Troy-Bilt CS 4265, CS 4325 Owner's Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Model Series CS4265 Shown

Chipper Shredder — Model Series CS4265 & CS4325

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-08966

April 2, 2013

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Chipper Shredder. It was
carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when
properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,

its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s

Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Troy-Bilt
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

1

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be

found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact us directly.

Troy-Bilt’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website

address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,

warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your

machine, for more information.

To The Owner ........................................................... 2

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Controls & Features ................................................. 8

Operation ................................................................. 9

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the frame below the engine. This information will be
necessary, should you seek technical support via our web site,
Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized service
dealer.

Maintenance & Adjustments .................................11

Service .....................................................................13

Troubleshooting .....................................................15

Replacement Parts .................................................16

Warranty ..................................................Back Cover

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

◊ Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.troybilt.com/tutorials

◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊ Write us at Troy-Bilt • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2

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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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 safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

2

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 of age to operate this

machine. Children 16 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

5. Keep bystanders, 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 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.

Preparation

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 and while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-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 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.

3

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

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. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on
a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.

f. Never fuel machine indoors.

g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

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

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

l. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

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 it becomes necessary to push material through the
shredder hopper, use a small diameter stick. Do not use
your hands or feet.

5. 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:

a. Inspect for damage.

b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.

c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure

continued safe operation.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Never operate without the shredder hopper, chipper chute,
or chute deflector properly attached to the machine.
Never empty or change discharge bag 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.

13. Do not operate this machine on a paved, gravel or non-

level 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.

17. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use

care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of the nearest service dealer.

Maintenance & Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their 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.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

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. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

9. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper

instructions on off-season storage.

10. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

11. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,

etc. to protect the environment.

12. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,

or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized

service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal

EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine

Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air

Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING: This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the

engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark

arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor 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.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside

BYSTANDERS
Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

WARNING— THROWN DEBRIS
Never operate without the chute deflector properly attached to the machine.

EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.

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.

6 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly & Set-Up

B

A

Contents of Carton

• One Chipper Shredder • One Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual

• One Bottle of Oil • One Bag • One Safety Glasses

Assembly

NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Fill up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine

manual BEFORE operating your chipper shredder.

Chipper Chute (Model Series CS4325 Only)

For shipping reasons, the unit is crated with its chipper chute in a
raised position. To pivot it downward, proceed as follows:

1. Pull the spring latch upward.

2. Gently pivot the chipper chute down until it clicks into the
lock rod. See Figure 3-1.

3

Figure 3-1

WARNING: Never operate the chipper shredder

with the chipper chute in the raised position. Doing
so may result in property damage or serious injury
to the operator or bystanders.

Bag

To attach the bag:

1. Place the opening of the bag completely over the chute
deflector. See Figure 3-2.

2. Position the bag so that the wing knobs which secure the
chute deflector to the impeller housing are completely
covered.

3. Pull on the draw-strap until the bag is tight around chute
deflector opening.

Figure 3-2

Set-Up

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for additional

engine information.

1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out
of the box. Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for

information regarding adding and checking the oil.

2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the

separate engine owner’s manual.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

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.

7

Controls and Features

Chute

Deflector

Spring

Latch

Hopper

Chipper

Chute

Recoil

Starter

Handle

Lock Rod

Model Series CS4325 Shown

4

Figure 4-1

Chipper Chute

Branches up to two inches (model series CS4265) or three inches
(model series CS4325) in diameter may be fed into the chipper

chute for chipping.

Hopper

Leaves, twigs, and branches up to 1/2-inch in diameter may be
placed into the hopper for shredding. See Figure 4-1.

IMPORTANT: Never place branches with a diameter greater than

1/2-inch in the hopper. Doing so can result in serious damage to
your unit’s shredder blade, flails or impeller.

Handle

Use the handle when manually transporting the chipper
shredder.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is located on the engine. Pull the recoil starter
to start engine.

Engine Controls

See the separate Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your

unit for the location and function of the engine controls.

Spring Latch (Model Series CS4325 Only)

The spring latch is located on the top of the hopper. It is used to
release or lock the chipper chute in a raised position for storage
or for transporting. See Figure 4-1.

WARNING: Never operate the chipper shredder

with the chipper chute in the raised position. Use
the spring latch to lower the chipper chute into the
operating position before starting the engine.

Lock Rod (Model Series CS4325 Only)

The lock rod is located on the chipper chute support. It is used
to release or lock the chipper chute in a lowered position for
operation.

Chute Deflector

Debris is discharged from the machine’s reduction chamber

through the chute deflector.

8

Operation

5

WARNING: The operation of any chipper shredder

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 shredding and while
performing any adjustments or repairs.

Starting Engine

Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for the complete starting

instructions.

Shredding

Yard waste such as leaves and pine needles can be placed in
the hopper for shredding. After material has been processed by
the shredder blade and flails, it will be forced out of the chute
deflector, and, if attached, into a debris collection bag.

Observe the following guidelines when shredding yard debris:

• Never attempt to shred material other than normal yard

debris (leaves, twigs, pine cones, etc.).

• Avoid shredding fibrous plants such as tomato vines until
they are thoroughly dried out. Fresh vines do not shred
well and tend to wrap themselves around the impeller and
flails.

• Place reasonable amounts of debris into the hopper at a
time. Do not overload the hopper.

• Allow the material in the hopper to be drawn into the
blades and shredded before adding additional debris
to the hopper. Failure to due so may result in a clogged
hopper, clogged chute deflector or a stalled engine.

• Avoid placing twigs longer than 24 inches into the hopper.
Twigs longer than 24 inches may result in a clogged

hopper.

IMPORTANT: Never place branches with a diameter greater

than 1/2-inch in the hopper. Doing so can result in serious
damage to the unit’s shredder blade, flails or impeller.

accumulated debris near the impeller, follow instructions
under the heading Cleaning the Reduction Chamber in the
“Maintenance & Adjustments” section of this manual.

Chipping

WARNING: Never operate the chipper shredder

without chipper chute lowered into the operating
position.

Branches up to two inches (model series CS4265) or three
inches (model series CS4325) in diameter can be fed into the
chipper chute. Observe the following guidelines when chipping

branches:

• Keep both hands firmly on the branch as you feed it into
the chipper chute.

• Never feed more than one branch into the chipper chute at
a time.

• Never feed anything other than branches (or wood) into
the chipper chute.

• Apply intermittent pressure (force, in short pulses) while
feeding larger branches into the chipper chute, to avoid
bogging or stalling the engine.

IMPORTANT: Never feed branches with a diameter greater

than two (2) inches (Model Series CS4265) or three (3)
inches (model series CS4325) into the chipper chute. Doing
so can result in serious damage to your unit’s chipper

blades, flails or impeller.

NOTE: For best performance, always operate the unit with
sharp chipper blades. If a noticeable loss in performance is
encountered while chipping branches, the chipper blades
should be replaced.

Clearing the Hopper

Should the hopper become clogged with debris during
operation, proceed as follows:

1. Grasp the handle with both hands and gently agitate the
chipper shredder to help loosen debris, drawing it into the
impell er.

If the clog does not clear, proceed as follows:

1. Stop engine.

2. Use your hands to remove any debris found near the top of
the hopper.

3. Use a branch (or other available device, i.e. broomstick) to
dislodge debris located toward the base of the hopper.

4. Restart engine.

NOTE: If you’re unable to pull the starter rope as a result of

9

Emptying the Bag

1. Stop engine.

2. Squeeze the locking buckle to release the bag’s draw-strap
before loosening it from the chute deflector. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1

3. Empty the bag and reattach to the chute deflector
opening. Refer to the “Set-Up & Adjustments” section of
this manual.

10 Section 5— operation

Maintenance & Adjustments

6

Maintenance

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any
maintenance.

• The warranty on this chipper shredder does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse or
negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator
must maintain the equipment as instructed here.

• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.

• All adjustments should be checked at least once each
season.

• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are
tight.

WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark

plug, and ground against engine before, cleaning,
lubricating, or performing any type of maintenance
on your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricate the chipper chute hinge a with light oil once a
season.

2. Lubricate the pivot points on the chute deflector with light
oil once a season.

3. Follow the separate engine manual packed with your unit
for engine lubrication instructions.

Equipment Care

• Clean the chipper shredder thoroughly after each use.

• Wash bag periodically with water. Allow to dry thoroughly

in shade.

• If the reduction chamber becomes clogged, remove and
clean as instructed below.

NOTE: Cleaning with a forceful spray of water is not
recommended as it could contaminate the fuel system.

Engine Care

Refer to the Maintenance section of the Engine Operator’s

manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions
carefully.

• Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the
separate engine manual.

• Clean or replace air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. To service the air cleaner, refer to the engine
manual.

• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once
a season. Check engine manual for correct plug type and
gap specifications.

• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation.
Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler
area.

11