MTD YARD-MAN 263, Operator'S Manual

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14
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side
until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the
blade always be removed from the adapter when
testing for balance. Before reinstalling the blade and
the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine
crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter
with light oil.
• Be sure to install the blade with end tips facing up
or the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with
part number) facing the ground when the mower is
in the operating position.
• Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
• Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the
blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges.
• Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the
notches on the blade bell support are aligned with
small holes in the blade.
• Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450
in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the
blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct
torque.
Drive Belt Removal And Replacement
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
• Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic
beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
• If unit is tipped for easier access to belt, tip the
mower back on its side with the air filter side away
from the ground.
• To get easier access to the belt, just securely place
the mower on raised blocks.
• Remove the transmission cover by sliding off the
two plastic rivets with a screwdriver on each side of
cover. See Figure 12.
Figure 12
• Using a torque wrench, loosen the screw holding
the belt tension spring to the transmission. See
Figure 13. Do not remove the screw completely, as
you loosen the screw the tension on the belt will be
released.
• Push the transmission up a little and slide the belt
off the transmission pulley.
• Lift the mower to access the belt from the underside
of the mower.
Figure 13
• Slide the belt off the engine pulley and around the
blade. See Figure 14.
Figure 14
WARNING: As always, use a thick piece of rag to
handle the blade while sliding the belt around it.
Make sure the spark plug is disconnected and
grounded for this job.
• Replace with the new belt, working around the
blade. Make sure the belt is firmly seated on the
engine pulley while pulling from the other side and
sliding it around the transmission pulley.
• Put the mower down with all four wheels firmly
placed on one level.
• Tighten the screw, loosened earlier, to secure the
belt tension spring to the transmission, and
reassemble the front drive cover.
Transmission
Cover
Plastic
Rivet
Loosen this screw
Shoulder
Screw
Belt
Transmission
Engine
Pulley
Left Front
Wheel
Right Front
Wheel