MTD 550 Series Specification

Brand: MTD

Model: 550 Series

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Specification

This manual is also suitable for

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O AL

Gas Lawn Edger- Model Series 550

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.769-02351

1/26/2006

This Operator's iVlanual is an important part of your new 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

3. Assembling Your New Edger ......................... 6

4. KnowYour Edger ............................................ 7

5. Operation and Adjustment ............................ 8

6. iVlaintainance & Servicing ............................ 11

7. Troubleshooting ............................................ 13

8. Parts List ....................................................... 14

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

Finding and Recording IVlodel Number

BEFOREYOU BEING ASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIP-

MENT,pleaselocatethe modelplate on the equipmentand

copy the informationto thesample modelplate provided

to the right.Youcan locate the model plate bystandingat

the operatingposition and looking down atthe rear of the

Edger/Trencher.This informationwill be necessaryto usethe

manufacturer'sweb site,to obtain helpfrom the Customer

Support Department, or whencontacting anauthorizedservice

dealer.

Model Number Serial Number

MTD LLC

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

330-220-4683

,. www.mtdproducts.com 8oo-8oo-731 o.,

Customer Support

Please do NOTretum the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

If you havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveanyquestionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefrom the optionsbelow:

1. Visit www.mtdproducts.com. Click on the Customer

Support menu option.

2. Phone a CustomerSupport Representativeat

1-800-800-7310.

3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-

related issueswith regards to performance,power-rating,

specifications,warrantyand service. Please refertothe

enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packed

separatelywith your unit, for more information.

Please take a moment to review your safety labels.

$321

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or propertyof

yourself and others.Read

and follow all instructions

inthis manualbefore

attempting to operate

this machine.Failure

to complywiththese

instructionsmay result

inpersonalinjury.When

you seethis symbol.

HEEDiTSWARNING

Your ResponsibUity:

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

RNING

This symbol points

out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safety and/or property

ofyourself and others.

Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattempting to

operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

resultin personalinjury.

i When youseethis

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

i Responsibility

I Restrictthe use

i of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthewarnings

and instructions

in this 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: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this

manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultinserious injuryor death.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtopowerequipment

suchaslawnedgers.Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.

Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw

them.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnlawnedgeroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe lawnedger.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatean

edger.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

Operation

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse

extremecarein handlinggasoline,Gasolineisextremely

flammableand thevaporsareexplosive,Seriouspersonal

injurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledon yourselfor

yourclotheswhichcan ignite,

2. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately,

3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer,

4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron atruckortrailer

bedwith aplasticliner,Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor

trailerandrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,

thenrefuelsuchequipmenton atrailerwitha portable

container,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefuel 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 nomorethanV2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineor fuelcontainernearanopen

flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,space heater,

furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keeplawnedgerfreeofgrass,

leaves,or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillage

andremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.

15.Allowalawnedgerto coolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.

General Operation:

1. Readthisoperator'smanual carefullyinits entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfutureand

regularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,not a

plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.

Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob:to edge

lawn.Donotuseit foranyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis

machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould

betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe opera-

tionshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.

4. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayin

operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystand-

ers,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom lawnedgerwhile

it isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.

5. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto be

used.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandother

foreignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor pickedup

andthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan causeserious

personalinjury.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyorlightweight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhiletheengine

is running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe

operator'smanual.

9. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme

careinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthe vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan

occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes

whichcanignite.Washeryourskinand changeclothes

immediately.

10.Donotput handsor feetnearrotatingparts.Contactwith

the rotatingbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

11.Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverbypass

its operation.Doingso,makesthe machineunsafeand may

causepersonalinjury.

12.Neveroperatewithoutbladeguard,debrisshieldand blade

controlhandlein placeandworking.

13.Neveroperatewithdamagedsafetydevices.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.

Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmhold onthe

handles.Walk,neverrun.

18.Donotoperatethis machineif it hasbeendroppedor dam-

aged. Returnmachinetoyournearestauthorizedservicing

dealerfor examinationandrepair.

29.Do notoperatethis machinewitha damagedorexcessively

worncuttingblade.

20.Neverattempttoclear materialfromthe bladeguardwhile

the engineisrunning.Shutthe engineoff,disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

21.Do notoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoedgeat

toofast ofarate.

22.Stayalertfor unevensidewalks,terrainetc.Alwayspush

slowlyoverroughsurfaces.Do notusethis machineon

gravelsurfaces.

23.Do notoperatemachinein rainorwetsoilconditions.

Alwaysoperatemachinefrom behindthehandlesand

positionyourselfwherethedirectlineofsighttocutting

bladeisblockedbyguards.

24.Alwaysstopenginewhenedgingortrimmingisdelayedor

whentransportingmachinefrom onelocationto another.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Stopthe

engine,disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe

enginetopreventunintendedstarting.

25.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

the manufacturer.Failureto doso,canresultin personal

injury.

26. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareandgoodjudgment.Call 1-800-800-7310 for

CustomerSupportandthe nameofyournearestdealer.

Service

1. Neverrunan engineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeand allmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe enginetoprevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthebladeand enginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith

theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,

listedin thismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceand compromisesafety!"

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 lawnedgerforanydamage.Repair

thedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthelawnedger.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Manycomponentsonyournewedgercanwearwith

continueduse. Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck

alledgercomponentsandreplaceimmediatelywith

originalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,

listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper

performanceand compromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeed

theengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafe

operatingspeedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

ofyourself andothers.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and onthe machine.

Assembling

Your NeW

WARNING

i i

TheedgerbladewILL

rotatewhen thestarter

rope ispulled.

:_MPORTANT:Th_sunit

is shipped WITHOUT

GASOMNE.Aftersett ng

enginewithgasoline as

instructed intheengine

manualpackedwithyour

unit. Besureto service

enginewiththeoi_

enclosedwiththis unit as

_nstructedintheseparate

engineman,a!,

Figure3-1:Unfoldhandleandtightenstar knobs.

Figure3-2:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideand tighten.

IMPORTANT:Thisunit is shipped WITHOUTGASO-

LINE.Aftersettingup the unit, serviceenginewith

gasolineasinstructedinthe separateenginemanual

packedwith your unit. Also be sureto service engine

with theoil enclosed with this unit asinstructedinthe

enginemanual.

NOTE:Referenceto right or lefthand side of the

edger isobservedfrom the operatingposition.

Securing the Handles

Removeanddiscardanypackagingcardboardthatmay

bepresentbetweentheupperhandleandthelower

handle.

1. Depressthebladecontrolat thetopoftheupper

handleandpivottheupperhandleupwarduntilit

snapsintoplace,Figure3-1.

2. Tightenthestarknobs,whicharelocatedon boththe

leftand rightsidesofthehandle.

Attaching the Starter Rope

Locatetheropeguidefoundonthe rightsideoftheupper

handle.Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thewingknobwhich

securestheropeguidetotheupperhandle,Figure3-2.

1. Standbehindtheunitand holdthebladecontrol

againsttheupperhandle.

2. Gentlypullthestarterropeoutof theengine.The

starterropewillnotpulloutoftheengineunlessthe

bladecontrolisdepressedagainsttheupperhandle.

_1 ARNING:Theedger blade WILL rotatewhen

the starter ropeispulled.

3. Slipthestarterropethroughthetopof theropeguide.

4. Tightenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguideto

theupperhandle.

Specifications are

subject to changewthout

notification or obligation,

imagesmay not reflect

your exactmodel and are

for reference purposes

only,

Blade Control

Blade Depth

Control Lever

(Transport

Position

Shown)

Recoil Starter

BeltGuard

Figure4-1:The maincomponentsontheedger.

,_ WARNING:Befamiliar with all controlsand

their properoperation. Knowhow tostop

the machineand disengage them quickly.

NOTE: Referto the Engine Manualpackedwith your

edger for a detailed description of all engine-related

controls and components.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisusedtostarttheengine.

Primer

Theprimerisusedto pumpgasintothecarburetorand

aidin startingtheengine.Useittostarta coldengine,

butdonotuseit torestarta warmengineaftera short

shutdown.RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour

edgerfora detaileddescriptionofall engine-related

controlsandcomponents.

Blade Control

Locatedon theupperhandle,the bladecontrolmustbe

depressedagainsttheupperhandlein ordertooperate

theunit.Releasingthebladecontrolstopstheengine

andtheedgerblade.

Blade DepthControl Lever

Thebladedepthcontrolleverislocatedon therightside

oftheupperhandle.It isusedtocontrolthedepthofthe

cut.Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris

moved,thedeeperintothesoiltheedgerbladewillcut.

Bevel Adjustment Lever(if soequipped)

Thebeveladjustmentlever,if soequipped,is located

on thefront,leftportionoftheedger,behindtheedger

blade.It isusedtovarytheangleoftheedgerblade

betweenoneofthreepositionsforedging/trenchingor

bevelededging.

Curb Height Adjustment Lever (ifsoequipped)

Thecurbheightadjustmentlever,ifsoequipped,is

foundon therearportionoftheedger.Whenplacedin

an applicablenotch,it aidsin stabilizingtheedgerwhile

edginggrassalonga curb.

IMPORTANT:Becomefamiliarwithall thecontrols

beforeoperatingtheedger.

WARNING

Be familiar withall

controlsand their proper

operation.Know howto

stop the machine and

disengagethem quickly.

Refertothe Engine

Manualpackedwith

your edger for a detailed

description ofall engine-

relatedcontrotsand

components.

and

WARNING

Donot lowerblade if

blade isoverconcrete,

asphalt,rocks, or the like.

Theblade canstrikethe

supportingsurface,result-

inginpersonalinjuryor

propertydamage.

Neverfill fuel tank

indoors,withengine

runningoruntilthe engine

hasbeenallowedto cool

for at leasttwo minutes

afterrunning.

The Blade Control isa

safetydevice.Neverattempt

tobypassitsoperation.

Rotatingcuttingblade

maythrow objectscaus-

ingpersonalinjury.Keep

areaclearofbystanders

anddonotoperate

withoutguardsin place.

Theoperationof anyedgercan result

in foreign objectsbeingthrown intothe

eyes,whichcanresult in severeeye

damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eyeshields.

Werecommendwidevisionsafetymaskfor over

spectaclesor standardsafetyglasses.

_hlt ARNING: Donot lowerbladeifbladeis

overconcrete,asphalt,rocks or thelike.

Thebladecanstrikethesupportingsurface,result-

inginpersonalinjuryor propertydamage.

Adding Gasoline & Oil

Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructed

intheEngineManualpackedwithyouredger.Read

instructionscarefully.

_IIL WARNING:Neverfill fuel tank indoors,

with enginerunningor until the enginehas

been allowedto cool for at least two minutesafter

running.

Starting The Engine

NOTE:Referto the Engine Manualpackedwith your

edger for a detailed description of all engine-related

controls and components.

Tostarttheedger'sengine,proceedasfollows:

1. Attachthesparkplugwiretothesparkplug.Make

certainthemetalcapon theend ofthe sparkplug

wireisfastenedsecurelyoverthemetaltiponthe

sparkplug.

2. Movethebladedepthcontrolleverbacktothe

STARTpositionin theadjacent(top)notch.

3. Depresstheprimerbulbthreetimes,pausingtwoto

threesecondsbetweeneachpush.Incoldweather

(below50°F/19°0), itmaybenecessarytodepress

theprimerbulbfouror fivetimes.

IMPORTANT:Using the primerto restart a warm

engineafter a short shutdownisusually not neces-

sary. Doingso may resultina flooded engine.

4. Standingbehindtheunit,depressthebladecontroland

holditagainsttheupperhandlewithyourIdt hand.

Withyourrighthand,grasptherecoilstarterhandleand

slowlypulltheropeoutwarduntilenginereachesthe

startofitscompressioncycle(theropewillpullslightly

harderatthispoint).

6. Afterslowlyallowingtheropetorecoil,pulltherope

witha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepa firm

gripon starterhandlethroughouttheentirestroke.

7. Allowthestarterhandletoslowlyreturntotheeyebolt.

NOTE:If theenginefails to start after three pulls,

depress the primeran additional two times before

pulling the starter rope again.

Stopping The Engine

Tostoptheedger'sengine,releasethebladecontrol.

NOTE:Seeyourenginemanualpackedwith your

unit for moredetailed instructions.

Edging

beginedging,proceedasfollows:

Movetheunitovertotheareatobe edged,making

surethattheleft rearwheelison a hardsurfaceand

thebladeisovertheareatobecut, Figure5-1.

Movethebladedepthcontrollevertothe leftandplace

intothenextlowernotch.Thenmakea passalongthe

areato beedgedbeforeproceedingtothenextnotch.

Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris

moved,thedeeperor lowerthebladewillcut intothe

ground.Severalpassesmaybe necessarytoobtain

thedesireddepthofcut.Donotlowertheblademore

thanonedepthnotchata timewithoutmakinga pass.

Figure5-1:Edgingexample.

3. Forbestresults,proceedslowlyalongthepathbeing

edged,slowlymovingtheedgerbackandforththrough

thecuttingarea,againmakingsuretokeeptheleftrear

wheelonthehardsurfaceandthebladeinthecutting

path,closetobutnottouchingtheedgeofthehard

surface.

4. Onceyouhavereachedtheendofyourcuttingpath,

raisethebladecontrolleverbackintotheSTARTposi-

tion,movetothenextareatobeedged,andproceed

againfromstep1.

Bevel Adjustment

Theangleoftheedgerbladecanbeadjustedbyplacing

thebeveladjustmentinoneofthreepositionsforedging/

trenchingor bevelededging,Figure5-3.

_ ARNING: Rotatingcuttingblade may

throw objects causingpersonal injury.Keep

areaclear of bystanders anddo not operatewithout

guards in place.

Beveling

Inorderto achievea bevellededge,setthebevel

adjustmentlever(referto Figure5-2) inthefirst(left-hand)

orthird(right-hand)notchtoplacetheedgerbladein

positionforbeveling.

Trenching (Optional)

Inordertocreatea widercuttingpathforsuchthingsas

layingwireforlandscapelightingor invisiblefences,you

canutilizetheedger'soptionaltrenchingfeature.

_ ARNING:Disconnectthe sparkplug

wire and ground against the engine before

performing the following steps.

_1 ARNING:Theedger blade is sharp. Wear

leatherwork gloves to protect your hands

whenworking around theedger blade.

Lever \

BevelLeft&

BevelAdjustment

Right Positions

Edging/Trenching

PositionShown

Figure5-2:Locationofthe beveladjustmentlever.

g Positions

Figure5-3:Thebevelpositions.

1. Workinginfrontoftheedger,loosentheflangelock

nutontopofframe,allowingtheidlerpulleyassembly

topivotslightlyoutfromtheframe.

2. Withyourotherhand,carefullyreachunderthe

rearoftheunitand removethebeltfromaroundthe

engineflywheelpulley,Figure5-4.

3. Removethebeltguardbyremovingthetwo self-

tappingscrewswhichsecureitto thebladeplate

assembly,Figure5-5.

4. Usetwowrenches(onewrenchtopreventthehex

boltheadfromspinningandtheotherto unthreadthe

flangenut)toremovetheflangenutthatsecuresthe

edgerblade,leavingtheedgerbladeinplace,Figure

5-6.

Engine

k,,RywheelPulley BeltGuard

Figure5-4:Removethebeltfromaroundthepulley.

Blade PlateAssembly

Figure5-5:Removethe beltguard.

HexBolt Head

FlangeNut j

Figure5-6:Removetheflangenutto removeblade.

5. InstalltheTri-staredger blade andthe flat washer,

Figure5-7.

6. Securewiththeflangenutremovedearlier.

IMPORTANT:Usea torque wrenchto tighten the

flange nut to between 37foot-lbs, and 50 foot-lbs.

7. Reinstallthespindlebeltguardwiththeselftapping

screwsremovedearlier.

8. Carefullyplacethedrivebeltbackontotheengine

flywheelpulley,and retightentheflangelocknuton

thetopoftheframe.

WARNING

Disconnectthe spark plug

wireand ground against

the Disconnectthe spark

plugwireand ground

against the engine before

performingthe following

steps.

The edgerblade issharp.

Wearleatherworkgloves

to protectyour hands

when workingaround the

edgerblade.

Specifications are

subject to changewithout

notification or obligatiom

Images my not reflect

your exactmodel andare

for reference purposes

iMPORTANT:Usea torque

wrenchto tightenthe

flange nutto between37

foot-lbs, and50 foot-lbs.

iMPORTANT:Make

certainthatthe drivebelt

isseatedcorrectlyonthe

bladespindleandthat

it isridingsmoothlyon

the spindlesheavesand

isnot pinchedbetween

them. Repeatthefirst

threestepsifthe beltis

pinched.

iMPORTANT:Forbest

results,proceedslowly

along the pathbeing

trenched,slowlymoving

theedgerbackand forth

throughthe cuttingarea.

Specifications are

subjectto changewithout

notification or obligation.

imagesmy not reflect

yourexactmodeland are

for referencepurposes

only.

Fiat

Tri-starBlade

Figure5-7:TheoptionalTri-starbladeandwasher.

iMPORTANT:Makecertainthat the drive beltis

seatedcorrectlyon the bladespindle and that it is

riding smootMy on the spindle sheavesand isnot

pinchedbetween them. Repeatthe first three steps

ifthe belt is pinched.

Setthebeveladjustmentlever(referto Figure5-2)

inthecenternotchtoplacetheedgerbladeina

900position,Figure5-8, andplacethebladedepth

controlleverinthe lowestposition.

IMPORTANT:For best results, proceedslowly

along the pathbeing trenched, slowly moving the

edger back and forth through the cutting area.

Edging Along A Curb

Theright,rearwheeloftheedgercanbeloweredintoone

offivepositionstoeasethetaskofedgingalonga curb.

Toadjusttheheightofthecurbwheel,proceedas

follows:

1. Lowertheright,rearwheelbymovingthecurbheight

adjustmentleverslightlytotheleft,Figure5-9.

2. Pivottheright,rearwheelintoanapplicableposition

inrelationtotheheightof thecurbtobeedged

along.

3. Releasethecurbheightadjustmentlevertolockthe

wheelinposition.

NOTE:Severalpassesmaybe necessary to obtain

thedesired depth ofcut. Donot lower blade more

thanone depth notch at a time.

Figure5-8:Edging/TrenchingPosition.

ifCurb Height "_

Adjustment \

Lever

Figure5-9:UseCurbHeightAdjustmentLevertoadjustthecurb

wheelheight.

Figure5-10:Thewheelinthe loweredposition.

,_1_ WARNING:Disconnectthe sparkplug

wireand groundagainst the enginebefore

performinganyadjustment, repairsor maintenance.

Lubrication

Engine

RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyouredgerfora

detaileddescriptionofallengine-relatedservicespecs.

Wheels

Lubricatethewheelsandbearingsatleastoncea

seasonwitha lightoil.Alsoifthewheelsareremovedfor

anyreason,lubricatethesurfaceoftheaxleboltandthe

innersurfaceofthewheelwithlightoil.

PivotPoints

Lubricatethepivotpointsonthebladecontrolbailand

bladedepthcontrollever

Bearing Block

Lubricatethebearingblockoncea season,orasneeded

bysimplyapplyingoilateachend ofthecoverplate,

Figure6-1.

Lubricate

Figure6-1:Lubricatethebearingblockasneeded.

Figure6-2:Loosenthelocknutandremovebelt.

3. Removethespindlesheavesbeltguardbyremoving

thetwoself-tappingscrewswhichsecureittothe

bladeplateassembly.

4. Usetwowrenches(onewrenchtopreventthehex

boltheadfromspinningandtheotherto removethe

flangenut)toremovetheedgerblade,Figure6-3.

FlangeNut

Belt

Guard

Figure6-3:Removetheblade.

Replacing the Blade

WARNING:The edgerblade issharp. Wearleather

work glovesto protectyourhands whenworking

around the edgerblade.

WARNING:Disconnectthe spark plugwire and

groundagainst enginebefore performingthe follow-

ingsteps.

1. Workinginfrontoftheedger,loosentheflangelock

nuton topofframe,allowingthe idlerpulleyassembly

topivotslightlyoutfromtheframe,Figure6-2.

2. Withyourotherhand,carefullyreachunderthe

rearoftheunitand removethebeltfromaroundthe

engineflywheelpulley.

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.

Maintaining

WARNING

The edger blade issharp.

Wearleatherworkgloves

to protectyour hands

whenworkingaround the

edgerblade.

Disconnect the spark

plugwireand ground

against the engine

before performingany

adjustment, repairs or

maintenance.

Specifications are

subjectto changewithout

notification orobligation.

imagesmay not reflect

your exactmodel and are

for reference purposes

only.

WARNING

Neveroperatethe

edgerwithoutthe spindle

sheavesbelt guardin

place.

Replacing the Drive Belt

iMPORTANT:Toaid in reassembly,note theorienta-

tionof thedrivebelton thetwoidlerpulleysand

theengineflywheel pulleypriortoperformingthe

following steps,Figure6-4.

Theedgerdrivebeltissubjecttowearandshouldbe

replacedifanysignsofcracking,shreddingor rotting

arepresent.Toreplacethebelt,proceedasfollows:

1. Workingin frontoftheedger,loosentheflange

locknutontopofframe,allowingtheidlerpulley

assemblytopivotslightlyoutfromtheframe,Figure

6-4.

2. Withyourotherhand,carefullyreachunderthe

rearoftheunitand removethebeltfromaroundthe

engineflywheelpulley.

3. Removethespindlesheavesbeltguardbyremoving

thetwoself-tappingscrewswhichsecureittothe

bladeplateassembly.

4. Carefullyremovethebeltfromoff ofthepulleys,again

makingsuretonotetheorientationofthebelt. Discard

thebelt.

Installthereplacementbelt(PartNo.754-04032B)inthesame

configurationthattheoriginalbeltwasroutedasfollows:

5. Workingfromthefrontof theedger,placethebeltonto

thespindlesheaves,routeitbackontothetwo idler

pulleys,andthenplaceitontotheengineflywheel

pulley.

IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthe"V"sideofthe belt

isseatedintothetoppulleyandtheflatsideof thebeltis

seatedintothebottompulley.

6. Reinstallthespindlesheavesbeltguardwiththeself

tappingscrewsremovedearlier.

7. Makecertainthatthedrivebeltison theengine

flywheelpulleyandidlerpulleys,andretightenthe

flangelocknuton thetopof theframe.

IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthedrivebeltisseated

correctlyandthatitisridingsmoothlyon thespindle

sheavesandisnotpinchedbetweenthem.Repeatthe

firstthreestepsifthebeltispinched.

,_ WARNING:Neveroperate the edgerwithout

the spindlesheavesbelt guard in place.

Figure6-4:Stepsinvolvedin replacingthe belt.

Off-Season Storage

Observethefollowingwhenpreparingtheedgerforlong-termstorage:

• Cleanandlubricateunitthoroughly.

RefertotheEngineManualpackedseparately

withtheedgerforenginemanufacturers'sstorage

instructions.

• Coattheedgerbladewithchassisgreasetoprevent

rustingandcorrosion.

Storetheedgerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

toanycorrosivematerials,suchaslawnfertilizer.

Coattheedger,especiallyanyspringsandbearings

witha lightoil or siliconespray.

IMPORTANT:Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipment

in anpoorlyventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshould

betakentorustprooftheequipment.

Enginerunserratic

ExcessiveVibration

Troubleshooting Guide

Sparkplugwireloose

Stalefuelin gasolinetank

Ventin gascapplugged

Wateror dirt infuel system

Dirtyaircleaner

Carburetoroutofadjustment

Edgerbladebentordamaged

Bladespindlebentor damaged

Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

Draingasoline& refilltankwith clean,freshgasoline.

Clearventofanydebris.

Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

Referto the EngineManualpackedwith yourunit.

Replaceedgerblade.

ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.

Specificationsare

subjectto changewithout

notification orobligation.

images my not reflect

your exact modeland are

for reference purposes

only.

TrencherKit(optional)

\ j;

/ -

,,J_i

1 746-04052 34-inchControlCable

2 720-0142 Grip

3 749-04234 LowerHandle

4 787-01304 Frame

5 736-0452 BellWasher.396x 1.14x .095

6 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16

7 738-0929 ShoulderScrew

8 731-05063 DebrisGuard

9 711-04440 Spacer.50x 9.25

10 750-04129 Spacer.525x .775x 3

11 787-01239 BracketDuelWheel

12 711-04361 AxleShaft.50x 6.65

13 734-1988 Wheel7 x 1.8SpokeBar

14 726-0299 PushCap

15 732-04045 TorsionSpring

16 750-04142 PulleyMountSpacer

17 756-04148 IdlerPulley

18 710-0411 HHCapScrew3/8-16x4.00

19 710-0191 HHCapScrew3/8-24x 1.25

20 756-1150A CombinationFlywheelPulley

21 710-0654A TT Screw3/8-16x 1

22 738-04149 ShoulderScrew

23 734-1987 Wheel8 x 1.8SpokeBar

24 687-02125 HeightAdjustmentPlateAssy

25 736-0234 FiatWasher.385x 1.5x .075

26 710-0726 ABScrew5/16-12x .75

27 687-02022 LeverAssembly

28 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2

29 720-04072 StarKnob

30 749-04183 UpperHandle

31 710-1205 EyeBolt

32 720-0279 ERSHandleKnob

33 746-04036 WheelAdjustmentCable

34 732-0369 CompressionSpring

35 710-3180 HHCapScrew5/16-18x 1.75

36 781-0741A DepthindexBracket

37 781-0742 DepthindexLever

38 712-04063 FlangeLockNut5/16-18

39 747-0976A OperatingBail

40 710-1143A HHCapScrew5/8-18x4

41 756-0449 Sheave

42 781-0427 SpindleBeltGuard

43 687-02126 BladePlateAssembly

44 750-0547 Spacer.628IDx .875ODx .500

45 732-04169 CompressionSpring

46 731-04207 BearingBlock

47 714-3010 CotterPin

48 747-04110 BladeAdjustmentRod

49 732-0188A DoubleTorsionSpring

50 710-04389 TTScrew5/16-18x2.25

51 787-01081A IndexBracket

52 781-0080 EdgerBlade

53 712-0417A FlangeNut5/8-18

54 738-0706C ShoulderScrew

55 731-05064 BladeGuard

56 736-04088 FiatWasher.635x 1.24x.181

57 718-04012 BearingCup

58 741-0524 BallBearing

59 750-04105 Spacer

60 756-0449 Sheave

61 754-04032B V-Belt

62 710-0599 TTScrew1/4-20x.500

63 781-0748 TriStarBlade

NOTE:Features/componentsvaryby model.NOTallpartslistedaboveand picturedonthe previouspagearestandardequipment.

Parts List

ii_ii i_i_iiiii_ii_ _ iiiii__iii_iii_ii_i

ENUINE

_FACTORY PARTS

Toorder replacement

parts; call

1,800,800,7310 or visit

uson the web at

www:mtdprod,,cts,oom

V-BELTSare specially

desgnedto engageand

disengage safely Asub-

stitute(non-OEM)V-Belt

canbe dangerous by not

disengaging completely.

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect

tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-

shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any

partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,

andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,

ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-

ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,

or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-

0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Website at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:

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,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof

the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683

MTD 550 Series Specification

Brand: MTD

Model: 550 Series

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Specification

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MTD 550 Series Specification

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