Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A O A AL
Lawn Edger- IVlodel Series 521
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-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.769-00527H
This Operator's Manual 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
1. Safety Labels .................................................. 3
2. Safe Operation Practices ........................... 4=5
3. Assembling Your New Edger ......................... 6
4. KnowYour Edger ............................................ 7
5. Operation and Adjustment ........................ 8=9
Contents
6. Maintaining & Servicing Your Edger ..... 10=11
7. Off-Season Storage ...................................... 12
8. Troubleshooting ............................................ 13
9. Parts List ................................................. 14=15
10. Warranty ........................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording IVlodel Number
BEFOREYOUSTARTASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT,
please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the
information to the sample model plate provided to the right.
You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating
positionand looking down at the rear of the Edger/Trencher.
This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's
website and/or help fromthe CustomerSupport Departmentor
an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
®
www.rntdproducts.corn
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.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productorhaveany questionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or
maintenanceofthis unit,youcan seekhelpfromtheexperts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:
• Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• CallaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
• Theengine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-
rating,specifications,warrantyandservice.Pleaserefertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's
Manual,packedseparatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.
2
Pleasetakeamomenttoreviewyoursafetylabels.
S321
3
WAR NiNG
This symbol points
Outimportantsafety
instructionsWhiCh,
ifnot foll0we&
couldendangerthe
personalsafetyand!or
property ofyourself
and others:Read and
followal instructions
in this manual before
attemptingto operate
this machinelFailure
tOcomply with these
instructionsmayresult
personal njuryl When
you seethis symboll :
HEED ITS WARNING
Responsibility
Restrict the use
Ofthis powermachine
to persons whoreadi
understand
and folloWthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
andon the machinel
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,
if notfollowed,
couldendangerthe
personalsafety and/or
property ofyourself
and others. Readand
followall instructions
inthis manual before
attemptingto operate
i this machine. Failure
:: to comply with these
instructionsmayresult
in personal injury.
When you see
this symbol.
HEED ITSWARNING
Your
i Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
unuerstand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
andonthe machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehicle compo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.
Children
Tragicaccidents canoccur if operator is not
alertto presenceof children. Childrenare
often attractedto power equipment such
as lawnedgers. Theydo not understand
the dangers. Neverassumethat children
will remainwhere you last saw them.
1. Keepchildren out of the mowing area
and under watchful careof a responsible
adult other than theoperator.
2. Bealert and turn lawn edgeroff
if a child entersthe area.
3. Beforeand while moving backwards,look
behind and down for small children.
4. Use extremecarewhenapproaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other
objectsthat may obscure your vision of a
child who may run into the lawn edger.
5. Keepchildren awayfrom hotor running engines.
Theycan suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Neverallow children under 14 years old to
operatean edger.Children14 years old and
over should read and understandoperation
instructions and safety rules in this manualand
should betrained and supervisedby a parent.
Operation
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. Toavoid personalinjury or property damage
useextreme carein handling gasoline.
Gasolineis extremelyflammable and the
vapors are explosive.Serious personal
injury canoccur when gasolineis spilled on
yourself or your clothes which canignite.
2. Washyour skin and changeclothes immediately.
3. Use only anapproved gasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containers inside avehicle or on
a truck or trailer bedwith a plastic liner.
Alwaysplacecontainers on the ground
awayfrom your vehicle beforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipment from the
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If
this is not possible,then refuel such equipment
on a trailer with a portable container,rather
thanfrom a gasolinedispenser nozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
aii times until fueling is complete. Do
not usea nozzlelock-open device.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes,cigars, pipes
and other sourcesof ignition.
8. Neverfuel machine indoors becauseflammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Never removegas capor add fuelwhile
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to
cool at leasttwo minutes before refueling.
10. Neverover fill fuel tank. Filltank to no
more than ½ inch below bottom of filler
neck to provide for fuel expansion.
11. Replacegasolinecapand tighten securely.
12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move unit to another area.
Wait 5 minutes beforestarting engine.
13. Neverstore the machineor fuel container
near an openflame, spark or pilot light as
on a water heater,space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gasappliances.
14. Toreducefire hazard, keeplawn edgerfree of
grass, leaves,or other debris build-up. Cleanup oil
or fuel spillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15. Allow a lawn edgerto cool at least 5
minutes5 minutes beforestoring.
General 0peralion:
1. Readthis operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemblethis machine. Read,
understand,and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls andthe proper
useof this machine beforeoperating it. Keep
this manualin a safe placefor future and regular
referenceand for ordering replacementparts.
2. This machine is a precision pieceof power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore,exercise
extremecaution atall times. Your unit has
beendesignedto perform one job: to edge
lawn. Donot useit for anyother purpose.
3. Neverallow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine.Children 14years old and over
should readand understand the instructions in
this manualand should betrained and supervised
by a parent. Only responsibleindividuals who
arefamiliar with these rulesof safeoperation
should beallowedto usethis machine.
4. Tohelp avoid bladecontact or a thrown object
injury, stay in operator zonebehind handles
and keepchildren, bystanders,helpersand pets
at least75 feet from lawnedger while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyoneenters area.
5. Thoroughly inspectthe areawherethe
equipment is to be used. Removeall stones,
sticks, wire, bones,toys and other foreign
objectswhich could betripped over or picked
4
up and thrown bythe blade.Thrown objects
cancauseserious personalinjury.
6. Always wearsafety glassesor safetygoggles
during operationand while performing
an adjustment or repair to protect your
eyes.Thrown objectswhich ricochetcan
causeserious injury to the eyes.
7. Wearsturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks andshirts. Shirts and
pantsthat cover the arms and legsand
steel-toedshoes are recommended.Never
operatethis machine in barefeet, sandals,
slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)shoes.
8. Neverattempt to makeany adjustmentswhile
the engine is running, exceptwhere specifically
recommendedin the operator's manual.
9. Toavoid personal injury or property damage
useextremecarein handling gasoline.
Gasolineis extremely flammableand the
vapors areexplosive. Serious personalinjury
canoccur when gasoline is spilled on yourself
or your clotheswhich can ignite. Washer
your skin and changeclothes immediately.
10. Donot put handsor feet near rotating
parts. Contactwith the rotating blade
canamputatehandsand feet.
11.The bladecontrol handleis a safety device.
Neverbypassits operation. Doingso, makesthe
machine unsafeand may cause personalinjury.
12. Neveroperatewithout bladeguard, debris shield
and bladecontrol handlein placeandworking.
13. Neveroperatewith damagedsafetydevices.
Failureto do so, can result in personal injury.
14. Neverrun an engineindoors or in a poorly
ventilated area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,an odorless and deadlygas.
15. Donot operate machinewhile under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Muffler and engine become hot and
cancausea burn. Donot touch.
17. Neveroperatethis machinewithout good visibility
or light. Always be sureof your footing and keep
afirm hold on the handles.Walk, never run.
18. Donot operatethis machineif it has been
dropped or damaged.Return machine
to your nearestauthorized servicing
dealerfor examination and repair.
29. Donot operatethis machinewith a damaged
or excessivelyworn cutting blade.
20. Neverattempt to clear material from the
bladeguard while the engine is running.
Shutthe engine off, disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground against the engine
to prevent unintendedstarting.
21. Donot overload machine capacity by
attempting to edgeattoo fast of a rate.
22. Stayalert for unevensidewalks, terrain etc.
Always push slowly over rough surfaces. Do
not usethis machine on gravelsurfaces.
23. Donot operate machinein rain
or wet soil conditions.
Always operatemachinefrom behind the handles
and position yourself wherethe direct line of
sight to cutting blade is blocked by guards.
24. Alwaysstop enginewhen edging or
trimming is delayedor whentransporting
machine from one location to another.
Never leavea running machine unattended.
Stop the engine,disconnect spark plug
wire and ground against theengine
to prevent unintended starting.
25. Only useparts and accessoriesmadefor
this machine bythe manufacturer.Failure
to do so, can result in personal injury.
26. If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, usecareand good judgment.
Caii1-800-800-7310 for Customer Support
and the nameof your nearestdealer.
Service
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilatedarea.Engineexhaustcontains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
make certainthe bladeand aii moving
parts havestopped. Disconnectthe
spark plug wire and ground againstthe
engineto prevent unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe blade and engine mounting bolts
atfrequent intervals for proper tightness.
Also, visually inspect bladefor damage
(e.g., bent, cracked,worn) Replaceblade
with the original equipment manufacture's
(O.E.M.) bladeonly, listed in this manual.
"Useof parts which do not meetthe original
equipment specifications may leadto improper
performance and compromise safety!"
4. Lawnedger bladesare sharp and cancut.
Wrapthe bladeor weargloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them.
5. Keepall nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safeworking condition.
6. Nevertamper with safetydevices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object,stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
against theengine.Thoroughly inspect the
lawn edgerfor anydamage. Repairthe damage
beforestarting and operatingthe lawnedger.
8. Neverattempt to make awheel or cutting
height adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Many components on your newedger can
wearwith continued use. Forsafety protection,
frequently checkall edgercomponents and
replaceimmediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.)parts only, listed in this
manual. "Useof parts which do not meetthe
original equipment specifications may leadto
improper performanceand compromise safety!"
10. Donot changethe enginegovernor setting or
overspeedthe engine.Thegovernor controls the
maximum safe operatingspeedof the engine.
11. Maintain or replacesafety labels, asnecessary.
12. Observeproper disposal laws and
regulations,improper disposal of fluids
and materials canharm the environment.
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,
if notfollowed,
could endangerthe
personalsafetyand/or
property of yourself
and others. Readand
follow all instructions
in this manualbefore
attemptingto operate
this machine. Failure
to complywith these
instructionsmayresult
in personalinjury.
Whenyou see
this symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and onthe machine.
5
:heedger
WILL rotate whenthe
starter rope ispulled,
iMPORTANT:
Thisunit isshipped
WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OIL.Aftersetting
upthe unit,service
enginewith gasoline
and oil as instructed
inthe separateengine
manual packedwith
your unit.
NOTE:Specificationsare
bjecttochangewithout
notificationorobligation.
Imagesmynotreflectyour
exactmodelandarefor
referencepurposesonly.
Figure 3-1
Securing the Handle
IMPORTANT:ThisunitisshippedWITHOUTGASOLINE
or OIL.Aftersettingupthe unit,serviceenginewith
gasolineandoil asinstructedin theseparateengine
manualpackedwithyourunit.
NOTE: Referencetorightorlefthandsideoftheedgeris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
Positioning the Edger Handles
Removeanddiscardanypackagingcardboardthat
maybepresentbetweentheupperhandleandthelower
handle.
1. Pivottheupperhandleupwarduntilit snapsintoplace.
SeeFig.3-1.
2. Tightenthehandknobs,whichare locatedon boththe
leftand rightsidesofthehandle.
Figure 3-2
Attachingthe Starter Rope
1. Locatetheropeguidefoundonthe rightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thewing
knobwhichsecurestheropeguidetotheupper
handle.SeeFig.3-2.
2. Standbehindtheunitand holdthebladecontrol
againsttheupperhandle.
3. Gentlypullthestarterropeoutof theengine.
_ WARNING: Theedgerblade WILL rotatewhenthe starter ropeispulled.
NOTE: Thestarterropewillnotpulloutoftheengine
unlessthebladecontrol(refertoFigure3-2) isdepressed
againsttheupperhandle.
4. Slipthestarterropethroughthetopof theropeguide.
Retightenthewingknobwhichsecuresthe ropeguide
totheupperhandle.
6
Blade DepthControl Lever
(TransportPositionShown)
/
Starter Rope/
Recoil Starter
Primer
J
Figure 4-1
,__ WARNING:Befamiliar with all controls
and their properoperation.Know how
__ to stop the machine and disengage
them quickly.
NOTE: Referto theEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofall engine-related
controlsandcomponents.
Starter Rope/ Recoil Starter
Thestarterrope/recoilstarterisusedtostarttheengine.
SeeFig.4-1
Primer
Theprimerisusedto pumpgasintothecarburetorand
aid in startingtheengine.Useittostarta coldengine,
butdo notuseitto restarta warmengineaftera short
shutdown.SeeFig.4-1
NOTE: Referto theEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofall engine-related
controlsandcomponents.
Blade Control
Locatedon theupperhandle,thebladecontrolmustbe
depressedagainsttheupperhandlein ordertooperate
the unit.Releasingthebladecontrolstopstheengine
and theedgerblade. SeeFig.4-1.
Blade Depth Control Lever
WARNIN
Be familiar with all
controls and their
properoperation:
Knowhowtostopthe
machineandd sengage
them quickly,
i
Curb Height Adjustment Lever
Thecurbheightadjustmentleverisfoundon therear
portionoftheedger.Whenplacedinan applicablenotch,
itaidsin stabilizingtheedgerwhileedginggrassalonga
curb.SeeFig.4-1.
Thebladedepthcontrolleveris locatedon therightside
oftheupperhandle.It isusedtocontrolthedepthofthe
cut.Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris ..............
moved,thedeeperintothe soiltheedgerbladewillcut.....
See Fig.4-1. NOTE: Refertothe
Engine ManuaIpacked
withyouredgerfora
detailed descriptionof aii
engineirelatedcontrols
IMPORTANT:Becomefamiliarwithallthecontrols
beforeoperatingtheedger.
IMPORTANT:
Becomefami!iarwithal!the
cont[ols beforeoperating
theedgerl
NOTE:Specifications are
subjecttochangewithout
notificationorobligation:
ImagesmaYnotreflectYour
exactmodelandare for
referencepurposes
7
WARNING
Do not lower blade
if bladeisover
concrete,asphalt,
rocks or the like.The
blade can strikethe
supportingsurface,
resultinginpersonal
injuryor property
damage.
Neverfill fuel tank
indoors,with engine
runningor until the
engine hasbeen
allowedto coo[for
at leasttwo minutes
afterrunning.
The "Blade Control"
isasafetydevice.
Neverattemptto
bypass itsoperation.
Rotatingcutting
blade may throw
objects causing
personal injury.
Keep area clear of
bystanders and do
not operatewithout
guards in place.
Theoperationofanyedgercanresult
inforeign objectsbeingthrownintothe
eyes,whichcan resultinsevereeye
damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesor
eyeshields.Werecommendwidevisionsafetymask
for overspectaclesor standardsafetyglasses.
_ ARNING: Donot lowerblade ifblade
isoverconcrete,asphalt,rocksor
the like.Bladecanstrikesupporting
surface,resulting inpersonalinjuryor
propertydamage.
AddingGasolineAndOil
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructed
intheEngineManualpackedwithyouredger.Read
instructionscarefully.
,i,4_11 WARNING:Neverfill fuel tank indoors,
with enginerunningor until the engine
hasbeenallowedto coolfor atleast two
minutesafter running.
StartingThe Engine
NOTE: RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofallengbe-related
controlsandcomponents.
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:Usingtheprimertorestarta warmengine
aftera shortshutdownisusuallynotnecessary.Doingso
mayresultina floodedengine.
4. Standingbehindtheunit,depressthebladecontroland
holditagainsttheupperhandlewithyourlefthand.
_ ARNING:Thiscontrolmechanismis
a safetydevice.Neverattemptto bypass
itsoperation.
5. Withyourrighthand,grasptherecoilstarterhandleand
slowlypulltheropeoutwarduntilenginereachesthe
startofitscompressioncycle(theropewillpullslightly
harderatthispoint).
6. Afterslowlyallowingtheropetorecoil,pulltherope
witha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepa firm
griponstarterhandlethroughouttheentirestroke.
7. Allowthestarterhandletoslowlyreturntotheeyebolt.
NOTE: Iftheenginefailstostartafterthreepulls,depress
theprimeranadditionaltwotimesbeforepullingthestarter
ropeagain,
Stopping The Engine
Tostoptheedger'sengine,releasethebladecontrol.
NOTE: Seeyourenginemanualpackedwithyourunitfor
moredetailedinstructions.
,_ WARNING: Rotatingcuttingblade may
throw objects causingpersonalinjury.
• Keepareaclear of bystanders and do not
operatewithout guards in place.
To
1.
Edging
beginedging,proceedasfollows:
Moveunittoareato beedged,makingsurethatthe
left rearwheelison a hardsurfaceandthebladeis
overtheareato becut. SeeFig.5-1.
2. Withbladecontrolleverin STARTposition,makea
passalongareatobeedgedbeforeproceedingtothe
nextnotch. Thefurtherforwardbladedepthcontrol
leverismoved,thedeeperor lowerthebladewillcut
intotheground. Severalpassesmaybenecessaryto
obtaindesireddepthofcut. Donotlowerblademore
thanonedepthnotchata timewithoutmakinga pass.
3. Forbestresults,proceedslowlyalongpathbeingedged,
slowlymovingedgerbackandforththroughcutting
area,againmakingsuretokeeptheleftrearwheelon
thehardsurfaceandthebladeinthecuttingpath,close
tobutnottouchingtheedgeofthehardsurface.
4. Onceyouhavefinishededgingselectedarea,raisethe
bladecontrolleverbackintotheSTARTposition,move
tothenextareato beedged,and proceedagainfrom
step1.thecurbtobe edgedalong.
Figure 5-1
8
EdgingAlongA Curb
Theright,rearwheeloftheedgercanbeloweredintoone
offivepositionstoeasethetaskofedgingalonga curb.
Toadjusttheheightofcurbwheel,proceedasfollows:
1. Lowerthe right,rearwheelbymovingthecurbheight
adjustmentleverslightlytotheleft.SeeFig.5-2.
2. Pivotthe right,rearwheelintoanapplicableposition
in relationtotheheightofthecurbtobe edgedalong.
SeeFig.5-2
3. Releasethecurbheightadjustmentlevertolockthe
wheelin position.SeeFig.5-2.
f
r
Figure 5-2
Trenching(Optional)
Youcanutilizetheedger'soptionaltrenchingfeaturein
ordertocreatea widercuttingpathforsuchthingsas
layingwireforlandscapelighting.Thisadditionalbladeis
availableseparately.
WARNING: Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
groundagainst the enginebefore performingthe
following steps.
WARNING: Theedgerbladeissharp.Wearleather
workglovesto protectyourhandswhenworking
around the edgerblade.
1. Usetwowrenches(onewrenchto preventhexbolt
headfromspinningandtheothertounthreadthe
flangenut)to removeflangenutthatsecuresedger
blade,leavingtheedgerbladeinplace.SeeFig.5-3.
5. Installanadditionaledgerbladeavailableseparately.
6. Securewiththeflangenutremovedearlier.
IMPORTANT:Usea torquewrenchtotightentheflange
nutto between37foot-lbs,and50 foot-lbs.
iMPORTANT:Makecertainthatdrivebeltisseated
correctlyonbladespindleandthatit is ridingsmoothly
on spindlesheavesand isnotpinchedbetweenthem.
Repeatfirstthreestepsifbeltispinched.
Figure 5-3
WARN
D .oo.°oo,,,o
spark plugwire and
groundagainst
Disconnectthe spark
plugwireand ground
against the engine
before performingthe
following steps:
The edger blade is
sharp; Wearleather
wor kgloves to protect
your hands when
working around the
NOTE:Specificationsare
subjecttochangewithout
notificationorobligationl
Images mYnotreflectyour
exact modelandarefor
referencePurP0sesonlyl
9
Maintaining
WARNING
Disconnectthe spark
plugwireand ground
against the engine
before performing
anyadjustment,
repairsor mainte-
nance.
The edger blade
issharp. Wear
leatherwork gloves
to protectyour hands
whenworking around
the edger blade.
Disconnectthe spark
plugwire and ground
againstengine
before performingthe
following steps.
NOTE:SpeCificationsare
}
subject tochangewithout
notification orob!igationl
Imagesmynotreflectyour
exact medeland arefor
referencepurposeson!y,
X,, ,/
Figure6-1
J
Figure6-2
_ ARNING: Disconnectthesparkplug
wire and groundagainst the engine
beforeperformingany adjustment,
repairsor maintenance.
Lubrication
Engine
RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyouredgerforadetailed
descriptionofallengine-relatedservicespecifications.
Wheels
Lubricatethewheelsandbearingsatleastoncea season
witha lightoil.Alsoifthewheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatethesurfaceof theaxleboltandtheinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.
Pivot Points
Lubricatethepivotpointsonthebladecontrolbail,blade
depthcontrollever,andifapplicable,thebladeadjustment
lever,andcurbheightadjustmentleverwith lightoil at
leastoncea season.
Bearing Block
Lubricatethebearingblockevery25 hoursor atleast
oncea season.Simplyapplyoil ateachendofthecover
plate. SeeFig.6-1.
Replacingthe EdgerBlade
__1 ARNING:The edgerblade issharp.
Wearleatherwork gloves to protect
yourhandswhenworking around the
edgerblade.
__ WARNING: Disconnectthe spark plug
wire and ground against engine before
performingthefollowing steps.
1. Usetwowrenches(onewrenchtopreventthehexbolt
headfromspinningandtheotherto removetheflange
nut)to removetheedgerblade.Referto Fig.6-2.
2. Removeanddiscardtheedgerbladebutretainthe
flangenut.
3. Installthereplacementedgerbladeandtheflangenut
removedearlier.
IMPORTANT:Usea torquewrenchtotightentheflange
nuttobetween37 fooNbs,and50 foot-lbs.
IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthedrivebeltisseated
correctlyonthebladespindleandthatit isridingsmoothly
onthespindlesheavesand isnotpinchedbetweenthem.
Repeatthefirstthreestepsifthebeltispinched.
10
Replacing the DriveBelt
IMPORTANT:Toaid in reassembly,notetheorientation
ofthedrivebeltonthetwoidlerpulleysandtheengine
flywheelpulleypriortoperformingthefollowingsteps.
Referto Fig.6-3.
Theedgerdrivebeltissubjecttowearandshouldbe
replacedifanysignsofcracking,shreddingor rottingare
present.Toreplacethe belt,proceedasfollows:
Flangelock nut
\
1. Workinginfrontoftheedger,loosentheflangelock
nuton topofframe,allowingthe idlerpulleyassembly
topivotslightlyoutfromtheframe.SeeFig.6-3.
2. Withyourotherhand,carefullyreachunderthe
rearoftheunitand removethebeltfromaroundthe
engineflywheelpulley.SeeFig.6-3.
3. Removethe spindlesheavesbeltguardbyremoving
thetwo self-tappingscrewswhichsecureittothe
bladeplateassembly.SeeFig.6-4.
4. Carefullyremovethebeltfromoff ofthepulleys,
againmakingsureto notetheorientationofthebelt.
Discardthebelt.SeeFig.6-4.
Figure6-3
.
Workingfromthefrontoftheedger,placethebelt
ontothespindlesheaves,routeitbackontothe
twoidlerpulleys,andthenplaceitontotheengine
flywheelpulley.
IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthe"V" sideofthebelt
isseatedintothetoppulleyandtheflatsideof thebeltis
seatedintothebottompulley.See Fig.6-3.
6. Reinstallthespindlesheavesbeltguardwiththeself
tappingscrewsremovedearlier.
7. Makecertainthat thedrivebeltison theengine
flywheelpulleyandidlerpulleys,and retightenthe
flangelocknuton thetopoftheframe.
IMPORTANT:Makecertainthatthedrivebeltis seated
correctlyandthatitis ridingsmoothlyon thespindle
sheavesand isnotpinchedbetweenthem.Repeatthe
firstthreestepsifthebeltispinched.
__1, ARNING: Neveroperatethe edger
without the spindle sheavesbelt
guard in place.
f Beltguard
11
WARNING
Never operate the
edger without the
spindle sheaves belt
guard in place.
NOTE:Specificationsare
SubjecttoChangewithout
notificationorob!igation
!mages rnynotreflectyour
exact modelandarefor
referencepurposeson!y:
Off-Season Storage
Observethefollowingwhenpreparingtheedgerfor
long-termstorage:
1. Cleanandlubricateunitthoroughlyasinstructed
maintenancesectionofthis manual.
2. RefertotheEngineManualpackedseparately
withtheedgerforenginemanufacturers's
storageinstructions.
3. Coattheedgerbladewithchassisgreasetoprevent
rustingandcorrosion.
4. Storetheedgerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
toanycorrosivematerials,suchaslawnfertilizer.
5. Coattheedger,especiallyanyspringsandbearings
witha lightoil orsiliconespray.
IMPORTANT:Whenstoringanytypeof power
equipmentinan poorlyventilatedor metalstorageshed,
careshouldbetakentorustprooftheequipment.
Notes
12
i_il_ i _ _!ii _iii_i _ i ii
NOTE:Specificationsare
subjecttochangewithout
notificationorobligation.
Imagesmynotreflectyour
exactmodelandarefor
referencepurposesonly.
TroubleshootingGuide
Engineruns erratic
ExcessiveVibration
Sparkplugwireloose
Stalefuelin gasolinetank
Ventin gascapplugged
Wateror dirtinfuel 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
Troubl
Forparts and/or
accessories please
I! 1-330-220-4683,
or 1-800-800-7310
or visit
www.mtdproducts.
corn
NOTE:Specificationsare
subjectto changewithout
notificationorobligation.
Imagesmynotreflectyour :
exactmodelandarefor
referencepurposesonly. :
i_ i _ii:ii _ _i i
1 710-0870 HexHeadScrew3/8-16
2 711-04362 Axle.5Ox3.8
3 711-04440 Axle.50x9.25
4 726-0299 PushCap1/2"rod
5 732-04045 TorsionSpring
6 734-1987 Wheel8xl.8
7 734-1988 Wheel7xl.8
8 736-0232 WaveWasher
9 738-0929 ShoulderScrew,3/8-16
10 750-04129 Spacer
11 750-04427 Spacer,.525x .775x.1125
12 750-04428 Spacer,.525x .775x .3125
13 787-01240 WheelBracket
14 710-0191 Screw3/8-24
15 710-0411 Screw3/8-16
16 710-0654A Screw,3/8-16
17 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
18 731-05063 DebrisGuard
19 736-0452 BellWasher,.396x 1.140
20 750-04142 PulleyMountSpacer
21 756-04148 FiatidlerPulley,2.50D
22 756-1150A CombinationFlywheelPulley
23 787-01304 Frame
24 710-0726 HexScrew,5/16-12
25 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18
26 710-1205 RopeGuide(EyeBolt)
27 710-3180 HexScrew,5/16-18
28 712-04063 LockFlangeNut,5/16-18
29 720-0142 Grip
30 720-0279 WingNut
31 720-04072 HandKnob
V-BELTSarespeciallydesignedtoengageand
disengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-Beltcan
bedangerousbynotdisengagingcompletely.
32 732-0369 CompressionSpring
33 746-04052 ControlCable(Tecumseh)
34 746-04036 WheelAdjustmentCable
35 747-0976A BladeControl
36 749-04183 UpperHandle
37 749-04234 LowerHandle
DepthindexBracket
DepthindexLever
BladePlateAssembly
HexScrew,5/16-18
Self-tappingScrew,1/4-20
HexScrew,5/8-18
FlangeNut,5/8-18
45 714-0104 CotterPin
ClevisPin
BearingCup
BearingBlock
BladeGuard
CompressionSpring
FiatWasher,.260x.72
FiatWasher.635x1.24x.181
53 738-0706C ShoulderScrew
54 741-0524 Bearing,.625IDx 1.57OD
38 781-0741A
39 781-0742
40 687-02126
41 710-04389
42 710-0599
43 710-1143A
44 712-0417A
46 711-1017
47 718-04012
48 731-04207
49 731-05064
50 732-04169
51 736-0342
52 736-04088
PartList:
Handle/Frame/
WheelAssembly
Model521
Forparts and/or
accessoriesplease call
1-330-220-4683, or
1-800-800-7310
www.mtdproducts.com
55 750-04105 Spacer,.63x 1.12x1.06
56 750-0547 Spacer,.64x.88x .50 NOTE: SpecificationSare
subject tochangewithout
57 754-04032B Belt notificationor obligationl
Images mynotreflectyour
58 756-0449 Sheave
59 781-0080 Blade
60 781-0427 BeltGuard
61 787-01075A CoverPlate
tOptional
exact modelandarefor
referencePurPosesonly.
J
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.
HOW 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 orlog on to our
Website 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,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor
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 productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683
/