Yard Man 24A 061I401 User Manual

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