MTD WHITE GT-185 - Blade Sharpening, Balancing, and Torque; Engine Maintenance; Fuel Filter Replacement; Cleaning Engine and Deck

When sharpening the blades, follow the original angle
of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that
each cutting edge be ground equally to prevent an
unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, may
cause damage to the mower and could break, causing
personal injury.
The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on
a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade
with the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with
part number) facing the ground when the mower is in
the operating position.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
46" Deck:
Blade
Hex Flange Nut: 70 ft.-ibs., 90 ft.-lbs.
Blade Spindle Screws
If disassembled for any reason, tighten the blade
spindle screws between 200 and 275 inch pounds.
50" Deck:
Blade
3/8" Dia. Bolt: 450 in. lb. min., 600 in. lb. max.
5/16" Dia. Bolt: 200 in. lb. min., 350 in. lb. max.
Blade Spindle Nuts
If disassembled for any reason, tighten the blade
spindle nuts between 200 and 350 in. lbs.
To ensure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct tight¬
ness.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance instructions.
Service air cleaner every 10 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plugs should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is recom¬
mended at the start of each mowing season; check
engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifica¬
tions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and fol¬
low instructions carefully.
FUEL FILTER
Your unit is equipped with a replaceable in-line fuel
filter. Replace filter whenever contamination or dis¬
coloration is noticed. Order replacement filter through
your authorized engine service dealer.
CLEANING ENGINE AND DECK
Any fuel or oil spilled on the tractor should be wiped off
promptly. Grass, leaves and other dirt must not be left
to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or
on any part of the machine.
Clean the underside of the deck after each mowing.
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
tractor. The front wheels should toe-in 1/8 inch.
To adjust the toe-in, 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 23.
2. Loosen the hex jam nut on tie rod.
3. Adjust the tie rod assembly for correct toe-in.
Dimension “B” should be approximately 1/8" less than
Dimension “A.” See figure 24. 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 24.
18