MTD 428C Tiller User Manual


 
13
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR TILLER
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine before
performing any repairs or maintenance.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner every ten hours under normal
conditions. Clean every hour under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be
serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
IMPORTANT:
Never run your engine without air cleaner
completely assembled.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
every 25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug
replacement is recommended at the start of each tiller
season; check engine manual for correct plug type and
gap specification.
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 dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.
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.
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 pivot points and linkages at least once a
season with light oil.
Tine Shafts
Remove tine assemblies and lubricate the tine shafts at
least once a season.
Wheel Shafts
Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle shafts
at least once a season.
Cleaning Tine Area
Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use.
The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off
immediately instead of after it dries. Always towel dry
the tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or
silicone to prevent rusting or water damage.
IMPORTANT:
Never use a "pressure washer” to clean
your tiller. Water can penetrate tight areas of the tiller
and its chaincase and cause serious damage to the
unit.
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 sidewall of tire for tire
manufacturer’s recommended pressure). Maximum tire
pressure under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on both tires.
When installing a tire to the rim, be certain rim is clean
and free of rust. Lubricate both the tire and rim
generously.
WARNING: Excessive pressure (over 30
p.s.i.) when seating beads may cause tire/
rim assembly to burst with force sufficient
to cause serious injury.
Belt Replacement
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt made of
special material (Kevlar Tensile) for longer life and
better performance. It should not be replaced with an
off-the-shelf belt. Order all belts through you authorized
service dealer.
Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against
the engine.
Remove the belt cover from the left side of the tiller
by removing two torx head screws from the top of
belt cover.
Remove two hex cap nuts and flat washers from
front side of the belt cover. Remove the hex nut and
flat washer at the back of the cover.
Remove the belt keeper assembly located behind
the engine pulley by removing two hex bolts and
lock washers. See Figure 10.
Remove belt and reassemble the new belt. Follow
instructions in reverse order.