MTD TrimmerPlus ST720r Operator's Manual

OPERATO£'SMANUAL

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

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-to-
understand 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

II.

Ill.

IV.

V.

Rules for Safe Operation ................... 3-6

A. Important Safety Information ............. 3-5

B. Safety and International Symbols ......... 5

C. Know Your Unit ....................... 6

Operating Instructions ..................... 7-8

A. Assembling the Coupler ................. 7

B. Special Cold Weather Starting Instructions.. 8

C. Operating the Snow Thrower ............. 8

D. Discharge Direction Adjustment .......... 8

E. Tips for Best Snow Thrower Results ....... 8

Maintenance and Repair Instructions ......... 9-11

A. Inspecting/Replacing the Drive Belt ....... 9

B. Replacing the Scraper .................. 10

C. Storage .............................. 11

D. Transporting .......................... 11

E. Accessories/Replacement Parts .......... 11

Specifications ........................... 11

Warranty ............................... 12

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.

CONTENTS OF CARTON
This unit should consist of the following:

ST720r Snow Thrower Add-On
Hanger

Operator's Manual
Product Registration Card

NOTE: This product has been rated for use on both gas

and electric powerheads.

Make sure this manual is carefully read and understood
before starting or operating this equipment.

THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR

MORE U.S. PATENTS.

OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

A complete parts list can be viewed and printed

by going to our web site, www.TrimmerPlus.com.

Or,

you can request a copy by callingl-800-345-TRIM
(1-800-345-8746). Please have the unit model and

serial number when calling.

2

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

_IL 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.

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, electnc 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.

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

_IL ARNING: 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.

,_ WARNING: To prevent electric shock, use only

with an extension cord suitable for outdoor 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.

• 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.

• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the

unit, except for teens guided by an adult.

• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least

50 ft (15 m) away.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially

when operating in reverse.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the snow thrower is
to be used. Remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires,

debris, and other foreign objects which may be thrown
by the snow thrower.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before

starting the powerhead.

• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace
snow thrower parts that are cracked, chipped, or
damaged in any way. Make sure the snow throwing unit
is properly installed and securely fastened.

• Make sure the rotor will spin freely before attaching the
snow thrower to the powerhead.

• Dress properly. Wear adequate winter outer garments.
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.

• Wear footware that doesn't leak when operating the
snow thrower and that will improve footing on slippery

surfaces.

• Never attempt to make adjustments while the powerhead
is running (except when specifically recommended by

the manufacturer.)

• Let powerhead and machine adjust to outdoor
temperatures before starting to clear snow.

• Always wear safety glasses/shields or goggles at all
times during operation or while performing an adjustment

or repair to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be
thrown from the machine.

WHILE OPERATING:

• Stay away from the discharge opening at all times. Keep
face, hands, and feet away from concealed moving or
rotating parts.

• Be attentive when using the snow thrower, and stay alert
for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards or traffic.

• Do not use on a gravel surface or crushed rock surfaces.

Use extreme caution when crossing gravel/crushed rock

drives, walks, or roads.

3

• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,turnthepowerheadoff
andinspectthesnowthrowerfordamageForgas

powerheads:Removewirefromthesparkplug For
electricpowerheads:Disconnectthecord Repair

damagebeforerestartingandoperatingtheunit

• Iftheunitshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
powerheadandcheckimmediatelyforthecause.

Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.

• Stopthepowerheadwheneveryouleavetheoperating
position,beforeuncloggingtherotorordischarge

vanes,andwhenmakinganyrepairs,adjustments,or
inspections.

• Clearsnowfromslopesbygoingupanddown.Never
goacrosstheslope.Usecautionwhenchanging

directions.Neverclearsnowfromsteepslopes.

• Neverattempttousethesnowthroweronaroofor
anysteep,inclined,slipperysurfaces.

• Neveroperatesnowthrowerwithoutproperguards,
platesorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace.

• Neveroperatethesnowthrowernearglassenclosures,
automobiles,trucks,windowwells,dropoffs, etc.

without proper adjustment of the snow discharge
angle. Keep children and pets away.

• Don't force or overload the snow thrower. Snow

thrower will perform at its best and safest when run at
the rate for which it was designed.

• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing.

• Never direct discharge towards people or allow anyone in

front of the unit while operating.

• Disengage power to the rotor when snow thrower is

transported or not in use.

• Make sure the rotor will spin freely before attaching the
snow thrower to the powerhead.

• If the rotor will not rotate freely due to frozen ice, thaw

the unit thoroughly before attempting to operate it

under power.

• Keep the rotor clear of debris.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times.

• Never discharge snow onto public roads or near
moving traffic.

• Let snow thrower run for a few minutes after clearing
snow so moving parts do not freeze.

• Never operate without good visibility or light. Always
be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the

handles. Walk; never run.

4

AFTER OPERATING:

• Follow instructions for care, maintenance, and storage
of snow thrower

• Only qualified personnel should perform any repairs
or maintenance procedures that are not described

in this manual.

• Remove residue ice or snow from the vanes and rotor
by briefly running the unit out of snow.

• Store snow thrower indoors in a dry, locked place.

Keep out of the reach of children.

• Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for
important details if snow thrower is to be stored for an
extended period

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the snow thrower

SPECIAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC
POWERHEADS AND SNOW THROWERS

• When cleaning, inspecting, or repairing, make certain
the rotor and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the extension cord to prevent accidental starting.

• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors

or electric starting motors.

• Use only 3-wire outdoor extension cords that have 3-
prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole receptacles
that accept the snow thrower's plug. Replace or repair
damaged cords.

• Do not abuse extension cord. Never carry snow
thrower by the cord or yank on the cord to disconnect
it from the receptacle.

• Keep the extension cord away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges to prevent damage

• Ifextension cord is damaged in any manner while
plugged in, pull extension cord from receptacle.

• Prevent disconnection of snow thrower powerhead
from extension cord during operation by using a plug-
receptacle retaining strap, connector, or by making a

knot as shown below:

Extension Snow Extension Snow

Thrower Cord Cord ThrowerCord

• Do not use in rain or during a snowfall. Do not use in or
around water.

• Avoid accidental starting. Don't carry plugged-in snow
thrower with finger on switch.

• Alwaysunplugtheunitandallowittocoolbefore
puttingitintostorage.Storeindoors.

• Alwaysunplugtheunitwhennotinuse,andbefore
performinganymaintenanceorrepairs.

SPECIAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS

POWERHEADS AND SNOW THROWERS

• When cleaning, inspecting, or repairing, make certain

the rotor and all moving parts have stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire away

from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.

• Use an approved fuel container for mixing fuel. Avoid
spilling the fuel when mixing with the oil.

• Fill fuel tank of the power unit with extreme care in a
well-ventilated, area outdoors. Never fill fuel tank

indoors. Do not smoke while fueling the power unit.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• After filling fuel tank, replace gasoline cap securely and
wipe up any spilled fuel. Move away from the fueling

area before starting the unit.

• Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting
the engine and for transporting the snow thrower in or

out of the building. Open the outside doors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• Do not smoke while operating the unit.

• Refuel and store in an area free of potential fuel vapor
ignition sources such as open flames (pilot lights) or

electrical sparking devices (switches, electric motors).

• Turn off the engine and let it cool before refueling or
before putting the unit in storage.

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, maintenance and repair information.

SYMBOL MEANING

,_ • SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other

symbols or pictographs.

1 _q_l_ I • 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.

I_ =_./_ • SPINNING ROTOR CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY.

WARNING: Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from the discharge area. Do

not step in front of the unit, or use hands to clean the rotor area.

/>_-'_ _ • THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY.

_/ WARNING: Small objects can be propelled at high speed, causing injury.

5

APPLICATIONS

As a Snow Thrower:

• Clears snow from walkways, driveways, sidewalks,
pathways, etc.

Discharge

- Directional

Control

/

Vanes

\

\

Cover Screws (7)

I

I

/

/

ge Lock Nut

Rotor

Belt Case Cove

_'_'_'_Scraper

6

ASSEMBLING THE COUPLER

The TrimmerPlus® system enables the use of these
optional add-ons.

Blower/Vacuum .......................... BV720r

Cultivator ............................... GC720r

Edger ................................... LE720r

Hedge Trimmer ........................... HS720r

Straight Shaft Trimmer ..................... SS725r

SweeperlBlower .......................... SB720r

Tree Pruner .............................. TP720r

Turbo Blower ............................ TB720r

1_, 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. 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. Turn knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 1).

Coupler

' Release Button

x\\\\ \\

\

\\\ \

Guide Recess

2. While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into
the coupler (Fig. 2).

NOTE: Aligning the release button with the guide recess

will help installation (Fig. 1).

Coupler

\

\

Primary Hole

\

\

Release Button

I

Upper Shaft Lower Shaft

Housing Housing

Knob j

Fig. 2

3. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 3).

I,_ cAuTION: LOck the release buttOn in the ]

primary hole (Fig. 2) and securely tighten the
knob before operating this unit.

L

Fig. 3

Counterclockwise

Knob

CAUTION: The snow thrower 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.

Fig. 1

7

Viewofsnowthrowertop

lookingdownondischargedirectionalcontrol

WARNING: To aid starting the two-cycle or
four-cycle gasoline powerheads in cold

weather, the unit should be stored in an area
with the temperature above 40"F (4.4 C).

Refuel and store the gasoline powerhead in
an area free of potential vapor ignition sources

such as open flames (pilot lights) or electrical
sparking devices (switches, electric motors).

OPERATING THE SNOW THROWER

1. Squeeze the power trigger on the powerhead
to start the rotor. The depth and weight of the snow

governs the forward speed. Refer to the operator's
manual of the powerhead for further instructions.

2. Do not tip the snow thrower to self-propel. Push the
snow thrower so that unit rides on the scraper.

DISCHARGE DIRECTION ADJUSTMENT
Snow may be discharged to the left, straight forward, or

to the right.
To change the direction, use the following instructions:

1. Firmly grasp handle of discharge directional control and
pull up. This releases the rod, which is spring-loaded,

from the current discharge direction slot and allows free
movement (Fig. 4).

I *_ "_ Pullthe discharge

/,_ "* directional control up

Discharge snow to

LEFT of operator

Discharge snow in

FRONT of operator

450

//

//

//

//

Discharge snow to

RIGHT of operator

Fig. 5

3. Release discharge directional control into the
discharge direction slot to secure position of snow

throwing desired.

NOTE: Make sure discharge directional control is securely

positioned in direction slot and cannot rotate freely.

TIPS FOR BEST SNOW THROWER RESULTS

4. For the most efficient snow throwing, keep the vanes
parallel, throw snow downwind, and slightly overlap

each swath (Fig. 6)

5. Hold the unit by the handle and use a swinging or
sweeping motion when cleaning steps or deep drifts.

Fig. 4

2 Turn the discharge directional control to the left,

center, or right, depending on which direction you
want to throw the snow (Fig. 5).

NOTE: From the center position, the discharge

directional control turns 45 degrees only in either
direction (left or right). Do not force.

Fig. 6

8

INSPECTING/REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT

When servicing the snow thrower use only original MTD
replacement parts. Inspect the drive belt once a year or

every 50 hours of operation, whichever comes first, for
wear. If the drive belt needs to be replaced, use the

following instructions.

1. Remove the flange lock nut from the belt case cover
with a wrench or nut driver (Fig. 7).

2. Remove the seven (7) screws from the belt case
cover using a #T20 Torx bit or flat blade screwdriver

(Fig. 7).

Belt Tensioner

(Idler Arm)

Pulley

Drive Pulley

Cover

Screws (7)

Belt Cover

Case

Flange Lock Nut

Fig. 7

3. Pull the belt tensioner (idler arm) away from the drive
pulley. Remove the damaged or broken belt from the
driven pulley and drive pulley inside of the housing

(Fig. 8).

4. Loop the new belt around the drive pulley and driven
pulley (Fig. 8). Pull the belt tensioner (idler arm) away

from the drive pulley to install the belt around the
drive pulley.

NOTE: Make sure the washer is still in place on the

driven pulley shaft prior to reinstalling the belt
case cover (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8

.

Reinstall the cover with the seven (7) screws. To
make installation easier, place the narrow part of the
cover into the recess of the housing. Install the top

two screws, then push the rest of the cover down

into the recess and over the rotor shaft. Torque all
seven (7) screws to 18-23 in,lb (2.0-2.5 N,m).

6. Install the flange lock nut. Torque the nut to 80-100
in,lb (9.0-11.2 N,m).

NOTE: If the flange lock nut is damaged, do not replace

it with a standard nut. Replace only with an
original MTD replacement part.

9

REPLACINGTHE SCRAPER

Use only original MTD replacement parts.

1. Place snow thrower on the ground or on work bench.
Position unit so vanes and rotor are facing up (Fig. 9).

2. Beneath the rotor, locate and remove the three (3)

screws securing the scraper to the housing using a
#T20 Torx bit or flat blade screwdriver (Fig. 9).

3. Remove the scraper and discard appropriately.

4. Reinstall the three (3) screws to secure new scraper
to the unit. Torque the screws to 25-30 in,lb

(2.8-3.3 N.m).

10

STORAGE

• Check unit before storage tobe sure the equipment is

in safe working condition.

• Remove the residue ice or snow from the rotor by
briefly running the unit out of the snow.

• Stop the engine or motor.

• Store the snow thrower 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

Shoulder Strap ........................... 682075

Scraper ................................ 731-2557

Drive Belt .............................. 754-0633

Flange Lock Nut ........................ 712-3004A

Use only original MTD replacement parts.

Unit Weight (Add-On only) ................................................................ 9.2 Ibs. (4.17 kg)

Snow Depth (maximum) ............................................................. 6-inches (.152 meters)

Cleared Path Width ............................................................... 12-inches (.305 meters)

11

MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

T

®

The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD

SOUTHWEST INC ("MTD") with respect with new

merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its

possessions and territories.
MTD warrants this product against defects in material and

workmanship for a period of two (2)years commencing on the
date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or
replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in
material or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only apply
if this product has been operated and maintained in
accordance with the Operator's Manual furnished with the

product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse,

commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance,
alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of
other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the
installation or use of any accessory or attachment not
approved by MTD for use with the product(s) covered by this
manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage.

This warranty is limited to ninety (90) days from the date of
original retail purchase for any MTD product that is used for
rental or commercial purposes, or any other income-

producing purpose.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL

AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER.To locate the dealer in your
area, please check for a listing in the Yellow Pages or contact
the Customer Service Department of MTD SOUTHWEST INC

by calling 1-800-345-8746 or writing to 550 N 54th Street,

Chandler, Arizona 85226 or if in Canada call 1-800-668-1238.

No product returned directly to the factory will be accepted

unless prior written permission has been extended by the
Customer Service Department of MTD SOUTHWEST INC.

This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the
following cases:

A. Wear items - Bump Knobs, Outer Spools, Cutting Line,

Inner Reels, Starter Pulley, Starter Ropes, Drive Belts

B. MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or

exported outside of the United States of America, its
possessions and territories, except those sold through

MTD's authorized channels of export distribution

MTD reserves the right to change or improve the design of

any TrimmerPlus® Product without assuming any obligation
to modify any product previously manufactured.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
applies after the applicable period of express written
warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other
express warranty or guaranty, whether written or oral,
except as mentioned above, given by any person or
entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any
product shall bind MTD. During the period of the

Warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement
of the product as set forth above. (Some states do not

allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitation may not apply to you.)

The provisions as set forth in this Warranty provide the

sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sales. MTD
shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or
damages including, without limitation, expenses
incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care
services, for transportation or for related expenses, or
for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted
product. (Some states do not allow limitations on how long

an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not
apply to you.)

In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the
amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration
of the safety features of the product shall void this Warranty.
You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury
to you and your property and/or to
others and their property arising out of the use or misuse or
inability to use the product.

This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than
the original purchaser, original lessee or the person for
whom it was purchased as a gift.

How State Law Relates to this Warranty: This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

To locate your nearest service dealer dial
1-800-345-8746 in the United States or

1-800-668-I 238 in Canada.

MTD SOUTHWEST INC

550 N. 54th Street

Chandler, AZ 85226 U.S.A.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

FOR QUESTIONS CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S.

OR 1-800-668-1238 IN CANADA

OPERATOR'S MANUAL PART NO. 10415 REV. A

PRINTED IN U.S.A. 8/01