Controls & Operation - MTD 520 Series Operator's Manual

Controls and Operation
Recoil Starter
520
NOTE: This operator's manual covers several models.
Features may vary by model. Not all features in this
manual are applicable to all models and the model
depicted may differ from yours.
Controls
WARNING! Be familiar with all the
controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and
disengage it quickly.
NOTE: For detailed information on all engine
controls, refer to the Engine Operator's Manual.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
Primer
The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor
and aid in starting the engine. Use it to start a cold
engine, but do not use it to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.
Curb Height Adjustment Lever (IF EQUIPPED)
The curb height adjustment lever is found on the rear
portion of the edger. When placed in an applicable
notch, it aids in stabilizing the edger while edging
grass along a curb.
Blade Control
Located on the upper handle, the blade control must
be depressed against the upper handle in order to
operate the edger. Releasing the blade control stops
the engine and the edger blade.
6
Blade Control
Blade Depth Control Lever
Primer
Blade Depth Control Lever
The blade depth control lever is located on the
right side of the upper handle. It is used to control
the depth of the cut. The further forward the blade
depth control lever is moved, the deeper into the soil
the edger blade will cut.
Bevel Adjustment Lever (IF EQUIPPED)
The bevel adjustment lever is located on the front,
left portion of the edger, behind the edger blade. It
is used to vary the angle of the edger blade between
one of three positions for edging/trenching or
beveled edging.
Operation
Starting the Engine
To start the edger's engine, proceed as follows:
1. Move the blade depth control lever back to the
START position in the adjacent (top) notch.
2. Push the primer three times. See Figure 3-2. Do
not prime to restart a warm engine.
1
4
Recoil Starter
Curb Height
Adjustment Lever
550
Figure 3-1
3
2
Figure 3-2
Blade Control
Blade Depth Control Lever
Primer
NOTE: If you push the primer too many times,
excessive fuel will flood the carburetor and the
engine will be difficult to start.
3. Standing behind the edger, depress the blade
control and hold it against the upper handle
with your left hand.
WARNING! This blade control
mechanism is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation.
4. With your right hand, grasp recoil starter
handle and pull rope slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull with a rapid, continuous, full
arm stroke. See Figure 3-2. Keeping a firm grip
on the starter cord handle, let the rope rewind
slowly. Repeat until engine cranks. Let the
rope rewind each time slowly.
Stopping The Engine
To stop the edger's engine, release the blade control.
Edging
WARNING! The rotating cutting blade
may throw objects and cause personal
injury. Keep the area clear of bystanders
and do not operate it without the guards
in place.
WARNING! Do not lower the blade if it is
over concrete, asphalt, rocks or the like.
The blade can strike the supporting
surface, resulting in personal injury or
property damage.
3
Bevel Adjustment
Lever