MTD YM26CS User Manual
Operator’s Manual
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and the
state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that certain internal combustion
engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order,
or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for
regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is
factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires replacement, accessory part #753-04121 Spark Arrestor Screen is available by
contacting the service department at 550 N. 54th STREET, CHANDLER, AZ 85226-2434.
MTD SOUTHWEST INC 550 N. 54TH STREET, CHANDLER, ARIZONA 85226-2434
PRINTED IN U.S.A. Rev1
PART NO. 769-00306 (05/02)
English
Curved Shaft,
4-Cycle Trimmer
Model
YM26CS
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Know Your Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Adjusting the J-Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Oil and Fuel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Starting/Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new trimmer. It will help you assemble, prepare, and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the unit
and copy the information from it to the space provided below. The information on the model
plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized
dealer.
• You can locate the model number by looking on the underside of the engine. A sample model plate is
explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the
equipment in the space below.
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (800)-345-8746, or in Canada 1- (800)-668-1238, to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call.
See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in
order to process your call.
VISIT OUR WEB SITE
Visit our web site at www.yardman.com for more information about our quality Yard Man products, customer
service, parts, tips, literature and more.
Copy the model / parent
part number here:
Copy the serial number here:
SPARK ARRESTOR
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All
U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington
require, by law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be
equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped
and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to
these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is
factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE dealer to install
the accessory part #753-04121 Spark Arrestor.
WARNING!
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.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR
1-800-668-1238 in CANADA
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.
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, 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.
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
3
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
• 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.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace cutting attachment parts
that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.
Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed
and securely fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment
shield is properly attached, and positioned as
recommended. Failure to so can result in personal
injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.
• Use only 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) diameter genuine
manufacturer’s replacement line. Never use metalreinforced line, wire, chain, or rope, etc. These can
break off and become dangerous projectiles.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or
string which can be thrown or become entangled in
the cutting attachment. Clear the area of children,
bystanders and pets. At a minimum, keep all children,
bystanders and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m) radius;
there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should wear eye protection. If you
are approached, stop the engine and cutting
attachment immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all
adjustments or repairs before using unit.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a brushcutter.
Do not attach or operate this unit with any type of
brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS
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, while 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.
• 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.
WHILE OPERATING
• 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.
• 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.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place
while operating the unit. Do not operate unit without
both trimming lines extended, and the proper line
installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the
length of the shield.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have
the unit adjusted by any nonroad engine repair
establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
• Adjust the J-handle to your size to provide the best
grip.
SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Use this tool only for the purpose
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.
• Keep hands, face and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment while it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing, or muffler. These
parts get extremely hot from operation and remain hot
for a short time after turning the engine off.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cut, trim, or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or
while 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. Do
not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate
the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop and switch the engine to OFF for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or other
attachments.
• Use only replacement parts and accessories approved
by the manufacturer for this unit. These are available
from your authorized service dealer. Use of any non
approved parts or accessories could lead to serious
injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and void your
warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or
transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while
transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high
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. 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
5
6
SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
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:
Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss.
Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 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.
• PRIMER BULB
Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 5 to 7 times.
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
• OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the proper type of oil.
7
SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
SYMBOL MEANING
• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without the cutting attachment shield in place.
Keep away from the rotating cutting attachment.
•ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
•ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF OR STOP
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler or cylinder. You may get burned. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. When turned off they remain hot for a short time.
• SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on cutting attachment shield. To prevent serious injury, do
not touch line cutting blade.
• DO NOT USE METAL BLADES
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, do not attach or operate the unit with any
type of metal blade.
• CHOKE CONTROL
A • FULL choke position.
B • PARTIAL choke position.
C • RUN position.
8
SECTION 2: KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
APPLICATIONS
As a trimmer;
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Edging
• Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.
Other optional accessories may be used with the 875r.
See list of add-ons on page 13.
Cutting Attachment
Shield
Fuel Cap
Throttle
Control
J-Handle
Cutting Attachment
Shaft Grip
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
Oil Fill Plug / Dipstick
Air Filter Cover
Engine Feet
Spark Plug
On/Off Stop Control
Shaft Housing
Starter Rope Grip
Line Cutting Blade
Spark Plug
Muffler
Muffler Guard
Spark Arrestor
EZ-Link™Coupler
9
SECTION 3: ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE
4. Tighten the clamp screws evenly, until the J-handle is
secure.
3. While holding the unit in the operating position
(Fig. 3), position the J-handle to the location
that provides you the best grip.
Decal
ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE
1. Loosen the four (4) screws holding the J-handle in
place (Fig. 1). Do not completely remove the screws.
(4) Screws
J-Handle
2. Slide the J-handle in or out until the arrow/white line
on the decal touches the clamp assembly (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
10
SECTION 4: OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
Fig. 4
Funnel Spout
DANGER: OVERFILLING OIL CRANKCASE
MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY!
The importance of checking and maintaining
the proper oil level in the crank case cannot
be overemphasized. Check oil before each
use and change as needed. See Changing
the Oil in the Maintenance and Repair
Instructions section.
RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the
crankcase is extremely important. Check the
oil before each use and change the oil
regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or
using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and
failure.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American
Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.
ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE – INITIAL USE
NOTE: This unit is shipped without being filled with oil. In
order to avoid damage to the unit, put oil in the
crankcase before attempting to start unit.
Your unit is supplied with one 3.4 fluid oz. (100 ml.)
bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 4).
NOTE: Save the bottle to measure the correct amount
for future oil changes. See Changing the Oil in
the Maintenance and Repair Instructions
section.
1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of oil and remove the
paper seal covering the opening. Replace top. Cut
the tip off the funnel spout (Fig. 4).
2. Place the unit on a flat level surface.
3. Remove the oil plug / dipstick from the crankcase
(Fig. 5).
Fig. 6
Oil Fill
NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.
5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall
the oil fill plug/dipstick.
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 6).
RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE
Old fuel is the primary reason for the unit not
running properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean,
unleaded gasoline.
NOTE: This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid
damage to the unit, do not mix oil with
gasoline.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and
oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether).
Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1%
water in the fuel can ruin the fuel or form acids when
stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old), when
using alcohol-blended fuel.
Using Blended Fuels
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is
unavoidable, follow recommended precautions.
• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL®or an equivalent.
• Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit.
Using Fuel Additives
The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL
®
Gas Stabilizer
or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the
formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel additive can keep
fuel from forming harmful deposits in the carburetor for up
to six (6) months. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml.) of fuel additive per
gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the
container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's
gas tank.
Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 5
O-Ring
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