MTD 587 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 587

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

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

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

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

HanJ

Knobs

Lower Clutch

Rod

Pivot Arm

FIGURE 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ASSORTED

PARTS

LIST

ssories or Service Information,

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

MTD 587 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 587

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 587 Owner's manual

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MTD 587 Owner's manual

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