MTD TP720r 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
Tree Pruner
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
TP720r
2
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
I. Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
A. Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
B. Safety and International Symbols . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
C. Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ll. Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A. Installing The Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
B. Installing And Adjusting The Shoulder Harness 6
IIl. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
A.
Assembling the Coupler
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
B. Operating The Pruner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
C. Pruning Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
IV. Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . 10
A. Pruner Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
B. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
C. Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D.Accessories/Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . 10
V. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Vl. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
CONTENTS OF CARTON
This unit should consist of the following:
• TP720r Tree Pruner Add-On
•Blade & Blade Cover
•Blade Clamp Screw and Lock Washer
• Boom Extension
• Hanger
• 9/64” Allen Wrench
• Shoulder Harness
•Operator's Manual
• Product Registration Card
NOTE: This product has been rated for use on both gas
and electric powerheads.
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.
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least
50 ft (15 m) away.
SPECIAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS
POWERHEADS AND TREE PRUNERS
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
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
SPECIAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC
POWERHEADS AND TREE PRUNERS
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 tree pruner powerhead
from extension cord during operation by using a plugreceptacle 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 handle the plug or unit with wet hands or standing
on any wet surfaces.
• Keep pruner away from power lines or electrical wires.
• Do not leave the unit plugged in when not in use, changing
attachments or add-ons, or while being serviced.
WHILE OPERATING
• 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.
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less
likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.
Extension
Cord
Tree Pruner
Cord
Tree Pruner
Cord
Extension
Cord
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, keep the pruner
from power lines or electrical wires.
• Use the right tool. Use this unit only as described in
this manual. Do not use for any job except that for
which is intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or grips.
•A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues
to moves after the unit is stopped. Maintain proper
control of the unit until the blade has completely
stopped moving.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not attempt to touch or stop the
blade when it is moving.
• Do not operate the unit faster than the speed
needed to prune. Do not run the unit at high speed
when not pruning.
• Always stop the unit when work is delayed or when
walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object,
stop the engine immediately and check for damage.
Have any damage repaired before attempting further
operations. Do not operate unit with a bent, cracked or
dull blade. Discard blades that are bent, warped,
cracked or broken.
• 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 attachments.
• 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 inside in a dry place, either locked up or
up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep
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, see Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
• 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 shear bolts, engine mounting bolts and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• 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.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
5
SYMBOL MEANING
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m)
from the operating area.
• THROWN OBJECTS AND RECIPROCATING BLADE CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Inspect the unit before use. Do not operate unit with a bent, cracked or dull blade.
Keep away from the blade.
• SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade, do not touch. To prevent serious injury, always wear gloves when
changing or handling the blade.
• WEAR HEAD PROTECTION
WARNING: Falling objects can cause severe head injury. Wear head protection when
operating this unit.
• BOOM EXTENSIONS
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, do not use more than one boom extension with the
pruner attachment.
2X
KNOW YOUR UNIT
APPLICATIONS
With Pruner Add-On:
• For pruning limbs and branches up to 4 inches in
diameter.
Blade and
Blade Cover
Shaft Housing
Shoulder Harness
Boom Extension
Hangers
Gear Housing
Foot
Coupler
Blade Clamp
Screw and Lock
Washer
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
6
INSTALLING THE BLADE
1. Slide the blade cover past the end of the blade to
expose the hole for the pin.
2. Insert the blade through the end of the pruner
housing and install the blade over the pin (Fig. 1). The
blade teeth should face the foot side.
3. Install the blade clamp over the blade and pin. Install
the screw with lock washer and tighten securely with
the allen wrench (Fig. 2).
4. Before operating unit, remove blade cover
completely (Fig. 3). Store away for later use.
INSTALLING AND ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER
HARNESS
1. Push the strap through the center of the buckle.
2. Pull the strap over the cross bar and down through
the slot in the buckle (Fig. 4).
3. Snap it on to the support fitting (Fig. 5).
4. While standing in the operating position adjust length
to fit the operator’s size.
• Lengthen the harness by pulling down on the strap
and lifting the buckle end up (Fig. 6).
• Shorten the harness by pulling the strap back
through the buckle while holding the buckle (Fig. 6).
Fig. 1
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 2
Fig. 4
Fig. 3
Blade and Blade
Cover
Blade Clamp
Blade Clamp
Screw and
Lock Washer
Blade Cover
Pin
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
7
CAUTION: The tree pruner attachment with
the coupler system is to be used in the
primary hole only. Using the wrong hole could
lead to personal injury or damage to the unit.
Installing the boom extension:
When using the boom extension, follow steps 1-3
under Installing the Attachment or Add-ons. Install the
extension to the power head, then repeat the steps for
installing the pruner attachment to the extension.
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. 9).
CAUTION: Lock the release button in the
primary hole (Fig. 8) 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
Hedge Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HS720r
Edger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LE720r
Sweeper/Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SB720r
Straight Shaft Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SS725r
Snow Thrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ST720r
Turbo Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TB720r
WARNING: Read and understand operator’s
manual for add-on prior to operation.
Removing the add-on:
1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 7).
2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 7).
3. While firmly holding the upper shaft housing, pull the
tree pruner attachment out of the coupler (Fig. 8).
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. Turn knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 7).
2. While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into
the coupler (Fig. 8).
Fig. 7
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. 7).
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Knob
Lower Shaft
Housing
Release Button
Knob
ClockwiseCounterclockwise
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
8
OPERATING THE PRUNER
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot and
body protection to reduce the risk of injury
when operating this unit.
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position
(Figs. 10 & 11). Check for the following:
• The operator is wearing a face shield, head protection
and proper clothing.
• Harness is adjusted to proper position.
• The handle is adjusted to provide the best grip.
• The operator has a firm grip on both the throttle grip
and handle.
1. When operating the pruner, rest the foot of the pruner
against the tree limb that is being cut
(Fig. 12).
2. Make the first cut one (1) foot (30.5 cm) from where
the final cut will be (Fig. 13).
3. Cut to the outside of the branch collar to avoid
damage to the tree (Fig. 14)
Fig. 12
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 14
1 Foot
(30.5 cm)
Foot
Collar
Fig. 13
Cut
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
9
PRUNING TIPS
Why Prune?
Trees need to be trained. If they are not, they may grow
into a tangled and potentially dangerous area of the yard.
Pruning is useful for sizing, shaping, removing
broken branches and maintaining the health of the tree.
When to Prune?
Pruning can be done at any time during the year. But, the
best time is during the dormant (winter) season.
What to Look for?
Finding problem areas in a tree can be difficult. Look for
and remove:
• Dead or dying branches. Cut them back to a healthy
branch or trunk because they may carry insects or
diseases.
• Branch stubs. These occur when a prior pruning was
done incorrectly or if a branch broke off during a storm.
Cut the stubs back to the closest healthy branch or
trunk.
• Future growth. If a tree limb is growing towards a fence
or building, remove it early. The older the tree, the
longer it takes for cutting wounds to heal.
How to Prune Correctly
• Don’t cause damage to the trunk bark by cutting too
close to the trunk.
• Cut the branch so that the wound is as small as
possible.
• Don’t leave a long branch stub. It can lead to rot or
insect infestation.
• Use a sharp blade to make cuts that are clean and
smooth.
10
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
PRUNER BLADE REPLACEMENT
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury,
always wear gloves while handling, removing
or installing the blade.
WARNING: The pruner housing gets hot
after long periods of use. To avoid serious
personal injury, do not touch the housing until
it has cooled.
Replacing the Blade
Replace the blade if:
• it is missing teeth, dull, bent or damaged.
• you are required to force the moving blade through
wood.
• the engine slows excessively while cutting.
• every one (1) hour (accumulative) of actual cutting time.
1. Install the blade cover on the blade.
2. Remove the blade clamp screw, lock washer and
blade clamp (Fig. 15).
3. Reinstall the blade following the steps under
Installing the Blade in the assembly section.
Cleaning the Blade
• Clean the blade after each use to remove pitch, gum,
sap, etc.
• Clean the blade with commercially available saw blade
cleaners. Available at your local hardware store.
• Discard the blade if it is missing teeth, dull, bent or
damaged in any way.
• Always install the blade cover on the blade when not in
use.
Fig. 15
PRUNER GEAR HOUSING
All internal parts are lubricated at the factory and require
no maintenance. Do not disassemble the pruner. Contact
an authorized service dealer for any internal repairs.
CLEANING
Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit.
Do not use strong detergents. Household cleaners that
contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and
solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing
or handle. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
• Store the unit inside in a dry place, either locked up or
up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep
out of the reach of children.
ACCESSORIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS
Blade (2 pack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-180966B
Blade Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .791-181155
Blade Clamp Screw and Lock Washer . . . . .791-181156
Use only original MTD replacement parts.
Blade Clamp
Blade Clamp
Screw and
Lock Washer
11
SPECIFICATIONS
TREE PRUNER ADD-ON
Unit Weight (Without Boom Extension) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 lbs. (1.36 kg.)
Unit Weight (Boom Extension) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 lbs. (0.68 kg.)
Unit Length (Without Boom Extension and Blade) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 inches (0.84 m)
Length of Boom Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 inches (0.66 m)
Blade Length (Maximum cut diameter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Strokes per Minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Up to 2000
Shoulder Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quick Snap
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