TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON YARD MACHINES GRASS TRIMMER
For two years from the date of purchase, when this grass trimmer is used and maintained according
to the operator’s manual, Yard Machines will repair any defect in material for workmanship free of
charge.
If this grass trimmer is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days
from the date of purchase.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THIS GRASS TRIMMER TO THE NEAREST
MTD REPAIR DEALER.
This warraanty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your atten
tion 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
give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention
measures.
SYMBOLMEANING
SAFETY ALERT:
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.
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.
. The instructions or warnings they
Indicates
danger,
warning or
-
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-668-1238
SYMBOLMEANING
DANGER:
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:
result in injury to yourself and others.
Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
CAUTION:
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.
Failure to obey a
safety warning will
Failure to obey a
safety warning can
Failure to obey a
safety war
ning may
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING
When using the
WARNING:
Please read these instructions before operating the unit in or
of the operator and any bystanders. Please
keep these instructions for later use.
• 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 befor
•
Make sur
Replace par
any way
aged par
e all fasteners ar
ts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in
. Do not operate the unit with loose or dam
ts.
e use. Replace damaged par
e in place and secur
unit, safety r
der to ensur
e the safety
ules.
e.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit.
Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as
glass, wire, etc.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a
minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 feet (15m.) radius; there still may be a risk to
bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders should be
encouraged to wear eye protection. If you are
approached, stop the unit immediately.
ts.
-
21
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE RECOMMENDATIONS
V
OLTS
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
WIRE SIZE
REQUIRED
120
25 feet / 7.5m18 A.W.G.*
50 feet / 15m16 A.W.G.*
100 feet / 30m16 A.W.G.*
*American Wire Gauge
PLEASE READ - SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic pr
should always be followed to assure maximum safety and
optimum performance. Read this manual before assembling and operating this appliance. Failure to comply with
instructions may result in electrical shock, burns, fire, or
personal injury.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, BURNS, FIRE OR PERSONAL
INJURY:
1.FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS listed in
this manual before/during operation of this trimmer.
2.TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK this
equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the extension cord, reverse the plug. Do not change
the plug in any way.
3.INSPECT UNIT FOR DAMAGE to the housing or
plug. Keep all fasteners tight. Do not use if the trigger
does not turn the unit off properly. Never use unit if
cord or plug has been damaged, the motor or unit
itself is not working as it should or has been dropped,
damaged, left outdoors or dropped in water. Never
operate with any air opening blocked. Keep air openings free of debris that may reduce air flow. Replace
damaged parts that are chipped, cracked or damaged in any way. Keep cutter knife sharp.
4.DOUBLE INSULATED to help protect against
electric shock. Double insulation construction
consists of 2 separate “layers” of electric insulation.
Appliances built with this insulation system ar
intended to be gr
cord used with your unit can be plugged into any
conventional 120 volt electrical outlet. Nor
ecautions must be obser
pr
electrical appliance. The double insulation system is
only for added pr
a possible inter
5.
EXTENSION CORD - Use only with an extension
cord intended for outdoor use. Match wire gauge to
the cor
out a ground connection may be used since this
appliance is double insulated. If in doubt of pr
wir
that the smaller the gauge number
cor
d length. See table below
e size, use the next heavier gauge. Please note
d.
ounded. As a r
otection against injur
nal electrical insulation failur
esult, the extension
ved when operating an
esulting from
y r
. A 2-wir
, the heavier the
ecautions
e not
mal safety
e.
d with
e cor
oper
Table 1
(1). When using the appliance, an extension cord of ade-
quate size must be used for safety and to prevent
loss of power and overheating.
(2). The extension cord must be specifically intended for
outdoor use and marked “SJ” or “SJT” and with the
suffix “WA”. In Canada, the extension cord must be
marked “SFTW”.
(3). Inspect extension power cord for loose or exposed
wires and damaged insulation. If damaged, replace
before using appliance.
DO NOT ABUSE CORD - Never carry appliance by
cord or pull cord to disconnect from outlet. Keep cord
clear of operator and obstacles at all times. Do not
expose cord to heated surfaces, oil or water. Do not
pull cord around sharp edges, corners or close door
on cord.
6.NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE - Your dou-
ble insulated appliance has no serviceable parts
inside. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. For service information, contact the Yard Machines Product
Service Department listed on the back cover of this
User Manual.
RISK OF EYE INJURY - Always wear goggles or
7.
other suitable eye protection when operating your
trimmer. Edging increases the risk of injury caused by
flying debris. Always keep bystanders at a safe dis
tance.
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY from rotating line.
8.
Do not operate without debris shield attached.
9.DRESS PROPERLY - Always wear long pants, shoes
and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot.
10. KEEP AREA CLEAR - Keep everyone, especially
children and pets away from the area of operation 50
feet (15m). Turn off unit immediately if you are
-
approached. Never allow children to operate the
appliance to be used as a toy or to run unattended at
any time.
11. AVOID A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT - Do not
use in the presence of flammable liquids or gases,
smoking or burning materials to avoid creating a fire
or explosion. Never operate the trimmer in wet or
damp conditions or around swimming pools, hot tub,
etc. Do not use in rain. Do not handle plug, cord or
appliance with wet hands.
-
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
12. USE APPLIANCE CORRECTLY - Use this appliance
only for its intended use as described in this manual.
DO NOT SWEEP WITH TRIMMER - Sweeping refers
to tilting stringhead to sweep away debris from walkways, etc. Y
stones or other such debris may be hurled 50 feet or
more, causing injury or damage to nearby property
such as automobiles, homes and windows. Inspect
area before starting the appliance to remove debris
and other objects that can cause damage during
operation.
DO NOT USE ACCESSORIES or attachments
13.
except as recommended and provided by Yard
Machines. Do not use any type of wire or metal cutting line.
DO NOT OVERREACH - Keep firm footing and bal-
14.
ance at all times.
15.
AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING - Do not carry
plugged in trimmer with your finger on the switch.
DISCONNECT trimmer from power supply when not
16.
in use and before servicing stringhead.
17. STORE idle trimmer indoors. Appliance should be
stored in a dry, high or locked up place - out of the
reach of children.
18. Don’t grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting
edges when picking up or holding the appliance.
Don’t force appliance - it will do the job better and
19.
witth less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for
which it was designed.
our trimmer is a powerful tool and small
EXPLANATION OF NOTE, WARNING, and
WARRANTY SYMBOL
1.A NOTE is used to convey additional information, or
highlight a particular explanation, or to expand a step
instruction.
2.A WARNING identifies a procedure which, if not
undertaken or if improperly done, can result in a serious personal injury or damage to the unit and/or
both.
3.(
4.
WARRANTY SYMBOL) serves notice that
unless instructions or procedures are followed, any
damage will void the warranty and repairs will be at
owner’s expense. Service other than user maintenance should be performed by a Yard Machines
Authorized Service Center. Damage or conditions
caused by improper maintenance practices which
render this product inoperable will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
FOR WARRANTY OR SERVICE contact the nearest
Yard Machines Authorized Service Center by calling
800# on back cover.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
43
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and inter
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
national symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
SYMBOLMEANING
• 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 HEAD, 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. Falling objects can
cause severe head injury. Wear head
protection when operating this unit.
Use a full face shield when needed.
bystanders, and animals 50 feet
(15meters) away. If approached stop
unit immediately.
DANGER: Objects thrown up by
machine.
• DO NOT USE BLADES
WARNING: To prevent serious
personal injury, do not attach or
operate the unit with any type
of blade.
KNOW YOUR UNIT
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
REAR HANDLE
SAFETY SWITCH
POWER CORD
ON/OFF TRIGGER
ASSIST HANDLE
SHAFT ADJUSTMENT
BUTTON
ADJUSTABLE SHAFT
CORD RET
EDGER CONVERSION
BUTTON
AINER
EDGE GUIDE
WHEEL
STRING HEAD
AIR OPENINGS
DEBRIS SHIELD
EDGE GUIDE WING NUT
NYLON LINE
65
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: The only assembly required for your trimmer is to
install the edge guide wheel, debris shield and adjust the
assist handle.
EDGE GUIDE WHEEL INSTALLATION
1.Position the edge guide wheel (A) to the front of the
motor housing as shown in Fig. 1.
2.Tighten the wing nut (B) firmly. (Fig. 2)
A
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
C
C
Fig. 2
DEBRIS SHIELD INSTALLATION
1.
Position the motor housing with string head car
facing up. (Fig. 3)
2.Slide debris shield over motor housing.
3.
Secur
e it with 4 screws (C). (Fig. 4)
B
Fig. 4
rier
7
ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
ADJUST SHAFT LENGTH
1.Grip shaft firmly.
2.Push shaft release button (A) and move motor hous-
orward or backward to desired length. (Fig. 5)
ing f
NOTE: Shaft may be adjusted in trimming or edging mode.
A
Fig. 5
EDGING CONVERSION
1.Grip shaft firmly.
2.Push edge button (B) and rotate handle assembly
until an audible click is heard. (Fig. 6 & Fig. 7)
3.Adjust assist handle as required.
ADJUST THE ASSIST HANDLE
NOTE: The assist handle is attached to the shaft but has
been turned under for packing
Loosen adjustment knob and rotate handle to the top
1.
of shaft (Fig. 8).
Tighten adjustment knob securely.
2.
Fig. 8
STARTING
1.Before starting the grass-trimmer for the first time,
check that the nylon line touch or pass over the linecutting blade. If they are not long enough, press the
bump knob and, at the same time, pull the nylon line.
(Fig. 9).
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
B
Fig. 9
2.Connect the correct extension cord to the string trimmer power cord per the instructions in Section 5-1
Connect the cord.
immer and position of
ass tr
e sure the length of g
Mak
3.
assist handle is most applicable before use, adjust the
ass trimmer by pressing the shaft adjust-
length of g
ment b
loosening the adjustment knob.
8
r
utton, adjust the height of assist handle b
r
y
ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS
4.Take a secure hold of the grass trimmer and, without
letting it touch the g
switch, then press the trigger on the upper handgrip.
Let the grass trimmer run for a few seconds and
“bump” the stringhead against the lawn. Nylon line will
automatically release. The cut-off blade in the debris
shield will trim off excess line.
5.To switch off the string trimmer let go of the switch.
CAUTION:
so, to improve its operation on subsequent
occasions, bump the stringhead lightly on the
ground while the trimmer is running.(Fig 10)
These operations should be repeated a few times before
starting work to make sure that everything is functioning
properly and to familiarize yourself with the grass trimmer.
Start off slowly, when you have gained experience, you will
be able to use the grass trimmer to its full potential.
rass to be cut, push up the safety
A short or worn line
cuts less efficiently
B
Fig. 10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CONNECT THE CORD
1.Ensure the cord is NOT plugged into a receptacle
before this procedure.
2.Make a loop with 8″ - 10″ (20 - 25cm) of the end of the
extension cord.
3.Place the loop into the slot (A) under the rear handle
and lock into place on the cord retainer (B) as shown
in Figure 11.
Connect the e
4.
cord.
Plug the extension cord into a receptacle ONLY when
5.
ou are ready to oper
y
xtension cord to the tr
ate the tr
immer
immer power
.
A
TRIMMER OPERATION
1.TRIMMING / MOWING (Fig.12). Swing trimmer with a
sickle-like motion from side to side. Do not tilt the
stringhead during the procedure. Test area to be
trimmed for proper cutting height. Keep stringhead at
same level for even depth of cut.
Fig. 12
Fig. 11
B
910
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.CLOSER TRIMMING (Fig. 13). Position trimmer
aight ahead with a slight tilt so bottom of stringhead
str
is above ground level and string contact occurs at
proper cutting point. Always cut away from operator.
Do not pull trimmer in toward operator.
FENCE/FOUNDATION TRIMMING. Approach trim-
3.
ming around chain link fences, picket fences, rock
walls and foundations slowly to cut close without whipping string against the barrier. If the string comes in
contact with rock, brick walls, or foundations, it will
break or fray. If string snags fencing, it will snap off.
TRIMMING AROUND TREES. Trim around tree
4.
trunks with a slow approach so string does not contact
k. Walk around the tree trimming from left to right.
bar
Approach grass or weeds with the tip of the string and
tilt stringhead slightly forward.
5.SCALPING (Fig. 14). Scalping refers to removal of all
vegetation down to the ground. To do this, tilt the
stringhead to about a 30 degree angle to the left. By
adjusting the handle you will have better control during this operation. Always keep a distance of 50 feet
(15 meters) from other people and animals when
scalping. Do not attempt this procedure if there is any
chance flying debris could injure operator, other people or cause damage to property.
OPERATING AS AN EDGER (Fig. 15). With the unit
6.
configured as an edger, hold it so the motor is to your
left side so that debris is thrown to the rear. Always
use eye protection.
7.SWEEPING - DO NOT SWEEP WITH TRIMMER (Fig.
16)
8.DO NOT BUMP TRIMMER ON CONCRETE. This can
damage the stringhead (Fig. 17).
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 13
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
REPLACE THE SPOOL OF NYLON LINE
1.Unplug the trimmer.
2.Remove the spool assembly from the trimmer. To do
so, hold the outer ribbed part of the assembly with one
hand, while pushing down and turning the spool head
with the other to unlock it. (Fig. 18 & Fig. 19) The spool
carrier and spool will now disassemble easily.
NOTE: There is a spring inside the spool head that
could easily be lost. Ensure that it is put in a safe
place.
Fig. 20
A
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
3.Remove the clear plastic line retaining ring. Remove
any existing line from the spool.
Using 0.065" replacement line measure off appro
4.
mately 14' of line
equal lengths and place loop in slot of the spool
divider (Fig.
Wind the line onto the spool by turning the spool. The
5.
line should go on in the direction of the arrow (A) on
the spool (Fig.
around the spool. The line is wound with each half
separated by the divider. Tightly wind it until there is
about 6" of line left (Fig. 22).
. Double over the cutter line into two
20).
Line should be wrapped tightly
21).
xi
Fig. 21
-
Fig. 22
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
6.Lock the ends of the line in opposite slots on the spool
(Fig. 23).Place the clear plastic line retainer back over
the line and spool (Fig.
wer slot in the clear plastic line retainer (Fig. 25).
the lo
24). Pull the lower line up into
Pull the upper line down into the upper slot (Fig. 26).
Fig. 23
7.Insert the line through each eyelet in the spool carrier
and slide the spool into the carrier. (Fig. 27)
NOTE: Ensure that the line is within the clear plastic
line retainer. If it's outside of the clear plastic line
retainer, the line will not feed.
8.Make sure to insert the spring, assemble the spool
and spool carrier back onto the trimmer. To do so,
push the head on and turn it clockwise until it locks.
(Fig. 28 and Fig. 29)