Maintainence And Storage; General Recommendations - MTD Series 020 Operator's Manual

6
Maintenance
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
cleaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of
maintenance on your
machine.
We do not recommend
the use of pressure
washers or garden hose
to clean your unit. These
may cause damage to the
bearings or the engine.
The use of water will
result in shortened life
and reduce serviceability.
Figure 6-1

General Recommendations

1. Always observe safety rules when performing any
maintenance.
2. The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed
here.
3. Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
4. All adjustments should be checked at least once each
season.
5. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle
at least once a season with light oil. The blade control
must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 6-1.
2. Lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner
surface of the wheel with light automotive oil.
3. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica-
tion schedule and instruction.
Engine
1. Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
2. Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and
follow instructions carefully.
3. Under normal conditions service air cleaner as in-
structed in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should
be serviced.
4. The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Spark plug replacement 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 Regula-
tions.
5. Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
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 scrap-
ing clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
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. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
2. Tip mower as specified in separate engine manual. If
it does not specify turn mower on its side making sure
that the air filter and the carburetor are up.
3. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2
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