MTD 114-074-000 - Manual (Page 11)

CUTTING BLADE
To remove the cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, remove the two hex nuts and lock
washers which hold the blade to the blade
brake/clutch. See figure 16.
A
CAUTION
FIGURE 16.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount
of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An un­
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage
to the mower and could break, causing personal
injury.
The blade can be tested for balance by balancing
it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the
blade with the side of the blade marked “Bottom”
(or with part number) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
Blade Mounting Torque
Make certain that the center bolt which secures
the blade brake/clutch and the two hex nuts which
secure the blade are tightened to between 350
inch pounds (minimum) and 600 inch pounds
(maximum).
To insure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct
tightness.
DECK
The underside of mower deck should be cleaned
after each period of use as grass clippings, leaves,
dirt and other matter will accumulate. This ac­
cumulation of grass clippings, etc., is undesirable
as it will invite rust and corrosion and may cause
an uneven discharge of grass clippings at the next
cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower for­
ward or on its side and scraping clean with a
suitable tool or by washing with a stream of water
from a garden hose.
Do not direct the stream of water at
a hot engine as damage to the
engine may result.
ENGINE OIL
Check oil level before starting and after every 5
hours of operation. ADD oil as necessary to keep
level to full mark on dipstick. Before removing
dipstick, clean area around dipstick to prevent dirt
from entering oil fill tube. Engine should be in a
level position when checking oil.
Change oil after first 5 hours of operation.
Thereafter change every 25 hours. Change oil
while engine is warm. Oil may be drained thru oil
fill opening by tipping the unit on its side. Oil
capacity I-V4 pints.
AIR CLEANER
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extreme­
ly du^ty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner
should be serviced.
To service air cleaner, refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your mower.
SPARK PLUG
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.
BLADE BRAKE/CLUTCH
This unit is equipped with a blade brake/clutch. If
for some reason the blade brake/clutch becomes
inoperative, it is suggested that all repair work on
the blade brake/clutch be performed by an
authorized service dealer. The unit should be in­
spected by an authorized service deaier if any of
the following conditions are noticed.
1. Frayed clutch control cable.
2. Leaking oil seal (oil collection on the floordur-
ing mower storage).
3. Extensive vibration of the unit.
Blade Brake/Clutch Removal
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine block.
2. Empty fuel tank and drain oil from crankcase.
3. Remove the cable ties which secure control
cables to the handle.
4. Disconnect the “Z” fitting on the blade
brake/clutch cable from the clutch control
handle.
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