Yard Machines MTD308P - Manual (Page 8)

NOTE: The only assembly required for your trimmer is to
install the debris shield and adjust the assist handle.
DEBRIS SHIELD INSTALLATION
1. Position the motor housing with string head carrier fac-
ing up (Figure 1).
2. Place the debris shield (A) on the tube so the holes
align with the slots on the bracket (B). (Figure 2)
3. Install the Shield knob and nut (C) and tighten secure-
ly.
8 7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 1
A
B
Fig. 2
TRIMMER OPERATION
1. TRIMMING / MOWING (Figure 5). 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.
2. CLOSER TRIMMING (Figure 6). Position trimmer
straight ahead with a slight tilt so bottom of stringhead
is above ground level and string contact occurs at
proper cutting point. Always cut away from operator.
Do not pull trimmer in toward operator.
3. FENCE/FOUNDATION TRIMMING. Approach trim-
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.
4. TRIMMING AROUND TREES. Trim around tree trunks
with a slow approach so string does not contact bark.
Walk around the tree trimming from left to right.
Approach grass or weeds with the tip of the string and
tilt stringhead slightly forward.
5. SCALPING 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 prop-
erty.
6. SWEEPING - DO NOT SWEEP WITH TRIMMER
(Figure 7)
STRINGHEAD
1. Use only appropriate MTD replacement accessories.
2. Always clean dirt and debris from the spool and hub
prior to, when the unit is idle, and after performing any
type of maintenance.
C
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 motor hous-
ing and lock into place with cord retainer (B) in Fig. 3
4. Connect the extension cord to the trimmer.
5. Plug the extension cord into a receptacle ONLY when
you are ready to operate the trimmer.
ADJUST THE ASSIST HANDLE
NOTE: The assist handle is attached to the shaft but has
been turned under for packing
1. Loosen adjustment knob and rotate handle to the top
of shaft (Figure 4).
2. Retighten adjustment knob securely.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 3
A
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
B