OWllEII'$
• SET-UP • OPERATION • MAINTENANCE •
EDGERS
(Model 588 Shown)
Models
586, 587 and 588
IMPORTANT!
Record the exact Model No. and Serial No.
which appear on the frame of your unit in the
space below. You must have these numbers,
along with the date of purchase, in order to
receive warranty or service.
Important:
Read Safety Rules
and Instructions Carefully
MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state
laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by
the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A
spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service
dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
FORM NO. 770-8831M
IMPORTANT OPERATIONPRACTICES
_b THISSYMBOLPOINTSOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONSWHICH,IFNOTFOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHEPERSONAL
SAFETYAND/ORPROPERTYOFYOURSELFANDOTHERS.READANDFOLLOWALL iNSTRUCTIONSIN THISMANUALBEFORE
A'i-rEMPTINGTOOPERATEYOUREDGER.FAILURETOCOMPLYWITHTHESEINSTRUCTIONSMAYRESULTINPERSONALINJURY.
WHENYOUSEETHISSYMBOL--_L HEEDITSWARNING.
I Youredgerwasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherulesforsafeoperationinthismanual.Aswithanytype
DANGER: of powerequpment,careessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresut n serousinjury, f you
violateanyoftheserules,youmaycauseseriousinjurytoyourselforothers.
_1 TRAININGANDPREPARATION
ReadtheoperaUnginstructionmanualcarefully.Bethoroughly
familiarwiththecontrolsandproperuseoftheequipment.Know
howtodisengagethebladecontrolandstoptheunitquickly.
• Neverallowchildrentooperateequipment.Neverallowadultsto
operateequipmentwithoutproperinstruction.
• Keeptheareaofoperationclear(atleast50 feet)of all persons,
especiallysmallchildrenandpets.
• Usetheedgeronlyasmanufactureintendedandasdescribedin
theoperator'smanual.
• Do notoperateedgerafter it hasbeendroppedor damaged.
Returnproducttonearestauthorizedservicefacilityfor examina-
tionand repair.Donol;operateproductwithdamagedorexces-
sivelyworncuttingblade.
• Dressproperly--alwayswearsafetyglassesor goggles.Always
wearsafetyfootwear,andpantsorslacksthatcoveryourlegsto
reducetheriskofinurythatmaybecausedbyflyingdebris.Do
notwearloosecothingor ewetrythatcanbecaughtin movng
parts.Useofglovesandsubstantialfootwearis recommended
whenworkingoutdoors.Donotoperateedgerwhenbarefootor
wearingsandalsoropen-toedshoes.Wearboots,preferablywith
steel-toecaps.
• Objectsstruckbythebladecancausesevereinjuriestopersons.
Theworkareashouldalwaysbecarefullyexaminedandclearedof
allstones,sticks,wires,bonesandotherforeignobjects,priorto
edging.
• Neverattemptto makeanyadjustments,otherthandepthofcut,
whileengineisrunning.
• Theuseofaccessoryattachmentsnotrecommendedbytheman-
ufacturermaycausehazardandwillvoidwarranty.
• Neveroperatetheedgerwithoutproperguards,platesorother
safetyprotectivedevicesinplace.
• Turnengineoffanddisconnectsparkplugwire
a. Whennotinuse.
b. Beforeservicing,cleaningandthelike.
c. Beforechangingaccessories.
• Stayalert.Watchwhatyouaredoing.Usecommonsense.Donot
operateedgerwhenfatiguedor underthe influenceof alcohol,
drugsorheavymedication.
• Neveroperatetheproductwithoutgoodvisibilityorlight.
• Keepgoodfootingandbalanceatall times.Donotoverreachor
standon unstablesupport.
• Donotforceor abuseproduct.Itwilldothejob betterandsaferat
therateforwhichitwasdesigned.
i Donotoperateengineabovespeednecessarytodothejob.
Donotruntheengineindoors;exhaustfumesaredangerous.
Neverdirectdischargeof materialtowardsbystandersnorallow
anyoneneartheareaofoperation.Usecareindirectingdischarge
to avoidglassenclosures,automobiles,andthelike.
• Stayalertfor unevensidewalks,holesinterrainor othersimilar
conditionswhenusingproduct.Alwayspushslowlyoverrough
ground.Donotusetheproductongraveledsurfaces.
• Donotoperateedgerinrainorwetlocations.
Alwaysoperateedgerfrom behindtheupperhandleandposition
i yourselfwhere of sighttocutting byguards.
line blade
is
blocked
Afterstrikinga foreignobject,shutofftheengine,makeabso-
lutely sure the bladeand all moving parts havecompletely
stopped,disconnectthe sparkplug wire to preventaccidental
starting,thenthoroughlyinspectthe unitfor anydamage.Such
damagemust be repairedbeforerestartingand operatingthe
edger.Remember,heavyvibrationisgenerallyasignoftrouble.
• Alwaysstopenginewhenedgingor trimmingis delayedorwhen
walkingfrom onelocationtoanother.
• Stoptheengine,waitforbladeandallmovingpartstostopbefore
cleaning,adjusting,repairingor inspectingthe product.Always
disconnectsparkplugwiretopreventaccidentalstarting.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehotduringoperationandcancausea
burn.Allowto cooldownbeforetouching.
• Takeall possibleprecautionswhenleavingthe product unat-
tended.Disengagethe blade,stop the engineanddisconnect
sparkplugwire.
• Handlefuel withcare;it ishighly flammable _ MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
a. Extinguishallsmokingmaterialsand otherpossiblesources of _ STOREPRODUCTINDOORS--When not in use, store product
ignition, indoorsin a dry place,locked or otherwiseinaccessibleto chil-
b. Useafuelcontaineracceptableforthepurpose.
c. Neveraddfuelto arunningor hotengine.
d. Fillfuel tankoutdoorswith extremecare. Neverfill fueltank
indoors.
e+Replacegasolinecapsecurely.
f. If fuel isspilled,moveproductandfuel containerfrom area
anddonotcreateasourceofignition.Wipeupspilledfuel.
_ OPERATION
• Makesureall nuts,bolts,and screwsarekepttightlyin place,
especiallythebladeandallguards.
• Starttheenginecarefully.Makecertainthebladeis disengaged
beforeattemptingtostart.Keephands,feet,clothing,andthelike
wellawayfrom cuttingbladeandmovingparts.
• DANGER--RotatingCuttingBlade
a. Keepbothhandsonhandleswhenbladeisrotating.
b. Keepfeetawayfromcuttingarea.
dren.
• Maintainproduotwithcare
a. Followmaintenanceinstructionsgiveninthismanualfor your
product.
b. Toreducetheriskof injuryandenginefailure,do notallow
excessivegrass,leavesorotherdebristoaccumulateonor in
theedger.Wipeenginehousingcleanaftereachuse.
c. Keepairfilterclean.
d. Followinstructionsforchangingaccessories.
e. Replaceanymissingordamagedlabelsimmediately.
f. Donotoperateunitifbladeisexcessivelywornor damaged.
Replacewithbladewhichmeetsoriginalequipmentspecifica-
tions.
• Donotattempttorepairedger.Havemechanicalrepairsmadeby
qualifieddealerorrepairman.Seethatonlyidenticalreplacement
partsareused.
c. Makesureengineisoffand sparkplugwireisdisconnected,,_ WARNING:Pleasemakecertainthatanypersonwhoistousethis
whenclearingjammedmaterialfromblade. _ edgercarefullyreadsandunderstandstheseinstructionsbefore
d. Donotattempttoremovecutmaterialnorholdmaterialtobe startingtheunit.
cutwhenengineisrunningorwhencuttingbladeismoving.
I I
e. CAUTiON--Cuttingbladecoastsafterengineisturnedoff. J SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS I
I I
2
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASO-
LINE or OIL. After setting up the unit, service
engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
edger is observed from the operating position.
TOREMOVEUNITFROMCARTON
1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
2. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
owner's manual, etc.).
3. Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
4. Remove packing material (if any).
5. Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
HOWTOSET-UPYOUREDGER
Unfold the edger handle and tighten the two hand
knobs. See figure 1.
Slide the clutch rod connector down over the end of
the lower clutch rod to secure the clutch rod (tap the
connector until it locks on the lower clutch rod).
CHECKINGTHECLUTCHRODADJUSTMENT
The clutch rod on your edger has been pre-adjusted at
the factory. Before operating the edger, check the
adjustment of the clutch rod as follows.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug.
2. With the blade clutch/depth control lever in the
disengaged position (notch nearest the operator's
position), carefully pull the recoil starter rope. The
belt on the edger should not turn. if the belt (and
blade) turns, remove the hairpin clip and flat
washer, and remove the lower clutch rod from the
pivot arm extension. See figure 1. Turn the clutch
rod one or two turns clockwise to shorten the rod.
Insert lower clutch rod into pivot arm extension,
and recheck the adjustment.
3. Check to be certain the blade clutch/depth control
lever can be moved to the furthest notch forward
without bowing the clutch rod. If not, remove the
hairpin clip and flat washer. Remove lower clutch
rod from pivot arm extension, and turn the clutch
rod one or two turns clockwise to shorten the rod.
Insert lower clutch rod into pivot arm extension,
and recheck the adjustment.
Be certain to recheck the operation in both positions
after making any adjustment to the rod. Secure lower
clutch rod with flat washer and hairpin clip when
adjustment is correct.
&
WARNING: When operating the edger,
stop engine immediately and readjust the
clutch rod if blade turns with blade clutch/
depth lever in the disengaged position.
Upper
Clutch Rod
Clutch Rod
HanJ
Knobs
Lower Clutch
Rod
Pivot Arm
FIGURE 1.
3
CONTROLS
THROTTLECONTROL
The throttle control lever is located on the engine
(Models 586 and 588) or on the handle panel (Model
587). It regulates the engine speed and stops the
engine.
BLADECLUTCH/DEPTHCONTROL
WARNING: The blade clutch/depth control
is designed to minimize the risk of blade
contact injury. Do not under any circum-
stances attempt to defeat the function of
the blade clutch/depth control, or use the
edger if the control is not adjusted
properly.
Keep hands and feet away from edger
blade whenever the engine is running,
whether blade is engaged or disengaged.
The blade clutch/depth control has two main functions:
1. To engage and disengage the blade.
2. To control the depth of cut.
To disengage the blade, move the control lever to the
left and pull it back to the notch in the depth adjust-
ment bracket closest to the operator. See figure 2. This
position takes tension off the drive belt and keeps the
blade from turning. To engage the blade, move the
control lever forward into any of the other notches to
engage the drive belt and start the blade turning. The
further forward the control lever is moved, the deeper
or lower the cut.
When the blade is adjusted toward the horizontal posi-
tion, the front wheels must also be adjusted. Remove
the hairpin clip on the left side and slide the wheel to
the right as shown in figure 4. Reinsert the hairpin clip.
NOTE: ff the wheels are not adjusted, the blade will hit
the left front wheel, causing the belt to slip and possi-
bly damaging the wheel
FIGURE3.
Adjustment
Lever
Hairpin Clips
Blade Clutch/
Depth Control
Position
FIGURE 2.
Engaged
Position
\
BLADEPLANEADJUSTMENT
The cutting blade can be adjusted to eight positions
from vertical to horizontal.To adjust, make certain the
blade is disengaged, release the adjustment lever on
the pivot bracket and rotate the spindle housing. Place
adjustment lever in notch desired. See figure 3.
FIGURE 4.
Become familiar with all the controls and adjustments
before operating the edger so you can adjust it easily
to a variety of cutting and trimming conditions. DO
NOT AI-rEMPT TO MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS while
the engine is running.
4
OPERATION
The operation of any lawn mower can result in for-
eign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can
_ result in severe eye damage. Always
wear safety glasses or eye shields.
We recommend wide vision safety
mask for over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.
WARNING: Do not engage and lower
blade if blade is over concrete, asphalt,
rocks or the like. The blade can strike the
supporting surface, which could result in
personal injury or property damage.
STARTINGTHEENGINE
1. Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your edger. Read Instructions carefully.
_ WARNING: Never fill fuel tank Indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
2. Move the blade clutch/depth control handle back
as far as it will go, and place it in the last notch.
See figure 2.
3. Set the throttle in the FAST position.
4. A. On Models 586 and 588, move choke to
CHOKE position. Refer to figure 5A.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
B, On Model 587, push the primer bulb in two or
three times. Wait two tothree seconds between
each push. In cold weather (below 50 degrees
F./19 degrees C.) push five (5) times. Refer to
figure 5B.
NOTE: DO NOT USE PRIMER TO RESTART A
WARM ENGINE AFTER A SHORT SHUTDOWN.
5. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine roaches start of compression cycJe (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly.
6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return itslowly
to the rope guide.
7. On Models 586 and 588, after the engine starts,
move the choke lever gradually to the RUN
position.
NOTE: ff Model 587 engine fails to start after three (3)
pulls, push the primer two (2) times and pull starter
rope again.
Model 586/588 Model 587
FIGURE 5.
STOPPINGTHEENGINE
To stop the engine, move throttle controlto STOP posi-
tion. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground to prevent
accidental starting while equipment isunattended.
OPERATINGTHEEDGER
WARNING: Rotating cutting blade may
throw objects causing personal injury,
Keep area clear of bystanders and do not
operate without guards in place.
1. Set the adjustment lever (refer to figure 3) in the
second notch at the top to edge vertically. See
figure 6.
FIGURE 6,
2. Set the adjustment lever (refer to figure 3) in the
first notch at the top for trenching. See figure 7.
IYenchlng °
FIGURE 7.
3. Tooperatetheunitasatrimmer, move the adjust-
ment lever and rotate the cutting blade 90°. See
figure 8. Move the front wheels all the way to the
right, as described in the Control section.
WARNING: Do not the blade
adjust guard
with the engine running.
LUBRICATION
Wheels--The wheels are plastic and require no lubri-
cation.
Cutting Head Bearings--The two ball bearings in the
cutting head are lubricated and sealed at the factory
and require no lubrication• Lubricate all other moving
parts with engine oil.
Shaft--Lubricate the two bearings and under the com-
pression spring on the shaft with light oil frequently
during the season. See figure 11.
Engine--Refer to engine manual for lubrication
instructions•
Up to Fence, Foundations, etc..
FIGURE 8.
4. Units equipped with curb wheel only: To edge
along a curb, remove the hairpin clipfrom the right
side of the front axle, slide the right wheel toward
the left side ofthe unit and replace the hairpin clip.
See figure 9. Lower the right rear wheel by moving
the height adjustment lever toward the engine,
pivoting the wheel to the desired depth and
releasing the lever. See figure 10.
FIGURE 9._ptional Curb Wheel
Height Adjustment Lever
FIGURE 10._ptional Curb Wheel
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground against the engine
before performing any adjustment,
repairs or maintenance.
ENGINE
Refer to engine manual for complete instructions for
care and maintenance of engine•
BLADEREMOVAL
Use a wrench on both sides of the blade to remove it
for replacement•
BELTREMOVAL
1. To remove the V-belt, remove the belt guard
assembly at the engine pulley. Remove the hex
nuts and lockwashers. See figure 11.
Belt Guard
Hex Nuts
and
Lock Washers
Bearings
FIGURE 11.
6
2. Remove the belt guard at the spindle assembly by
removing two hex bolts, lock washers and hex
nuts.See figure 12.
3. Remove the old belt, and reassemble with a new
belt, part number 754-0142.
Hex Bolts,
Hex Nuts &
Lock Washers
Belt Guard
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare unitfor
storage.
1. Clean and lubricate unit thoroughly.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
3. Coat cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent
rusting.
4. Store unit in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially springs and
bearings.
FIGURE 12.
7
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
Enginerunserratic
1. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
2. Throttle control lever not in
starting position.
3. Not enough fuel to carburetor.
4. Spark plug wire disconnected.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
1. UnitrunningonCHOKE.
2. Sparkplugwireloose.
3. Stalefuel.
4. Ventingascap plugged.
5. Water ordirtinfuel system.
6. Dirtyaircleaner.
1. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
2. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
3. On Models 586-588 place choke control in
CHOKE position, On 587, depress
primer bulb three (3) times.
4. Connect wire to spark plug.
5. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
6. Remove spark plug, dry the plug,
and crank engine with plug removed
and choke/stop control in stop position.
Replace spark plug, connect wire and
resume starting procedures.
1. Move choke to OFF position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Filltanl( with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent.
6. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Clean air cleaner as instructed in
separate engine manual.
7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 7. Adjust carburetor as instructed in
separate engine manual.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low. 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Air flow restricted. 2. Remove blower housing and clean as
instructed in separate engine manual.
3. Carburetor not adjusted 3. Adjust carburetor as instructed in
properly, separate engine manual.
Excessive vibration at 1. Spindle bent. 1. Replace spindle.
blade 2. Ball bearings worn out. 2. Replace ball bearings.
Belt slips t. Belt worn or stretched. 1. Adjust clutch rod or replace belt.
2. Blade clutch/depth control will 2. Readjust spring tension at blade
not remain in depth adjustment clutch/depth control.
bracket.
Blade guard pivots Cam lever and carriage bolt on Readjust guard, tighten cam lever and
forward, throwing dirt guard are loose, carriage bolt.
on operator
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, please contact your local service dealer.
8
ASSORTED
PARTS
LIST
ssories or Service Information,
10
The only way to ensure the performance of your
product is to use original equipment parts and
accessories. MTD designs and engineers quality
parts to exacting specifications. When you
substitute, you take a chance on quality,
reliability, safety and performance. Use MTD
original equipment,
the best buy on the American Landscape.
-American Made American Owned.
A The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the I
WARNING: State of Ca,fornia to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. J
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