MTD 260 Series warranty Maintenance, Belt Care, Off-Season Storage, Blade Mounting Torque

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1 Maintenance

Figure 5-2

9.Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. See Figure 5-2. Place the blade with the side marked “bottom” (or with part number) facing away from the adapter. .Align the blade bell support over the blade with the tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt.

10.Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:

Blade Mounting Torque

Center Bolt 450 in. lb. min., 600 in.lb. max.

To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Belt Care

1.Remove the front drive cover by sliding off the two plastic rivet on each side of the cover with a screw- driver. See Figure 5-3.

2.Disconnect belt tension spring from transmission.

3.Push transmission up a little and slide belt off the transmission pulley. See Figure 5-3.

4.Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.

5.Tip mower on its side (air cleaner side of engine up).

6.Slide belt off of engine pulley and around the blade. See Figure 5-4.

7.Replace with new belt, working around blade. Make sure the belt is firmly seated on engine pulley while pulling from the other side and sliding it around the transmission pulley. Secure belt tension spring to the tranmission. Reassembly front drive cover.

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Figure 5-3

Figure 5-4

Off-Season Storage

The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.

1.Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.

2.We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.

3.Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.

4.Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.

5.Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

NOTE: 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.

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.

An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotat- ing at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower, and could break causing per- sonal injury.

Cutting grass in sandy soil condition causes abrasive wear to the blade.

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