Operator’s Manual
Chipper Shredder
Vacuum
Model Number
203
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
770-10023F.
FORM NO.
(4/04)
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
TRAINING
during operation or while performing an adjustment
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
or repair, to protect eyes. Thrown objects which
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals. Wear
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
leather work gloves when feeding material in the
disengage them quickly.
chipper chute.
3. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate
4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws for
this machine. Children 16 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
proper tightness to be sure the machine is in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
for any damage at frequent intervals.
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
7. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in
5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels,
as necessary.
6. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
the feeding chambers and discharge opening.
other sources of ignition.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add while the
engine is hot or running.
discharge opening, remove or empty vacuum bag,
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
or inspect and repair the machine while the engine
before refueling.
is running. Shut the engine off and wait until all
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
moving parts have come to a complete stop.
than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
PREPARATION
and equipment. Move machine to another
area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or
other foreign objects which could be picked up or
thrown and cause personal injury or damage to the
machine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spark,
or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.).
3
j. To reduce a fire hazard, keep machine free
of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any
fuel soaked debris.
k. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
11. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in
place and operating properly.
12. Keep your face and body back and to the side of
the chipper chute while feeding material into the
machine to avoid accidental kickback injuries.
13. Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles.
14. Do not operate this machine on a gravel surface.
15. Do not operate this machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
17. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is
running.
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in
the feeding chambers and discharge opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
2. Before starting the machine, make sure the chipper
chute, feed intake, and cutting chamber are empty
and free of all debris.
3. Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and
remove any metal, rocks, bottles, cans, or other
foreign objects which could cause personal injury
or damage to the machine.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
4. If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your
machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, immediately shut the engine off. Allow the
impeller to come to a complete stop. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine
and perform the following steps:
2. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage and repair, if needed.
3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the
engine and make certain the impeller and all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to
assure continued safe operation.
6. Do not allow an accumulation of processed
material to build up in the discharge area. This can
prevent proper discharge and result in kickback of
material through the feed opening.
7. Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than
specified on the machine or in this manual.
Personal injury or machine damage could result.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening while the engine is running.
Shut the engine off, wait until all moving parts have
stopped, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine before clearing debris.
9. Never operate without vacuum bag and discharge
chute properly attached to the machine. Never
empty or change vacuum bag while the engine is
running. Zippered end of vacuum bag must be kept
closed at all times during operation.
6. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.
7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.
8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
10. Never operate without either the inlet nozzle or
optional hose attachment properly attached to the
machine. Never attempt to attach or change either
attachment while the engine is running.
4
WARNING: - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your chipper shredder vacuum.
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.
Nozzle
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
chipper shredder vacuum is observed from the
operating position.
Removing Unit From Carton
•
Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
•
•
•
Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.)
Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
Bag
Loose Parts In Carton (See Figure 1)
Figure 1
•
•
Nozzle
Bag
5
Attaching The Nozzle
Bag Opening
Bag
Discharge
Chute
•
Remove three wing nuts from the front of the
chipper shredder vacuum.
•
Place nozzle in position over the three studs on unit
and secure with wing nuts just removed.
See Figure 2.
Wing
Wing
Nuts
Nut
Nozzle
Figure 3
•
Place the four straps on the top of the bag over
upper handle, hooking them on the studs to secure
in place. Squeeze the clamp on the drawstring and
pull the drawstring tight. Release the clamp.
See Figure 4.
Figure 2
NOTE: The metal tab on the nozzle must depress the
safety switch button attached to the front of chipper
shredder vacuum or the engine will not start.
Bag
Straps
Attaching The Bag
•
Place bag under of upper handle assembly and slip
the front opening on the bag over the discharge
chute, making certain it is over the rim on the
discharge chute. See Figure 3.
Bag
Straps
Figure 4
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM
WARNING: Be familiar with all controls
and their proper operation. Know how to
stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
Nozzle Door Adjustment Levers
The nozzle adjustment levers are located on each side
of the nozzle door. They are used to adjust the nozzle
door for ground clearance that will provide the best
performance for the operating conditions. See Figure 5.
Bag
Nozzle
Collects shredded or chipped material fed through the
chipper chute or vacuumed up through the nozzle.
See Figure 5.
Yard waste such as leaves and pine needles can be
vacuumed up through the nozzle for shredding.
See Figure 5.
Chipper Chute
Drive Clutch Control
Allow twigs and small branches up to 2” in diameter to
The drive clutch control is located on the upper handle
assembly. Squeezing the drive clutch control against
the upper handle engages the rear wheels. Release the
drive clutch control to slow down or stop the wheel
drive. See Figure 5.
be fed into the impeller for chipping. See Figure 5.
Caster Locks
The caster locks are located on top of each front caster
wheel. Refer to the Adjustment Section to position
wheel locks. See Figure 5.
Throttle Control Lever (Not Shown)
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine’s speed and stops the engine. See
separate engine manual packed with unit for details.
6
Starter Handle (Not Shown)
Engine Controls
The starter handle is located on the engine. Pull the
See the separate engine manual for the location and
starter handle to start engine.
function of the controls on the engine.
Drive Clutch
Control
Bag
Nozzle
Nozzle Door
Adjustment Lever
Chipper
Chute
Caster Lock
Figure 5
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
Starting Engine
•
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug.
Always wear the safety glasses provided
with this machine during operation or
while performing any adjustments or
repairs. Thrown objects which ricochet
can cause serious injury to the eyes.
•
•
Make certain drive clutch control is in the
disengaged (released) position.
Engines with choke lever:
Move choke lever on engine to CHOKE position. (A
warm engine may not require choking).
Engines with primer:
Prime engine as instructed in separate engine
manual.
The throttle control lever is located on the engine.
Move engine throttle control lever to FAST or
START position.
•
•
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your chipper
shredder vacuum. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•
•
Place one foot on the left rear wheel to prevent the
unit from skidding while starting.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point).
NOTE: A noise will be heard when at the start of the
compression cycle. This noise should be expected until
the impeller reaches full speed.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit
for more detailed instructions.
7
•
•
Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind
slowly.
Repeat the previous steps until engine fires. When
engine starts, move choke control (if equipped)
gradually to RUN position.
into catcher bag. Do not attempt to shred or chip any
material other than vegetation found in a normal yard
(i.e. branches, leaves, twigs, etc.) Avoid fibrous plants
such as tomato vines until they are thoroughly dried
out. Materials such as stalks or heavy branches up to 2”
in diameter may be fed into the chipper chute.See
Figure 6.
WARNING: Keep bystanders, helpers,
pets, and children at least 75 feet from the
machine before starting and while
operating. Do not operate this machine
unless the discharge chute and bag have
been properly installed and secured to the
machine.
WARNING: Do not attempt to shred, chip,
or vacuum any material larger than
specified on the machine or in this
manual. Personal injury or damage to the
machine could result.
Stopping Engine
•
Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF
position.
•
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
Chipper
Chute
To Empty Bag
The bag is designed to be emptied without being
removed from unit. Open the large zipper in the rear of
the bag to empty the contents. If bag is removed for any
reason, follow the instructions for attaching the bag in
the ASSEMBLY section. Be certain the zipper is closed
completely when operating the unit.
To Engage Drive
Figure 6
To engage the wheel drive, hold the drive clutch control
against the upper handle. Releasing the drive clutch
control stops the rear wheels from driving. Release the
drive clutch control to slow down when negotiating an
obstacle, making a turn, or stopping. Engage control
slowly to prevent the front wheels from lifting up.
IMPORTANT: The flail screen is located inside the
housing in the discharge area. If the flail screen
becomes clogged, remove and clean as instructed in
MAINTAINING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER
VACUUM. For best performance, it is also important to
keep the chipper blade sharp.
Using the Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires Only)
Place both hands on top of upper handle to push unit
over yard waste. Yard waste such as leaves and pine
needles can be vacuumed up through the nozzle for
shredding. After material has been shredded by the
blades on the impeller assembly, it will be discharged
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstance is 30 psi. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained at all
times.
SECTION 5: ADJUSTING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping engine,
disconnecting spark plug wire, and
grounding it against the engine.
Front Caster Wheels
This chipper shredder vacuum is equipped with front
caster wheels. The casters can be locked in a straight
ahead position or position to swivel freely. Lift and place
pins in the larger holes for locked or straight ahead
operation. Place pins in smaller holes to allow casters
to rotate freely. Lock wheels in straight position when
operating on slopes. See Figure 7.
8
Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment
Adjust the drive clutch control if the chipper shredder
vacuum moves forward with the drive clutch control
disengaged, if it does not self-propel with the drive
clutch control engaged, or if drive belt is slipping (unit
hesitates while engine maintains the same speed). Use
the adjustment wheel located in the clutch control
housing to tighten or loosen the clutch cable. In
addition, the adjustment wheel may also be used to
determine the position in which the drive clutch control
is engaged. If it is more comfortable to have the drive
engaged with the lever further away from the handle,
tighten the clutch cable. See Figure 9.
Smaller Hole
(Rotate Freely)
Larger Hole
(Locked)
Figure 7
Nozzle Door Height Adjustment
Tighten
The nozzle adjustment levers are located on each side
of the nozzle door. The nozzle door can be adjusted to
any of five positions, ranging from 1/2” to 3” ground
clearance that will provide the best performance for the
operating conditions. Slide the height adjustment lever
forward or backward for adjusting the nozzle door
upwards or downwards. Height must be adjusted
equally. In general, raise the nozzle to vacuum a thick
layer of leaves and lower the nozzle for smooth
surfaces. See Figure 8.
Adjustment
Wheel
Loosen
Figure 9
Engine Adjustments
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
adjustment instructions.
Nozzle Door
Adjustment
Lever
Figure 8
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM
WARNING: Before performing any mainte-
nance or repairs, stop the engine, wait
until the machine comes to a complete
stop, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unin-
tended starting.
Lubrication (Refer to Figure 5)
Wheels: Lubricate the rear wheels with light oil once a
season.
Nozzle Door Adjustment Levers: Lubricate each
adjustment lever once a season with light oil.
Front Caster Wheels: Grease fittings are located on
the front caster wheels to provide easy lubrication of the
swivel pins once a season.
9
Customer Responsibilities
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
SERVICE
DATES
Lubricate Wheels
Lubricate Adjustment Levers
Lubricate Caster Wheels
Check Chipper Blades
Check Oil
Change Oil
Check Air Filter
Clean Engine
Check Spark Plug
•
Clean the screen by scraping or washing with water
and reinstall the screen.
Maintenance
Engine
NOTE: Be certain to reassemble the flail screen with
the curved side down.
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance instructions.
•
•
Check engine oil level before each use as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit. Read and follow instructions
carefully.
Clean air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions or once a season. Clean every few hours
under extremely dusty conditions. To service the air
cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
Hex Bolt
Flat Washer
Hex Nut
Discharge
Chute
•
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Check engine manual for
correct plug type and gap specifications.
Self-Tapping
Screws
Removing The Flail Screen
If the discharge area becomes clogged, remove the flail
screen and clean area as follows:
Flail Screen
Hex Bolts
Hex Nuts
•
Stop the engine and make certain the chipper
shredder vacuum has come to a complete stop.
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
•
•
•
Remove the vacuum bag from the unit.
Remove the four self-tapping screws from the
bottom of the discharge chute, and the hex bolt, flat
washer and hex nut from the top. Remove the
discharge chute assembly. See Figure 10.
Remove the two hex bolts and hex nuts which
extend through the impeller housing. Lift the flail
screen from the inside the housing. See Figure 10.
•
Figure 10
•
Reattach the discharge chute assembly with the
hardware previously removed and connect the bag
to unit.
10
•
•
Drain the gasoline and oil from the chipper
shredder vacuum.
Remove the three wing nuts that secure the nozzle
to the outer housing and remove the nozzle. Refer
to Figure 2.
Remove the vacuum bag from the unit.
Remove the discharge chute as instructed in the
previous section Removing The Flail Screen.
Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the
engine by removing two self-tapping screws. Refer
to Figure 11.
Sharpening Or Replacing Chipper Blades
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and
keep spark plug side up.
•
•
•
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
Remove the flail screen as instructed in the
previous section.
Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the
engine by removing the two self-tapping screws.
See Figure 11.
•
•
•
•
•
Tip the unit backward so that it rests on the
handles.
Remove the lower belt guard by removing the two
self-tapping screws. See Figure 12.
•
•
Remove the access plate by removing two hex lock
nuts. See Figure 11.
Locate one of the chipper blades in the access
opening by rotating the impeller assembly by hand.
Remove the chipper blade using a 3/16” allen
wrench and a 1/2” wrench.
Safety
Switch
•
Remove other blade in the same manner to replace
or sharpen.
Self-Tapping
Screw
Access Plate
Lower
Belt Guard
Self-Tapping
Screws
Hex
Lock Nuts
Self-Tapping
Screws
Figure 12
•
•
Remove the safety switch from the front of the outer
housing by removing the two self-tapping screws.
See Figure 12.
Remove the two hex bolts and hex lock nuts which
extend through the housing. Lift the flail screen out
of the housing. Refer to Figure 10.
Remove the outer housing and housing blades by
removing the fourteen self-tapping screws.
Remove the hex bolt, lock washer, and flat washer
that secures the impeller assembly to the
crankshaft. See Figure 13.
Belt
Cover
Figure 11
WARNING: Use caution when replacing
the blades, wear heavy gloves to avoid a
contact injury with the weld bolts or the
housing while loosening or tightening the
blades.
•
•
•
When sharpening blades, follow the original angle
of grind. Also, make sure to remove an equal
amount from each blade and torque hardware 250 -
300 in. lbs.
Hex Bolt
Lock Washer
Flat Washer
Impeller
Assembly
NOTE: Make certain blades are reassembled with the
sharp edge facing upward.
Belt Removal And Replacement
NOTE: Because the engine on this has a tapered
crankshaft, a special impeller removal tool (part number
753-0638) is required to remove impeller assembly.
Contact your local service dealer.
•
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it away
from the spark plug.
Figure 13
11
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