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If it requires replacement, accessory part #753-04121 Spark Arrestor Screen is available by contacting the service department at 550 N. 54th STREET, CHANDLER, AZ 85226-2434. MTD SOUTHWEST INC 550 N. 54TH STREET, CHANDLER, ARIZONA 85226-2434 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire.
SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS WARNING: When using the unit the safety rules must be followed. For your own safety and that of bystanders please read these instructions before operating the unit. Please keep the instructions safe for later use.
SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION • 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.
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SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION SAFETY AND 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 •...
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SECTION 1: RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION SYMBOL MEANING • THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY WARNING: Do not operate without the cutting attachment shield in place. Keep away from the rotating cutting attachment. • ON/OFF STOP CONTROL ON / START / RUN •...
SECTION 2: KNOW YOUR TRIMMER APPLICATIONS As a trimmer; • Cutting grass and light weeds. • Edging • Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc. Other optional accessories may be used with the 875r. See list of add-ons on page 13.
SECTION 3: ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE 1. Loosen the four (4) screws holding the J-handle in place (Fig. 1). Do not completely remove the screws. (4) Screws Fig. 1 2. Slide the J-handle in or out until the arrow/white line on the decal touches the clamp assembly (Fig.
SECTION 4: OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION DANGER: OVERFILLING OIL CRANKCASE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY! The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in the crank case cannot be overemphasized. Check oil before each use and change as needed. See Changing the Oil in the Maintenance and Repair Instructions section.
SECTION 4: OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION FUELING UNIT WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. To avoid serious personal injury, always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames away from the area.
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SECTION 5: STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS 6. Squeeze the throttle control to the wide open (full throttle) position. 7. With the unit in the starting position (Fig. 10) pull the starter rope briskly 5 times in the FULL choke (A) position. If the engine attempts to run before the fifth pull, proceed to step 8.
The Bump Head™ cutting attachment allows you to release trimming line without stopping the engine. To release more line, lightly tap the cutting attachment on the ground (Fig. 14) while operating the trimmer at high speed. NOTE: Always keep the trimming line fully extended.
SECTION 6: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS DECORATIVE TRIMMING Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation around trees, posts, fences, etc. Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting attachment is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 15). SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills.
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS LINE INSTALLATION FOR THE SPEEDSPOOL Always use genuine Ryobi 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) replacement line. Line other than specified may make the engine overheat or fail. WARNING: Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, or rope, etc. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
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SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS 7. Repeat procedures 4-6 with the second piece of line. 8. Hold the outer spool. Wind the inner reel counterclockwise until approximately four (4) inches (102 mm) of line remain (Fig. 20). NOTE: Do not wind the inner reel before installing the second piece of line.
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SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS ® CLEANING THE SPEEDSPOOL ® Cleaning the SpeedSpool may be necessary: • To remove jammed or excess line, or ® • If the SpeedSpool becomes difficult to wind or does not operate correctly when bumping the head on the ground.
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL CAUTION: To prevent extensive engine wear and damage to the unit, always maintain the proper oil level in the crankcase. Never operate the unit with the oil level below the bottom of the dipstick.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE Cleaning the Air Filter WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn your trimmer off and allow it to cool before you clean it or do any maintenance on it. Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation.
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS 5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil (Fig. 36). Fig. 35 6. Replace the filter (Fig. 35). NOTE: If the unit is operated without the air filter, you will VOID the warranty. Back Plate Slots Fig.
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS ROCKER ARM CLEARANCE This requires disassembly of the engine. If you feel unsure or unqualified to perform this, take the unit to an authorized service center. NOTE: Inspect the valve to rocker arm clearance with a feeler gauge after the first 10 hours of operation and then every 25 hours of operation thereafter.
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SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS 9. Slide the feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve return spring. Measure the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm (Fig 42). Do both intake and exhaust valves. Rocker Arms Feeler Gauge Gasket Fig.
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG Use only genuine MTD spark plugs. The correct air gap is 0.025 in. (0.655 mm.). Remove the plug after every 50 hours of operation and check its condition. 1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.
SECTION 8: CLEANING AND STORAGE CLEANING WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always turn your trimmer off and allow it to cool before you clean or do any maintenance on it. Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents.
SECTION 9: TROUBLESHOOTING ENGINE WILL NOT START C A U S E Ignition switch is OFF Empty fuel tank Primer bulb wasn't pressed enough Engine flooded Old gasoline Fouled spark plug ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE C A U S E Air filter is plugged Old gasoline Improper carburetor adjustment...
• You are responsible for presenting your small off-road engine to a MTD authorized service center as soon as problem exists. The warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days.
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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...
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