MTD LLC

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

330-220-4683 www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310

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TRAINING

1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2.Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4.Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5.To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

PREPARATION

1.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

2.Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

3.Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

4.Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator???s manual.

5.To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Washer your skin and change clothes immediately.

a.Use only an approved gasoline container.

b.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

c.Never fuel machine indoors.

d.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running.

e.Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

f.Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ?? inch below bott om of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.

g.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

h.If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait five minutes before starting the engine.

i.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace,clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

j.Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

OPERATION

1.Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating blade can amputate hands and feet.

2.The blade control handle is a safety device. Never bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal injury.

3.Never operate without blade guard, debris shield and blade control handle in place and working.

4.Never operate with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.

5.Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

6.Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

7.Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

8.Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.

9.Do not operate this machine if it has been dropped or damaged. Return machine to your nearest authorized servicing dealer for examination and repair.

10.Do not operate this machine with a damaged or excessively worn cutting blade.

11.Never attempt to clear material from the blade guard while the engine is running. Shut the engine off, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

12.Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to edge at too fast of a rate.

13.Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, terrain etc. Always push slowly over rough surfaces. Do not use this machine on gravel surfaces.

14.Do not operate machine in rain or wet soil conditions.

15.Always operate machine from behind the handles and position yourself where the direct line of sight to cutting blade is blocked by guards.

16.Always stop engine when edging or trimming is delayed or when transporting machine from one location to another.

17.Never leave a running machine unattended. Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

18.Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.

19.If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact an authorized MTD service dealer or telephone 1-800- 800-7310.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1.Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

2.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3.Check bolts, and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.

4.Do not change the engine governor setting or over- speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

5.The blade, blade guard and debris shield are subject to wear and damage. For your safety protection, frequently check all components and replace with original equipment manufacturer???s (O.E.M.) parts only. ???Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!???

6.Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

7.Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

8.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater, furnace,clothes dryer etc.

9.Always refer to the operator???s manual for proper instructions on off-season storage.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE 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.

Positioning the Edger Handles

???Remove and discard any packaging cardboard that may be present between the upper handle and the lower handle.

???Depress the blade control bail at the top of the upper handle and pivot the upper handle upward until it snaps into place.

???Tighten the wing knobs which are located on both the left and right sides of the handle. See Figure 2 .

Figure 2

Figure 3

???Stand behind the unit and hold the blade control bail against the upper handle and gently pull the starter rope out of the engine.

WARNING: The edger blade WILL rotate when the starter rope is pulled.

NOTE: The starter rope will not pull out of the engine unless the blade control bail (refer to Figure 3) is depressed against the upper handle.

???Slip the starter rope through the top of the rope guide.

???Retighten the wing knob which secures the rope guide to the upper handle.

WARNING: Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

NOTE: Refer to the Engine Manual packed with your edger for a detailed description of all engine-related controls and components.

Blade Depth Control Lever

The blade depth control lever is located on the right side of the upper handle. It is used to control the depth of the cut. The further forward the blade depth control lever is moved, the deeper into the soil the edger blade will cut. See Figure 4.

Pull Rope / Recoil Starter

The pull rope/recoil starter is used to start the engine.

Primer

The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor and aid in starting the engine. Use it to start a cold engine, but do not use it to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.

NOTE: Refer to the Engine Manual packed with your edger for a detailed description of all engine-related controls and components.

Blade Control Bail

Located on the upper handle, the blade control bail must be depressed against the upper handle in order to operate the unit. Releasing the blade control stops the engine and the edger blade. See Figure 4.

Bevel Adjustment Lever (if so equipped)

The bevel adjustment lever, if so equipped, is located on the front, left portion of the edger, behind the edger blade. It is used to vary the angle of the edger blade between one of three positions for edging/trenching or beveled edging. See Figure 4.

Curb Height Adjustment Lever (if so equipped)

The curb height adjustment lever, if so equipped, is found on the rear portion of the edger.When placed in an applicable notch, it aids in stabilizing the edger while edging grass along a curb. See Figure 4.

IMPORTANT: Become familiar with all the controls before operating the edger.

WEAR YOUR

SAFETY GLASSES

FORESIGHT IS BETTER

THAN NO SIGHT

The operation of any edger can result in foreign 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

???After slowly allowing the rope to recoil, pull the rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle throughout the entire stroke.

???Allow the starter handle to slowly return to the eyebolt.

NOTE: If the engine fails to start after three pulls, depress the primer an additional two times before pulling the starter rope again.

WARNING: Do not lower blade if blade is over concrete, asphalt, rocks or the like. The blade can strike the supporting surface, resulting in personal injury or property damage.

Adding Gasoline And Oil

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the 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.

Starting The Engine

NOTE: Refer to the Engine Manual packed with your edger for a detailed description of all engine-related controls and components.

To start the edger???s engine, proceed as follows:

???Move the blade depth control lever back to the START position in the adjacent (top) notch.

???Depress the primer bulb three times, pausing two to three seconds between each push. In cold weather (below 50??F /19??C), it may be necessary to depress the primer bulb four or five times.

IMPORTANT: Using the primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown is usually not necessary. Doing so may result in a flooded engine.

???Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control bail and hold it against the upper handle with your left hand.

WARNING: This control mechanism is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation.

???With your right hand, grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull the rope outward until engine reaches the start of its compression cycle (the rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

Edging

To begin edging, proceed as follows:

1.Move the unit over to the area to be edged, making sure that the left rear wheel is on a hard surface and the blade is over the area to be cut. See Figure 5.

2.Move the blade depth control lever to the left and place it into any of the five lower notches. The further forward the blade depth control lever is moved, the deeper or lower the blade will cut into the ground.

3.For best results, proceed slowly along the path being edged, slowly moving the edger back and forth through the cutting area, again making sure to keep the left rear wheel on the hard surface and the blade in the cutting path, close to but not touching the edge of the hard surface.

4.Once you have reached the end of your cutting path, raise the blade control lever back into the START position, move to the next area to be cut, and proceed again from step 1.

Stopping The Engine

To stop the edger???s engine, release the blade control handle.

NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit for more detailed instructions.

NOTE: Edger features vary by model. All edger models do NOT come equipped to edge along a curb nor is there a curb wheel kit available to modify your edger if it was not purchased equipped to do so.

On models so equipped, the right, rear wheel of the edger can be lowered into one of five positions to ease the task of edging along a curb.

To adjust the height of the curb wheel, proceed as follows:

???Lower the right, rear wheel by moving the curb height adjustment lever slightly to the left. See Figure 6.

Figure 6

Pivot the right, rear wheel into an applicable position in relation to the height of the curb to be edged along.

Release the curb height adjustment lever to lock the wheel in position. See Figure 7.

(Lowered Position)

Curb Height Adjustment Lever

Figure 7

Proceed to step 1 under Edging.

SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

Bevel Adjustment (models so equipped)

NOTE: Edger features vary by model. All edger models do NOT come equipped for blade tilt adjustment nor is there a blade tilt kit available to modify your edger if it was not purchased equipped to do so.

The angle of the edger blade can be adjusted by placing the bevel adjustment lever in one of three positions for edging/trenching or beveled edging. See Figure 8.

Bevel

Adjustment

Lever

Beveling

Edging/Trenching

Position Shown

Figure 8

Beveling

In order to achieve a bevelled edge, set the bevel adjustment lever (refer to Figure 8) in the first (left hand) or third (right hand) notch to place the edger blade in position for beveling. See Figure 9.

Beveling Positions

Figure 9

Trenching (models so equipped)

In order to create a wider cutting path for such things as laying wire for landscape lighting or invisible fences, you can utilize the edger???s trenching feature (if so equipped).

NOTE: Edger features vary by model. All edger models do NOT come equipped for trenching. If your edger was not purchased equipped to do so, you may purchase part no. 736-04088 (flat washer) and part no. 781-0748 (triplex edger blade) to utilize this feature.

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine before performing the following steps.

WARNING: The edger blade is sharp. Wear leather work gloves to protect your hands when working around the edger blade.

???Working in front of the edger, loosen the flange lock nut on top of frame, allowing the idler pulley assembly to pivot slightly out from the frame. See Figure 10.

???With your other hand, carefully reach under the rear of the unit and remove the belt from around the engine flywheel pulley. See Figure 10.

Engine

Spindle

Flywheel Pulley

Sheaves Belt Guard

Figure 10

???Remove the spindle sheaves belt guard by removing the two self-tapping screws which secure it to the blade plate assembly. See Figure 11.

Blade Plate

Assembly

Hex

Screws

Spindle Sheaves

Belt Guard

Spindle Sheaves Note: Wheel and blade styles vary by model.

Figure 11

???Use two wrenches (one wrench to prevent the hex bolt head from spinning and the other to unthread the hex lock nut) to remove the hex lock nut and bell washer that secure the edger blade, leaving the edger blade in place. See Figure 12.

Bell Washer

Hex Bolt Head

Note: Wheel styles vary by model.

Figure 12

???Install the flat washer (part no. 736-04088) and the triplex edger blade (part no. 781-0748) that are packed separately in the box.

???Secure with the bell washer and the hex lock nut removed earlier. See Figure 13.

IMPORTANT: Make certain that the drive belt is seated correctly on the blade spindle and that it is riding smoothly on the spindle sheaves and is not pinched between them. Repeat the first three steps if the belt is pinched.

Figure 13

Set the bevel adjustment lever (refer to Figure 8) in the center notch to place the edger blade in a 90?? position (see Figure 14) and place the blade depth control lever in the lowest position.

90??

IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the hex lock nut to between 37 foot-lbs. and 50 foot-lbs.

???Reinstall the spindle belt guard with the self tapping screws removed earlier.

???Carefully place the drive belt back onto the engine flywheel pulley, and retighten the flange lock nut on the top of the frame.

Edging/Trenching Position

Figure 14

IMPORTANT: For best results, proceed slowly along the path being trenched, slowly moving the edger back and forth through the cutting area.

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine before performing any adjustment, repairs or maintenance.

Lubrication

Engine

Refer to the Engine Manual packed with your edger for a detailed description of all engine-related service specifications.

Bearing Block

On the Model 550 and551, the bearing block is equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours or at least once a season. On the Model 521, simply apply oil through the tiny hole in the cover plate. See Figure 15.

Model 550 and 551

Shown

Pivot Points

Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control bail, blade depth control lever, and if applicable, the blade adjustment lever, and curb height adjustment lever with light oil at least once a season.

Lube

Fitting

Figure 15

Replacing the Edger Blade

WARNING: The edger blade is sharp. Wear leather work gloves to protect your hands when working around the edger blade.

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against engine before performing the following steps.

???Working in front of the edger, loosen the flange lock nut on top of frame, allowing the idler pulley assembly to pivot slightly out from the frame. See Figure 16.

???With your other hand, carefully reach under the rear of the unit and remove the belt from around the engine flywheel pulley.

???Remove the spindle sheaves belt guard by removing the two self-tapping screws which secure it to the blade plate assembly. See Figure 11.

???Use two wrenches (one wrench to prevent the hex bolt head from spinning and the other to remove the hex lock nut and bell washer) to remove the edger blade. Refer to Figure 12.

???Remove and discard the edger blade but retain the bell washer and hex lock nut.

???Install the replacement edger blade, the bell washer (cupped side facing inward) and the hex lock nut removed earlier.

IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the hex lock nut to between 37 foot-lbs. and 50 foot-lbs.

???Reinstall the spindle belt guard with the self tapping screws removed earlier.

???Carefully place the drive belt back onto the engine flywheel pulley, and retighten the flange lock nut on the top of the frame.

IMPORTANT: Make certain that the drive belt is seated correctly on the blade spindle and that it is riding smoothly on the spindle sheaves and is not pinched between them. Repeat the first three steps if the belt is pinched.

Replacing the Drive Belt

IMPORTANT: To aid in reassembly, note the orientation of the drive belt on the two idler pulleys and the engine flywheel pulley prior to performing the following steps. Refer to Figure 16.

Figure 16

The edger drive belt is subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of cracking, shredding or rotting are present. To replace the belt, proceed as follows:

???Working in front of the edger, loosen the flange lock nut on top of frame, allowing the idler pulley assembly to pivot slightly out from the frame. See Figure 16.

???With your other hand, carefully reach under the rear of the unit and remove the belt from around the engine flywheel pulley.

???Remove the spindle sheaves belt guard by removing the two self-tapping screws which secure it to the blade plate assembly. See Figure 11.

???Carefully remove the belt from off of the pulleys, again making sure to note the orientation of the belt. Discard the belt.

Install the replacement belt (Part No. 754-04032) in the same configuration that the original belt was routed as follows:

???Working from the front of the edger, place the belt onto the spindle sheaves, route it back onto the two idler pulleys, and then place it onto the engine flywheel pulley.

IMPORTANT:Make certain that the ???V??? side of the belt is seated into the top pulley and the flat side of the belt is seated into the bottom pulley. See Figure 16.

???Reinstall the spindle sheaves belt guard with the self tapping screws removed earlier.

???Make certain that the drive belt is on the engine flywheel pulley and idler pulleys, and retighten the flange lock nut on the top of the frame.

IMPORTANT: Make certain that the drive belt is seated correctly and that it is riding smoothly on the spindle sheaves and is not pinched between them. Repeat the first three steps if the belt is pinched.

WARNING: Never operate the edger without the spindle sheaves belt guard in place.

SECTION 7: OFF-SEASON STORAGE

Observe the following when preparing the edger for long-term storage:

???Clean and lubricate unit thoroughly as instructed on page 10 of this manual.

???Refer to the Engine Manual packed separately with the edger for engine manufacturers???s storage instructions.

???Coat the edger blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting and corrosion.

???Store the edger in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to any corrosive materials, such as lawn fertilizer.

???Coat the edger, especially any springs and bearings with a light oil or silicone spray.

IMPORTANT: When storing any type of power equipment in an poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rustproof the equipment.

???If so equipped

3

15

14

7 8 1

2

5

9

11

13

12

4

10

6

???If so equipped

The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.

???MTD???warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator???s Manual furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use of any part, accessory or attachment not approved by MTD for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage.

Normal wear parts are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Normal wear parts include, but not limited to items such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber and tires.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310 or 1- 330-220-4683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.

This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases:

a.The engine or component parts thereof. These items may carry a separate manufacturer???s warranty. Refer to applicable manufacturer???s warranty for terms and conditions.

b.Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one year warranty.

c.Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.

d.Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer.

e.MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States, its possessions and territories, except those sold through MTD???s authorized channels of export distribution.

f.Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts.

g.Transportation charges and service calls.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose, applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other express warranty, whether written or oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall bind MTD. During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above.

The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or damage including, without limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.

In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration

of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.

You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.

This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a gift.

HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of Purchase to obtain warranty coverage.