Know Your Unit; Assembly Instructions; Oil And Fuel Information; Starting And Stopping Instructions - MTD YARD-MAN YM71SS Operator's Manual

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS
As a trimmer:
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Edging
• Decorative trimming around trees,
fences, etc.
ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED:
• Phillips #2 Screwdriver
EZ-Link™
Shaft Housing
Line Cutting
Cutting Head Shield
Blade
Cutting Head

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL CUTTING ATTACHMENT SHIELD
WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, never operate the trimmer without the
cutting attachment shield in place.
Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield on the unit
is not installed.
1. Place the cutting head shield onto the guard mount bracket, making
sure to align the holes on the shield with the ones in the guard
mount bracket. (Fig. 1)
2. Take the 2 shield screws and screw each one into the shield until
finger tight.
3. Using an appropriate screw driver, tighten the screws until the shield
is firmly in place.
INSTALL AND ADJUST THE D-HANDLE
1. Push the D-handle down onto the shaft housing (Fig. 2). The
hex bolt hole in the handle should be on the left side.
2. Insert the the bolt into the hex hole in the handle and push
through. Place the washer on the bolt, then screw the wing
nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten until making 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 (Fig. 9), move the D-handle to the location that provides the best
grip.
5. Tighten the wing nut until the D-handle is secure.
OPERATING THE EZ-LINK™ SYSTEM
The EZ-Link™ system enables the use of these optional Add-Ons.
Hedge Trimmer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AH720*
Brushcutter*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC720*
Cultivator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GC720
Edger*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LE720*
Pole Saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PS720
Straight Shaft Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SS725
Turbo Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TB720
* Do NOT use this Add-On with an electric powered unit.
REMOVING THE ADD-ON
1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 5).
2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 3).
3. While firmly holding the upper shaft housing,
pull the lower shaft housing straight out of the
EZ-Link™ coupler (Fig. 4).
INSTALLING THE ADD-ON
NOTE: To make installing or removing the add-on
easier, place the unit on the ground or on a
work bench.
1. Turn knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 5).
2. While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into the EZ-Link™ coupler (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Aligning the release button with the guide recess will help installation (Fig. 3).
3. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 5).
For decorative trimming/edging with the line cutting head, lock the release button
into the 90° hole (Fig. 5).

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

OIL AND FUEL MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel are the main reasons for the unit not running properly. Be sure to use
fresh, clean unleaded fuel. Follow the instructions carefully for the proper fuel/oil mixture.
WARNING:
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will likely
damage this engine and void the warranty.
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 make fuel and oil separate. It
forms acids when stored. When using alcohol-blended fuel, use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old).
Spark Plug
Muffler
Starter Rope Grip
On/Off Control
Air Filter
Cover
Shaft Grip
Throttle Control
D-Handle
Cutting
Head Shield
Fig. 1
Shaft Grip
Shaft Housing
Minimum
6 inches
(15.24 cm
)
Bolt
Fig. 2
EZ-Link™ Coupler Primary Hole
Release
Button
Upper Shaft
Housing
Guide Recess
Fig. 3
90˚ Edging Hole
(Trimmer Only)
Fig. 5
USING BLENDED FUELS
Choke Lever
If choosing to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:
• Always use the fresh fuel mix explained in the operator's manual
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent
• Always agitate the fuel mix before fueling the unit
• Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit
USING FUEL ADDITIVES
CAUTION:
Fuel Cap
reliability, pay strict attention to the oil and fuel mixing
instructions on the 2-cycle oil container. Using improperly
mixed fuel can severely damage the engine.
The bottle of 2-cycle oil contains a fuel additive which will help inhibit
corrosion and minimize the formation of gum deposits. It is
recommended to use our 2-cycle oil with this unit.
If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines
along with a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL Gas Stabilizer or an
equivalent. 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 fuel tank.
Thoroughly mix the proper ratio of 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded fuel in a separate fuel can. Use a
40:1 fuel/oil ratio. Do not mix them directly in the engine fuel tank. See the table for specific gas and oil
mixing ratios.
NOTE: One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded fuel mixed with one 3.2 oz. (95 ml) bottle of 2-cycle oil makes a 40:1
fuel/oil ratio.
Primer Bulb
NOTE: Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to federal, state and local regulations.
WARNING:
the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the
tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a distance from the area.
FUELING THE UNIT
WARNING:
unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
spilled fuel immediately. Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the
engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
1. Turn unit on its side, with the fuel cap facing up, and remove the fuel cap.
2. Place the gas container's spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank and fill the tank.
NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.
WARNING:
area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a
confined area.
WARNING:
starting position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 9). To avoid serious
Screw (2)
injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting.
Guard
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mount
1. Mix fuel with oil. Fill fuel tank with fuel/oil mixture. See Oil and Fuel
Bracket
Mixing Instructions.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean fuel mix. Refer to Fueling the Unit.
NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Control is in the
ON ( I ) position at all times (Fig. 7).
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount
D-Handle
of fuel should be visible in the primer bulb and fuel lines (Fig. 8). If fuel
can not be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is
Tighten
visible.
Wing Nut
4. Place the choke lever in Position 1 (Fig. 8).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 9). Squeeze the throttle control
Washer
lever. Pull the starter rope 5 times.
6. Place the choke lever in Position 2 (Fig. 8)
7. Squeeze the throttle control, pull the starter rope in a controlled motion
3 to 5 times to start engine.
8. Keep the throttle squeezed and allow the engine to warm up for 30 to
60 seconds.
9. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke lever to Position
3 (Fig. 8) and continue warming the engine for an additional 60 seconds.
The unit may be used during this time.
NOTE: Unit is properly warmed up when engine accelerates without hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 8) and continue warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after 2 attempts, place the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the
throttle control. Pull
the starter rope out with a controlled and steady motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start. If not,
repeat.
IF WARM... If the engine is already warm, go back to step 6.
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release the throttle control and allow the engine to cool down by idling.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a complete
stop (Fig. 7).
Lower Shaft
Housing
Fig. 4
Knob
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
For proper engine operation and maximum
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop
Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the
Add fuel in a clean, level and well ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any

STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor
Avoid accidental starting. Make sure you are in the
UNLEADED GAS 2 CYCLE OIL
1 GALLON US 3.2 FL. OZ.
(3.8 LITERS) (95 ml)
1 LITER 25 ml
MIXING RATIO - 40:1
OFF (O)
ON (I)
Throttle
Control
Fig. 7
Choke Lever Primer Bulb
Fig. 8
Starting
Position
Starter
Rope
Fig. 9
3