MTD 12211, 12212 owner manual Cutting Edge Tine, Checking and Adjusting Forward Clutch Belt Tension

Section 5: Maintenance

WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on elec- tric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

Cutting Edge

of Tine

Figure 5-6: Removing single tine.

Cutting Edge

of Tine

Figure 5-7: Removing a tine assembly.

WARNING

Follow the belt adjustment instructions carefully. An incorrect adjustment could result in the clutch control mechanism engaging too soon. This could cause loss of tiller control and result in per- sonal injury or property damage.

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING TENSION ON CLUTCH BELTS

Maintaining correct belt tension is impor- tant to good tilling performance and long belt life. A loose belt will slip on the engine and transmission pulleys and cause the tines and wheels to slow down

–or stop – even though the engine is running at full speed. A loose belt will also result in premature belt wear.

While checking belt tension, also check for cracks, cuts or frayed edges. A belt in poor condition should be replaced.

Tension on a new forward clutch belt (C, Figure 5-8) should be checked after the

C

Figure 5-8: Forward clutch belt. (C, Left- side view, no belt cover.)

D

Figure 5-9: Reverse clutch belt (D). (Right-side view, no belt cover.)

first two (2) hours of operation and after every ten (10) hours of operation.

The reverse clutch belt (D, Figure 5-9), because it is used more sparingly, may not require tension adjustment until a sig- nificant number of operating hours has passed. A tension adjustment is required only if there is little or no reverse move- ment when the Reverse Clutch Control knob is pulled out.

Checking and Adjusting

Forward Clutch Belt Tension

It is important to maintain correct tension on the forward clutch belt. A loose belt will cause the tines and wheels to slow down – or stop completely – even though the engine is running at full speed.

E

F

Figure 5-10: Location of forward clutch cable spring (E) and forward cable adjuster (F).

2-1/2" extended spring length

Figure 5-11: Correct spring length when Forward Clutch Levers are engaged is 2-1/2".

•Check belt tension after the first two hours of break-in operation and after every 10 operating hours.

•At the end of each tilling season, check the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges and replace it as soon as possible.

Checking Forward Belt Tension

1.Before checking, shut off engine, allow the engine and muffler to cool down, dis- connect the spark plug wire, remove the ignition key on electric start models.

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