MTD V560 - Manual (Page 10)

10
5
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
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 electric
components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or
the engine. The use
of water will result in
shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing
any type of maintenance.
• 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.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against engine before performing any
type of maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
• Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least
once a season with light oil. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.
• Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with
light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil. See Figure 5-1.
• Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the rear
discharge door and side discharge chute periodically
with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.
• The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
• Follow the accompanying engine manual for engine
lubrication instructions.
Deck Care
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned
after each use to prevent any build-up of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt, or other debris. If this debris is allowed to
accumulate, it will result in rust and corrosion.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the
side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than
90º in any direction and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can
drain into the upper part of the engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for detailed list and
instructions.
• Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Refer to engine manual.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. To remove rear flap, lift rear door, and press flap in on
either side to remove from hole. See Figure 5-2.
2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new
flap in the opposite order and manner of removal.