MTD 820 Series - Wheel Adjustment

ENGINE OIL
Check the oil level in the crankcase before each use
of the machine and after every two hours of operation.
Oil level should be maintained as instructed in the
separate engine manual.
After the first two hours of operating a new engine,
drain the oil from the oil drain pipe at the bottom of the
crankcase while engine is still hot and refill crankcase
with new oil; thereafter change the oil after every 25
hours of operation.
Refer to separate engine manual for all detailed
instructions engine maintenance procedures.
FUEL FILTER
Your unit is equipped with a replaceable in-line fuel fil¬
ter. Replace filter whenever contamination or discol¬
oration is noticed. Order replacement filter through
your authorized engine service dealer.
WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
The caster (forward slant of the king pin) and the
camber (tilt of the wheels out at the top) require no
adjustment. Automotive steering principles have been
used to determine the caster and camber on the trac¬
tor. The front wheels should toe-in 1/8 inch.
Some units have adjustable tie rods so the toe-in can
be adjusted. To adjust the toe-in on these units, follow
these steps.
1. Remove the hex nut and lock washer, and drop
the end of the tie rod from the axle bracket. See
figure 17.
2. Loosen the hex jam nut on tie rod.
3. Adjust the tie rod assembly for correct toe-in.
Ball Joint
Joint
FIGURE 17.—Units with adjustable tie rods
Dimension “B” should be approximately 1/8" less than
Dimension “A.” See figure 18. To increase Dimension
“B,” screw tie rod into tie rod end. To decrease
Dimension “B,” unscrew tie rod from tie rod end.
Reassemble tie rod. Check dimensions. Readjust if
necessary.
FIGURE 18.—Units with adjustable tie rods
DRAG LINK
If the drag link or ball joints are changed, the new
assembly must be adjusted to the exact same length
as the original. If adjusted incorrectly, it will allow the
tractor to turn sharper one direction than the other.
To take off the drag link, remove the nuts and lock
washers holding the ball joint to the steering gear and
right front axle bracket. See figure 17.
BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CHECK FLUID LEVEL
Check fluid level inside each cell of the battery every
two weeks and before and after charging. Always
keep level between the LOWER LEVEL and UPPER
LEVEL lines on battery.
Add only distilled water. Never add additional acid
or any other chemicals to the battery after initial acti¬
vation.
NOTE: After operating the lawn tractor for a long peri¬
od of time, check the fluid level in the battery as it can
overheat and lose fluid.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The engine is equipped with an alternator which
charges battery when tractor is operated. Under nor¬
mal conditions, the battery only needs to be charged
before, during and after off-season storage. Follow
the instructions under “Off-Season Storage."
To charge the battery: Make certain fluid level in
each cell is between LOWER LEVEL and UPPER
LEVEL. Use a 12 volt automotive charger which is
rated less than 10 amps. Charge for a minimum of 3
hours and a maximum of 5 hours.
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