NorthStar M296026C Owner's Manual
1
WARNING
READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using the grinder! Failure to properly operate,
and maintain this grinder could result in serious injury or death to the operator or bystanders.
All machines have hazards associated with their operation. This stump grinder has certain special hazards,
which you must be aware of. As an operator or owner you have a duty to be aware of these hazards and know
preventive measures to take to avoid them. When reading this manual pay particular attention to avoiding these
hazards.
In particular, be aware of the following:
Know location of buried electrical and other utility lines.
Do not allow children or untrained adults to operate.
Wear eye protection and other personal protection against flying rocks and debris.
Check that cutter wheel teeth are secured, sharp and not missing.
Do not operate if operator presence bar fails to stop engine upon release.
Make sure no children or bystanders are within 75 feet of stump grinding operation.
Protect cars, windows and other objects within 75 feet from flying debris.
Be prepared for machine "kickback" when initially contacting the stump.
Be aware of potential for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Prevent fires/explosions from fueling.
Do not attempt to perform adjustments, declog or clean unit while engine is running.
Avoid burns from engine or hot exhaust.
Avoid using in wet or icy conditions where falls may occur.
Details about these hazards are found throughout the manual and are summarized at the end of the manual under
"Important Safety Information."
STOP!
ADD ENGINE OIL: Your stump grinder comes fully assembled and requires only that you add engine oil to crankcase
and fuel to tank.
INSPECT COMPONENTS: Closely inspect to make sure no components are missing or damaged. See the "Receiving
Your Unit" section for instructions on whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts.
M296026C
MODEL NUMBER: 296026
SERIAL NUMBER: _____________
Owner's Manual
Instructions for Operation, Maintenance
Compact Stump and Root Grinder
Your NorthStar grinder is intended for outdoor-use only and can be used to remove many tree stumps
and exposed root systems close to ground level. By moving the blade in sweeping movements laterally
over the top and front of the stump, you can gradually grind it away. Make sure you completely read
and understand this manual before using the grinder for the first time.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems, or Parts Orders
Call your dealer or NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
Hazard Signal Word Definitions
2
Table of Contents
3
Part I. Introduction
About Your Grinder .............................................................................................................. 4
Safety Decal Locations ............................................................................................................ 5
Safety Decals ............................................................................................................................ 6
Receiving Your Unit ................................................................................................................ 7
Machine Component Identification ...................................................................................... 8
Part II. Operation
Operation:
1. Pre-Start Check List & Procedures ............................................................................... 9
2. Starting the Grinder....................................................................................................... 12
3. Stopping the Engine ...................................................................................................... 13
4. Grinding the Stump ....................................................................................................... 14
5. Refueling ....................................................................................................................... 15
6. Storing the Machine ...................................................................................................... 16
Part III. Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance (To be done by owner or Rental Dealer) .......................................................... 18
1. Belt Tension Adjustment ............................................................................................ 20
2. Stop-Switch Adjustment ............................................................................................. 21
3. Installing Teeth ........................................................................................................... 21
4. Schedule ...................................................................................................................... 23
Specifications .......................................................................................................................... 25
Part IV: Important Safety Information
Summary of Important Safety Information ....................................................................... 26
Special Safety Information on Static Electricity ................................................................ 29
Parts Explosion ........................................................................................................................ 30
Wiring Diagram ....................................................................................................................... 32
Warranty .................................................................................................................................... 33
About Your Grinder
4
Thank you for purchasing or renting your NorthStar grinder!
Owner/Operator/Renter Training
Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions presented throughout this manual. A summary of
important safety information can be found at the end of the manual. Keep this manual for reference and
review. If the owner of this unit is different than the operator, give a copy of this manual to any
operator to read.
Rental Companies
All persons to whom you rent/loan this grinder must have access to this manual and read it. Check the
tube on the side of the unit to make sure a manual is inside. Advise all persons who will operate the
machine to read it. You should also provide personal instruction on how to safely operate the grinder and
remain available to answer any questions a renter/borrower might have. If videos are available, have
renter watch training video.
Engine Instructions
For detailed Engine operation and maintenance information, always refer to the engine Owner's Manual
furnished with the grinder.
Product Suitability
Before using, the user shall determine the suitability of this product for this intended use and assumes
liability therein.
Your NorthStar grinder can be used to remove many tree stumps and exposed root systems close to
ground level. By moving the blade in sweeping movements laterally over the top and front of the stump,
you can gradually grind it away. Make sure you completely read and understand this manual before using
the grinder for the first time. If you have any questions, contact your retail or rental dealer or NorthStar
Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
WARNING: Never attempt to cut on a slope exceeding 15.
Exercise caution when cutting stumps on an incline, as the machine may shift or slide unpredictably. Never
attempt to cut with the machine uphill or downhill from you as it may slide toward you or you may fall
toward the machine. Cut only on a slope from the side.
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NorthStar is constantly improving its products. The specifications outlined herein are subject to change
without prior notice or obligation. The purchaser and/or user shall assume liability for any modification
and/or alterations of this equipment from original design and manufacture.
Contact NorthStar Product Support at 1-800-270-0810 for any questions about the appropriate use
of this grinder or about optional accessories.
Please fill out and submit the warranty registration card so that we have your contact information for any
future product literature or replacement parts you may need.
Warranty Registration
Safety Decal Locations
5
Reference #
Part #
Description
1
786766
decal set
Control Panel
2
California Proposition 65 Warning
3
Poisonous Gas Hazard
4
Flying Debris Hazard (direction)
5
Personal Injury / Fire, Explosion / Entanglement Hazards
6
Flying Debris Hazard (person)
7
Amputation and Entanglement Hazard
8
Brake Lever
WARNING
ALWAYS make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is
missing or not legible, order new labels.
Safety Decals
6
2
1
3 5 7
6 4 8
To order replacement safety labels, call NorthStar Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
Receiving Your Unit
7
1. Receiving Your Unit
For all Units
You should inspect the grinder immediately after you receive delivery.
See the "Machine Component Identification" section of this
manual for a diagram of the grinder and its components.
If you have missing or damaged components, please contact NorthStar
Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
New Unit: Truck
Delivery
Depending on your unit and model, it may have been shipped on a
wooden skid, cardboard container or other appropriate method.
If any assembly is required. Separate assembly instructions will be
included.
New Unit: From a
Dealer
Your unit should have been delivered completely assembled and ready to
run. Read the "Pre-Start Checklist & Procedures" section, and verify that
the unit has been properly "prepped" before initial use.
Factory Delivery
In these cases, your unit has been completely assembled, tested and prerun. It should be ready for usage. See "Pre-Start Checklist and
Procedures".
Machine Component Identification
8
Reference #
Description
1
Throttle Lever
2
Handle Grip
3
Operator Presence Bar
4
Manual Storage
5
Brake Lever
6
T-Handle Knob
7
Engine
8
Starter Grip
9
Tire and Hub
10
Engine On/Off Switch
11
Discharge Flap
12
Belt Guard
13
Cutter Guard
14
Cutter Wheel Disc
15
Cutting Tooth
Operation
9
1. Pre-start Check List & Procedures
CAUTION:
Add engine crankcase oil. A new engine is shipped without oil. You must add the correct
amount of oil to engine crankcase or engine will be damaged beyond repair.
Before starting the engine you will want to make sure you have completed the following:
1. Marking Underground Utilities
2. Checking Controls
3. Checking Cutting Teeth
4. Checking/Adding Oil
5. Filling Stump Grinder Gasoline Tank
6. Inspecting Fuel System for Leaks
7. Locking Handle Bar
8. Wearing Personal Protection
9. Trimming Stump with Saw
10. Clearing Area of People and Objects
11. Working During Daylight
Each of these procedures is discussed in detail below.
Marking
Underground
Utilities
Call 811 or your local utility company to request marking utilities 3
days before stump grinding. Trees can grow on top of and around
underground wiring that was installed many years before a tree was
planted.
Check controls.
Check that:
All guards are in place and tight.
Operator presence bar switch is free moving.
Inspect tires and rims for looseness, damage, and tire inflation.
Check cutting teeth
Inspect cutting teeth for tightness and sharpness. Only use factory-approved
parts for repair.
Check/add oil
Check the oil level using the dipstick and add oil as needed.
Using a funnel, add oil up to the FULL mark on the dipstick with the
recommended oil type for your engine and expected ambient conditions.
(See engine Owner's Manual for oil type and capacity, and more detailed oil
check/fill instructions.)
WARNING: Burn hazard
Never open oil fill port while engine is running. Hot oil can spray
over face and body.
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Operation
10
Fill stump grinder
gasoline tank
Check the gasoline level in the engine's fuel tank. If needed, fill tank with
fresh unleaded gasoline from a portable container, after first reading the
warnings and instructions below.
- Do NOT fill the gas tank to the top. Gasoline may spill when operating
on a slope.
- Do NOT overfill the gasoline tank. Allow at least 1" of empty space
below the fill neck to allow for fuel expansion.
WARNING: Gasoline fire/explosion hazard
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Heat, sparks, and
flames can ignite gasoline vapors, which can become widespread
during fueling. A flash fire ignition and/or explosion could result
and cause serious injury or death. The following conditions could
result in gasoline ignition/explosion:
gas vapor collection inside enclosures
static electric sparks
sparks from electric wiring, batteries, or running engines
sources of heat (such as a hot engine or exhaust)
open flames, including pilot lights
Inspect Fuel
System / Check for
Leaks
Inspect fuel system & check for leaks BEFORE starting grinder.
WARNING: Fuel leak hazard
A leaking fuel line no matter how small can be the source of a fire or
explosion when starting or operating the engine.
Inspect the entire fuel system. Look for: Signs of leaks or deterioration,
chafed or spongy fuel hose, loose connections, loose or missing fuel
hose clamps, damaged gasoline tank, or defective gasoline shut-off
valve.
If grinder is in an enclosed area and you smell gas, DO NOT start
engine! DO NOT light a match. DO NOT flip on an electrical switch.
Exit area immediately leaving doors open and call fire department.
Locking Handle
Bar
Handle is capable of folding when not in use.
To lock handle into place:
Position T-handle knob and eyebolt so it is on the back side of the
hinge bracket.
Tighten T-handle knob finger tight.
Repeat on other side
To fold handle:
Turn T-handle knob counterclockwise to loosen.
Swing knob and eyebolt to the outside, on both sides of handle.
Carefully fold handle downward until it comes in contact with the
rubber stops.
Operation
11
Personal Protection
Use approved protective clothing and approved protective equipment
when using the machine.
1) Always wear ANSI-approved and OSHA-compliant safety glasses
with side shields and a full-face shield.
2) The use of ear plugs or other hearing protection device is also
recommended for persons working within 15-20 feet of the running
grinder for longer than a few minutes. Hearing can be damaged from
prolonged, close-range exposure to the type of noise produced by this
grinder.
3) Wear long pants to protect legs from sparks, hot engine and flying
debris.
4) Never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing when starting or
operating the grinder or any mechanical device. Loose or dangling
apparel, jewelry or hair can become entangled in moving parts.
Trim Stump with
Saw
Cut or trim the stump preferably to ground level using a power saw.
Clear Area
Dig away the earth and remove any stones near the tree stump or roots that
may interfere with your work.
Work During
Daylight Hours
Only use the machine in daylight or in well-lit conditions. Never operate
the grinder after dark.
T-handle knob
Handle
Eyebolt
Hinge bracket
Rubber stop
Locked Position
Unlocked Position
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