Never attempt to make any
Handle Adjustment
The handle may be adjusted to the desired height. Refer to the
Controls & Features Section for details.
Cable Adjustment
See the Assembly & Set-Up section for the primary cable
adjustment, see the Service section for the secondary
adjustment.
Idler Pulley Rod
After the belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is excessively
stretched, you may need to adjust the idler pulley rod. This can
be checked easily.
With the engine off and the clutch control bail disengaged, shift
the gear selection handle to each forward mode. If the indicator
bracket touches the idler pulley rod with the clutch control bail
disengaged, then an adjustment is necessary.
1. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against the
engine.
2. Remove the belt cover as described under Belt
Replacement in the Service section.
3. Remove the hairpin clip and spring washer from the idler
pulley rod. See Fig. 6-1.
Rubber Washer
Figure 6-1
4. Move the idler pulley rod to the lower hole in the idler
bracket.
5. Replace the spring washer and hairpin clip.
6. Check the clearance of the idler pulley rod to the indicator
bracket by shifting to each forward mode.
6
Control Rod
Indicator Bracket
Hairpin Clip
Idler Puller Rod