MTD 24A-020D000 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Chipper Shredder

Vacuum

Model Number

24A-020D000

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10535B.fm (8/01)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3

Assembling Your Chipper Shredder Vacuum ....................................................5

Know Your Chipper Shredder Vacuum..............................................................7

Operating Your Chipper Shredder Vacuum .......................................................8

Maintaining Your Chipper Shredder Vacuum.....................................................9

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................12

Parts List............................................................................................................14

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new chipper shredder vacuum. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer.

• You can locate the model number by looking down at the rear of the chipper shredder vacuum. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.

(Model Number)

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

(Serial Number)

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com

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 reproductiv e harm.

DANGER

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.

: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

TRAINING

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate 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.

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 the feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and feet.

8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or discharge opening, remove or empty vacuum bag, or inspect and repair the machine while the engine is running. Shut the engine off and wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.

PREPARA TION

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.

2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves when feeding material in the chipper chute.

4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws for 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, 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

other source s of i gnitio n. c. Never fuel machine indoors. d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is hot or running. e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes

before refueling. f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to

provide space for fuel expansion. g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move machine to another

area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the

engine.

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.

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.

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.

4. If the impeller s trik es a fo reig n obj ect or if yo ur 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:

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.

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 avoi d acci dent al kick back i njur ies.

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.

16. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check t heir proper operation regularly.

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.

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.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of th is power mac hine to p ersons wh o read,

understand and fo llow th e warnings and ins tructions in this manual a nd on the mach ine.

NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your chipper shredder vacuum.

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM

IMPORT ANT :

in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your machine.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the chipper shredder vacuum is observed from the operating position.

This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil

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.

Loose Parts In Carton (See Figure 1)

• Handle Assembly

• Bag

• Blower Chute (If Equipped)

Upper Handle

Blower Chute

Wing

Nuts

Bag

Lower Handle

Disconnecting Spark Pl ug 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.

Wing Nuts

Carriage Screw

Figure 1

Attaching The Handle

• Unfold the upper handle until it aligns with the lower handle.

• 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 chipper shredder vacuum and remove the carriage bolts and wing nuts from the lower handle. See Figure 2.

• 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.

Bag Handle

Stud

Straps

Front Tab

Wing Nuts

Carriage Bolt

Hairpin Clip

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.

• Snap bag clip to the top of the lower handle.

Locking Rod

Stud

Figure 3

Attaching The Blower Chute (If E quippe d)

• 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.

Blower Chute

NOTE: The safety switch button attached to the

mounting bracket mu st be fully dep ressed by the fr ont tab on the bag handle when securing the bag or the engine will not start.

Locking Rod

Front Tab

Figure 4

Front Tab

Locking Rod

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM

Blower Chute

Bag

Chipper Chute

Figure 5

Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before 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.

Bag

Collects shredded material fed through the chipper chute or vacuumed through the nozzle. See Figure 5.

Bag Handle

Used to grasp bag in order to assist in attaching, removing, and emptying bag. See Figure 5.

Chipper Chute

Allow twigs and small branches up to 1 1/2” in diameter to be fed into the impeller for chipping. See Figure 5.

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.

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

Used to adjust the nozzle ground clearance ranging approximately 5/8” to 4 1/8”.

Bag Handle

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

Nozzle

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. Se e Figur e 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.

Engine Controls

See the separate engine manual for the location and function of the controls on the engine.

Stopping Engine

• Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF position.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground against the engine.

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM

WARNING: The operation of any chipper shredder vacuum can result in foreign objects being throw n into th e eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear the safety glasse s provided with this unit or eye shields before chipping or blowing and while performing any adjustments or repairs.

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: Never fill fuel tank indoors with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running.

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.

• Make sure safety swi tch wire is conne cted 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.

• 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 poin t).

• 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.

WARNING: Never run the engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

To Empty Bag

• Unhook bag straps from the lower handle and unsnap bag clip from the top of lower handle. See Figure 6.

• 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.

• Fold outer flap over inner flap and insert buttons on the bag through metal outlets.

• Twist the buttons to lock bag.

Buttons

Bag Clip

Inner Flap

Bag Handle

Outer Flap

Strap

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.

Using the Chipper Shre dder Vac uum

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 sh red or chi p any materia l 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. See Figure 7.

Nozzle

Chipper Chute

Figure 7

IMPORT ANT :

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.

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 5/8” 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. See Figure 8.

NOTE: In general, r ai se th e nozzle height to v acuum a thick layer of leaves or to operate with the blower chute and lower the nozzle height for smoother surfaces.

Nozzle Height

Nozzle

Adjustment Lever

Figure 8

SECTION 5: MAINTAINING YOUR CHIPPER SHREDDER VACUUM

Customer Responsibilities

SERVICE

DATES

MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE

Lubricate Wheels

T C

Lubricate Nozzle Levers

U D O

Lubricate Locking Rod

R P

Check Chipper Blade

Change Oil

Check Air Filter

I G N

Clean Engine

Check Spark Plug

WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on your machine.

Lubrication

Wheels: Lubricate each wheel shoulder screw once a season with light oil. Refer to Figure 5.

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 you 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 extr emely dusty co nditions. To service th e air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.

• The spar k plug should be cleaned and the gap

reset once a season. Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.

• 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.

• Remove and clean the screen by scraping or washing with water. Reinstall the flail screen.

Remove Hex Screw

Figure 10

Sharpening Or Replacing Chipper Blad e

Because the engine on this unit has a tapered crankshaft, a special impeller tool (part number 753-

0900) is required to remove the impeller assembly. For

further assistance, contact your local service dealer.

Removing The Flail Scr een

If the discharge area becomes clogged, remove the flail screen and clean area as follows:

• 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

Lock Nut

Flail Screen

Figure 9

NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel ta nk and

keep spark plug side up.

• 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.

Pivot Arm Assembly

Bell Washer

Wave Washer

Height Adjustment Bracket

Shoulder Screw

Figure 11

Lock Nut

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