Troy-Bilt 592 User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Edger
Model 592
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
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 isrequired 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.
TROY-BILT LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00044
(12/01)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Assembling The Edger ....................................................................................... 5
Know The Edger ................................................................................................. 6
Operating The Edger .......................................................................................... 7
Making Adjustments ........................................................................................... 8
Maintaining and Servicing The Edger ................................................................. 10
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 12
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 13
Warranty Information .......................................................................................... Back Cover
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from your your dealer or the MTD Customer Support
department.
•You can locate the model number by looking on the surface of the base plate in the rear of the edger.
A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial
number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
330-_8-722D
...........................................e_6=a40:_4S_
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
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.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- [phone] or 1- (866)-840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please
have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate
this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operated according to therulesfor safeoperation in this manual. As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
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 hetp 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 alt 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.
5.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator's manual.
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.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish alt cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
c. Neverfuet 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 ½ inch below bottom of filter 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. Neveroperatewithdamagedsafetydevices.
Failuretodoso,canresultinpersonalinjury.
5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorly
ventilatedarea.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluence
of alcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
8. Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibility
orlight.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepa
firmholdonthehandles.Walk,neverrun.
9. Donotoperatethismachineifithasbeendropped
ordamaged.Returnmachinetoyournearest
authorizedservicingdealerforexaminationand
repair.
10.Donotoperatethismachinewithadamagedor
excessivelyworncuttingblade.
11.Neverattempttoclearmaterialfromtheblade
guardwhiletheengineisrunning.Shuttheengine
off,disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto
edgeattoofastofarate.
13.Stayalertforunevensidewalks,terrainetc.Always
pushslowlyoverroughsurfaces.Donotusethis
machineongravelsurfaces.
14.Donotoperatemachineinrainorwetsoil
conditions.
15.Alwaysoperatemachinefrombehindthehandles
andpositionyourselfwherethedirectlineofsight
tocuttingbladeisblockedbyguards.
16.Alwaysstopenginewhenedgingortdmmingis
delayedorwhentransportingmachinefromone
locationtoanother.
17.Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Stop
theengine,disconnectsparkplugwireandground
againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
18.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis
machinebythemanufacturer.Failuretodoso,can
resultinpersonalinjury.
19.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactan
authorizedMTD service dealer or telephone 1-800-
800-7310.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
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 refertothe operator's manual for proper
instructionson off-season storage.
_lb 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.
Figure 1

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOUREDGER
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT
GASOLINE or OIL. After setting up the unit, service
engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Briggs
& Stratton Owner/Operator Manual packed with your
edger.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the edger
is observed from the operating position.
ContentsofCarton
One Edger Assembly
One Plastic Bag Containing:
Edger Operator's Manual
Registration Card
Engine Owner's Guide
One Clutch Rod (747-1164) with
One Ferrule (711-0392)
Two Flat Washers (736-0264) and
Two Hairpin Clips (714-0104) in place
Groundingthe Engine'sSparkPlug
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
and ground it on the top of the engine by placing its
rubber boot snugly over a bolt head. See Figure 2.
Spark PI ug Wire
Rubber Boot
Figure 2
Positioningthe EdgerHandles
Remove and discard any packaging cardboard that
may be present between the upper handle and the
lower handle.
Pivot the upper handle upward until itsnaps into
place.
Tighten the wing knobs which are located on both
the left and right sides of the handle. See Figure 3.
Upper Handle
Figure 3
Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the
ferrule found on the upper portion of the clutch rod.
Save this hardware as it will be reinserted.
Insert the ferrule located on the upper portion of the
clutch rod into the hole on the blade clutch/depth
control lever. Secure with the flat washer and
hairpin clip removed earlier. See Figure 4.
Blade Clutch /
Depth Control Lever
Flat Washer
\
Ferrule
Hairpin Clip
Figure 4
Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the
lower portion of the clutch rod. Save this hardware
as it will be reinserted.
Insert the lower end of the clutch rod into the hole in
the pivot arm found on the left side of the edger.
Secure with the flat washer and hairpin clip
removed earlier. See Figure 5.

Clip \Clutch Rod
Figure 5
IMPORTANT:Perform the clutchrod adjustment before
operating the edger.
Clutch RodAdjustment
Before operating the edger, check the adjustment ofthe
clutch rod as follows:
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it as
instructed eadier in this section. Refer to Figure 2.
With the blade clutch/depth control lever in the
disengaged position (the top notch in the depth
adjustment bracket), carefully pull the recoil starter
rope. The blade on the edger should not turn. If the
blade turns, remove the ferrule from the blade
clutch/depth control lever by first removing the
hairpin clip and flat washer.
Rotate the ferrule clockwise one ortwo turns on the
clutch rod, then re-insert the ferrule into the lever
and recheck the adjustment.
After adjusting, check to be certain the blade clutch/
depth control lever can be moved to the furthest
notch forward without bowing the clutch rod. If it
can't, recheck the adjustment.
IMPORTANT: Be certain that the clutch rod is secured at
both ends with a flat washer and hairpin clip before
operating the edger.
,_ WARNING: When operating the edger, stop
engine immediately and readjust the clutch
rod if the blade turns with the blade clutch/
depth control lever in the disengaged position.
SECTION3: KNOWTHEEDGER
ThrottleControl
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It can
be adjusted to regulate the engine speed only.
NOTE: Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Owner!Operator
Manual packed with your edger for a detailed
description of all engine-related controls and
components.
ChokeControl
The choke control lever is located on the engine. It is
used to aid in starting a cold engine.
NOTE: Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Owner/Operator
Manual packed with your edger for a detailed
description of all engine-related controls and
components.
BladeClutch/DepthControlLever
The blade clutch!depth control lever is located on the
right side of the upper handle. It is used to engage and
disengage the edger blade. It is also used to control the
depth of the cut. The further forward the control lever is
moved, the deeper into the soil the edger blade will cut.
PullRope/RecoilStarter
The pull rope!recoil starter is used to start the engine.
NOTE: Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Owner/Operator
Manual packed with your edger for a detailed
description of all engine-related controls and
components.
BladeAngleAdJustmentLever
The blade angle adjustment lever islocated on the
front, left portion ofthe edger, behind the edger blade. It
is used to vary the angle ofthe edger blade between
one of eight positionsfrom trenching to trimming.
CurbHeightAdJustmentLever
The curb height adjustment lever is found on the rear,
dght portion ofthe edger. Itaids in stabilizing the edger
operating along a curb.
IMPORTANT:Become familiar with all the controls
before operating the edger.

Blade Clutch /
Depth Control Lever
Throttle Control &
Choke Control
Curb Height
Adjustment Lever
Blade Angle
ustment Lever
Pigure
SECTION4: OPERATINGTHEEDGER
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. The
blade can strike the supporting surface,
resulting in personal injury or property
damage.
AddingGasolineAnd0il
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructedin
the Briggs &Stratton Owner!Operator Manual packed
with youredger. Read instructionscarefully.
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.
StartingTheEngine
NOTE: Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Owner!Operator
Manual packed with your edger for a detailed
description of aft engine-related controls and
components.
To start the edger's engine, proceed as follows:
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.
Move the blade clutch/depth control lever back to
the disengaged position, and place it in the
adjacent (top) notch.
Move the choke control lever on the engine into the
CHOKE or START position.
Move the throttle control lever on the engine into
the FAST (Rabbit) position.
Grasp the 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).
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 recoil into the
engine.
Slowly move the choke control lever on the engine
into the RUN position after the engine has started.
StoppingTheEngine
To stop the edger's engine, proceed as follows:
Move the blade clutch/depth control lever back to
the disengaged position, and place it in the
adjacent (top) notch.

Movethethrottlecontrolleverontheengineinto
the STOP or OFF position.
IMPORTANT: Make certain that the engine's spark plug
wire is properly grounded as instructed in SECTION 2:
Assembling The Edger before storing the edger for its
next use. Refer to Figure 2.
Engagingthe EdgerBlade
WARNING: The blade clutch!depth control
lever is designed to minimize the risk of blade
contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the function
of the blade clutch!depth control, or use the
edger if the control is not adjusted properly.
,_ WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from
edger blade whenever the engine is running,
whether blade is engaged or disengaged.
The blade clutch/depth control lever has two main
functions:
1. To engage and disengage the blade.
2. To control the depth of cut.
To disengage the blade, proceed as follows:
Move the blade clutch!depth control lever to the left
and place it in the top notch inthe depth adjustment
bracket. See Figure 7. BladeClutch /
Control Lever
Bracket
Figure 7
To engage the blade, proceed as follows:
Move the control lever to the left and place it into
any of the five lower notches. The further forward
the blade clutch/depth control lever is moved, the
deeper or lower the blade wilt cut into the ground.
SECTION5: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS
FrontWheelAdjustment
WARNING: Always place the blade clutch/
depth control lever in the DISENGAGED
position and turn the edger's engine off before
performing any adjustments.
Before operating the edger with the blade inthe
trimming (horizontal) position, itis necessary to alter
the position of the front, left wheel.
When operating the edger with the curb wheel lowered,
it isnecessary to alter the position of the front, right
wheel. To do either, proceed as follows:
To change position of the front, left wheel, remove
the hairpin clip on the left. To change position of the
front, right wheel, remove the hairpin clip on the
right. See Figure 8.
Reposition the wheel by sliding it down the front
axle toward the opposite wheel. See Figure 8.
Secure the wheel in its new location by inserting the
hairpin clip removed earlier in the hole found
immediately adjacent to it. See Figure 8.
Clips
Figure 8

EdgerBladeAngleAdjustment
WARNING: Rotating cutting blade may throw
objects causing personal injury. Keep area
clear of bystanders and do not operate
without guards in place.
The cutting blade can be adjusted to eight positions. To
adjust the blade angle, proceed as follows:
Place the blade clutch!depth control lever in the
disengaged position (top notch).
,_ WARNING: Always place the blade clutch/
depth control lever in the DISENGAGED
position before adjusting the blade angle.
Pull forward on the blade angle adjustment lever
before rotating the spindle assembly.
Release the blade angle adjustment lever into one
of the notches on the pivot bracket. See Figure 9.
Blade Angle
Adjustment Lever
Pivot Bracket
Figure 9
Trenching
Placing the blade angle adjustment lever in the notch
furthest to the right will put the spindle assembly at a
proper angle for trenching with the edger as illustrated
in Figure 10.
Edging
Placing the blade angle adjustment lever in the second
notch from the right will put the spindle assembly at a
90° angle for vertical edging as illustrated in Figure 11.
Figure 11
Beveling
Placing the blade angle adjustment lever in the third,
fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh notch (from the right) wilt
put the spindle assembly at various angles for beveling
with the edger as illustrated in Figure 12.
IMPORTANT:When the spindle assembly is rotated
counter-clockwise (putting the blade closer to a
horizontal position), it IS necessary to change the
position of the front, left wheel to prevent the edger
blade from striking the wheel. See FrontWheelAdjustment
earlier in this section.
!
Figure 12
WARNING: Always place the blade clutch/
depth control lever in the DISENGAGED
position before adjusting the blade angle.
Figure 10

Trimming
Placing the blade angle adjustment lever inthe notch
furthest to the left will put the spindle assembly at a
proper angle for trimming with the edger as illustrated in
Figure 13.
IMPORTANT: When the spindle assembly is rotated
counter-clockwise (putting the blade closer to a
horizontal position), it IS necessary to change the
position of the front, left wheel to prevent the edger
blade from striking the wheel. See FrontWheelAdjustment
earlier in this section.
To adjust the height of the curb wheel, proceed as
follows:
Perform the FrontWheelAdjustmentfor curb wheel
operation as instructed earlier in this section.
Lower the right, rear wheel by moving the curb
height adjustment lever slightly to the left.
Place 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 14.
Figure 13
CurbWheelAdjustment
The right, rear wheel of the edger can be lowered into
one of five positions to ease the task of edging along a
curb. Figure 14
SECTION6: MAINTAINING& SERVICINGTHEEDGER
,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground against the engine before
performing any adjustment, repairs or
maintenance. Refer to Figure 2.
Lubrication
Engine
Refer to the Service,Storage&Specificationssection of the
Briggs & Stratton Owner/Operator Manual packed with
the edger for all engine-related service specifications.
Wheels& FrontAxle
Lubricate the wheels and front axle 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.
PivotPoints
Lubricate the pivot points on the blade angle
adjustment lever, blade clutch/depth control lever and
curb height adjustment lever with light oil at least once a
season.
CuttingHeadBearings
The two ball bearings in the blade spindle housing are
lubricated and sealed at the factory and require no
lubrication.
SpindleShaft
Lubricate the two shoulder spacers and the entire area
surrounding the compression spring on the edger's
spindle shaft with light oil (NOT WD-40) frequently
during the season. Do NOT allow rust to form in this
area. See Figure 15.
10