Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A O A AL
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Gas Lawn Edger- Model Series 520 & 550
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORMNO. 769-00527F
10/04/2004
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new gas lawn edger, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
1. Safety Labels .................................................. 3
2. Safe Operation Practices ............................ 4-5
3. Setup & Assembly .......................................... 6
4. KnowYour Edger ............................................ 7
5. Operating Your Edger ..................................... 8
6. Making Adjustments ................................. 9-10
7. Maintaining & Servicing .......................... 11-12
8. Off-Season Storage ...................................... 12
9. Troubleshooting ............................................ 13
10. Parts List ................................................ 14-15
11. Warranty ...................................................... 16
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIP-
MENT,please locatethe modelplateon the equipmentand
copy the informationto thesample modelplate providedto
the right.Youcan locate the modelplate bystanding at the
operating positionand lookingdown at the rearof the gas
lawnedger.This informationwillbe necessaryto usethe
manufacturer'sweb site and/or helpfromthe CustomerSup-
port Departmentor anauthorizedservice dealer.
f
Model Number
®
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330 -220 -4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveany
questions regardingthe controls,operation or maintenanceof
this unit, youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefromthe
options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com for many usefulsuggestions.
Click on CustomerSupportbutton and youwill get the four
options reproducedinthis sampleto the right.Click onthe
appropriatebutton and help isimmediatelyavailable.
2. Phone a Customer Support Representative
at 1(800)800-7310.
3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-
related issueswithregards to performance,power-rating,
specifications,warrantyand service. Pleaserefer tothe
enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packed
separatelywith your unit,for more information.
Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.
2
7"
YourSafetyLabels
Pleasetakeamomenttoreviewyoursafetylabels. LJ
Labels
S321
3
RNING
This symbol points
i out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattempting to
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
i resultin personalinjury.
i When youseethis
_symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
i ofthis powermachine
i to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
andon the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtopowerequipment
suchaslawnedgers.Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.
Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnlawnedgeroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthat mayobscure
yourvisionofachild whomayrunintothelawnedger.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6,
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatean
edger.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecarein handlinggasoline,Gasolineisextremely
flammableand thevaporsareexplosive,Seriouspersonal
injurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledon yourselfor
yourclotheswhichcan ignite,
2. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately,
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer,
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron atruck ortrailer
bedwith aplasticliner,Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor
trailerandrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,
thenrefuelsuchequipmenton atrailerwitha portable
container,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwith therimofthefuel tankor
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthe area.
9. Neverremovegas caporaddfuel whileengineishotor
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
unittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingengine.
13.Neverstorethe machineor fuelcontainernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keeplawnedgerfreeofgrass,
leaves,or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillage
andremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.
15.Allowalawnedgerto coolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Operation:
1. Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinits entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfutureand
regularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.
Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mow
grass.Do notuse itfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe opera-
tionshouldbeallowedtousethismachine.
4. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystand-
ers,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom lawnedgerwhile
it isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
5. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto be
used.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandother
foreignobjectswhichcouldbetrippedoveror pickedup
andthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscan causeserious
personalinjury.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor lightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhiletheengine
is running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe
operator'smanual.
4
9. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor yourclothes
whichcanignite.Washeryourskinandchangeclothes
immediately.
10.Donotput handsor feetnearrotatingparts.Contactwith
the rotatingbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
11.Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverbypass
its operation.Doingso,makesthe machineunsafeandmay
causepersonalinjury.
12.Neveroperatewithoutbladeguard,debrisshieldand blade
controlhandlein placeand working.
13.Neveroperatewith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto do
so,can resultin personalinjury.
14.Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand
deadlygas.
15.Donotoperatemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol
or drugs.
16.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do
nottouch.
17.Neveroperatethis machinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.
Alwaysbesureofyourfootingand keepafirmhold onthe
handles.Walk,neverrun.
18.Donotoperatethis machineif it hasbeendroppedor dam-
aged. Returnmachinetoyournearestauthorizedservicing
dealerforexaminationand repair.
19.Donotoperatethis machinewitha damagedorexcessively
worncuttingblade.
20.Neverattempttoclearmaterialfromthe bladeguardwhile
the engineisrunning.Shutthe engineoff,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
21.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoedgeat
toofast ofa rate.
22.Stayalertfor unevensidewalks,terrainetc.Alwayspush
slowlyoverroughsurfaces.Do notusethismachineon
gravelsurfaces.
23.Donotoperatemachineinrain orwetsoilconditions.
Alwaysoperatemachinefrom behindthe handlesand
positionyourselfwherethedirectlineofsighttocutting
bladeisblockedbyguards.
24.Alwaysstopenginewhenedgingortrimmingisdelayedor
whentransportingmachinefrom onelocationto another.
Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Stopthe
engine,disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
25.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby
the manufacturer.Failureto doso,canresultin personal
injury.
26. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,use
careandgoodjudgment.Telephone330-220-4683 or
1-800-800-7310 for CustomerSupportandthe nameof
yournearestdealer.
Service
1. Neverrunan engineindoorsor in apoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,
listedinthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
4. Lawnedgerbladesaresharpand cancut.Wrapthe blade
orweargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe lawnedgerfor anydamage.Repair
thedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe lawnedger.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.
9. Manycomponentsonyournewedgercanwearwith
continueduse. Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
alledgercomponentsandreplaceimmediatelywith
originalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,
listedinthismanual."Useofpartswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeed
theengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafe
operatingspeedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failuretocomply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou see this
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and onthe machine.
5
WARNING
The edger blade
WILL rotate when the
starter rope is pulled.
iMPORTANT:
This unitis shipped
WITHOUTGASOLINE.
_,ftersettingup the
unit,service engine
with gasoline as in-
structed in the separate
enginemanual packed
with your unit. Besure
to service enginewith
the oil enclosedwith
this unitas instructed
inthe separateengine
manual.
UpperHandle
\
RopeGuide
Figure 1
HandKnobs
LowerHandle
WingKnob
Figure 2
UpperHandle
Securing the Handle
IMPORTANT:ThisunitisshippedWITHOUTGASOLINE.
Aftersettingup theunit,serviceenginewithgasolineas
instructedintheseparateenginemanualpackedwithyour
unit. Besuretoserviceenginewiththeoilenclosedwith
thisunitasinstructedinthe separateenginemanual.
NOTE: Referencetorightorlefthandsideoftheedgeris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
Positioning the Edger Handles
1. Removeanddiscardanypackagingcardboardthat
maybepresentbetweentheupperhandleandthe
lowerhandle.
2. Depressthebladecontrolat thetopoftheupper
handleandpivottheupperhandleupwarduntilit
snapsintoplace.
3. Tightenthehandknobs,whichare locatedon boththe
leftand rightsidesofthehandle.SeeFigure2.
Attaching the Starter Rope
1. Locatetheropeguidefoundonthe rightsideofthe
upperhandle.
2. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thewingknobwhich
securestheropeguidetotheupperhandle.See
Figure1.
3. Standbehindtheunitand holdthebladecontrol
againsttheupperhandleandgentlypullthestarter
ropeoutoftheengine.
WARNING: The edger blade WILL
rotatewhenthe starter ropeispulled.
NOTE: Thestarterropewillnotpulloutof
theengineunlessthebladecontrol(refertoFigure1)
isdepressedagainsttheupperhandle.
1. Slipthestarterropethroughthetopof theropeguide.
2. Retightenthewingknobwhichsecuresthe ropeguide
totheupperhandle.
6
Pull Rope/ Recoil Starter
Depth Control Lever
(TransportPositionShown)
CurbWheelAdjustment Lever
(ifso equipped)
BevelAdjustmentLever
(ifsoequipped)
NOTE: Wheelandbladestylesvarybymodel.
Yourmodelmaydifferslightly. Primer Belt Guard
Model550show here.
Figure 3
_ ARNING:
Befamiliarwith all controls and
__ their properoperation. Knowhow
to stopthe machine and disengage
them quickly.
NOTE: RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofall engine-related
controlsandcomponents,
Starter Rope / Recoil Starter
Thepullrope/recoilstarterisusedto starttheengine.
Primer
Theprimerisusedto pumpgasintothecarburetorand
aidin startingtheengine.Useittostarta coldengine,
butdonotuseit torestarta warmengineaftera short
shutdown.
NOTE: RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofall engine-related
controlsandcomponents.
Blade Control
Locatedon theupperhandle,the bladecontrolmustbe
depressedagainsttheupperhandlein ordertooperate
theunit.Releasingthebladecontrolstopstheengine
andtheedgerblade. SeeFigure3.
Blade Depth Control Lever
Thebladedepthcontrolleveris locatedon therightside
oftheupperhandle.It isusedtocontrolthedepthofthe
cut.Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris
moved,thedeeperintothesoiltheedgerbladewillcut.
See Figure3.
Bevel Adjustment Lever (ifsoequipped)
Thebeveladjustmentlever,if soequipped,is located
on thefront,leftportionoftheedger,behindtheedger
blade.It isusedtovarytheangleoftheedgerblade
betweenoneofthreepositionsforedging/trenchingor
bevelededging.SeeFigure3.
Curb Height AdjustmentLever
(if so equipped)
Thecurbheightadjustmentlever,ifsoequipped,is
foundon therearportionoftheedger.Whenplacedin
an applicablenotch,it aidsin stabilizingtheedgerwhile
edginggrassalonga curb.SeeFigure3.
IMPORTANT:Becomefamiliarwithallthecontrols
beforeoperatingtheedger.
¸¸¸¸¸2
WARNING:
Be familiar with all
controls and their
proper operation.
Know how to stop the
machine and disen-
gage them quickly.
NOTE: Referto
theEngine Manual
packed withyour
edger for a detailed
descriptionof all en-
gine-related controls
and components.
IMPORTANT:
Becomefamiliarwith
allthe controlsbefore
operatingthe edger.
7
_i:i_ii!!!.i!!_.... _ .............
_ iiii i i_ i_ i I iiii
opo ti°g
WARNING
Do not lower blade
ifblade is over
concrete, asphalt,
rocksor the like.The
blade can strikethe
supporting surface,
resulting in personal
injuryor property
damage.
Never fill fuel tank
indoors,with engine
running or untilthe
engine has been
allowed to coolfor
at least two minutes
after running.
This control mecha-
nism is a safety
device. Never attempt
to bypass its opera-
tion.
Theoperationofanyedgercanresult
inforeignobjectsbeingthrown intothe
eyes,whichcanresultinsevereeye
damage.Alwayswearsafetyglasses
oreyeshields.We recommendwide
visionsafetymaskforoverspectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.
WARNING: Donot lowerblade ifblade
isoverconcrete,asphalt,rocksor the
like.The bladecanstrikethesup-
portingsurface,resulting inpersonal
injuryor propertydamage.
AddingGasolineAnd Oil
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructed
inthe EngineManualpackedwithyouredger.Read
instructionscarefully.
_ ARNING: Neverfill fuel tank indoors,
with enginerunningor until the engine
hasbeenallowed to coolfor at least
two minutesafter running.
Edging
Tobeginedging,proceedasfollows:
1. Movetheunitovertotheareatobe edged,making
surethattheleft rearwheelison a hardsurfaceand
thebladeisovertheareatobecut. SeeFigure4.
Starting The Engine
NOTE: RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofall engine-related
controlsand components.
Tostarttheedger'sengine,proceedasfollows:
.
2.
Movethebladedepthcontrolleverbacktothe
STARTpositionin theadjacent(top)notch.
Depresstheprimerbulbthreetimes,pausingtwoto
threesecondsbetweeneachpush.Incoldweather
(below50°F/19°0), itmaybenecessarytodepress
theprimerbulbfouror fivetimes.
IMPORTANT:Usingtheprimertorestarta warm
engineaftera shortshutdownisusuallynotnecessary.
Doingsomayresultinafloodedengine.
3. Standingbehindtheunit,depressthebladecontrol
andholditagainsttheupperhandlewith yourleft
hand.
_ ARNING: Thiscontrolmechanism
isa safetydevice.Neverattempt to
bypass itsoperation.
4. Withyourrighthand,grasptherecoilstarterhandle
andslowlypulltheropeoutwarduntilenginereaches
thestartof itscompressioncycle(theropewillpull
slightlyharderatthispoint).
5. Afterslowlyallowingthe ropeto recoil,pulltherope
witha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepa firm
gripon starterhandlethroughouttheentirestroke.
6. Allowthestarterhandletoslowlyreturntotherope
guide.
NOTE: If theenginefailstostartafter threepulls,
depresstheprimeranadditionaltwotimesbefore
pullingthestarterropeagain.
Figure 4
.
Movethebladedepthcontrollevertothe leftandplace
intothenextlowernotch. Thenmakea passalongthe
areato beedgedbeforeproceedingtothenextnotch.
Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris
moved,thedeeperor lowerthebladewillcut intothe
ground. Severalpassesmaybenecessarytoobtain
thedesireddepthofcut. Donotlowertheblademore
thanonedepthnotchata timewithoutmakinga pass.
3. Forbestresults,proceedslowlyalongthepathbeing
edged,slowlymovingtheedgerbackandforththrough
thecuttingarea,againmakingsureto keeptheleft
rearwheelon thehardsurfaceandthebladeinthe
cuttingpath,closetobutnottouchingtheedgeofthe
hardsurface.
4. Onceyouhavereachedtheendofyourcuttingpath,
raisethebladecontrolleverbackintotheSTART
position,movetothenextareatobecut,andproceed
againfromstep1.
Stopping The Engine
Tostoptheedger'sengine,releasethe bladecontrol
handle.
NOTE: Seeyourenginemanualpackedwithyourunitfor
moredetailedinstructions.
8
EdgingAlongA Curb
NOTE: Edgerfeaturesvarybymodel.All edgermodels
do NOTcomeequippedtoedgealonga curbnoris there
a curbwheelkit availabletomodifyyouredgerifit was
notpurchasedequippedtodoso.
Onmodelssoequipped,theright,rearwheelofthe
edgercanbe loweredintooneoffivepositionstoease
thetaskofedgingalonga curb.
Toadjusttotheheightofthecurbwheel,proceedas
follows:
1. Lowerthe right,rearwheelbymovingthecurbheight
adjustmentleverslightlytotheleft.SeeFigure5.
2. Pivottheright,rearwheelintoanapplicablepositionin
relationtotheheightofthecurbtobeedgedalong.
3. Releasethecurbheightadjustmentlevertolockthe
wheelin position.SeeFigure6.
4. Proceedbacktostep1 underEdgingatthebeginning
ofthispage.
NOTE: Severalpassesmaybenecessarytoobtainthe
desireddepthofcut. Donotlowerblademorethanone
depthnotchata time.
Curb Neigh
Adjustment
Lever
ustment Lever
Figure 5
LoweredPosition
Figure 6
9
i
.Makng
Adjustments
WARNING
Rotatingcuttingblade
maythrowobjects
causingpersonal
injury.Keepareaclear
of bystanders anddo
not operatewithout
guardsin place.
BevelAdjustment
NOTE: Edgerfeaturesvarybymodel.All edgermodels
do NOTcomeequippedwitha bevel adjustmentnor
is therea beveladjustmentkitavailabletomodifyyour
edgerifit wasnotpurchasedequippedtodoso.
Theangleoftheedgerbladecanbeadjustedbyplacing
thebeveladjustmentin oneofthreepositionsforedging
or bevelededging.SeeFigure7.
Bevel Adjustment
Lever
Figure 7
,_ WARNING: Rotating cuttingblade may
throw objects causingpersonalinjury.
Keepareaclear of bystanders and do
not operatewithout guards inplace.
Beveling
inordertoachievea bevellededge,setthebevel
adjustmentlever(referto Figure7) inthefirst(left hand)
orthird(righthand)notchtoplacetheedgerbladein
_ositionforbeveling.Seepositionsbelowin Figure8.
LeftHandPosition Right HandPosition
Beveled Edging Positions
Figure 8
NOTES:
10
WARNING: Disconnectthe spark plug
,_ wireandgroundagainstthe engine
before performing anyadjustment,
repairsor maintenance.
Lubrication
Engine
RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyouredgerfora
detaileddescriptionofallengine-relatedservicespecs.
Wheels
Lubricatethewheelsandbearingsatleastoncea
seasonwitha lightoil.Alsoifthewheelsareremovedfor
anyreason,lubricatethesurfaceoftheaxleboltandthe
innersurfaceofthewheelwithlightoil.
Pivot Points
Lubricatethepivotpointsonthebladecontrolbail,blade
depthcontrollever,andifapplicable,thebladeadjust-
mentlever,andcurbheightadjustmentleverwithlightoil
atleastoncea season.
Bearing Block
Lubricatethebearingblockoncea season,orasneeded
bysimplyapplyingoilateachend ofthecoverplate.
SeeFigure9.
Model550
shownhere
Lubricate
Figure9
Replacing the Edger Blade
_ ARNING:Theedgerblade issharp.
Wearleatherwork gloves to protect
your handswhen working around the
edgerblade.
_ WARNING: Disconnectthe spark plug
wire and ground against engine before
performingthe following steps.
1. Workingin frontoftheedger,loosentheflangelock
nuton topofframe,allowingthe idlerpulleyassembly
topivotslightlyoutfromtheframe.SeeFigure10.
_ FlangeLockNut
Flywheel' _IAI _I_
Pulley
o,oe,, °voes';e0oo,,
Figure10
2. Withyourotherhand,carefullyreachundertherearof
theunitandremovethebeltfromaroundtheengine
flywheelpulley.
3. Removethespindlesheavesbeltguardbyremoving
thetwoself-tappingscrewswhichsecureittothe
bladeplateassembly.
4. Usetwowrenches(onewrenchtopreventthehex
boltheadfromspinningandtheotherto removethe
flangenut)toremovetheedgerblade.
Referto Figure11.
Hex Bolt Head FlangeNut
Figure11
5. Removeanddiscardtheedgerbladebutretainthe
flangenut.
6. Installthereplacementedgerbladeandtheflangenut
removedearlier.
IMPORTANT:Usea torquewrenchtotightentheflange
nuttobetween37foot-lbs,and50foot-lbs.
7. Reinstallthespindlebeltguardwiththeselftapping
screwsremovedearlier.
8. Carefullyplacethedrivebeltbackontotheengine
flywheelpulley,and retightentheflangelocknuton
thetopoftheframe.
IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthedrivebeltis
seatedcorrectlyonthebladespindleandthat itis riding
smoothlyonthespindlesheavesand isnotpinched
betweenthem.Repeatthefirstthreestepsifthe beltis
pinched.
i i i i _ i
WARNING
The edger blade
is sharp. Wear
leather work gloves
to protect your hands
when working around
the edger blade
Disconnect the spark
plugwireand ground
against the engine
before performing
any adjustment,
repairs or mainte-
nance,
11
WARNING
Neveroperatethe
edgerwithoutthe
spindlesheavesbelt
guardinplace.
Replacing the DriveBelt
IMPORTANT:Toaid inreassembly,notetheorientation
ofthedrivebeltonthetwoidlerpulleysandtheengine
flywheelpulleypriortoperformingthefollowingsteps.
Referto Figure10.
Theedgerdrivebeltissubjecttowearandshouldbe
replacedifanysignsofcracking,shreddingor rotting
arepresent.Toreplacethebelt,proceedasfollows:
1. Workingin frontoftheedger,loosentheflange
locknutontopofframe,allowingtheidlerpulley
assemblytopivotslightlyoutfromtheframe.See
Figure10.
2. Withyourotherhand,carefullyreachunderthe
rearoftheunitand removethebeltfromaroundthe
engineflywheelpulley.
3. Removethe spindlesheavesbeltguardbyremoving
thetwoself-tappingscrewswhichsecureittothe
bladeplateassembly.SeeFigure10.
4. Carefullyremovethebeltfromoff ofthepulleys,
againmakingsureto notetheorientationofthebelt.
Discardthebelt.
Installthereplacementbelt(PartNo.754-04032B)inthe
sameconfigurationthattheoriginalbeltwasroutedas
follows:
5. Workingfromthefrontof theedger,placethebeltonto
thespindlesheaves,routeitbackontothetwo idler
pulleys,andthenplaceitontotheengineflywheel
pulley.
IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthe"V"sideofthebelt
isseatedintothetoppulleyandtheflatsideof thebeltis
seatedintothebottompulley.
6. Reinstallthespindlesheavesbeltguardwiththeself
tappingscrewsremovedearlier.
7. Makecertainthatthedrivebeltison theengine
flywheelpulleyandidlerpulleys,andretightenthe
flangelocknuton thetopof theframe.
IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthedrivebeltisseated
correctlyandthatitis ridingsmoothlyon thespindle
sheavesandisnotpinchedbetweenthem.Repeatthe
firstthreestepsifthebeltispinched.
__k ARNING: Neveroperatethe edger
without the spindle sheavesbelt guard
inplace.
Off-Season Storage
Observethefollowingwhenpreparingtheedgerfor
long-termstorage:
1. Cleanandlubricateunitthoroughlyasinstructedon
page11ofthismanual.
2. RefertotheEngineManualpackedseparately
withtheedgerforenginemanufacturers'sstorage
instructions.
3. Coattheedgerbladewithchassisgreasetoprevent
rustingandcorrosion.
4. Storetheedgerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
toanycorrosivematerials,suchaslawnfertilizer.
5. Coattheedger,especiallyanyspringsandbearings
witha lightoil or siliconespray.
IMPORTANT:Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipment
inanpoorlyventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshould
betakentorustprooftheequipment.
12
TroubleshootingGuide
Problem
PossibleCause(s)
CorrectiveAction
Enginefails tostart
Dirtyaircleaner
Engineneedsto beprimed
Fueltankempty
Stalefuelin gasolinetank
Sparkplugwiredisconnected.
Sparkplugfouled
Engineflooded
Refertothe EngineManualpackedwithyourunit.
Pushprimerbulbtwoor threetimes.
Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
Draingasolineand refilltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
Connectthesparkplugwiretothesparkplug.
Clean,adjustgapor replacesparkplug.
Refertothe EngineManualpackedwithyourunit.
Engineruns erratic
Sparkplugwireloose
Stalefuelin gasolinetank
Ventin gascapplugged
Wateror dirtinfuel system
Dirtyaircleaner
Carburetoroutofadjustment
Connectand tightensparkplugwire.
Draingasoline& refilltankwith clean,freshgasoline.
Clearventof anydebris.
Drainfueltank.Refillwithfreshfuel.
Refertothe EngineManualpackedwith yourunit.
Refertothe EngineManualpackedwith yourunit.
EngineOverheats Engineoil levellow Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
Airflowrestricted Cleantheareaaroundthe engine'scoolingfins.
Dirtyairfilter Replacetheengine'sairfilter.
Carburetornotadjustedproperly Refertothe EngineManualpackedwith yourunit.
ExcessiveVibration Edgerbladebentordamaged Replaceedgerblade.
Bladespindlebentor damaged Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.
DrivebeltSlips Beltwornor stretched Replacedrivebelt.
13
For parts and/or
accessories please
call 1-330-220.468&
3r 1-800-800-7310
www.mtdproducts.com
;pindleAssembly
PLEASE NOTE: Edger
features and compo-
nents vary by model.
NOT all parts listed
here and picturedon
this page are standard
equipment.
Forparts and/or
accessories please
call 1.330-220-4683,
or 1-800-800-7310
www.mtdproducts.com
Model520
Tri-StarBlade
V-BELTSarespeciallydesignedto engageanddisen-
gagesafely.Asubstitute(non-OEM)V-Beltcan
bedangerousbynotdisengagingcompletely.
1 687-02126 BladePlateAssembly 15 747-04110 BladeAdjustmentRod
2 710-04389 HexScrew,5/16-18 16 750-04105 Spacer,.63x 1.12x 1.06
3 710-0599 Self-tappingScrew,1/4-20 17 750-0547 Spacer,.64x.88x.50
4 710-1143A HexScrew,5/8-18 18 754-04032B Belt
5 712-0417A FlangeNut,5/8-18 19 756-0449 Sheave
6 714-3010 CotterPin3/32x.625 20 781-0080 Blade
7 718-04012 BearingCup 21 781-0427 BeltGuard
8 731-04207 BearingBlock 22 787-01081A CoverPlate
9 731-05064 BladeGuard 23 781-0748 Tri-starBlade(Opt.Access.)
10 732-0188A DoubleTorsionSpring 24 711-1017 ClevisPin
11 732-04169 CompressionSpring 25 714-0104 CotterPin
12 736-04088 FlatWasher.635x1.24x.181 26 736-0342 FlatWasher,.260x.72
13 738-0706B ShoulderScrew 27 787-01075A CoverPlate
14 741-0524 Bearing,.625IDx 1.57OD
14
@
1 710-0191 Screw3/8-24 24 749-04184 LowerHandle
2 710-0411 Screw3/8-16 25 781-0741A DepthindexBracket
3 710-0654A Screw,3/8-16 26 781-0742 DepthindexLever
4 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16 27 687-02022 CurbHeightAdjustmentLever
5 731-05063 DebrisGuard 28 687-02125 CurbHeightAdjusterPlate
6 736-0452 BellWasher,.396x 1.140 29 710-0759 HexScrew5/16x 18
7 750-04142 PulleyMountSpacer 30 711-04361 AxleShaft.50x6.65
8 756-04148 FiatIdlerPulley,2.50D 31 711-04392A FrameSpacer.50x9.25
9 756-1150A CombinationFlywheelPulley 32 712-04065 FlangeNut 3/8-16
10 787-01229 Frame 33 726-0299 PushCap1/2"rod
11 710-0726 HexScrew,5/16-12 34 732-04045 TorsionSpring
12 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18 35 734-1987 Wheel8xl.8
13 710-1205 RopeGuide(EyeBolt) 36 734-1988 Wheel7xl.8
14 710-3180 HexScrew,5/16-18 37 736-0234 FlatWasher,.385x 1.5x.075
15 712-04063 LockFlangeNut,5/16-18 38 738-04149 ShoulderScrew,3/8-16
16 720-0142 Grip 39 738-0929 ShoulderScrew,3/8-16
17 720-0279 WingNut 40 750-04129 Spacer
18 720-04052 HandKnob 41 787-01239 DualWheelBracket
19 732-0369 CompressionSpring 42 711-04362 Spacer
20 746-04035 ControlCable(Briggs&Stratton)43 736-0232 WaveWasher
21 746-04036 WheelAdjustmentCable 44 750-04427 Spacer,.525x .775x .1125
22 747-0976A BladeControl 45 750-04428 Spacer,.525x.775 x.3125
23 749-04183 UpperHandle 46 787-01240 WheelBracket
15
PLEASE NOTE: Edger
features and compo-
nents vary by model.
NOTall parts listed
here and pictured on
this pageare standard
equipment.
Forparts and/or
accessories please
call 1-330-220-4683,
or 1-800-800-7310
www.mtdproducts.com
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto
newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses-
sionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship
fora periodoftwo(2) yearscommencingonthedateoforiginalpurchase
andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundto
bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly
applyifthis producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance
withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen
subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper
maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause
ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor
useofanypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDforuse
withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto
anyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries,
belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow
throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
HOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages, or
contact MTD LLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-0019,or
call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683or log on to our Web site at
www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishduetouse
orexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideofthe UnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesand servicecalls.
No impliedwarranty,includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant-
ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the applicable
periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi-
fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas
mentionedabove,givenby anypersonor entity,includinga dealer
or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe
periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacement
of the productas set forth above.
Theprovisionsas set forth inthis warranty providethe sole and
exclusive remedyarising from the sale. MTDshall not be liable
for incidentalor consequential loss or damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substitute orreplacementlawncare
services or for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted
product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the
productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-
rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220-4683
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