MTD 83M Lawn Mower User Manual


 
12
5
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
NOTE: When replacing
the belt, check that the
newly installed belt is
seated correctly and is
riding smoothly on the
engine pulley.
6. a. Working from the rear of the mower, carefully
remove belt from transmission pulley.
b. Once belt is off transmission pulley, push down on
deck baffle to access engine pulley and slide belt
off this pulley and out from under the deck, Figure
5.5.
7. Replace with new belt, working it between the deck
and baffle, first around the transmission pulley and
then the engine pulley.
NOTE: Make certain that belt is seated correctly and
that it is riding smoothly on the engine pulley and is not
pinched between the lower and upper pulley halves.
8. Tighten self-tapping screw securing deck baffle
loosened earlier.
9. Replace blade, blade adapter, and associated
hardware. Follow instructions in Blade Care section
for proper assembly.
10. Tip mower back onto its wheels and remove piece of
plastic from under gas cap (if applicable).
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn
mower for storage.
Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in
the lubrication instructions.
We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer
or garden hose to clean your unit.
Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.
Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly
ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat
the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of
your lawn mower before storage.