Yard Man 24A 020D401 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
Chipper Shredder  
Vacuum  
Model Number  
24A-020D401  
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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.  
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722  
770-10197C.
FORM NO.  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
(8/01)  
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: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle  
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer  
and 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  
instructions and safety rules in this manual and  
should be trained and supervised by a parent.  
proper tightness to be sure the machine is in safe  
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine  
for any damage at frequent intervals.  
5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels,  
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without  
as necessary.  
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  
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.  
c. Never fuel machine indoors.  
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the  
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or  
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  
provide space for fuel expansion.  
against the engine.  
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.  
3
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.)  
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.  
9. 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.  
10. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in  
place and operating properly.  
11. 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.  
12. Never operate this machine without good visibility  
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a  
firm hold on the handles.  
13. Do not operate this machine on a gravel surface.  
14. Do not operate this machine while under the  
influence of alcohol or drugs.  
15. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a  
burn. Do not touch.  
k. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes  
before storing.  
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.  
16. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is  
running.  
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.  
5. 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.  
6. 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.  
7. 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.  
8. 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 operators 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.  
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.  
Upper  
Handle  
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the  
chipper shredder vacuum is observed from the  
operating position.  
Blower Chute  
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.  
Wing  
Nuts  
Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,  
operators 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  
Lower  
Handle  
Loose Parts In Carton (See Figure 1)  
Handle Assembly  
Bag  
Blower Chute (If Equipped)  
Wing  
Nuts  
Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire  
Before setting up your chipper shredder vacuum,  
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and  
ground to a stud on the engine.  
Carriage  
Screw  
Figure 1  
5
Attaching The Handle  
Unfold the upper handle until it aligns with the lower  
handle.  
Bag Handle  
Secure the two handles by tightening the wing nuts  
(carriage bolts must be seated properly into the  
handle). See Figure 1.  
Stud  
Remove the hairpin clips from the handle brackets  
on the chipper shredder vacuum and remove the  
carriage bolts and wing nuts from the lower handle.  
See Figure 2.  
Straps  
Place each bottom hole in lower handle over pins  
on handle brackets and secure with hairpin clips.  
Insert carriage bolts thru upper hole in lower handle  
from the outside and secure with wing nuts.  
Front Tab  
Wing Nuts  
Locking Rod  
Carriage Bolt  
Hairpin Clip  
Stud  
Figure 3  
Attaching The Blower Chute (If Equipped)  
Grasp blower chute with one hand and slide locking  
rod on mounting bracket with other hand toward  
engine. Use the end of mounting bracket as  
leverage when sliding the locking rod. See Figure 4.  
Slip blower chute over rim of the discharge opening  
and release locking rod to secure chute in place.  
Make sure the safety switch button is fully  
depressed by the front tab on the blower chute.  
Raise the nozzle height to the highest setting when  
using the blower chute. Refer to nozzle height  
adjustment in the OPERATION section.  
Figure 2  
Attaching The Bag  
Grasp bag handle with one hand and slide locking  
rod on mounting bracket with other hand toward  
engine. Use the end of mounting bracket as  
leverage when sliding the locking rod.  
See Figure 3.  
Slip bag over the rim of the discharge opening and  
release locking rod to secure bag in place.  
Place the straps on the bag over the lower handle,  
hooking them on the studs.  
Blower  
Chute  
Snap bag clip to the top of the lower handle.  
NOTE: The safety switch button attached to the  
mounting bracket must be fully depressed by the front  
tab on the bag handle when securing the bag or the  
engine will not start.  
Front  
Tab  
Front  
Locking  
Tab  
Rod  
Locking  
Rod  
Figure 4  
6
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM  
Blower Chute  
Bag  
Bag Handle  
Nozzle Height  
Adjustment Lever  
Chipper  
Chute  
Nozzle  
Figure 5  
Read this operators manual and safety rules before  
Nozzle  
operating your chipper shredder vacuum. Compare the  
illustrations in Figure 5 with your unit to familiarize  
yourself with the location of various controls and  
adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.  
Yard waste such as leaves and pine needles can be  
vacuumed up through the nozzle for shredding.  
Starter Handle (Not Shown)  
The starter handle is attached to the right upper handle.  
Stand behind unit and pull the starter handle to start  
engine. See Figure 5.  
Bag  
Collects shredded material fed through the chipper  
chute or vacuumed through the nozzle. See Figure 5.  
Throttle Control Lever (Not Shown)  
Bag Handle  
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It  
controls the engines speed and stops the engine. See  
separate engine manual packed with unit for details.  
Used to grasp bag in order to assist in attaching,  
removing, and emptying bag. See Figure 5.  
Chipper Chute  
Engine Controls  
Allow twigs and small branches up to 1 1/2in diameter  
to be fed into the impeller for chipping. See Figure 5.  
See the separate engine manual for the location and  
function of the controls on the engine.  
Blower Chute (If Equipped)  
When attached to unit the blower chute is used to blow  
or scatter yard waste such as leaves, pine needles, or  
small twigs across yard. See Figure 5.  
Stopping Engine  
Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF  
position.  
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and  
ground against the engine.  
Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever  
Used to adjust the nozzle ground clearance ranging  
approximately 5/8to 4 1/8.  
7
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM  
WARNING: The operation of any chipper  
shredder vacuum can result in foreign  
objects being thrown into the eyes, which  
can damage your eyes severely. Always  
wear the safety glasses provided with this  
unit or eye shields before chipping or  
blowing and while performing any  
adjustments or repairs.  
Grasp bag handle with one hand and pull lock rod  
on mounting bracket with other hand toward engine  
to release.  
Remove bag from rim of the discharge opening.  
Refer to Figure 3.  
Twist the two buttons on the back of the bag to  
unlock and empty contents. See Figure 6.  
Hold bag handle and bag clip while emptying the  
contents.  
Compress bag opening and fold inner flap over  
opening.  
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.  
Fold outer flap over inner flap and insert buttons on  
the bag through metal outlets.  
Twist the buttons to lock bag.  
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors with  
engine running or until the engine has  
been allowed to cool for at least two  
minutes after running.  
Buttons  
Starting Engine  
Bag Clip  
Inner Flap  
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.  
Bag Handle  
Make sure safety switch wire is connected to  
engine and properly grounded.  
Engines with choke lever:  
Outer Flap  
Move choke lever on engine to CHOKE position. (A  
warm engine may not require choking).  
Engines with primer:  
Strap  
Prime engine as instructed in separate engine  
manual.  
The throttle control is located on the engine. Move  
engine throttle control lever to FAST or ON position.  
Stand behind unit, grasp starter handle and pull  
rope out slowly until engine reaches start of  
compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at  
this point).  
Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.  
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind  
slowly.  
Figure 6  
To Remove Blower Chute (If Equipped)  
Grasp blower chute with one hand and pull lock rod  
on mounting bracket with other hand toward engine  
to release. Refer to Figure 4.  
Remove blower chute from rim of the discharge  
opening.  
Repeat previous steps until engine fires. When  
engine starts, move choke control (if equipped)  
gradually to RUN position.  
Using the Chipper Shredder Vacuum  
WARNING: Never run the engine indoors  
or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine  
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an  
odorless and deadly gas.  
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 flail  
blades on the impeller assembly, it will be discharged  
into catcher bag or through blower chute. 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  
To Empty Bag  
Unhook bag straps from the lower handle and  
unsnap bag clip from the top of lower handle.  
See Figure 6.  
8
vines until they are thoroughly dried out. Materials such  
as stalks or heavy branches up to 1 1/2in diameter  
may be fed into the chipper chute. See Figure 7.  
WARNING: Do not at any time make any  
adjustments without first stopping engine  
and disconnecting spark plug wire.  
Nozzle Height Adjustment  
The nozzle can be adjusted to any five positions,  
ranging from 5/8to 4 1/8ground clearance. The  
nozzle height has to be adjusted according to the  
conditions. Move the height adjustment levers forward  
or backward to adjust the nozzle upwards or  
downwards. See Figure 8.  
NOTE: In general, raise the nozzle height to vacuum a  
thick layer of leaves or to operate with the blower chute  
and lower the nozzle height for smoother surfaces.  
Nozzle  
Chipper  
Chute  
Figure 7  
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  
SECTION 5: MAINTAINING YOUR CHIPPER  
SHREDDER VACUUM. For best performance, it is also  
important to keep the chipper blade sharp.  
Nozzle Height  
Adjustment  
Nozzle  
Lever  
Figure 8  
SECTION 5: MAINTAINING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM  
Customer Responsibilities  
MAINTENANCE  
SCHEDULE  
SERVICE  
DATES  
Lubricate Wheels  
Lubricate Nozzle Levers  
Lubricate Locking Rod  
Check Chipper Blade  
Change Oil  
Check Air Filter  
Clean Engine  
Check Spark Plug  
9
WARNING: Always stop engine and  
disconnect spark plug wire before  
cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of  
maintenance on your machine.  
Remove the bag or blower chute from the unit as  
instructed in the OPERATION section to obtain  
access to flail screen. See Figure 9.  
Remove hex screw on right side of unit that  
attaches to the fail screen. See Figure 10.  
Remove hex screw and flat washer on top of rear  
housing mounting bracket and the lock nut that  
secures flail screen. See Figure 9.  
Lubrication  
Wheels: Lubricate each wheel shoulder screw once a  
season with light oil. Refer to Figure 5.  
Remove and clean the screen by scraping or  
washing with water. Reinstall the flail screen.  
Nozzle height adjustment levers: Lubricate the pivot  
points of the nozzle height adjustment levers once a  
season with light oil. Refer to Figure 5.  
Engine: Follow the separate engine manual packed  
with your unit for lubrication instructions.  
Maintenance  
Engine  
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.  
Remove  
Hex Screw  
Figure 10  
Sharpening Or Replacing Chipper Blade  
Because the engine on this unit has a tapered  
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap  
reset once a season. Check engine manual for  
correct plug type and gap specifications.  
crankshaft, a special impeller tool (part number 753-  
0900) is required to remove the impeller assembly. For  
further assistance, contact your local service dealer.  
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and  
keep spark plug side up.  
Removing The Flail Screen  
If the discharge area becomes clogged, remove the flail  
screen and clean area as follows:  
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it away  
from the spark plug.  
Remove the lock nuts, front wheels, and wave  
washers that attach to the pivot arm assemblies.  
See Figure 11.  
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.  
Hex Screw & Flat Washer  
Pivot Arm Assembly  
Bell Washer  
Wave Washer  
Height Adjustment  
Bracket  
Lock Nut  
Flail Screen  
Figure 9  
Shoulder  
Screw  
Lock Nut  
Figure 11  
10