MTD 890 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

C
Chris MorrisonJul 30, 2025
Why won't my MTD 890 Trimmer engine start?
- P
  Patricia ShannonJul 30, 2025
  If your MTD Trimmer engine won't start, it could be due to several reasons. First, ensure the fuel tank is filled with fresh fuel. If the primer bulb wasn't pressed enough, press it fully and slowly 10 times. If the engine is flooded, squeeze the trigger and pull the starter rope. Old fuel can also be a culprit, so drain the tank and add fresh fuel. Lastly, a fouled spark plug can prevent starting, so replace or clean it.
T
Troy CampbellAug 5, 2025
What to do if my MTD 890 Trimmer engine lacks power or stalls?
- G
  Gabrielle KelleyAug 5, 2025
  If your MTD Trimmer engine lacks power or stalls, old fuel may be the cause; drain the fuel tank and add fresh fuel. Another potential cause is an improperly adjusted carburetor, which requires adjustment by an authorized service dealer. Additionally, a fouled spark plug can lead to these issues, so try replacing or cleaning it.
J
Jacob HernandezAug 10, 2025
How to fix low idle speed on my MTD 890 Trimmer?
- D
  Dr. Dana Silva DVMAug 10, 2025
  If your MTD Trimmer engine will not idle or has a low idle speed, the air filter might be plugged, so replace or clean it. Old fuel can also cause this issue, so drain the fuel tank and add fresh fuel. Another potential reason is an improper carburetor adjustment, so adjust it according to the Carburetor Adjustments section.
N
Nancy StevensAug 17, 2025
What to do if the cutting attachment on my MTD 890 Trimmer will not advance?
- J
  Jessica WebbAug 17, 2025
  If the cutting attachment on your MTD Trimmer will not advance, it could be due to several reasons. The cutting attachment might be bound with grass, so stop the engine and clean the cutting attachment. If the cutting attachment is out of line, refill it with a new line. An inner reel bound up may also be the cause, so rewind or replace the inner reel. A dirty cutting head can prevent advancement, so clean the inner reel and outer spool. If the line is welded, disassemble it, remove the welded section, and rewind. If the line is twisted when refilled, disassemble and rewind the line. Finally, if not enough line is exposed, push the bump knob and pull out the line until 4 inches (102 mm) of line is outside of the cutting attachment.
R
rachaelsextonAug 23, 2025
Why does my MTD Trimmer engine not accelerate?
- R
  Rebecca DonaldsonAug 25, 2025
  If your MTD Trimmer engine will not accelerate, old fuel may be the cause; drain the fuel tank and add fresh fuel. An improperly adjusted carburetor can also prevent acceleration, in this case take the trimmer to an authorized service dealer for adjustment. Another reason may be that the cutting attachment is bound with grass, so stop the engine and clean the cutting attachment. Finally, a dirty air filter can restrict performance, so clean or replace the air filter.

MTD 890 Specifications

General

Brand	MTD
Model	890
Category	Trimmer
Language	English

Summary

Know Your Unit

Parts Description (Figs. 1-3)

Lists and describes the individual components of the MTD 890 unit.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 7-9)

Details components related to figures 7 through 9.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 10-13)

Details components related to figures 10 through 13.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 14-16)

Details components related to figures 14 through 16.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 17-19)

Details components related to figures 17 through 19.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 20-22)

Details components related to figures 20 through 22.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 27-29)

Details components related to figures 27 through 29.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Fig. 34)

Details components related to figure 34.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 36-40)

Details components related to figures 36 through 40.

Parts Description (Figs. 41-43)

Details components related to figures 41 through 43.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 44-47)

Details components related to figures 44 through 47.

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 48-49)

Details components related to figures 48 through 49.

Safety and Operating Guidelines

General Operating Instructions

Includes reading instructions, safe practices, and operational guidelines.

Safety Warnings

Covers general safety, fuel handling, and specific warnings for gas trimmers.

Detailed Safety and Usage Guidelines

Operating with Cutting Blade Safety

Provides critical safety information when using the cutting blade.

After Use Procedures

Details procedures for cleaning and storing the cutting blades after use.

Additional Safety Warnings

Offers additional safety advice regarding storage, cleaning, and maintenance.

Safety Symbols and Controls

Safety and International Symbols

Explains the meaning of various safety and international symbols used in the manual.

Choke Control Operation

Describes the different positions and function of the choke control.

Assembly Instructions

Ergonomic Adjustments

Includes handlebar and shoulder harness installation and adjustment for comfort.

Attachment Installation and Removal

Covers installation/removal of EZ-Link system, guard, and cutting blade.

Oil and Fuel Recommendations

Recommended Oil and Fuel Types

Specifies correct oil type and recommended fuel for optimal engine performance.

Adding Oil to Crankcase (Initial Use)

Guides on adding oil to the crankcase for the first time before starting.

Using Blended Fuels and Additives

Details precautions for blended fuels and proper use of fuel additives.

Operating Instructions

Fueling the Unit Safely

Provides instructions and warnings for safely fueling the unit.

Starting the Engine (Cold Start)

Details the procedure for starting the engine from a cold state.

Restarting a Warm Engine

Outlines the procedure for restarting a warm engine.

Operating Techniques and Tips

Proper Trimmer Holding Technique

Explains the correct posture and grip for operating the trimmer.

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

Guides on how to release and adjust the trimming line length.

Tips for Best Trimming Results

Offers advice for achieving optimal cutting efficiency and results.

Advanced Operation and Line Installation

Decorative Trimming Technique

Describes the technique for decorative trimming around obstacles.

Using the Cutting Blade

Provides instructions and tips for operating the unit with a cutting blade.

Trimming Line Installation

Covers methods for installing new trimming line onto the spool.

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Installing a Prewound Reel

Instructions for installing a prewound line reel into the trimmer head.

Checking the Oil Level

Details the procedure for checking the engine oil level and importance.

Changing the Engine Oil

Provides step-by-step instructions for changing the engine oil.

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter Maintenance

Details how to clean and maintain the air filter for optimal performance.

Carburetor and Idle Speed Adjustment

Explains engine idle speed adjustment and related issues.

Rocker Arm Clearance Adjustment

Describes how to check and adjust rocker arm clearance.

Ignition and Exhaust System Maintenance

Replacing the Spark Plug

Provides instructions for correctly replacing the spark plug.

Spark Arrestor Maintenance

Details maintenance procedures for the spark arrestor screen.

Cleaning and Storage

Unit Cleaning Procedures

Provides guidance on how to clean the unit safely.

Storage and Long-Term Storage

Covers storage guidelines and procedures for extended periods.

Troubleshooting Guide

Engine Starting Problems

Lists common causes and actions for an engine that will not start.

Engine Speed and Power Issues

Identifies causes and solutions for idle, acceleration, and power loss problems.

Cutting Attachment Line Feed Issues

Provides solutions for problems with the cutting attachment line feed.

Product Specifications

Engine Specifications

Details technical specifications for the engine.

Drive Shaft and Cutting Attachment Specifications

Lists technical specifications for the drive shaft and cutting attachment.

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MTD 890 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

MTD 890 Specifications

Summary

Know Your Unit

Parts Description (Figs. 1-3)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 7-9)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 10-13)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 14-16)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 17-19)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 20-22)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 27-29)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Fig. 34)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 36-40)

Parts Description (Figs. 41-43)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 44-47)

Component Identification

Parts Description (Figs. 48-49)

Safety and Operating Guidelines

General Operating Instructions

Safety Warnings

Detailed Safety and Usage Guidelines

Operating with Cutting Blade Safety

After Use Procedures

Additional Safety Warnings

Safety Symbols and Controls

Safety and International Symbols

Choke Control Operation

Assembly Instructions

Ergonomic Adjustments

Attachment Installation and Removal

Oil and Fuel Recommendations

Recommended Oil and Fuel Types

Adding Oil to Crankcase (Initial Use)

Using Blended Fuels and Additives

Operating Instructions

Fueling the Unit Safely

Starting the Engine (Cold Start)

Restarting a Warm Engine

Operating Techniques and Tips

Proper Trimmer Holding Technique

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

Tips for Best Trimming Results

Advanced Operation and Line Installation

Decorative Trimming Technique

Using the Cutting Blade

Trimming Line Installation

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Installing a Prewound Reel

Checking the Oil Level

Changing the Engine Oil

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter Maintenance

Carburetor and Idle Speed Adjustment

Rocker Arm Clearance Adjustment

Ignition and Exhaust System Maintenance

Replacing the Spark Plug

Spark Arrestor Maintenance

Cleaning and Storage

Unit Cleaning Procedures

Storage and Long-Term Storage

Troubleshooting Guide

Engine Starting Problems

Engine Speed and Power Issues

Cutting Attachment Line Feed Issues

Product Specifications

Engine Specifications

Drive Shaft and Cutting Attachment Specifications

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