MTD 530-EDGER Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Model Series

530

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 enginefs exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting

applicable local or state laws (if any). Ifa 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 attester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10139A

(3/99)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new edger. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain your edger. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your edger for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information

from it in this Operator's Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD customer support department. See Figure 1.

• Every edger has a model plate. You can locate it by standing in the operating position behind the unit
and looking down at the rear of the frame.

This is where your model number will be.

×XX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

..oooc.s,.c

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136 .,

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER -- Record this information in the space
provided. To find your unit's specific model number and serial number, see SECTtON 1: FINDING

YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220..4MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

• Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.

• Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your
call can be processed.

2

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT 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 YOUR EDGER. 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: Your edger 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. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or

others.

1. TRAINING AND PREPARATION

• Read the operator's manual carefully. Be

thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use
of the equipment. Know how to disengage the

blade control and stop the unit quickly.

• Never allow children to operate equipment. Never
allow adults to operate equipment without proper

instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear (at least 50 feet)
of all persons, especially small children and pets.

• Use the edger only as manufacture intended and
as described in the operator's manual.

• Do not operate edger after it has been dropped or
damaged.

• Return product to nearest authorized service facility
for examination and repair. Do not operate product
with damaged or excessively worn cutting blade.

• Dress properly-always wear safety glasses or

goggles. Always wear safety footwear, and pants or
slacks that cover your legs to reduce the risk of
injury that may be caused by flying debris. Do not
wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught in
moving parts. Use of gloves and substantial
footwear is recommended when working outdoors.
Do not operate edger when barefoot or wearing
sandals or open-toed shoes. Wear boots,
preferably with steel-toe caps.

• Objects struck by the blade can cause severe
injuries to persons. The work area should always
be carefully examined and cleared of all stones,
sticks, wires, bones and other foreign objects, prior

to edging.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments, other than
depth of cut, while engine is running.

• The use of accessory attachments not
recommended by the manufacturer may cause

hazard and will void warranty.

• Never operate the edger without proper guards,
plates or other safety protective devices in place.

• Turn engine off and disconnect spark plug wire:

• When not in use.

• Before servicing, cleaning and the like.

• Before changing accessories.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable

• Extinguish aUsmoking materials and other possible
sources of ignition.

• Use a fuel container acceptable for the purpose.

• Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill
fuel tank indoors.

• Replace gasoline cap securely.

• If fuel is spilled, move product and fuel container
from area and do not create a source of ignition.

Wipe up spilled fuel.

2. OPERATION

• Make sure all nuts, bolts, and screws are kept
tightly in place, especially the blade and all guards.

• Start the engine carefully. Make certain the blade is
disengaged before attempting to start. Keep hands,
feet, clothing, and the like well away from cutting

blade and moving parts.

DANGER: ROTATING CU'I-rING BLADE

• Keep both hands on handles when blade is

rotating.

• Keep feet away from cutting area.

• Make sure engine is off and spark plug wire is
disconnected when clearing jammed material from
blade.

3

• Do not attempt to remove cut material nor hold
material to be cut when engine is running or when

cutting blade is moving.

CAUTION: CUTTING BLADE COASTS AFTER

ENGINE IS TURNED OFF.

• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common
sense.

• Do not operate edger when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or heavy medication.

• Never operate the product without good visibility or
light.

• Keep good looting and balance at all times. Do not
overreach or stand on unstable support.

* Do not force or abuse product. It will do the job

better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.

• Do not operate engine above speed necessary to
do the job.

• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are

dangerous.

• Never direct discharge of material towards

bystanders nor allow anyone near the area of
operation. Use care in directing discharge to avoid

glass enclosures, automobiles, and the like.

• Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, holes in terrain or
other similar conditions when using product.

Always push slowly over rough ground. Do not use
the product on graveled surfaces.

• Do not operate edger in rain or wet locations.

• Always operate edger from behind the upper

handle and position yourself where line of sight to

cutting blade is blocked by guards.

• After striking a foreign object, shut off the engine,

make absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped, disconnect the
spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting, then
thoroughly inspect the unit for any damage. Such

damage must be repaired before restarting and

operating the edger. Remember, heavy vibration is
generally a sign of trouble.

• Always stop engine when edging or trimming is
delayed or when walking from one location to

another.

• Stop the engine, wait for blade and all moving parts
to stop before cleaning, adjusting, repairing or

inspecting the product.

• Always disconnect spark plug wire to prevent
accidental starting.

• Muffler and engine become hot during operation
and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before

touching.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the
product unattended. Disengage the blade, stop the
engine and disconnect spark plug wire.

3, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

STORE PRODUCT INDOORS

• When not in use, store product indoors in a dry

place, locked or otherwise inaccessible to children.

• Maintain product with care.

• Follow maintenance instructions given in this

manual for your product.

• To reduce the risk of injury and engine failure, do
not allow excessive grass, leaves or other debris to
accumulate on or in the edger. Wipe engine

housing clean after each use.

• Keep air filter clean.

• Follow instructions for changing accessories.

• Replace any missing or damaged labels

immediately.

• Do not operate unit if blade is excessively worn or

damaged.

• Replace with blade which meets original equipment

specifications.

• Do not attempt to repair edger. Have mechanical
repairs made by qualified dealer or repairman. See

that only identical replacement parts are used.

_, 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.

WARNING

CAUTION

Figure 2 Safety labels found on your unit

4

SECTION 4: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

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 Lsobserved from the operating position.

HOW TO SET-UP YOUR EDGER:

1.

Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug and ground it against the engine. See

Figure 3.

Spark Plug

Wire Spark V-Slot

Spark

,

Raise the upper handle till it snaps into place. Be
careful not to crimp or pinch the cables when

lifting the handle.

Plug on Engine

Spark Plug

Wire

Plug

Figure 3

3,

Tighten the wing knobs on the handle and pull
the cable tie snugly to secure the cable to the
lower handle. Carefully trim any excess portion
of the cable tie after tightening. See Figure 4.

Cable Tie

Lower Handle

Cable

J

Wing Knobs

Figure 4

ATTACHING THE STARTER ROPE

The rope guide is already attached to the right side
of the upper handle of your edger. See Figure 5.

1. With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, stand behind the unit, hold the blade

control handle against the upper handle and pull
the starter rope out of the engine.

2. Slip the rope through the rope guide, then

tighten the wing nut to the upper handle.

NOTE: The starter rope will not pull out of the

engine unless the blade control handle is squeezed
against the upper handle.

Blade Depth
Control Lever

Rope
Guide

Blade Control

Handle

.,, ..... Upper

Handle

Spark

Plug

Blade

• .- Guard

Belt Guard

Figure 5

5