MTD MP425, Operator'S Manual

4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before

filling the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or
add fuel when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit
without the fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel
tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.

• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where

there are no sparks or flames. Remove the fuel cap
slowly, and only after the engine stops. Do not smoke
while fueling. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit
immediately. 

• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do

not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling

source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the
area while adding fuel or operating the unit.

WHILE OPERATING

• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or

building. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal.
Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1

standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty.

• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long

sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above
shoulder level.

• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place

while operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not operate
unit without both trimming lines extended, and the
proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line
beyond the length of the shield.

• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains

stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have
the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.

• Adjust the handle to your size in order to provide the

best grip.

• 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. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer
to 

Starting/Stopping Instructions

.

• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended

purpose.

• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and

balance.

• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.

Keep a firm grip on both handles or grips.

• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all

moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it rotates.

• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler.

These parts get extremely hot from operation, even
after the unit is turned off.

• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed

needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not cutting.

• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or

when walking from one cutting 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 loose or damaged parts.

• Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect

the spark plug for maintenance or repair.

• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement

parts and accessories for this unit. These are available
from your authorized service dealer. Use of any
unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to
serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and
void your warranty.

• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.

They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.

• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and

spark arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from
grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Never store a fueled unit inside a building where fumes

may reach an open flame or spark.

• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.

Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to

prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach
of children.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other

liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.
Clean after each use, see 

Cleaning and Storage

instructions.

• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use

them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this
unit, also loan them these instructions.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS