MTD 588 Owner’s Manual

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OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Models

587 and 588

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 unimpr'oved forest-

covered, brash-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 CaJifomie 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. 770-10147

(8/98)

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 Operators Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• 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. An example of the model plate is shown below.

This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

RO. BO_ 368022

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here:

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 SECTION 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

(46831

1- (600)-800-731 O

• 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,

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 severs

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 all smoking materials and other possible

sources of ignition.

• Use a fuet 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 CUTTING 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 rnatsrial from blade.

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

blade.

• 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 aJert. 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 footing and balance at all times. Do not

overreach or stand on unstable suppod.

• 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 aUow 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.

• Always disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.

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

another.

• After striking a foreign object, shut off the engine, make absolutely sure the blade and aU moving parts have completely stopped, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidentaJ 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.

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

inspecting the product.

• Muffler and engine become hot dudng 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.

Safety Labels found on your edger

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