Operator’s Manual
Yard Vacuum
Chipper/Shredder/
Vacuum/Hose
Model Number
24A-061I401
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.
770-10534D
FORM NO.
(7/03)
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.
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
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 fuel 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
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 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.
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 may apply to your Yard Vacuum.
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR YARD 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.
Blower Chute
Upper
Handle
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the Yard
Vacuum is observed from the operating position.
Wing
Rope
Nuts
Guide
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.
Lower
Handle
Loose Parts In Carton (See Figure 1)
Hose
Assembly
•
•
•
•
Handle Assembly
Bag
Bag
Blower Chute (If Equipped)
Hose Assembly
Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire
Before setting up your Yard Vacuum, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground to a
stud on the engine.
Figure 1
5
Attaching The Handle
•
Unfold the upper handle until it aligns with the lower
handle.
Hose
•
Secure the two handles by tightening the wing nuts
(carriage bolts must be seated properly into the
handle). See Figure 1.
Remove the hairpin clips from the handle brackets
on the Yard Vacuum and remove the carriage bolts
and wing nuts from the lower handle. See Figure 2.
Place the bottom holes in lower handle over pins on
handle brackets and secure with hairpin clips.
Insert carriage bolts through upper hole in lower
handle from the outside and secure with wing nuts.
Adapter
Spring
Loaded Pin
•
•
•
Figure 3
Wing Nuts
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 4.
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.
Carriage Bolt
Hairpin Clip
•
•
•
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. See Figure 4.
Figure 2
Bag Handle
•
•
Loosen the wing nut that secures the rope guide to
the right side of upper handle.
Pull the starter rope out of the engine slowly and
slip the starter rope into the rope guide. Tighten the
wing nut.
Straps
Stud
Bag Clip
Attaching The Hose Assembly
•
Slide hose adapter of hose assembly into the base
adapter located on the left front of the Yard
Vacuum. See Figure 3.
•
Pull spring loaded pin out on the base and align pin
with the first hole in the hose adapter.
Front Tab
Stud
•
•
Release the pin to lock the hose in place.
Connect the hose handle near nozzle end of hose
to the side bracket on the upper handle. Refer to
Figure 6.
Snap hose handle to the lower handle bracket to
secure in place and lay hose tubing on side bracket
hanger next to chipper chute. Refer to Figure 6.
Locking
Rod
•
Safety Switch
Figure 4
6
Attaching The Blower Chute (If Equipped)
Blower
Chute
•
•
•
Grasp blower chute with one hand and slide locking
rod on mounting bracket with other hand toward
engine. Use end of mounting bracket as leverage
when sliding the locking rod. See Figure 5.
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.
Front
Tab
Locking
Rod
Front
Tab
Locking
Rod
Figure 5
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR YARD VACUUM
Starter Handle
Bag
Side Bracket
Bag Handle
Handle Bracket
Hose Handle
Nozzle/Hose
Vac Handle
Hose Assembly
Nozzle
Blower Chute
Chipper Chute
Side Hanger
Bracket
Nozzle Height
Adjustment Lever
Figure 6
Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before
operating your Yard Vacuum. Compare the illustrations
in Figure 6 with your unit to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments.
Starter Handle
The starter handle is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind unit and pull the starter handle to start
engine.
Bag
WARNING: The operation of any Yard
Vacuum can result in foreign objects
being thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses, provided with the Yard
Vacuum, for operating this equipment or
while performing any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Collects shredded material fed through the chipper
chute or vacuumed through the nozzle or hose.
Bag Handle
Used to grasp bag in order to assist in attaching,
removing, and emptying bag.
7
Chipper Chute
Hose Handle
Allow twigs and small branches up to 1 1/2” in diameter
Used to guide hose assembly when vacuuming.
to be fed into the impeller for chipping.
Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle
Blower Chute (If Equipped)
The nozzle/hose vac handle is located on top of the
nozzle and it is used to regulate the vacuum between
the nozzle and the hose assembly.
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.
Throttle Control Lever (Not Shown)
Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever
Used to adjust the nozzle ground clearance ranging
approximately 5/8” to 4 1/8”.
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.
Nozzle
Engine Controls
Yard waste such as leaves or pine needles can be
See the separate engine manual for the location and
vacuumed up through the nozzle for shredding.
function of the controls on the engine.
Hose Assembly
Used as an alternative to the nozzle to vacuum yard
waste such as leaves or pine needles in hard to reach
places.
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR YARD VACUUM
WARNING: The operation of the Yard
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.
•
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.
•
•
•
Repeat previous steps until engine fires. When
engine starts, move choke control (if equipped)
gradually to RUN position.
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your Yard
Vacuum. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never run the engine indoors
or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
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.
Stopping Engine
•
Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF
position.
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
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.
•
To Empty Bag
•
•
Make sure safety switch wire is connected to
engine and properly grounded.
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.
•
•
•
Unhook bag straps from the lower handle and
unsnap bag clip from the top of lower handle.
See Figure 7.
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 4.
8
•
•
•
•
•
Twist the two buttons on the back of the bag to
unlock and empty contents. See Figure 7.
Hold bag handle and bag clip while emptying the
contents.
Compress bag opening and fold inner flap over
opening.
Fold outer flap over inner flap and insert buttons on
the bag through metal outlets.
Twist the buttons to lock bag.
Nozzle/Hose
Vac Handle
(Top Position)
Buttons
Bag Clip
Inner Flap
Spring Loaded Pin
(First Hole)
Bag Handle
Figure 8
Outer Flap
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 YARD VACUUM.
For best performance, it is also important to keep the
chipper blade sharp.
Strap
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping engine
and disconnecting spark plug wire.
Figure 7
Using the Hose Assembly
To Remove Blower Chute
•
Grasp blower chute with one hand and pull lock rod
on mounting bracket with other hand toward engine
to release. Refer to Figure 5.
•
Place nozzle/hose vac handle in the bottom
position on the nozzle to redirect vacuum to the
hose assembly. See Figure 9.
•
Remove blower chute from rim of the discharge
opening.
•
•
The spring loaded pin must be in the second hole of
the hose adapter to operate the hose assembly.
Unhook the hose from upper handle bracket and
grasp the hose handle to guide while vacuuming
yard waste such as leaves or pine needles in hard
to reach places.
Using the Nozzle Vacuum
•
•
•
Place nozzle/hose vac handle in the top position on
the nozzle to vacuum through nozzle. See Figure 8.
The spring loaded pin must be in the first hole of the
hose adapter to operate the nozzle vac.
Place both hands on top of upper handle to push
unit over yard waste.
Nozzle/Hose
Vac Handle
(Bottom Position)
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 vines until they are thoroughly
dried out. Materials such as stalks or heavy branches
up to 1 1/2” in diameter may be fed into the chipper
chute.
Spring Loaded Pin
(Second Hole)
Figure 9
9
Nozzle Height Adjustment
The nozzle can be adjusted to any six positions,
ranging from 5/8” to 4 1/8” ground 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. Make sure both levers are in the same
position. See Figure 10.
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 Height
Adjustment
Lever
Nozzle
Figure 10
SECTION 5: MAINTAINING YOUR YARD VACUUM
Customer Responsibilities
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
SERVICE
DATES
Lubricate Wheels
Lubricate Nozzle Levers
Lubricate Locking Rod
Lubricate Nozzle/Hose Handle
Check Chipper Blade
Change Oil
Check Air Filter
Clean Engine
Check Spark Plug
Check Oil
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before
cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of
maintenance on your machine.
Locking Rod: Lubricate the locking rod with light oil to
ease the application of attaching on or removing bag or
blower chute. Refer to Figure 6.
Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle: Lubricate the nozzle/hose
vac handle on top of nozzle once a season with light oil.
Refer to Figure 6.
Lubrication
Wheels: Lubricate each wheel shoulder screw once a
Engine: Follow the separate engine manual packed
season with light oil. Refer to Figure 6.
with you unit for lubrication instructions.
Nozzle height adjustment levers: Lubricate the pivot
points of the nozzle height adjustment levers once a
season with light oil. Refer to Figure 6.
10
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