Yard Machines 41AD-280G000 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Curved Shaft,
2-Cycle Trimmer
Model
41AD-280G000
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrestor is installed on this unit. A replacement spark arrestor for the muffler
is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, 550 N. 54th Street, Chandler,
Arizona 85226-2434.
MTD SOUTHWEST INC 550 N. 54TH STREET, CHANDLER, ARIZONA 85226-2434
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10506
PART NO. 10316 rev. A (12/00)
English
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices .................................................................... 3-5
Assembling Your Trimmer .................................................................................... 6
Know Your Trimmer.............................................................................................. 7
Operating Your Trimmer ....................................................................................... 8
Making Adjustments ............................................................................................ 12
Maintaining Your Trimmer .................................................................................... 13
Off-Season Storage ............................................................................................. 16
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................... 17
Parts List .............................................................................................................. 18
Warranty............................................................................................................... 22
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 bottom side of the shaft housing next to the
shaft grip. 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.
Copy the model / parent
part number here:
Copy the serial number here:
3
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
This Symbol Points Out Important Safety Information Which, If Not Followed, Could Endanger The
Personal Safety And/or Property Of Yourself And Others. Read And Follow All Instructions In This
Manual Before Attempting To Operate Your Trimmer. Failure To Comply With These Instructions May
Result In Personal Injury. When You See This Symbol–Heed Its Warning.
DANGER: Your unit was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious personal injury. This trimmer is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to
observe the following instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING
• 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 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
metal-reinforced line, wire, chain, or rope, etc.
These can break off and become a dangerous
projectile.
• 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.
• 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, 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.
• 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 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.
4
• This unit does not have a clutch. The cutting
attachment continues to rotate when the engine
is idling. To prevent injury, have the unit adjusted
by an authorized service technician.
• Adjust the D-Handle to your size to provide the
best grip.
• 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. Only use this tool 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 when it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler.
These parts get extremely hot from operation.
When turned off they remain hot for a short time.
• 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 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. 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
WARNING – YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons
who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
• 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
Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye protection
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear protection when operating this unit.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.
5
• 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.
• THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
Do not operate unit without proper attachments and guards in place.
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF OR STOP
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler, cylinder or gearbox. 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 BLADES
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, do not attach or operate the unit with any type of
blade.
• CHOKE CONTROL
A • FULL choke position.
B • PARTIAL choke position.
C • RUN position.
WARNING: The operation of any power tool can cause foreign objects to be thrown into
your eyes. This can lead to severe eye damage. Before commencing power tool operation,
always wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards,
and a full face shield when needed.
6
Figure 4
Installing and Adjusting the D-Handle
NOTE: The bolt, washer and wing nut need to be
removed from the D-handle before installing.
1. Push the D-handle down onto the shaft housing
so that the handle slants towards the shaft grip.
The squared bolt hole in the handle is to the right.
See Figure 1.
2. Insert the shoulder bolt into the squared hole in
the handle. Place the washer on the bolt, and
screw the wing nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten
until you make the handle adjustment.
3. Rotate the D-handle to place the grip above the
top of the shaft housing. Place it a minimum of 6
inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip.
4. While holding the unit in the operating position,
position the D-handle to the location that provides
you the best grip. See Figure 2.
5. Tighten the wing nut until the D-handle is secure.
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TRIMMER
Installing the Cutting Attachment Shield
Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield on your unit is not installed.
WARNING: Never operate the trimmer
without the cutting attachment shield in
place to prevent serious personal injury.
1. Place the cutting attachment shield onto the shaft
housing above the clamp assembly, See Figure 3.
2. Push the cutting attachment shield down to the
top of the cutting attachment assembly and then
rotate the cutting attachment shield until the
screw holes align and the guard fits into the
recessed pocket. See Figure 3.
3. Install the four (4) screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Tighten securely. See Figure 4.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Bolt
Washer
Wing Nut
Tighten
Shaft Grip
D-Handle
Minimum 6 inches
(15.24 cm)
Shaft Housing
Cutting
Attachment
Shield
Cutting
Attachment
(4) Screws
Shaft Housing
Clamp
7
Figure 5
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR TRIMMER
Primer Bulb
Choke Control
Air Filter/
Muffler Cover
Spark
Plug
Muffler
On/Off Stop
Control
STOP/OFF (O)
START/ON (I)
Throttle
Control
Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before
operating your trimmer. Compare illustrations in
Figure 5 with your trimmer to familiarize yourself with
the location of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.
Application
Use this unit for cutting grass and light weeds. Also
for edging and decorative trimming around trees,
fences, etc.
Throttle Control
The throttle control trigger is located below shaft grip.
It controls the engine speed. See Figure 5.
On/Off Stop Control
The On/Off Stop control switch is located on the left
side mounting bracket. It is used to turn the unit on
and off. The switch must be in the START position to
start the unit. See Figure 5.
Choke Control
The choke control is located above the air filter/muffler
cover. It is used to enrich the fuel mixture when starting
a cold engine. See Figure 5.
Primer Bulb
The primer bulb is located to the left of the air
filter/muffler cover. It is used to draw fuel into the
carburetor when starting a cold engine or after
refueling the unit. See Figure 5.
Shaft Grip and D-Handle
Used to grip the unit during operation. See Figure 5.
Cutting Attachment Shield
Protects operator from thrown debris. Contains line
cut-off blade to make sure the line is not extended
beyond its proper length. Cutting attachment shield
must be installed at all times when using the cutting
attachment. See Figure 5.
Cutting Attachment
Consists of a reel housing, reel, spring, Bump Knob,
and cutting line. See Figure 5.
Cutting Attachment
Shield
Fuel Cap
D-Handle
Cutting Attachment
Shaft Grip
Shaft
Housing
Line Cutting Blade
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