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ADJUSTING THE D-HANDLE

1. Loosen the bolt on the handle just enough to move it (Fig. 2).
2. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 9), move the 

D-handle to the location that provides the best grip.

3. Tighten the bolt until the D-handle is secure. (Fig. 2)

INSTALL CUTTING ATTACHMENT SHIELD

Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield on
your unit is not installed. Use only the instructions that apply to
the type of shaft and shield that your unit is equipped with.
1. Place the cutting head shield onto the guard mount bracket,

making sure to align the holes on the shield with the holes 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. Make sure the screws are tightened
equally so there is a balanced gap between the bracket and
the shield on each side.

3

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS

As a trimmer:
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Edging
• Decorative trimming around trees,

fences, etc.

Throttle Control

D-Handle

Shaft Grip

Air Filter/Muffler

Cover

Spark Plug

Shaft Housing

Starter Rope Grip

Line Cutting

Blade

Muffler

On/Off Control

Cutting

Head

Cutting Head Shield

Fuel Cap

Rapid

Link™

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

Oil Fill Plug

Blue Choke Lever

Primer

Bulb

WARNING: 

Overfilling oil crankcase may cause serious personal injury. Check and maintain the

proper oil level in the crank case; it is important and cannot be overemphasized. Check the oil before
each use and change it as needed. See 

Changing the Oil

.

RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE

Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is
extremely important. Check the oil before each use and change

the oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, can cause
premature engine wear and failure.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute)
service class SF, SG, SH.

ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE: INITIAL USE
NOTE: 

This unit is shipped without oil. In order to avoid damage to the

unit, put oil in the crankcase before you attempt to start the unit.

Your unit is supplied with one 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml) bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG,
SH oil (Fig. 6).

NOTE:

Save the bottle of oil. It can be used to measure the correct

amount during future oil changes. See 

Changing the Oil

.

1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of oil and remove the paper seal covering

the opening. Replace the top. Next, cut the tip off the funnel spout (Fig.
6).

2. Tip unit so that the back of the engine is facing up in a vertical position.
3. Remove the oil fill plug from the crankcase (Fig. 8). 
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 7).

NOTE: 

Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.

5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall the oil fill plug.
Check oil before each use and change as needed. Refer to 

Checking the

Oil Level

.

RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE

Old fuel is the primary reason for improper unit performance. Be sure to use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.

NOTE: 

This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid damage to the unit, 

do not mix oil with gasoline

.

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 or
form acids when stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old), when using alcohol-blended fuel.

Using Blended Fuels

If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:

Funnel

Spout

Fig. 6

Fig. 8

Oil Fill

Plug

O-Ring

Fig. 7

Oil Fill

Hole

WARNING:

Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

WARNING:

Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. 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 at a distance from the area.

OPERATING THE RAPID-LINK™ SYSTEM

The Rapid-Link™ system enables the use of these optional Add-Ons.
Trimmer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AF720
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 Rapid-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 Rapid-Link™

coupler (Fig. 4).

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).

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

To prevent serious personal injury, never operate the trimmer without the

cutting attachment shield in place.

Guide Recess

Fig. 3

Release

Button

Rapid-Link™

Coupler

Upper Shaft

Housing

Lower Shaft

Housing

Primary Hole

Knob

Fig. 5

90˚ Edging Hole

(Trimmer Only)

Fig. 2

Screw (2)

Cutting Head

Shield

Guard

Mount

Bracket

Fig. 1

D-Handle

6 in.

(15.24 cm)

Minimum

Bolt

Fig. 4

TOOLS REQUIRED:

• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• 3/8” Socket

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Check the oil level in the crankcase. Refer to 

Checking the Oil Level

.

2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. Refer to 

Fueling

the Unit

.

NOTE:

There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Stop Control is in

the ON ( I ) position at all times (Fig. 10).

3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 

10

times, slowly. Some

amount of fuel should be visible in the primer bulb (Fig. 11). If fuel
cannot be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is
visible.

4. Move the choke lever to 

Position 1

(Fig. 11).

5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 12). 

SQUEEZE and HOLD the

throttle control for ALL further steps.

Pull the starter rope 

5

times. 

6.

Continue to squeeze the throttle control.

Move the choke lever to

Position 2

(Fig. 11).

7.

Continue to squeeze the throttle control.

Pull the starter rope 

3-5

times to start the engine.

8.

Continue to squeeze the throttle control.

Allow the engine to warm up for 30-60 seconds.

9.

Continue to squeeze the throttle control.

Move the choke lever to 

Position 3

(Fig. 11).

10. C

ontinue to squeeze the throttle control.

Run the unit for an additional 60 seconds to complete the

warm-up. The unit may be used during this step.

NOTE:

The unit is properly warmed up when the engine accelerates without hesitation.

IF...

the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to 

Position 2

and continue the warm-up.

IF...

the engine does not start, go back to step 3.

IF...

the engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the choke lever to 

Position 3

and squeeze the

throttle control. Pull the starter rope 

3-8

times. The engine should start. If not, repeat.

IF THE ENGINE IS HOT...

Move the choke lever to 

Position 2

, press the primer bulb 

10 

times,

squeeze the throttle control and pull the starter rope until the unit starts. Run the unit for 2-5
minutes. The unit may be used during this time. Then move the choke lever to 

Position 3

.

• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline 
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent
• Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit

USING FUEL ADDITIVES

The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL® Gas Stabilizer or an
equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel additive can
keep fuel from forming harmful deposits in the carburetor for up to six (6) months. 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 gas tank. 

FUELING THE UNIT

1. Remove the fuel cap (Fig. 9).
2. Place the gas container’s spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank (Fig. 9) 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. 

NOTE:

Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Starter

Rope

Starting Position

Throttle

Control

Fig. 12

Fig. 11

Primer Bulb

Choke Lever

Gas Can Spout

Fig. 9

WARNING:

Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel

spray. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

Fuel Tank

Fuel Cap

WARNING:

DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT.

It has

been proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol
will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.

WARNING:

Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor

area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a
confined area.

WARNING:

Avoid accidental starting. Make sure you are in

the starting position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 22). To
avoid serious injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable
position while starting. Make sure that any Add-On item is
installed correctly and secure before starting the unit.

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Release your hand from the throttle control. Allow the engine to cool down by idling.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Stop Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a

complete stop (Fig. 10).

Fig. 10

ON (I)

OFF (O)

Throttle

Control

Summary of Contents for MP479

Page 1: ...engths of cutting line are of equal length Place the shield onto the mount bracket Securely screw the 2 shield screws through the holes on the mount bracket and into the shield Make sure the screws ar...

Page 2: ...utting location to another If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object stop the engine immediately and check for damage Do not operate before repairing damage Do not operate the unit with...

Page 3: ...ce 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 Rapid Link coupler Fig 4 NOTE Aligning the release...

Page 4: ...ngine repair establishment individual or authorized service dealer NOTE Maintenance replacement or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any non road engine repair esta...

Page 5: ...ts such as kerosene can damage plastic housing or handle Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth STORAGE Never store the unit with fuel in the tank where fumes may reach an open flame or spark Allow t...

Page 6: ...trangleur en position 3 Placez le levier d trangleur en Position 2 Tirez de 3 5 fois sur le cordon de d marrage En maintenant la pression sur la commande des gaz faites tourner l appareil pendant 30 6...

Page 7: ...btenez la liste des concessionnaires agr s appelez le 1 800 800 7310 aux tats Unis ou le 1 800 668 1238 au Canada Pour de plus amples informations propos de votre appareil visitez www mtdproducts com...

Page 8: ...ilencieux Commande Marche Arr t Accessoire de coupe Protecteur d accessoire de coupe Bouchon du carburant Rapid Link Bouchon de remplissage Levier d trangleur Poire d amor age Lame de coupe Renfonceme...

Page 9: ...nations d oxyde de carbone dans un endroit confin peuvent tre mortelles AVERTISSEMENT vitez tout d marrage accidentel Tenez vous en position de d marrage lorsque vous tirez sur la corde de d marrage F...

Page 10: ...po lb vitez de trop serrer MISE EN GARDE vitez de sabler gratter ou nettoyer les lectrodes car de la salet dans le moteur pourrait endommager le cylindre Fig 33 0 635 mm 0 025 po NETTOYAGE Nettoyez l...

Page 11: ...rranque de 3 a 5 veces Asegur ndose de mantener el regulador oprimido haga funcionar la unidad durante 30 a 60 segundos para calentarla 3 a 5 X Palanca del obturador Siga oprimiendo el control del reg...

Page 12: ...sado enfermo o bajo los efectos del alcohol drogas o medicamentos Los ni os y los adolescentes menores de 15 a os no deben operar las unidades excepto por los adolescentes guiados por un adulto Inspec...

Page 13: ...de aceite Anillo en O Tap n del aceite Fig 7 APPLICATIONS Utilisation comme d sherbeuse Coupe d herbe et de mauvaises herbes l g res Coupe de bordures Tailler autour des arbres des cl tures etc Rapid...

Page 14: ...ION Para evitar un desgaste excesivo del motor y el da o de la unidad mantenga siempre el nivel de aceite correcto en el c rter del cig e al No opere nunca la unidad con el aceite debajo del extremo i...

Page 15: ...re y el ajuste del tornillo de velocidad m nima debe resolver la mayor a de los problemas del motor Si esto no sucede y El motor no funciona en m nima El motor fluct a o se ahoga al acelerarlo Existe...

Page 16: ...eur marchande ou d adaptation une fin particuli re ne s applique apr s la p riode applicable de garantie expresse crite ci dessus concernant les pi ces qui sont identifi es Aucune autre garantie ou ca...

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