MTD hs720r User Manual
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 in U.S. or
1-800-668-1238 in CANADA
www.TrimmerPlus.com
IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY
Hedge Trimmer
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
HS720r
2
I. Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
A. Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
B. Safety and International Symbols . . . . . . . . 5
C.Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
II. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
A. Assembling the Coupler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
B. Preparing for Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
C.Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
III. Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . 9-11
A. Lubricating Cams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
B. Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
C.Lubricating Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D.Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
E. Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
F. Accessories/Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . 11
IV. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
V. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
CONTENTS OF CARTON
This unit should consist of the following:
•HS720r Hedge Trimmer Add-On
• Hanger
•Operator's Manual
• Product Registration Card
• Optional Scabbard
NOTE: This product has been rated for use on both gas
and electric powerheads.
THANK YOU
Thank you for buying this quality product. This modern
outdoor power tool will provide many hours of useful
service. You will find it to be a great labor-saving device.
This operator’s manual provides you with easy-tounderstand operating instructions. Read the whole
manual and follow all the instructions to keep your new
outdoor power tool in top operating condition.
PRODUCT REFERENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS
All information, illustrations and specifications in this
manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to
make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright ©2001 MTD SOUTHWEST INC
All Rights Reserved.
TrimmerPlus® is a registered trademark of
MTD SOUTHWEST INC
SERVICE INFORMATION
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty
period should be performed only by an authorized and
approved service dealer.
Dial:
• 1-800-345-8746 in the United States
Or
• 1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain the listing of
the authorized service dealer nearest you.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER.
NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
Make sure this manual is carefully read and understood
before starting or operating this equipment.
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE US
PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all
warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do
so can result in serious injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
WARNING!
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning
will result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning
can result in injury to yourself and others.
Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning
may result in property damage or personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and
their explanations, deserve your careful attention and
understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or
warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates
danger, warning, or caution. Attention is
required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with other
symbols or pictographs.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital
to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using the unit, the safety
rules must be followed. For your own safety
and that of bystanders, please read these
instructions before operating the unit. Please
keep the instructions safe for later use.
BEFORE OPERATING
• Carefully read and understand the operator's manual
of the unit that powers this attachment.
• Read this operating instruction manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use
of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and
disengage the controls quickly.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults unfamiliar with the instructions to use the
unit. Never allow adults to operate the equipment
without proper instruction.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed
properly before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Ensure the blade is
installed correctly and secure.
•Clear the area to be hedged before each use. Remove
all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or
string which can be thrown or become entangled in the
hedge trimmer attachment.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS POWERHEADS
AND HEDGE TRIMMERS
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before
filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel
tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never
operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure
in the tank.
•Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area
outdoors where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly
remove the fuel cap only after stopping engine. Do not
smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled
fuel from the unit immediately.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the
area while adding fuel or operating the unit.
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this
unit only in a well ventilated area outdoors.
3
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC
POWERHEADS AND HEDGE TRIMMERS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, use only extension cords approved for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord of cord
type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A,
SJOW-A, SJTW-W or SJTOW-A. Extension
cords are available from your local retailer. Use
only round-jacketed extension cords approved
for outdoor use.
• CORD SETS: Make sure your cord set is in good
condition. When using a cord set, be sure to use a
cord that is heavy enough to carry the current that your
unit will draw. An undersized cord set will cause a drop
in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. See the operator’s manual for the unit that
will power this add-on for the recommended cord size.
• Inspect all extension cords and the unit power
connection periodically. Look closely for deterioration,
cuts or cracks in the insulation. Also inspect the
connections for damage. Replace the cords if any
defects or damage appear.
• Prevent disconnection of the hedge trimmer
powerhead from extension cord during operation by
using a plug-receptacle retaining strap, connector, or
by making a knot as shown below:
• Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate your
unit in damp or wet conditions. Moisture is a shock
hazard.
• Do not use the unit in the rain. Do not use in or around
water. Do not use on wet hedges or shrubbery.
• Do not handle the plug or unit with wet hands or
standing on any wet surfaces.
• Do not leave the unit plugged in when not in use,
changing attachments or add-ons, or while being
serviced.
DANGER: RISK OF CUT OR SHOCK — Keep
hands away from blades. Keep one hand on
assist handle on the powerhead or on the loop
handle of attachment when power is on. Do
not attempt to remove cut material or hold
material to be cut when blades are moving.
Make sure the switch on the power unit is off
when clearing jammed material from blades.
Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or
cutting edges of the hedge trimmer. Wear
gloves when handling the blade.
Extension
Cord
Hedge
Trimmer Cord
Hedge
Trimmer Cord
Extension
Cord
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
WHILE OPERATING
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least
50 ft (15 m) away.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long
sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above
shoulder level.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Use hedge trimmer properly. Only use this tool for the
purpose intended. Use only for trimming the type of
shrub, growth, etc., described in the operating
instructions.
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less
likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit
towards you.
• Do not overreach, take extra care when working on
steep slopes or inclines. Always keep proper footing
and balance.
• DO NOT stand on an unstable support. Do not use on
a ladder.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or
grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the blades
when they are moving.
CAUTION: Blades will coast after powerhead
is in the "off" position.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to do the job. Do not run the engine at high
speed when not in use.
• Always stop the engine/motor when operation is
delayed or when walking from one location to another.
• Stop the engine/motor for maintenance, repair, to
install or remove the blades. The unit must be stopped
and the blades no longer moving to avoid injury.
• Always wear heavy gloves when handling, removing,
installing or cleaning the blades.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object,
stop the engine/motor immediately and check for
damage. Have any damage repaired before attempting
further operations.
• Stop the unit IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive
vibration. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect
thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts or damage before
continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as
necessary.
• Stop and switch the unit to off for maintenance, repair,
or for changing add-ons or other attachments.
•Maintain hedge trimmer with care. Keep blades sharp
at all times, and clean for best and safest performance.
Follow maintenance instructions. Always use a clean
cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluid, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, or any strong solvents to
clean your unit.
• Use only genuine MTD replacement parts and
accessories for this unit. These are available from
your authorized service dealer. Use of any non-MTD
parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the
user or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Allow the unit to cool before storing or transporting. Be
sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a locked up and dry or high and dry
place to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of
the reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.
Clean after each use.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use
them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this
unit, also loan them these instructions.
• Only qualified personnel should perform any repairs
or maintenance procedures that are not described
in this manual.
• Check engine mounting bolts and other bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Inside a building store the machine away from ignition
sources. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Always refer to the Operator’s Manual instructions for
important details if the unit is to be stored for an
extended period.
• Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you have
the proper tools, and instructions for disassembly and
repair of the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
•WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING: The operation of any power tool can be the source of thrown objects and loud
noise which can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Always wear safety glasses or
goggles eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear protection when operating this
unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the
operating area.
• THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate unit without proper attachments and guards in place.
• KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADES
MOVING BLADES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY. Do not put hands on blades when
starting the engine or while operating hedge trimmer attachment.
• ATTACHMENT IS HOT!
Surface of attachment is hot. To avoid serious injury, do not hold attachment while operating.
Use designated handles only.
5
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
6
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
KNOW YOUR UNIT
APPLICATIONS
With Hedge Trimmer Add-On:
• Trimming hedges and shrubs.
Housing
Blades
Loop Handle
Shaft Housing
Hanger
7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: The add-ons with the coupler
system are to be used in the primary hole only.
Using the wrong hole could lead to personal
injury or damage to the unit.
The hedger trimmer add-on should be installed with the
release button in the primary hole.
Check Flex Shaft Engagement Prior to Using
1. Start the unit.
2. Briefly engage and release the trigger.
3. Check that add-on is operating.
4. If the add-on is not operating, remove add-on and
repeat steps for installing the add-on.
5. Recheck operation of add-on attachment.
3. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Lock the release button in the
primary hole (Fig. 2) and securely tighten the
knob before operating this unit.
ASSEMBLING THE COUPLER
The TrimmerPlus® system enables the use of these
optional add-ons.
Blower/Vacuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BV720r
Cultivator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GC720r
Edger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LE720r
Sweeper/Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SB720r
Straight Shaft Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SS725r
Snow Thrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ST720r
Turbo Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TB720r
Tree Pruner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TP720r
WARNING: Read and understand operator’s
manual for unit to be used with this add-on
prior to operation.
Removing the add-on:
1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 1).
2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 1).
3. While firmly holding the upper shaft housing, pull the
snow thrower attachment out of the coupler (Fig. 2).
Installing the add-on:
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury
and damage to the unit, shut unit off before
removing or installing add-ons.
NOTE: To make installing or removing the add-on
easier, place the unit on the ground or on a
work bench.
1. Remove the hanger from the top of the shaft housing.
2. Turn knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 1).
3. While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into
the coupler (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1
Coupler
Release Button
Guide Recess
Knob
Primary Hole
Upper Shaft
Housing
Coupler
NOTE: Aligning the release button with the guide recess
will help installation (Fig. 1).
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Knob
Lower Shaft
Housing
Release Button
Knob
ClockwiseCounterclockwise
8
PREPARING FOR OPERATION
For ease of operation, your hedge trimmer has a loop
handle. For ease of operation and best balance of the
unit. we recommend that you use the loop handle on the
hedge trimmer attachment rather than the assist handle
on the powerhead (Fig. 4).
Loop
Handle
CAUTION: Do not use any part of the housing
as a gripping surface.
CAUTION: Do not operate if blade guard
breaks or gets damaged.
WARNING: Check loop handle before each
use. Make sure it is securely fastened to your
hedge trimmer attachment before using.
WARNING: If any parts are missing, damaged,
or broken, do not operate your hedge trimmer
until they have been replaced. Failure to do so
could result in possible serious personal injury.
WARNING: Keep hands and fingers away from
moving parts. Any part of body coming in
contact with moving parts could result in
serious injury.
DANGER: If blade jams on any electrical cord
or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE! IT CAN
BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY
DANGEROUS. Release the unit in the safest
manner possible, and turn off power source.
OPERATING TIPS
NOTE: Do not operate unit with the hedge trimmer
attachment at full engine speed. Best
performance occurs at 1/2 to 3/4 speed.
1. Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping
action, so that the stems are fed directly into the
cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems
and will be trimmed easiest by using a sawing
movement. Do not try to cut stems that are larger
than 3/8 inch thick, or those obviously too large to
feed into the cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand
saw or pruning saw to trim large stems.
2. If desired, you can use a string to help cut your
hedge level. Decide how high you want the hedge.
Then, stretch a piece of string along the hedge at this
height. Trim the hedge just above this guide line of
string (Fig. 5). Trim the side of a hedge so that it will
be slightly narrower at the top (Fig. 6). More of the
hedge will be exposed when shaped this way, and be
more uniform.
Housing
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 8
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
9
IMPORTANT!
LUBRICATING CAMS
The cams are lubricated with a sufficient amount of hightemperature grease. To keep the attachment operating
efficiently, apply a high-temperature grease to the cams,
and in between the yokes every 6 hours of use. (Fig. 7)
Cams
Yokes
6. Remove the blade by lifting and rotating it so that the
blade yokes clears the lower cam first (Fig. 11).
45° ROTATE
5. Push the red end of the blade bar towards the cams.
This will loosen the blade plate so that it can be
removed easily from the cams (Fig. 10).
3. Align the cams (Fig. 9).
4. Remove the four (4) blade screws (Fig. 9).
Blade Screws
Cams
Bottom Plate
Bottom Plate Screw
Fig. 7
WARNING: Failure to apply high-temperature
grease every 6 hours of operation can result in
failure of cams and blade, and will void your
warranty.
BLADE REPLACEMENT
NOTE: We recommend that you take the hedge trimmer
attachment to your nearest authorized service
dealer to replace the blade.
NOTE: Disconnect the hedge trimmer attachment from
the powerhead before replacing the blade.
REMOVING BLADE
WARNING: Blades are sharp. When handling
blade assembly, do not place your hand or
fingers between blades or in any position
where they could get pinched or cut.
1. Place hedge trimmer upside down on workbench and
remove two (2) bottom plate screws (Fig. 8).
2. Remove bottom plate.
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
10
INSTALLING BLADE
WARNING: Blades are sharp. When handling
blade assembly, do not place your hand or
fingers between blades or in any position
where they could get pinched or cut.
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, wear
gloves when removing or installing the blade.
1. Slide the blade plate all the way forward towards the
yokes (Fig. 13). The red end of the bar should be
covered by the blade plate.
2. Align the cams (see Fig. 9).
3. Place new blade into the housing and squeeze the
yoke to drop it into place (see Fig. 12).
4. Rotate the blade so that it drops past the lower cam
(see Fig. 11).
5. Install the four (4) blade screws. Torque screws to
10-15 in•lbs.
7. Squeeze the yokes and remove the blade from the
housing (Fig. 12).
6. Install the bottom plate lip into the slot of the housing
(Fig. 14). Install the two (2) bottom plate screws.
Torque screws to 10-15 in•lbs.
NOTE: If binding occurs after replacing the blade
assembly, repeat the steps under Removing
Blade and Installing Blade.
LUBRICATING BLADE
1. For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate
the hedge trimmer attachment blade before and after
each use. Before lubricating, be sure the switch is in
the OFF position on the powerhead. Apply light
machine oil along the edge of the top strap (Fig. 15).
2. Occasionally, you should oil your hedge trimmer
attachment during use. Before oiling, stop hedge
trimmer, then oil. You then can resume trimming. Do
not oil while hedge trimmer attachment is running.
NOTE: Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts.
Most plastics are susceptible to damage from
various types of commercial solvents, and may
be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to
remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
NOTE: Only the parts shown on the parts list, page 9,
are intended to be repaired or replaced by the
customer.
Bottom Plate Lip
Housing Slot
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
WARNING: When servicing, use only identical
OEM replacement parts. Use of any other parts
may create a hazard or cause product damage.
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
11
CUTTING HEAD
Attachment Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.625 lbs (2.10 kg)
Cutting Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dual Action
Blade Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 inches (40.64 cm)
Drive Shaft Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steel Tube
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
STORAGE
• Check unit before storage to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
• Stop the engine or motor.
• Store the unit indoors, in a dry and locked place, out of
the reach of children.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
For gas powerhead units:
• Allow the unit to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Drain fuel from unit. Never store the unit with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are
present such as hot water and space heaters, clothes
dryers, etc.
TRANSPORTING
• Allow the unit to cool before transporting.
• Secure the unit while transporting.
For gas powerhead units:
• Drain fuel from unit.
• Tighten fuel cap before transporting.
ACCESSORIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-
181660
Blade Screws (4 required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-
181827
Loop Handle Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-
180869
Handle Mounting Hardware
(4 screws, 4 nuts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-
180870
Bottom Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-
181849
Bottom Plate Screws (2 required) . . . . . . . . .791-
181827
Use only original MTD replacement parts.
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