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.
2
Please take a moment to review your safety labels.
$321
3
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
4
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.
5
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
i
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,
6
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.
7
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.
To
1.
.
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.
f
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.
8
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.
f
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
J
Figure5-5:Removethe beltguard.
HexBolt Head
X
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.
9
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 \
X
Lever
J
Figure5-9:UseCurbHeightAdjustmentLevertoadjustthecurb
wheelheight.
Figure5-10:Thewheelinthe loweredposition.
10
,_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.
f
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.
11
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.
12
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.
Referto the EngineManualpackedwith yourunit.
Replaceedgerblade.
ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.
13
Specificationsare
subjectto changewithout
notification orobligation.
images my not reflect
your exact modeland are
for reference purposes
only.
TrencherKit(optional)
i
\ j;
/ -
/
/
,,J_i
14
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.
15
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
/