MTD "A" Series User Manual

Blade and Belt
7
Blades
The condition of the blades will greatly effect the quality of the cut.
The blades should be sharpened and balanced after every hour of cutting, depending on local conditions. A dull
blade tears the grass instead of cutting it. Torn grass blades leaves a rough look and makes the grass vulnerable to
diseases.
Blades need to be examined for damage before sharpening. Blades must be balanced after sharpening to
reduce the vibrations felt from the deck.
Bent blades are a sign of a blade impact. The blades must be replaced and the engine inspected for a bent
crankshaft if a bent blade is found.
Blades come in a variety of styles; side discharge, mulching, bagging, combination, there are even de-thatching
blades on the market. The A and B Series mowers come equipped with a 3-in-1 blade from the factory. The outer part
of the leading edge cuts the grass. A wing on the back edge lifts the grass for the next blade and propels clippings
toward the bag or side discharge chute if the path to either is open. A stepped-up cutting edge just in-board of the
outer cutting edge mulches clippings as they fall, if the side and/or rear discharge chute(s) are closed and the mulch
plug is in place.
The air flow in the cutting deck is generated by the spinning blades. If the blades are mounted upside down, the
air flow will be reversed pushing the grass down instead of standing up.
NOTE: Blades that are mounted upside down, increase the risk of impacting an object.
Blade removal
To remove the cutting blade:
1. Tip the mower with the muffler side down, or tilt the
mower back on a work bench, with the front wheels
up. See Figure 2.1.
2. Block the blade from rotating using a block of wood
or a blade holder tool.
NOTE: MTD blade holding tool, part number 490-850-
0005, can be used block the blade. See Figure 2.1.
An incorrect or improperly mounted blade can crate a thrown object hazard.
! CAUTION! CAUTION
Figure 2.1
490-850-0005
! WARNING! WARNING
Allow the engine to cool.
Disconnect and ground
the spark plug wire.
Drain the fuel into an approved container.
CHAPTER 2: BLADE AND BELT

MTD "A" Series Specifications

General

Brand	MTD
Model	"A" Series
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

Introduction and Safety

Manual Usage Conventions

Explains text format, safety flags, and general disclaimers for manual interpretation.

Safety Precautions

Essential safety guidelines, grooming, attire, and hazard awareness for technicians.

Mower Series Identification

Details the features and configurations of the "A" and "B" series mowers.

Maintenance and Identification

Covers model/serial number interpretation and the maintenance schedule.

Blade and Belt Service

Blade Inspection and Sharpening

Covers blade condition, damage assessment, sharpening techniques, and balancing.

Blade and Belt Removal

Step-by-step procedures for removing mower blades and drive belts.

Control Cable Systems

Engine Control Cable Service

Procedures for removing and replacing the engine control cable.

Drive Control Cable Service

Instructions for removing, replacing, and adjusting drive control cables (variable/single speed).

Wheels, Axles, and Body Components

Wheel and Axle Maintenance

Procedures for removing/replacing wheels and non-drive axles.

Trail Shield Service

Instructions for removing and replacing the safety trail shield.

Discharge Door Service

Covers removal and replacement of side and rear discharge doors.

Transmission Service

Transmission Removal and Installation

Detailed steps for removing and installing the mower transmission assembly.

Drive Bushing Replacement

Procedures for removing and installing drive bushings, including gear removal.

Electric Start System

Battery Service and Testing

Covers battery types, removal, installation, and load testing procedures.

Electrical System Components

Details fuse location, key switch service, and wiring harness replacement.

System Schematic

Electrical schematic diagram for the electric start system, aiding troubleshooting.