MTD 25A-203L729 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

18" String Trimmer

Mower

Model Series 200

IMPORTANT:READSAFETYRULESANDINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLY

Warning: This unit isequipped 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 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,

MTD LLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00042B

11/04

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Important Safe Operation Practices
Slope Gauge
Assembling Your String Trimmer Mower
Know Your String Trimmer Mower
Operating Your String Trimmer Mower

Page Content Page

3 Making Adjustments 10
6 Maintaining Your String Trimmer Mower 10
7 Trouble Shooting 13

8 Illustrated Parts List 14
9 Warranty 16

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new string trimmer mower. Itwill 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. A sample model plate is

also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and

looking on the left rear of the base assembly of the string trimmer mower. 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.

Copy the model number here:

_)ff MTDLLC

k www.mLuprouucLs.com_-'--' _ 880-888-731 O ,

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH 44136
338-228-4683

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Please doNOTretum theunit totheretailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

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 mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is

immediately available.

_nswey you _;_re

a mouse crick aw_y/

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.

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/ook]ng for cou/d be just
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En ine

M nual

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.

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: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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.

GeneralOperation

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 cut vegetation and

grass. 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 operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use

this machine.

4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the
string trimmer mower in any direction which could
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your trimming
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward
building, walls, roads, sidewalks, bystanders and

the like. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a
thrown object injury, keep children, bystanders, and

helpers at least 75 feet from the string trimmer
mower while it is in operation. Stop the string

trimmer mower ifanyone enters the area.

5. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

6. 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 a unit in bare feet,

sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.

7. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all times as
the rotating trimmer head and lines can cause

injury.

8. Never pull the string trimmer mower back toward
you while you are walking. If you must back the
string trimmer mower away from a wall or

obstruction first look down and behind, and then
follow these steps:

a. Step back from the string trimmer mower to

fully extend your arms.

b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure

footing.

c. Pull the string trimmer mower back slowly, no

more than half way toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

9. Do not operate the string trimmer mower while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

10. The trimmer head control handle is a safety device.

Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so
makes the safety device inoperative and may result
in personal injury through contact with the rotating

head or lines. The trimmer head control handle
must operate easily in both directions and

automatically return to the disengaged position
when released.

11. Disengage the trimmer head before starting the
engine.

12. Never operate the string trimmer mower in wet
grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall
can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you
are losing your footing, release the trimmer head
control handle immediately and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.

13.Trimormowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Walkneverrun.

14.Stopthetrimmerheadwhencrossinggraveldrives,
walksorroads.

15.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugand
groundit,andcheckimmediatelyforthecause.
Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.

16.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthetrimmerhead
comestoacompletestopbeforereplacingtrimmer
line,makinganyadjustmentorrepairs.Thetrimmer

headcontinuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody

inthetrimmerheadareauntilyouaresurethe

trimmerheadhasstoppedrotating.

17.Neveroperatethestringtrimmermowerwithout
propershields,guards,trimmerheadcontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatethestringtrimmer
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
so,canresultinpersonalinjury.

18.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.

19.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthisstring

trimmermowerbythemanufacturer.Failuretodo

so,canresultinpersonalinjury.

20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerforassistance.Telephone[phone]

forthenameofyournearestdealer.

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
trim or mow it. Foryour safety, usethe slope gauge included
as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating
this unit on a sloped or hilly area. Ifthe slope is greater than
15 degrees, do nottrim or mow it.

Do:

1. Trim or mow across the face of slopes; never up or
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. Ifyou feel you are
losing your balance, release the trimmer head
control handle immediately, and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.

DoNot:

1. Do not trim or mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or

balance.

2. Do not trim or mow slopes greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge.

3. Do not trim or mow on wet grass. Unstable footing
could cause slipping.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
string trimmer mower and the trimming or mowing activity.
They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that
children will remain where you lastsaw them.

1. Keep children out of the trimming or mowing area
and under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.

2. Be alert and turn string trimmer mower 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,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child who may run into the string

trimmer mower.

5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

6. Never allow children under age 14to operate a
string trimmer mower. Children 14 years of age and
over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult.

Service

Safe HandlingOfGasoline:

To avoidpersonal injury or propertydamageuseextreme
care in handlinggasoline.Gasoline is extremelyflammable
and thevapors areexplosive.Serious personal injurycan
occur when gasoline isspilled onyourself oryour clothes
which can ignite.Washyour skin andchange clothes
immediately.

1. Use only an approved gasoline container.

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

3. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable

vapors will accumulate inthe area.

4. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.

5. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for

fuel expansion.

6. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

7. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

8. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there isan open flame, spark, or pilot light as

on a gas water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

9. Toreducefirehazard,keepthestringtrimmer
mowerfreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-
up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel

soakeddebris.

10.Allowmowertocoolatleast5minutesbefore
storing.

GeneralService:

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 trimmer head and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.

3. Check the trimmer head and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,

visually inspect trimmer head for damage. Replace

with the original equipment manufacture's (OEM)
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!"

4. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

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

6. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the string trimmer

mower for any damage. Repair the damage before

starting and operating.

7. Never attempt to replace the trimmer line or make a
cutting height adjustment while the engine is

running.

8. Never use other lengths, diameters, or materials as
trimmer line. Doing so can result in personal injury.

9. Trimmer head components, guards, and shields
are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.

For safety protection, frequently check components

and replace immediately with original equipment

manufacturer's (OEM) 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.

11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

necessary.

12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.

Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm

the environment.

_, ARNING - 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.

NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your string trimmer mower,

Do not adjust trimmer head, install trimmer
line or service unit while engine is running.
Follow steps shown for proper installation.
Refer to your Operator's Manual for detailed

instructions.
Use MTD replacement trimmer line ONLY.

(OEM-743-01 13) . 1 30" Diameter. $30563