Yard force YF7302 User manual




IMPORTANT: This manual provides complete instructions for safely operating and
maintaining your Edger. Read and save these instructions. Refer to this manual each
time before using your Edger. Keep this manual for future reference.
WARNING:
This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

2

SAFETY DEFINITIONS……………………………………………...............…….…..3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION………………………...............……………5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS……………………………….............……………….9
PARTS & FEATURES……………………………………………...............………….10
ASSEMBLY………………………………………………….................………………11
ENGINE PREPARATION………………………………………...............…………..13
OPERATION……………………………………………………...............…………...15
MAINTENANCE……………………………………………………...............……….18
TROUBLESHOOTING…………………………………………..........………………23
WARRANTY…………………………………………………………...........………….24
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY…………………...........…………..27

3


The following symbols are used on the product and in this manual to alert the
operator of potential safety hazards. Read them carefully, and understand their
meaning.
 Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor/moderate injury or equipment/property
damage.
The following symbols can be found on your edger. Carefully read and
understand their meaning.

Indicates
WARNING,
DANGER, or
CAUTION.
Wear eye protection
complying with ANSI
Z87.1 and hearing
protection.
Read operator’s
manual before
operating this
machine. Failure
to follow directions
could result in
serious injury.
Disconnect spark plug
wire when not in use
or before servicing,
cleaning, or performing
maintenance on the
unit.
Thrown objects.
Remove all rocks,
stones, and foreign
objects which
could be thrown by
machine
Engine exhaust
contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. NEVER
run unit indoors or in a
poorly ventilated area.

4
Do not use
if children or
bystanders are
present.
Do NOT touch hot
mufer or cylinder.
These parts are
extremely hot from
opera¬tion and may
remain hot for a short
time after operation.
Rotating parts
can cause serious
injury. Keep hands
and feet away.
To reduce risk of re,
clean spilled gas and
oil and keep unit free
from debris. Gasoline
is extremely ammable.
Allow machine to cool
before refueling.

Oil Fill Location
Do Not Overll
Gasoline Fill Location
Depth Control
Lever START
Position is
the furthest
FORWARD
position Move lever
REARWARD to
increase cutting
depth
Start Lever
Release lever to stop
engine
Engage lever to start/
run engine
Choke/Cold Start Run/Warm Start
Always check that
the ground wires
are connected
before running the
unit

5


1. Carefully read and follow these safety instructions. Failure to do so can result
in serious injury.
2. Know your product. Read and understand this manual before use. Compare
the illustrations to unit. Learn location and function of all controls. Thoroughly
understanding the unit before use will result in the best performance and
safety.
3. Follow all instructions when assembling the unit. If the unit was purchased in
assembled condition, the operator must check the unit carefully to make sure
it was assembled according the instructions in the manual before use.
4. Regularly inspect the edger. Make sure parts are not bent, damaged, or
loose.
5. Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
6. Operate the unit only with guards, shields, and other safety items in place
and working correctly.
7. Service the unit only with authorized or approved replacement parts.
8. Complete all unit maintenance and adjustments according to the instruction
in this manual.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means: “
Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is Involved.”

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

To prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or
making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and put wire where it
cannot contact the spark plug.


• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in
this manual. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use
of the edger before starting. Know how to stop the engine quickly.

6
• Familiarize yourself with all the safety and operating decals on this
equipment.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the edger is to be used and remove
all foreign objects. Your equipment can propel small objects at high
speed causing personal injury or property damage. Stay away from
breakable objects, such as house windows, auto glass, greenhouses,
etc.
• Check that all nuts and bolts are tight and equipment is in good
condition.

• Always check that the ameout wire is connected before starting
engine.


• Never allow children or young teenagers to operate the edger.

• Keep area of operation clear of all bystanders, particularly small
children and pets.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the edger.

• Do not operate the edger while under the inuence of alcohol, drugs,
or other medication which can cause drowsiness or affect your ability
to operate this machine safely.
• Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to
operate the machine safely.
• Always wear ANSI compliant safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating edger to protect your eyes from foreign objects,
which can be thrown from the unit.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long sleeved shirt or jacket. Also
wear long trousers or slacks. Do NOT wear shorts. Do NOT wear loose
clothing, which could get caught in this equipment.
• Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear such as leather work
shoes or short boots. These will protect ankles and shins from small
sticks, splinters, and other ying debris, and improve traction.
• It is advisable to wear protective headgear to protect against being
struck by small ying particles, or being struck by low hanging
branches, twigs, or other objects, which may be unnoticed by the

7
operator.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or trafc.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling. Always be sure of your
footing; keep a rm hold on the handle and walk; never run. Never
operate the edger at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.
• Look behind and use care when backing.
• Never operate the edger without good visibility or light.

• Do not run the engine indoors or inside a closed area. The exhaust
fumes are dangerous, containing CARBON MONOXIDE, an
ODORLESS AND DEADLY GAS.
• Never leave the edger unattended when the engine is running. Stop
the engine and make sure all moving parts have stopped. Remove the
wire from the spark plug.
• Do not overload the edger capacity by attempting to till too deep at too
fast a rate.
• If the edger should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark
plug. Check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning
of trouble.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, or other rough ground. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.


• Gasoline is extremely ammable, and gasoline vapors can explode if
ignited. Handle with care.
• Use an approved container.
• Check fuel supply before each use, allowing space for expansion as
the heat of the engine and/or sun can cause fuel to expand.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never ll fuel tank indoors.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling.

• Do not smoke while refueling.
• After refueling, replace fuel tank cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
• Never store fuel or edger with fuel in the tank inside a building where

8
fumes may reach an open ame.


• Always refer to the operator’s manual instructions for important details
if the edger is to be stored for an extended period.
• Never store the edger with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where
ignition sources are present such as water heaters, space heaters,
clothes dryers, etc.
• To reduce re hazard, keep edger free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.


• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove the wire
from the spark plug and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent
accidental starting. Thoroughly inspect the edger for any damage. If
damaged, have the equipment repaired by a trained technician before
restarting and operating.
• Stop the engine before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the unit. Make
sure all moving parts have stopped. Let the engine cool, disconnect
the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running
except when specically recommended by the manufacturer.
• Keep the edger in safe working condition. Check all fasteners at
frequent intervals for proper tightness.
• When servicing or repairing the edger, do not tip the machine over or
up unless specically instructed to do so in this Manual. Service and
repair procedures can be done with the edger in an upright position.
Some procedures will be easier if the machine is lifted on a raised
platform or working surface.
• Use only original equipment or authorized replacement parts.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed engine.
• Clean and replace safety and instruction decals as necessary.
• To guard against engine over-heating, always have engine debris lter
mounted and clean.

9


• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence
of children. Children are often attracted to the edger and the edging
activity.
• Keep children out of the edging area and under the watchful care of a
responsible adult.
• Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Be alert and turn edger off if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the edger.
• Use extra care when operating near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or
other objects that may obstruct vision.

Unit Weight.....................................................................................50.3 lb. (22.8kg)
Cutting Depths.............................................................-2 1/2 - 3/4 in. (-63 - 20 mm)
Blade Diameter.....................................................................9 in. (228 mm), 2 point
Gasoline Capacity.................................................................................1.7 qt. (1.6L)
Oil Type (API SG-SL) 10W-30 is recommended for all service temperatures. See
page 7 for additional information.
Oil Capacity........................................................................................12 oz (355 ml)
Spark Plug Model................................................................................Torch E7RTC
Spark Plug Gap...........................................................0.024-0.028 in. (0.6-0.7 mm)
Engine Type........................................................................................4 Stroke OHV
Displacement.....................................................................................................79cc
RPM ........................................................................................................3600 RPM
Torque Rating.........................................................3.5 ft-lbs torque per SAE J1940

10

  Lever on handle which allows the engine to run. When lever is
released, engine will stop.
 Restricts the air intake. This allows for an enriched fuel-air
mixture which helps to start the engine.
  Location of engine exhaust.
  The engine is equipped with an easy pull recoil
starter.
  Rotating cutting element.
  Prevents stones and debris from being thrown at the operator.
  Provides spark to ignite air/ fuel mixture. The
Spark Plug Wire must be disconnected and moved away from the Spark Plug
when servicing the unit.
  Removes debris and contaminates from intake air, allowing engine
to run smoothly with low exhaust.
 
 
  Used to control the edging depth of cut.
  Must be connected for the Start Lever to function.

11

Read and follow the assembly instructions. Do not discard any parts or materials
until the unit is assembled. References to the right or left side of the edger are
from the viewpoint of the operator’s position behind the edger.

Do not operate edger if it is damaged or not completely and correctly
assembled.

Before doing any assembly or maintenance to the unit, remove the wire
from the spark plug.

Always wear ANSI compliant safety glasses with side shields while
assembling the edger.

• When used for its intended purpose, this device corresponds to the state
of the art, as well as to the current safety requirements at the time of its
introduction.
• The unit is designed to cut lawn areas in private house and hobby gardens.
• The device is not suitable for commercial or industrial use.
• Any other type of use is inappropriate.
• Improper use or modications to the device or the use of components that
are not tested and approved by the manufacturer may result in unforeseen
damage!
• Any use that deviates from its intended use and is not included in these
instructions is considered unauthorised use and relieves the manufacturer
from his or her legal liability.
The following components will be found in the carton.
Quantities shown in ( ).
1. (1) Edger
2. (1) Edger Operator’s Manual
3. (1) Upper Handle
4. (1) Control Rod
5. (1) Container of SAE 30 Engine Oil
6. (1) Parts bag containing the following:
(2) Hair Pins
(2) Plastic Wing Nuts (M8)
(2) M8x35mm Pipe Bolts
(1) Wire Tie
(1) Spark plug socket wrench w/ rod

12

Flameout wires MUST be connected for correct engine operation. Failure to
connect can result in serious injury.

1. Remove all parts and packaging components.
2. Use a utility knife to cut all 4 vertical edges and lay the side panels at
around the edger.
3. Remove any remaining packaging.
4. Roll the unit out from the carton, and place on a hard level surface.

NOTE: Refer to Figure 2 when following steps below:
1. Assemble the upper handle to the lower handle with the (2) pipe bolts and
the (2) plastic wing nuts. Firmly handtighten the wing nuts.
2. Slide one end of the control rod into the hole of the Depth Control Lever.
Secure with hairpin.
3. Slide the other end of the control rod through the hole of the wheel bracket
arm. Secure with second hairpin.
4. Attach the recoil starter handle through the rope guide, by twisting it into
position.
5. Remove the temporary insert from the engine ameout wire terminal.
6. Connect the ameout wires from the engine and handle. Use cable tie to
secure loose wire to handle.
Upper Handle
Lower
Handle
Hair Pin
Control Rod
Wheel Bracket
Arm
Hair Pin
Pipe Bolt
Figure 2
Depth Control
Lever
Recoil
Starter
Handle
Plastic
Wing Nut
Handle Flameout Wire
Engine Flameout Wire
Connection Terminal

13



Engine shipped without oil.
Failure to add oil will result
in serious engine damage.
A bottle of SAE 30 engine
oil is included with your
edger. Refer to the chart
on the right for alternative
oil types to use at different
temperatures. Always use
a high quality detergent oil
classied “For Service, SG,
SH, SJ” or higher. Do not use special additives.

Always use recommended oil type. Using dirty oil or incorrect oil type
such as 2-stroke engine oil will shorten engine life.
 Engine Oil Capacity is 355 ml. For the rst time ll, simply add the entire
contents of the provided oil bottle to the crankcase.



Before checking oil, make sure
engine is off, and spark plug
wire has been disconnected
from spark plug.

Frequently check oil level while
lling. DO NOT OVERFILL. DO
NOT UNDERFILL. Running
engine at improper oil level will
seriously damage engine.
1. Place the edger on a level surface.
Put the depth control lever in the rst
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
Fuel Tank Cap
Oil Fill Cap/
Dipstick
Upper Limit
Lower Limit
Figure 3
Figure 4
SA
TEMP 100° F
40° C
-20
-20-30- 10
0
0
20
2010
40 60 80
30
Ambient Service Temperature
SAE 10W-30
SAE 30

14
cutting depth (See Figure 7), and check that the frame of the edger is level.
2. Remove the oil ll cap/dipstick and wipe clean with cloth. (See Figure 3)
3. Insert dipstick into ll spout but do NOT screw in. Remove dipstick and check
oil level.
4. When oil level is full, the oil will be at upper limit on dip stick. If oil level is near
or below the lower limit, oil must be added. (See Figure 4)
5. Add oil slowly until the oil level reaches the upper limit of the dipstick. Use a
funnel or nozzle to reduce spillage.
6. Replace and tighten dipstick.
7. Clean up any spilled oil.


• Gasoline is extremely ammable and vapors can explode if ignited.
Handle with care. Use fresh, clean, regular-unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 88 Octane. Do NOT use leaded gasoline, gasohol, methanol,
or diesel fuel. Do NOT mix oil with gasoline. Do NOT allow gasoline to
become contaminated with dust, water, or debris.

Using incorrect fuel type or contaminated fuel will cause serious engine
damage.
 Fuel tank capacity is approximately 1.7 qt (1.6L)


• Turn engine off and let engine cool for several minutes before
removing the fuel cap or adding fuel.
• Never ll fuel tank indoors.
• Do not smoke while adding fuel.
1. Clean surface around fuel tank cap to prevent contamination. (See Figure 3)
2. Loosen fuel cap slowly. After removing cap, place on a clean surface.
3. Pour fuel into the tank. Use care to avoid spillage.

Do NOT OVERFILL fuel. Allow space for the fuel to expand due to heat
from engine and/or sun.
4. Before replacing the fuel cap, inspect and clean the fuel cap seal.
5. Replace the fuel cap and securely hand-tighten.
6. Clean up any spilled fuel.

15



Before starting engine, read operator’s manual. Become familiar with
location and function of all controls. Know how to stop the engine quickly.

Before starting the engine, check that the ameout wire terminals have
been connected.
Before attempting to start the engine, review the following steps:
1. Unit has been assembled according to all assembly instructions.
2. Flameout wire terminals are connected.
3. Unit has been inspected for any damaged or missing components.
4. No parts are remaining in the carton.
5. Engine oil is at proper level.
6. Fresh, clean, regular-unleaded gasoline has been added to fuel tank.
7. Spark plug wire is connected to spark plug.
8. Edger has been moved to desired location.
9. Edger is on level surface.

Keep all bystanders, especially CHILDREN, away during operation.
 This unit’s engine exhaust system is equipped with a spark-
arresting mufer. Tampering with or removing the spark-arrestor violates section
4442 of the California Public Resources Code as well as other applicable state
and federal law.


Never Run engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide, an ODORLESS and DEADLY gas.

Debris thrown from edger can cause severe eye damage. Always wear
ANSI compliant safety glasses or eye shields when operating edger. If you
wear eyeglasses, put an OSHA certied Wide Vision Safety Mask over
your eyeglasses.
1. Review ALL steps in the “BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE” section.
2. Always move the Depth Control Level to the Start Position when start the
engine every time. Keep the blade leave the ground before you start the

16
machine.(See Figure 6)
3. Always rotate Choke to the Chock
Position, when the engine is cold. (See
Figure 5)
 Not required when re-starting a warm
engine.
4. Firmly grip the edger handle with your left
hand, pulling the Start Lever against the
handle. (See Figure 6)
 Engine will not start if the Start Lever
is not pulled against the handle
5. Firmly grip the Recoil Starter Handle with
your right hand. (See Figure 6)
6. Pull the recoil slowly, until you feel tension
in the starter rope. Then quickly pull the
recoil starter handle to completely unwind
the starter rope. DO NOT allow the starter
rope to snap back. Let the starter rope
slowly rewind.
7. After the engine starts, wait 2-5 seconds and rotate the choke back to the RUN
position. (See Figure 5)
8. If engine fails to start after 5 or 6 more attempts, see instructions in the
“Troubleshooting Chart”.

Keep hands, feet, hair, and loose clothing away from any moving parts.
Avoid touching mufer and surrounding areas – temperatures can exceed
150 degrees. Keep all safety devices and shields in place.

Release the start lever (See Figure 6). This will ground out the engine through the
ameout wire, causing the engine to stop.

The ameout wire terminals must be securely connected for the Start Lever
to function. Refer to the “How to assemble the handle” section.

Move the Depth Control Lever rearward to increase the depth. (See Figure 7)
NOTE: There are 4 cutting depth settings from approximately ground level to 2.5”
(63 mm) deep.

Do not overload the edger capacity by attempting to edge too deep at too
fast a rate. To edge at deeper settings, make multiple passes, rst cutting
at shallow depths.
Depth
Control
Lever
Recoil
Starter
Handle
Start
Position
Start
Lever
RUN /
Warm Start
CHOKE /
Cold Start
Figure 5
Figure 6

17


Read the Operator’s manual. Know location and functions of all controls.
Keep all safety devices and shields in place. Never allow children or
uninstructed adults to operate the edger. Keep bystanders away from
machine. Keep away from the blade and all rotating parts, which cause
injury.
• Edging is best performed when conditions are dry. If the soil is too wet,
dirt becomes packed around the blade causing premature belt wear and
decreased performance.
• If dirt does become packed around the blade, stop the engine and remove
the wire from the spark plug. Remove the packed dirt and debris from the
blade.
• For deep edging, rst cut at shallow depths. Then, cut at greater depths until
the desired depth is obtained.
• Edging can be customized by varying the number of passes and the distance
between the blade and the edge of sidewalk, driveway, or curb.
Depth Control
Lever
Full Depth
Start Position Rearward
Depth Selector
Plate
First Cutting
Depth
Figure 7

18


!
Before performing any maintenance, turn engine off and remove the wire
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting and serious injury.
 The warranty on this edger does not cover items that have
been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the
warranty, the operator must maintain the edger as instructed in this manual, and
only use genuine replacement parts. The following table lists required periodic
maintenance.



































Check Engine Oil Level,Fill to
Proper Level √ √
Check Connection of BOTH
Flameout Wire Connectors √ √
Clean Debris From Unit √ √ √
Lubricate All Pivot Points √ √ √
Check Fasteners for Tightness √ √ 1
Check Drive Belt Replace if
Necessary √ √
Check Blade for Wear or
Damage Replace if Necessary √ √
Check Fuel Line Replace if
Necessary √ √
Lubricate Wheel Axles √ √ √
Check Spark Plug Replace if
Necessary √ √
Change Engine Oil √ √ √ 2,3
Clean Air Filter Replace if
Necessary √ √ 4
Replace Spark Plug √
Clean Combustion Deposits
from Cylinder, Piston, and
Valves
√

19


1. Re-check tightness of all fasteners after rst 2 hours of initial use
2. Change engine oil after rst 2-8 hours of initial use
3. Change oil every 25 hours if operating under heavy load or in high
temperatures
4. Clean air lter every 10 hours if operating under dusty conditions.

Use only GENUINE replacement parts. Other parts may damage the unit or
result in injury.

Add a small amount of engine oil to lubricate parts and pivot points.
Refer to “Periodic Maintenance Schedule Table” for time intervals to lubricate
parts.

Refer to Figure 8 when following the
steps below:
1. Stop the engine and let it cool.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark
plug.
3. Put the depth control lever in the starting
position (See Figure 7). This will slightly tilt
the frame and engine toward the rear.
4. Insert a at pan under the edger,
underneath the oil drain plug and frame
hole.
5. Remove oil dipstick. (See Figure 3)
6. Remove the oil drain bolt and washer.
7. Allow all oil to drain through the frame hole
into the pan.
 Used oil is a hazardous waste.
Place oil in a sealed container and take to
your local recycling center. Do NOT discard
with household waste.
8. Replace and tighten the oil drain plug and
washer.
9. To re-ll engine with oil, see engine
preparation section “How to Check Oil and
Fill to Proper Level.”
Drain Plug and Washer
Figure 8
Frame Hole
Pan
Spacer
Engine Pulley
Engine Pulley
Cover
Rear Guard
Bolts Figure 9

20

 Only use a replacement belt from the manufacturer.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
2. Remove the two rear guard bolts to
remove the engine pulley cover. (See
Figure 9)
3. Remove the two Front Guard Screws and
the Belt Guard. (See Figure 10)
4. Push the blade arm toward the unit to
compress the blade arm spring and
slacken the belt. TIP: This can be
accomplished by using a ratcheting
tie-down strap. Always follow the strap
manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Remove the old belt from the engine and quill assembly pulleys.
6. To install a replacement belt from the manufacturer, reverse the steps above.
• The rear guard bolts should be tightened to 13-16 foot-pounds [18-22N-m].
• The front guard screws should be tightened to 4-6 foot-pounds [6-8N-m].


Do not sharpen the blade. Sharpening can damage the blade and cause it
to break, which can cause injury to you or to others. The blade is subject
to nicks, scratches, and dents, which will generally not affect function. The
blade is also subject to wear – reducing the cutting depth. Replace a worn
blade by following the steps below:
 Only use a replacement blade from the manufacturer.
 Replacing the blade requires two (2)
12” adjustable wrenches, or two (2) 3/4 in.
[19mm] wrenches.
1. Shut off engine.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the
spark plug.
3. Remove the blade locknut that holds the
blade to the drive shaft. (See Figure 11)

To remove or tighten the blade locknut, always use the method shown in
Figure 11. Always position the holding wrench on the nut behind the blade.
Front Guard
Screws
Belt Guard
Front Guard
Screws
Figure 10
Hold Nut,
Do Not Turn
Turncounter-clockwise
to loosen
Blade Locknut Figure 11
Turn clockwise
to tighten