MTD 550 Series User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any uniiproved 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 361131 Cleveland,
Ohio 44136-0019.
PRINTED IN U.S.A
READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
IMPORTANT
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORM NO. 769-02351A
Lawn Edger — Model Series 550

2
1. Safety Labels .................................................. 3
2. Safe Operation Practices ........................... 4–5
3. Assembling Your New Edger ......................... 6
4. Know Your Edger ............................................ 7
5. Operation and Adjustment ........................ 8–9
Table of 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
BEFORE YOU START ASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,
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
web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or
an authorized service dealer.
Finding and Recording Model Number
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.
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Customer Support
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
• Visit www.mtdproducts.com
• Call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-800-7310.
• The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-
rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more information.
Model Number Serial Number

3
1
Safety
Labels
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which,
if not followed,
could endanger the
personal safety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may result
in personal injury. When
you see this symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and on the machine.
Please take a moment to review your safety labels.

4
2
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which,
if not followed,
could endanger the
personal safety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may result
in personal injury.
When you see
this symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and on the machine.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to
cool at least two minutes before refueling.
10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no
more than ½ inch below bottom of filler
neck to provide for fuel expansion.
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move unit to another area.
Wait 5 minutes before starting engine.
13. Never store the machine or fuel container
near an open flame, spark or pilot light as
on a water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep lawn edger free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil
or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
15. Allow a lawn edger to cool at least 5
minutes5 minutes before storing.
General Operation:
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has
been designed to perform one job: to edge
lawn. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the instructions in
this manual and should be trained and supervised
by a parent. Only responsible individuals who
are familiar with these rules of safe operation
should be allowed to use this machine.
4. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay in operator zone behind handles
and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets
at least 75 feet from lawn edger while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.
5. 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
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if operator is not
alert to presence of children. Children are
often attracted to power equipment such
as lawn edgers. They do not understand
the dangers. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area
and under watchful care of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn lawn edger off
if a child enters the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look
behind and down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may obscure your vision of a
child who may run into the lawn edger.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate an edger. Children 14 years old and
over should read and understand operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
Operation
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. 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.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
5. Remove gas-powered equipment 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
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.

5
2
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which,
if not followed,
could endanger the
personal safety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may result
in personal injury.
When you see
this symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and on the machine.
up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects
can cause serious personal injury.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
the engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator’s manual.
9. 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.
10. Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts. Contact with the rotating blade
can amputate hands and feet.
11. The blade control handle is a safety device.
Never bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the
machine unsafe and may cause personal injury.
12. Never operate without blade guard, debris shield
and blade control handle in place and working.
13. Never operate with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
14. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
15. Do not operate machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Muffler and engine become hot and
can cause a burn. Do not touch.
17. 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.
18. Do not operate this machine if it has been
dropped or damaged. Return machine
to your nearest authorized servicing
dealer for examination and repair.
29. Do not operate this machine with a damaged
or excessively worn cutting blade.
20. 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.
21. Do not overload machine capacity by
attempting to edge at too fast of a rate.
22. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, terrain etc.
Always push slowly over rough surfaces. Do
not use this machine on gravel surfaces.
23. Do not operate machine in rain
or wet soil conditions.
Always operate machine from behind the handles
and position yourself where the direct line of
sight to cutting blade is blocked by guards.
24. Always stop engine when edging or
trimming is delayed or when transporting
machine from one location to another.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug
wire and ground against the engine
to prevent unintended starting.
25. Only use parts and accessories made for
this machine by the manufacturer. Failure
to do so, can result in personal injury.
26. If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment.
Call 1-800-800-7310 for Customer Support
and the name of your nearest dealer.
Service
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
make certain the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
Also, visually inspect blade for damage
(e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade
with the original equipment manufacture’s
(O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual.
“Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
4. Lawn edger blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the
lawn edger for any damage. Repair the damage
before starting and operating the lawn edger.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting
height adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Many components on your new edger can
wear with continued use. For safety protection,
frequently check all edger components and
replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety labels, as necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and
regulations. Improper disposal of fluids
and materials can harm the environment.

6
3
Assembling
Your New
Edger
Securing the Handle
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.
1. Pivot the upper handle upward until it snaps into place.
See Fig. 3–1.
2. Tighten the hand knobs, which are located on both the
left and right sides of the handle.
Figure 3–2
The edger blade
WILL rotate when the
starter rope is pulled.
Figure 3–1
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.
WARNING
NOTE: Specifications are
subject to change without
notification or obligation.
Images my not reflect your
exact model and are for
reference purposes only.
Attaching the Starter Rope
1. Locate the rope guide found on the right side of the
upper handle. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the wing
knob which secures the rope guide to the upper
handle. See Fig. 3–2.
2. Stand behind the unit and hold the blade control
against the upper handle.
3. 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 (refer to Figure 3–2) is depressed
against the upper handle.
4. Slip the starter rope through the top of the rope guide.
Retighten the wing knob which secures the rope guide
to the upper handle.
1
2
1
2
3
4

7
Figure 4–1
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.
Starter Rope / Recoil Starter
The starter rope/recoil starter is used to start the engine.
See Fig. 4–1
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. See Fig. 4–1
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Manual packed with your
edger for a detailed description of all engine-related
controls and components.
Blade Control
Located on the upper handle, the blade control 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 Fig. 4–1.
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 Fig. 4–1.
Curb Height Adjustment Lever
The curb height adjustment lever 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 Fig. 4–1.
Bevel Adjustment Lever
The bevel adjustment lever 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
Fig. 4–1.
IMPORTANT: Become familiar with all the controls
before operating the edger.
Be familiar with all
controls and their
proper operation.
Know how to stop the
machine and disengage
them quickly.
4
Know Your
Edger
WARNING:
NOTE: Refer to the
Engine Manual packed
with your edger for a
detailed description of all
engine-related controls
and components.
IMPORTANT:
Become familiar with all the
controls before operating
the edger.
NOTE: Specifications are
subject to change without
notification or obligation.
Images may not reflect your
exact model and are for
reference purposes only.
Curb Height
Adjustment Lever
Blade Control
Blade Depth Control Lever
(Transport Position Shown)
Bevel Adjustment Lever
Starter Rope/
Recoil Starter
Primer

8
5
Operation
And
Adjustment
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.
Never fill fuel tank
indoors, with engine
running or until the
engine has been
allowed to cool for
at least two minutes
after running.
The “Blade Control”
is a safety device.
Never attempt to
bypass its operation.
Rotating cutting
blade may throw
objects causing
personal injury.
Keep area clear of
bystanders and do
not operate without
guards in place.
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.
WARNING: Do not lower blade if blade
is over concrete, asphalt, rocks or
the like. Blade can strike 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:
1. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug. Make
certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug
wire is fastened securely over the metal tip on the
spark plug.
2. Move the blade depth control lever back to the
START position in the adjacent (top) notch.
3. 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.
4. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control 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.
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. 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.
Stopping The Engine
To stop the edger’s engine, release the blade control.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit for
more detailed instructions.
WARNING: Rotating cutting blade may
throw objects causing personal injury.
Keep area clear of bystanders and do not
operate without guards in place.
Edging
To begin edging, proceed as follows:
1. Move unit to 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 Fig. 5–1.
2. With blade control lever in START position, make a
pass along area to be edged before proceeding to the
next notch. The further forward blade depth control
lever is moved, the deeper or lower the blade will cut
into the ground. Several passes may be necessary to
obtain desired depth of cut. Do not lower blade more
than one depth notch at a time without making a pass.
3. For best results, proceed slowly along path being edged,
slowly moving edger back and forth through 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 finished edging selected area, raise the
blade control lever back into the START position, move
to the next area to be edged, and proceed again from
step 1.the curb to be edged along.
Figure 5–1

9
5
Operation
And
Adjustment
WARNING
Disconnect the
spark plug wire and
ground against the
Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground
against the engine
before performing the
following steps.
The edger blade is
sharp. Wear leather
work gloves to protect
your hands when
working around the
edger blade.
NOTE: Specifications are
subject to change without
notification or obligation.
Images my not reflect your
exact model and are for
reference purposes only.
Bevel Adjustment
The angle of the edger blade can be adjusted by placing
the bevel adjustment in one of three positions for edging.
See Fig. 5–3.
WARNING: Rotating cutting blade may
throw objects causing personal injury.
Keep area clear of bystanders and do
not operate without guards in place.
Beveling
In order to achieve a bevelled edge, set the bevel
adjustment lever (refer to Fig. 5–3) in the first (left hand)
or third (right hand) notch to place the edger blade in
position for beveling (See Fig. 5–4).
Figure 5–3
Edging Along A Curb
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 curb wheel, proceed as follows:
1. Lower the right, rear wheel by moving the curb height
adjustment lever slightly to the left. See Fig. 5–2.
2. Pivot the right, rear wheel into an applicable position
in relation to the height of the curb to be edged along.
See Fig. 5–2
3. Release the curb height adjustment lever to lock the
wheel in position. See Fig. 5–2.
Curb Height
Adjustment
Lever
Figure 5–2
Trenching (Optional)
You can utilize the edger’s optional trenching feature in
order to create a wider cutting path for such things as
laying wire for landscape lighting.
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.
1. Use two wrenches (one wrench to prevent hex bolt
head from spinning and the other to unthread the
flange nut) to remove flange nut that secures edger
blade, leaving the edger blade in place. SeeFig. 5–5.
5. Install the additional edger blade supplied with
your unit (model 554) and the flat washer.
See Fig. 5–5.
6. Secure with the flange nut removed earlier.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the flange
nut to between 37 foot-lbs. and 50 foot-lbs.
IMPORTANT: Make certain that drive belt is seated
correctly on blade spindle and that it is riding smoothly
on spindle sheaves and is not pinched between them.
Repeat first three steps if belt is pinched.
Edger Blade
Tri-star Blade
Flat Washer
Flange Nut
Figure 5–5
Figure 5–4
1
2
3

10
6
Maintaining
& Servicing
Your Edger
WARNING
Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground
against the engine
before performing
any adjustment,
repairs or mainte-
nance.
The edger blade
is sharp. Wear
leather work gloves
to protect your hands
when working around
the edger blade.
Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground
against engine
before performing the
following steps.
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.
Wheels
Lubricate the wheels and bearings at least once a season
with a light oil. Also if the wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
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.
Bearing Block
Lubricate the bearing block every 25 hours or at least
once a season. Simply apply oil at each end of the cover
plate. See Fig. 6–1.
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.
1. Use two wrenches (one wrench to prevent the hex bolt
head from spinning and the other to remove the flange
nut) to remove the edger blade. Refer to Fig. 6–2.
2. Remove and discard the edger blade but retain the
flange nut.
3. Install the replacement edger blade and the flange nut
removed earlier.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the flange
nut to between 37 foot-lbs. and 50 foot-lbs.
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 6–1
NOTE: Specifications are
subject to change without
notification or obligation.
Images my not reflect your
exact model and are for
reference purposes only.
Figure 6–2
Lubricate