MTD 549 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
12
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Cleaning Mower
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.
NOTE: 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.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain the gasoline from
the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under
the gas cap.
Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep
the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the
mower firmly.
Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap, make sure to
remove it now.
Lubrication
Blade Control Handle
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.
Wheels
Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
Rear Discharge Door
Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil.
This will prevent rusting of the discharge door.
Engine Care
Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed
list and instructions.
SECTION 8: SERVICING THE MOWER
Blade Care
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary.
Removing the Blade
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter
and the carburetor are up.
Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 12.
Remove the blade and the adapter from the
crankshaft.
Figure 12
WARNING: Always stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before
performing any maintenance work or
adjustments on your lawn mower.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than
90 degrees in any directions 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.
WARNING: Make sure to avoid muffler and
surrounding areas while the mower engine is
hot because temperature of these areas of the
engine may exceed 150
o
F.
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.
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell
Adapter
Support