Troy-Bilt LE720 Owner's Manual

769-08196 / 00 05/12

®

Operator’s Manual

Lawn Edger Attachment

LE720

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

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© 2012 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.

DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF
PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.

For assistance regarding the assembly, controls, operation or
maintenance of the unit, please call the Customer Support Department
at 1-800-345-8746 in the United States or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada.
Additional information about the unit can be found on our website:
www.trimmerplus.com (U.S.) or www.trimmerplus.ca (Canada).

For service, please call the Customer Support Department to obtain
a list of authorized service dealers near you. Service on this unit,
both within and after the warranty period, should only be performed
by an authorized and approved service dealer. When servicing, use
only identical replacement parts.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SERVICE

SAFETY

SYMBOL MEANING

WARNING:

Signals a SERIOUS hazard.

Failure to obey a safety WARNING signal CAN result in
serious injury to yourself or to others.

CAUTION:

Signals a MODERATE hazard.

Failure to obey a safety CAUTION signal MAY result in
property damage or injury to yourself or to others.

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.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the

operation or maintenance of the equipment.

DANGER:

Signals an EXTREME hazard.

Failure to obey a safety DANGER signal WILL result in
serious injury or death to yourself or to others.

2

Read the operator’s manual 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.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING

• Carefully read and understand the operator's manual of the unit
that powers this attachment.

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit.

• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs or medication.

• Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be accompanied
and guided by an adult.

• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for
fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all
debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.

• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.

• Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them
outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are
still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.

WHILE OPERATING

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSI Z87.1
standards and are marked as such. Wear 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.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS

• 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
tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the
engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve
any pressure in the tank before fueling.

• Always mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area
where there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke.

• Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting the unit.
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.

• 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 outdoor area.

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

WARNING:

When using the unit, all safety rules must be
followed. Please read these instructions before operating
the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any
bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.

WARNING:

Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors

can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:

3

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in
this manual, should be performed by a qualified service dealer.

• Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or
replacing any parts on the unit:

1. Stop the unit.

2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.

3. Allow the unit to cool.

4. Disconnect the spark plug wire.

• The edger blade becomes very sharp from use. Always wear heavy
gloves when handling, replacing or cleaning the edger blade.

• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank, inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame (pilot lights, etc.) or sparks
(switches, electrical motors, etc.).

• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Store the unit in a dry place, secured or at a height 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 this unit to others, also loan
them these instructions.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• Make sure the attachment is not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.

• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.

• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.

• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take
extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines.

• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not
touch or try to stop moving parts.

• Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do the job.
Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use.

• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit towards you.

• Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at
the intended rate.

• Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or when walking
from one location to another.

• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before
repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.

• Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement
parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any other parts or accessories
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit,
and void the warranty.

• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials that may
become lodged between the edger blade and blade shield.

• If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.

• SAFETY & 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 SYMBOL MEANING

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in
conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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.

• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

WARNING: Thrown objects and loud noise can

cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye
protection meeting current ANSI Z87.1 standards and
ear protection when operating this unit. Use a full face
shield when needed.

• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN
CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING: Small objects can be propelled at high

speed, causing injury. Keep away from the rotating rotor.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children

and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.

• ROTATING BLADE CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING: Stop the engine and allow the blade to

stop before replacing the blade, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Keep hands and feet
away from the rotating blade.

4

Wheel

Hanger

Shaft Housing

Blade Shield

Mud Flap

Depth Adjustment Knob

Edger Blade

Edger Guide

Alignment

Guide

5

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS

As an edger:

• Edging along paths, driveways, rockeries, etc.
Other optional accessories may be used with this unit.

SPECIFICATIONS*

* All specifications 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.

Approximate Unit Weight (attachment only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5 lbs. (1.8 - 2.3 kg)

Cutting Depth (maximum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 in. (63.5 mm)

Wheel Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75 in. (95.25 mm)

NO ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED

ASSEMBLY

6

OPERATING THE COUPLER

The coupler enables the use of various optional attachments.

NOTE: To make installing or removing the attachment easier, place

the unit on the ground or on a work bench.

Installing the Attachment
NOTE: Remove the protective cap and gray spacer from the upper

and lower shafts prior to assembling the attachment.

1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 1).

2. While firmly holding the attachment, push it straight into the
coupler until the release button snaps firmly into the primary
hole (Fig. 3).

NOTE: Aligning the release button with the guide recess will help

installation (Fig. 2).

3. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 1).

For decorative edging with a string trimmer attachment, lock the
release button into the 90° edging hole (Fig. 1).

Removing the Attachment

1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 1).

2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 2).

3. While firmly holding the upper shaft housing, pull the attachment
straight out of the coupler (Fig. 3).

WARNING:

Before using any attachment, read and
understand the manual that came with the attachment.
Follow all safety information contained within.

CAUTION:

Before operating the unit, make sure the
release button is fully snapped into the primary hole (Fig. 3)
and the knob (Fig. 1) is securely tightened.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury and
damage to the unit, shut the unit off before removing or
installing an attachment.

CAUTION:

The release button should be snapped into
the primary hole only. Using the wrong hole could lead to
personal injury or damage to the unit.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 1

Release Button

Guide Recess

90˚ Edging Hole

(Trimmer Only)

Knob

Primary Hole

Lower Shaft

Housing

Upper Shaft

Housing

Coupler

WARNING:

Do not use this attachment with an electric
or battery-powered unit. Doing so could cause the motor
to overheat, resulting in damage to the unit and possible
personal injury.

7

HOLDING THE UNIT

• Stand in the operating position (Fig. 4).

• Hold the shaft grip with the right hand. Keep the right arm
slightly bent.

• Hold the handle with the left hand. Keep the left arm straight.

• Hold the unit at waist level.

• Hold the unit so that it easily contacts the ground without the
need for bending over.

WARNING:

Always wear eye, hearing, hand, foot and
body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating
this unit.

OPERATION

Fig. 4

Fig. 6

ADJUSTING THE CUTTING DEPTH

1. Stop the unit and allow it to cool.

2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.

3. Loosen the depth adjustment knob (Fig. 6).

4. Slide the wheel up or down to the desired height.
NOTE: Lowering the wheel will decrease the cutting depth. Raising

the wheel will increase the cutting depth.

5. Tighten the depth adjustment knob.

6. Reconnect the spark plug wire and continue use.

Depth Adjustment

Knob

Raise

Lower

Fig. 5

Alignment Guide

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Keep the wheel on the sidewalk or pavement.

• To protect the sidewalk or pavement from damage, keep the
edger guide in contact with the edge of the sidewalk or pavement.

• Use the alignment guide to help maintain proper alignment (Fig. 5).

• Keep the blade perpendicular to the ground.

• DO NOT force the unit. Make the first cut no more than 1/2”
deep. Increase the depth by 1/2” and cut the area again. Repeat
this process until the desired depth is achieved. Refer to
Adjusting the Cutting Depth.

• Cut at a slow, even pace.

• Frequently check the condition of the blade. As it wears, the
blade will become smaller, reducing the cutting depth. Replace
the blade as needed. Refer to Replacing the Edger Blade.

8

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or

skills. If you are unsure about these procedures, take the unit to
a qualified service dealer.

MAINTENANCE

REPLACING THE EDGER BLADE

1. Align the output shaft hole with the locking rod slot. Insert the
lock ing rod through the locking rod slot and into the output shaft
hole (Fig. 7).

2. Keep the locking rod in place by holding it next to the shaft
housing (Fig.8).

3. While hold ing the lock ing rod, loosen the lock nut by turning it
clock wise with a 13 mm wrench (Fig. 9).

4. Remove the locking rod. Remove the lock nut, blade retainer
and edger blade (Fig. 10). Keep the lock nut and blade retainer
for installing the new edger blade.

5. Install the new edger blade, blade retainer and lock nut (Fig. 10).

6. Align the output shaft hole with the locking rod slot. Insert the
lock ing rod through the locking rod slot and into the output shaft
hole (Fig. 7).

7. Keep the locking rod in place by holding it next to the shaft
housing (Fig.8).

8. While holding the locking rod, tighten the lock nut by turning it
counterclockwise (Fig. 9). Make sure that the edger blade stays
flat and centered against the output shaft while tightening the
lock nut.

If you have a torque wrench, tighten the lock nut to 325-335
in.•lbs (37-38 N•m).

If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the lock nut with a 13
mm wrench, until the lock nut presses against the blade retainer
and the edger blade is snug. Make sure the edger blade is
installed correctly, then rotate the nut an additional 1/4-1/2 turn.

9. Remove the locking rod.

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Locking Rod

Output Shaft Hole

Locking Rod

Tighten

Output Shaft

Fig. 10

Edger Blade

WARNING:

To prevent serious injury, never perform
maintenance or repairs while the unit is running. Always
allow the unit to cool before servicing or repairing the unit.
Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the unit from
starting accidentally.

WARNING:

Make sure the blade is flat against the
output shaft after the lock nut is tightened. If the blade is
off-cen ter, the unit will be dam aged by vibration, and the
blade may fly off, which can cause serious personal in ju ry.

Locking Rod Slot

Shaft Housing

Loosen

Lock Nut

Blade Retainer

Locking Rod

9

CLEANING AND STORAGE

CLEANING

Use a small brush to clean 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.
Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.

Clean the edger blade with water. Wipe the edger blade with a light
machine oil to prevent rust.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always stop
the unit and allow it to cool before cleaning or maintaining
the unit.

STORAGE

• Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark.

• Allow the engine to cool before storing.

• Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage.

• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.

• Store the unit out of the reach of children.

Short-term Storage (1-2 weeks)

1. Store the unit in a horizontal position. If this is not possible, store
the unit vertically with the engine at the top.

Long-term Storage

1. Remove the fuel cap, tip the unit and drain the fuel into an
approved container. Reinstall the fuel cap.

2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures
that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.

3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5 drops
of any high quality motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope
slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug.

4. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or
damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten
loose screws, nuts or bolts.

Preparing the Unit for Use after Long-term Storage

1. Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder.

NOTE: Do not use fuel that has been stored for more than 30 days.

Dispose of old fuel according to federal, state and local regulations.

10

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

®

The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC (MTD)
with respect to 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 income­producing 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, visit our
website at www.trimmerplus.com or www.trimmerplus.ca, check
for a listing in the Yellow Pages, call 1-800-345-8746 or 1-800-668-
1238 in Canada, or write to P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, OH 44136-

0019. No product returned directly to the factory will be accepted
unless prior written permission has been extended by the Customer
Service Department of MTD.

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

A. Tune-ups - Spark Plugs, Carburetor Adjustments, Filters
B. Wear items - Bump Knobs, Outer Spools, Cutting Line, Inner

Reels, Starter Pulley, Starter Ropes, Drive Belts, Saw Chains,
Guide Bars, Cultivator Tines, Blades.

C. 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 MTD
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 1-800-668-1238 in Canada.

MTD LLC

P.O. Box 361131

Cleveland, OH 44136-0019