MTD 520 Series User manual

Safety ®Assembly ®Operation oTips & Techniques ®Maintenance oTroubleshooting ®Parts Lists oWarranty
Gas Lawn Edger- Model Series 520 & 550
READ SAFETY RULES AND mNSTFIUCTmONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPEFIATmON
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush=
coveredor grass=coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany),
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator,Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode),Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws,Federallawsapplyonfederallands,A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO,Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136=0019,
PRINTEDIN U,S,A MTD LLC, RO. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO, 769=00527F
10/04/2004

This Operator's Manua_ is an important part of your new gas lawn edger, mtwH_ he_p you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. P_ease read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
1. Safety Labels .................................................. 3
2. Safe Operation Practices ............................ 4-5
3. Setup & Assembly .......................................... 6
4. KnowYour Edger ............................................ 7
5. Operating Your Edger ..................................... 8
6. Making Adjustments ................................. 9-10
7. Maintaining & Servicing .......................... 11-12
8. Off-Season Storage ...................................... 12
9. Troubleshooting ............................................ 13
10. Parts List ................................................ 14-15
11. Warranty ...................................................... 16
Finding and Recording iVlodei Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIP=
MENT,pleaselocate the model plateon the equipment and
copy the informationto the sample modelplate providedto
the righLYoucan locate the model plate by standingat the
operating positionand lookingdownat the rearof thegas
lawnedger.This informationwill be necessaryto usethe
manufacturer'sweb site and/or help fromthe CustomerSup=
port Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
F
Modem Number
www, mtdproducts,com
%.
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-731 O J
Customer Support
P_ease do NOTretum the unit to the retai_er from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
ifyou havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveany
questions regardingthe controls,operation or maintenanceof
this unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefromthe
optionsbelow: Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
1. Visit mtdproducts.com for many usefulsuggestions.
Click on CustomerSupport button and youwill get the four
options reproducedin this sampleto the right.Click onthe
appropriatebutton and help is immediatelyavailable.
2. Phone a Customer Support Representative
at 1(800)800=7310.
3. Theengine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine°
related issueswith regards to performance,power=rating,
specifications,warrantyand service. Please referto the
enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packed
separatelywith your unit, for more
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
2
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.

r Labels
Pleasetakeamomenttoreviewyoursafetylabels.
__4=i=1"_V:V,Vl±_"-- -_.[o]IIV±_IIII_[_ L:]lr±Ym] -
3
i ii _ ii iii

manual.As with any typeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe partof the operatorcan
resultin seriousinjury.This machineis capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing objects.
,Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscould resultin seriousinjury or death.
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
Children
Tragicaccidentscan occurifoperatorisnotalerttopresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto powerequipment
suchaslawnedgers.Theydonot understandthe dangers.
Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulast saw
them.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful
careof aresponsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnlawnedgeroff ifa childentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthat mayobscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothelawnedger•
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatean
edger•Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecare in handlinggasoline•Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonal
injurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor
yourclotheswhichcan ignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor ona truckortrailer
bedwith aplasticliner•Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck or
trailerand refuelit onthe ground•Ifthis is notpossible,
thenrefuelsuchequipmenton atrailerwitha portable
container,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith the rimofthefuel tankor
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice•
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition•
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthe area.
9. Neverremovegascap oraddfuel whileengineishot or
running•Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling•
12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
unittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingengine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keeplawnedgerfreeofgrass,
leaves,or otherdebrisbuild-up•Cleanupoilor fuelspillage
andremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris•
15.Allowalawnedgerto coolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralOperation:
1. Readthis operator'smanual carefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine•Read,understand,
andfollowallinstructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthismachinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfutureand
regularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts•
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not a
plaything•Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.
Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: tomow
grass•Donotuse itfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine•Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesofsafe opera-
tionshouldbeallowedtousethis machine•
4. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystand-
ers,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom lawnedgerwhile
it isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea•
5. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto be
used.Removeallstones,sticks,wire, bones,toysandother
foreignobjectswhichcouldbetrippedoveror pickedup
andthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancauseserious
personalinjury•
6. Alwayswear safetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes•Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes•
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthat coverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended•Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor lightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhilethe engine
and followthewarnings 10 Neveroverf fue tank F tankto nomorethan_Jznch
• is running exceptwnerespecmcallyrecommendedinthe
and nstructons belowbottomof fillerneckto providefor fuelexpansion, operator's'manua
_.L_.. _.... 11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely•
i IH LHUI5m_HU_! i
and Onthe machin÷
..... ,J 4

9. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.Washeryourskinand changeclothes
immediately.
10.Donotput handsor feet nearrotatingparts.Contactwith
the rotatingbladecan amputatehandsand feet.
11.The bladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverbypass
itsoperation.Doingso,makesthemachineunsafeandmay
causepersonalinjury.
12.Neveroperatewithoutbladeguard,debrisshieldandblade
controlhandlein placeandworking.
13.Neveroperatewith damagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
so,can resultin personalinjury.
14.Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand
deadlygas.
15.Donotoperatemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol
or drugs.
16.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancause aburn.Do
nottouch.
17.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.
Alwaysbesureofyourfootingand keepafirm holdonthe
handles.Walk,neverrun.
18.Donotoperatethismachineif it hasbeendroppedor dam-
aged.Returnmachinetoyournearestauthorizedservicing
dealerfor examinationand repair.
19.Donotoperatethismachinewithadamagedor excessively
worncuttingblade.
20. Neverattempttoclearmaterialfromthe bladeguardwhile
the engineisrunning.Shutthe engineoff,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetoprevent
unintendedstarting.
21. Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoedgeat
toofast ofa rate.
22.Stayalertfor unevensidewalks,terrainetc.Alwayspush
slowlyoverroughsurfaces.Do notusethismachineon
gravelsurfaces.
23. Donotoperatemachinein rain orwet soilconditions.
Alwaysoperatemachinefrombehindthe handlesand
positionyourselfwherethe directline ofsighttocutting
bladeis blockedbyguards.
24.Alwaysstopenginewhen edgingor trimmingisdelayedor
whentransportingmachinefrom onelocationto another.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Stopthe
engine,disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
25.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby
the manufacturer.Failureto doso,canresultin personal
injury.
26. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,use
careandgoodjudgment.Telephone330_220-4683 or
1-800-800-7310 for CustomerSupportandthe nameof
yournearestdealer.Service
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn) Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O£.M.) bladeonly,
listedin thismanual.'Useof partswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
4. Lawnedgerbladesaresharp andcancut.Wrapthe blade
orweargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesurethe equip-
mentisin safeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly'.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe lawnedgerfor anydamage.Repair
thedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe lawnedger.
8. Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineis running.
9. Manycomponentsonyournewedgercanwearwith
continueduse. Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
alledgercomponentsand replaceimmediatelywith
originalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,
listedin thismanual."Useofpartswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
10.Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeed
theengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafe
operatingspeedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
uaubefore attemptingto
resuUt in personaUinJury_
5

IM PORTANT:
UpperHandle
\
RopeGuide Figure 1
HandKnobs
LowerHandle
WingKnob
UpperHandle
Figure 2
Securing the Handle
IMPORTANT:This unitisshippedWITHOUTGASOLINE.
Aftersettinguptheunit,serviceenginewithgasolineas
instructedin theseparateenginemanualpackedwithyour
unit. Besuretoserviceenginewiththeoilenclosedwith
thisunitasinstructedin theseparateenginemanual
NOTE: Referencetorightorleft handsideoftheedgeris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
Positioning the Edger HandJes
1. Removeand discardanypackagingcardboardthat
maybepresentbetweentheupperhandleandthe
lowerhandle.
2. Depressthebladecontrolatthetopoftheupper
handleandpivottheupperhandleupwarduntilit
snapsintoplace.
3. Tightenthehandknobs,whichare locatedon boththe
leftand rightsidesof thehandle.SeeFigure2.
Attaching the Starter Rope
1. Locatetheropeguidefoundon therightsideofthe
upperhandle.
2. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thewingknobwhich
securestheropeguideto theupperhandle.See
Figure1.
3. Standbehindtheunitand holdthebladecontrol
againsttheupperhandleandgentlypullthestarter
ropeoutof theengine.
WARNING: Theedger MadeWiLL
rotate whenthe starter rope ispulled.
NOTE: Thestarterropewill notpulloutof
theengineunlessthebladecontrol(referto Figure1)
isdepressedagainsttheupperhandle.
1. S@thestarterropethroughthetopof theropeguide.
2. Retightenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide
totheupperhandle.
6

Model550show here.
Figure 3
WARNING;
Befamiliarwith all controls and
theirproperoperation,Knowhow
to stopthe machine and disengage
them quicHy,
NOTE: RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofallengine-related
controlsandcomponents.
Starter Rope /Recoil Starter
The pullrope/recoilstarteris usedtostarttheengine.
Primer
The primeris usedtopumpgasintothecarburetorand
aidin startingtheengine.Useittostarta coldengine,
butdo notuseittorestarta warmengineaftera short
shutdown.
NOTE: RefertotheEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriptionofallengine-related
controlsandcomponents.
Blade Control
Locatedon theupperhandle,thebladecontrolmustbe
depressedagainsttheupperhandlein orderto operate
theunit.Releasingthebladecontrolstopstheengine
andtheedgerblade.SeeFigure3.
Blade Depth Control Lever
Thebladedepthcontrolleverislocatedon therightside
oftheupperhandle.It isusedtocontrolthedepthofthe
cut.Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris
moved,thedeeperintothesoiltheedgerbladewillcut.
SeeFigure3.
Bevel Adjustment Lever (ifso equipped)
Thebeveladiustmentlever,ifsoequipped,is located
on thefront,leftportionoftheedger,behindtheedger
blade,It isusedtovarytheangleoftheedgerblade
betweenoneofthreepositionsforedging/trenchingor
bevelededging.SeeFigure3.
Curb Height Adjustment Lever
#f so equipped)
Thecurbheightadiustmentlever,ifsoequipped,is
foundon therearportionoftheedger,Whenplacedin
an applicablenotch,itaidsin stabilizingtheedgerwhile
edginggrassalonga curb.SeeFigure3.
IMPORTANT:Becomefamiliarwithall thecontrols
beforeoperatingtheedger.
Be familiar with all
controls and their
proper operation,
Know how to stop the
machine and disen-
gage them quickJy.
NOTE: Referto
theEngine Manual
packed withyour
edger for a detailed
descriptionof all en-
gine-related controls
and components.
IMPORTANT:
Becomefamilial with
allthe controlsbefore
operatingthe edger.
7

WARNING
Do not lower blade
if blade isover
concrete, asphalt,
rocks or the like. The
blade can strikethe
supporting surface,
resulting in personal
injury or property
damage.
Never fill fuel tank
indoors,with engine
runningor until the
engine has been
allowed to cool for
at least two minutes
after running.
This control mecha-
nism is a safety
device. Never attempt
to bypass its opera-
Lion,
Theoperationof anyedgercanresult
inforeignobjects beingthrown intothe
which canresultin severeeye
damage.Alwayswearsafetyglasses
or eyeshields.Werecommendwide
vision safetymaskfor overspectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.
WARNING: Do not lower blade ifblade
isover concrete, asphalt, rocks or the
like. Theblade can strike the sup-
porting surface, resulting in personal
injuryor property damage.
Edging
Adding Gasoline And Oil
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructed
in theEngineManualpackedwithyouredger,Read
instructionscarefully,
WARNING: Neverfill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has beenallowed to cool for atleast
two minutesafter running.
Starting The Engine
NOTE: Referto theEngineManualpackedwithyour
edgerfora detaileddescriph'onofall engine=related
controlsandcomponents.
Tostarttheedger'sengine,proceedasfollows:
1, Movethebladedepthcontrolleverbacktothe
STARTpositionin theadiacent(top)notch,
2, Depresstheprimerbulbthreetimes,pausingtwoto
threesecondsbetweeneachpush,Incoldweather
(below50°F/19°C),itmaybenecessaryto depress
theprimerbulbfouror fivetimes,
IMPORTANT:Usingtheprimertorestarta warm
engineaftera shortshutdownis usuallynotnecessary,
Doingsomayresultina floodedengine,
3, Standingbehindtheunit,depressthebladecontrol
andholditagainsttheupperhandlewithyourleft
hand,
WARNING: Thiscontrol mechanism
isa safety device. Neverattempt to
bypass itsoperation.
4, With yourrighthand,grasptherecoilstarterhandb
andslowlypulltheropeoutwarduntilenginereaches
thestartofits compressioncycle(theropewillpull
slightlyharderatthispoint),
5, Afterslowlyallowingtheropetorecoil,pulltherope
witha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke,Keepa firm
griponstarterhandlethroughouttheentirestroke,
6, Allowthestarterhandbtoslowlyreturntotherope
guide,
NOTE: If theenginefailstostartafterthreepuffs,
depresstheprimeran additionaltwotimesbefore
pullingthestarterropeagain.
Tobeginedging,proceedasfollows:
1, Movetheunitovertotheareato beedged,making
surethatthebft rearwheelison a hardsurfaceand
thebladeisovertheareatobecut, SeeFigure4,
Figure 4
2, Movethebladedepthcontrolleverto theleftandplace
intothenextlowernotch, Thenmakea passalongthe
areatobeedgedbeforeproceedingtothe nextnotch,
Thefurtherforwardthebladedepthcontrolleveris
moved,thedeeperor lowerthebladewillcut intothe
ground, Severalpassesmaybenecessaryto obtain
thedesireddepthofcut, Donotlowertheblademore
thanonedepthnotchata timewithoutmakinga pass,
3, Forbestresults,proceedslowlyalongthepathbeing
edged,slowlymovingtheedgerbackandforththrough
thecuttingarea,againmakingsureto keeptheleft
rearwheelonthehardsurfaceandthebladeinthe
cuttingpath,closetobutnottouchingtheedgeofthe
hardsurface,
4, Onceyouhavereachedtheendofyourcuttingpath,
raisethebladecontrolleverbackintotheSTART
position,movetothe nextareatobecut,andproceed
againfromstep 1,
Stopping The Engine
Tostoptheedger'sengine,releasethebladecontrol
handle,
NOTE: Seeyourenginemanua/packedwithyourunitfor
moredetailedinstructions.
8

Edging Along A Curb
NOTE: Edgerfeaturesvarybymodel.All edgermodels
do NOTcomeequippedtoedgealongacurbnoristhere
a curbwheelkit availabletomodifyyouredgerif it was
notpurchasedequippedtodoso.
Onmodelssoequipped,theright,rearwheelofthe
edgercanbe loweredintooneoffivepositionstoease
thetaskofedgingalonga curb,
Toadiusttothe heightofthecurbwheel,proceedas
follows:
1, Lowertheright,rearwheelbymovingthecurbheight
adjustmentleverslightlytotheleft,SeeFigure5,
2, Pivottheright,rearwheelintoanapplicablepositionin
relationtotheheightofthecurbtobeedgedalong,
3, Releasethecurbheightadiustmentlevertolockthe
wheelin position,SeeFigure6,
4, Proceedbacktostep1 underEdgingatthebeginning
ofthispage,
NOTE: Severalpassesmaybenecessarytoobtainthe
desireddepthofcut. DonotIowerblademorethanone
depthnotchata time.
ustment Lever
Figure 5
LoweredPosition
Figure 6
9

BevelAdjustment NOTES:
NOTE: Edgerfeaturesvarybymode/.A// edgermodels
doNOTcomeequippedwitha bevel adjustmentnor
is therea beveladjustmentkit availabletomodifyyour
edgerifit wasnotpurchasedequippedtodo so.
Theangleoftheedgerbladecanbeadiustedbyplacing
thebeveladiustmentin oneofthreepositionsforedging
or bevelededging,SeeFigure7,
WARNING
Rotatingcutting blade
maythrow objects
causing personaJ
injury.Keepareaclear
of bystanders and do
not operatewithout
guards in place.
Figure 7
_L ARNING: Rotating cutting blade may
throw objects causing personalinjury.
Keeparea clearof bystanders and do
notoperate without guards in place.
Beveling
in orderto achievea bevellededge,setthebevel
adjustmentlever(referto Figure7) inthefirst(left hand)
orthird(righthand)notchto placetheedgerbladein
positionforbeveling,Seepositionsbelowin Figure8,
Left HandPosition Right HandPosition
Beveted Edging Positions
Figure 8
10