Troy-Bilt FLEX Chipper Shredder Operator's Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Assembly & Set-Up • Controls & Features • Operation • Maintenance • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

FLEX™ Chipper Shredder Attachment

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

WARNING

Form No. 769-11264

(February 29, 2016)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing this product. 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. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

Assembly & Setup .................................................... 5

Controls & Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance & Service .......................................... 8

1

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone an 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.

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 11

Replacement Parts .................................................11

Warranty .................................................................12

Spanish ....................................................................13

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 looking at the rear mounting assembly on the
chipper shredder attachment, when the unit is not coupled with
the FLEX™ Power Base. This information will be necessary, should
you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support
Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Product Registration and Customer Support

Please register your product on our website, www.troybilt.com

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

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, want to order replacement parts/attachments/accessories, or want to view an online How-To video; you can
seek help from the experts. Have your full model number and serial number ready. Choose from the options below:

◊ Web: www.troybilt.com/equipment/troybilt

◊ Phone: [phone]

◊ Mail: Troy-Bilt LLC • 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 FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.

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.

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
FLEX™ Power Base from the attachment 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 FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment 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. Never pick up or carry machine while the
engine is running.

16. 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.

3

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 FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment 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. Observe proper disposal laws and
regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the
environment.

11. 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.

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

BYSTA NDERS
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.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly & Set-Up

(a)

(c)

(c)

(d)

(b)

(a)

(c)

(c)

(d)

(b)

1

2

2

(a)

(a)

Read entire Operator’s Manual before
you attempt to assemble or operate
your new chipper shredder.

If you have any problems with the assembly of
your chipper shredder, please call [phone].
If calling for assistance, please have the model and
serial number available.

Contents of Carton:

• FLEX™ Chipper Shredder Attachment

• Bag

• Chute Deflector

• Safety Glasses

• Operator’s Manual

• Fast Start Guide

Assembly

Chute Deflector

For shipping reasons, the unit is crated with its
chute deflector removed. To reattach, proceed as
follows:

1. Remove the wing knobs (a) from each side of
the lower impeller housing. See Figure 3-1.

3. Align the chute deflector in position on the
discharge opening and inser t hex bolt (d) with
spacer (c) through hinge on chute deflector
(spacers fit inside of hinges). See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

4. Place second spacer (c) over hex bolt (d)
inside other hinge and secure with hex lock
nut (b). See Figure 3-2.

5. Secure both sides of chute deflector to
impeller housing using wing knobs (a)
removed in Step 1. See Figure 3-3.

3

Bag

To attach the bag:

1. Place the opening of the bag completely
over the chute deflector. See Figure 3-4.

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 3-4

Figure 3-1

2. Remove the hex lock nut (b), spacers (c), and
hex bolt (d) from the top of the impeller
housing. See Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-3

5

Controls & Operation

Hopper

Chipper Chute

1

3

2

Figure 4-1

WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the
entire Controls & Operation section, before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to
comply with all safety rules and instructions may result in personal injury.

Engine

Refer to the FLEX™ Power Base Operator’s Manual
for details regarding all engine-related controls and
features.

Chipper Chute

Branches up to two inches in diameter may be fed
into the chipper chute for chipping. See Figure 4-1.

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.

Read the entire Operator’s Manual

before you attempt to operate your
new chipper shredder.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Start and stop the engine on the FLEX™ Power
Base in accordance with the Operator’s Manual
included with that machine.

WARNING! If leaving this equipment
unattended turn the engine OFF and
remove the ignition key.

4

Connecting to the FLEX™ Power Base

NOTE: All references to the left or right side are from
the operator’s position. Any exceptions will be noted.

1. Roll the FLEX™ Power Base over to the
chipper shredder attachment with the
kickstand UP. See Figure 4-2.

Figure 4-2

2. Roll the FLEX™ Power Base forward and tip
it up, engaging the top part of the chipper
shredder attachment with the handle mount
provided on the FLEX™ Power Base (1 of
Figure 4-3).

3. Tip the FLEX™ Power Base backwards to
engage the two bottom connection points
(2 and 3 of Figure 4-3).

Note: The operator will be able to hear the
lower mounts engage and lock (latching
sound) when coupled properly. To test if
coupled properly, lift up on the handles. If
the unit comes apart, the connection was
not made. Ensure that the kickstand is still
in the UP position, and swiftly tip the FLEX™
Power Base backward with the top mount
engaged.

Chute Deflector

Debris is discharged from the machine’s
reductio n c hamber through the chu te d efle ctor.
See Figure 4-1.

6

Figure 4-3

Note: A “clanking” noise may be heard
during start-up and shut down. It is
completely normal and does NOT indicate a
malfunction of any kind.

Disconnecting from the FLEX™ Power Base

1. The kickstand acts only as a locking device
for the attachment to the FLEX™ Power Base.
The only time the operator would need
to deploy the kickstand once connected
to an attachment would be in the case of
uncoupling the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.

Shredding

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.

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.

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

Chipping

Branches up to two inches 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 (in short,
rotational pulses) while feeding larger
branches into the chipper chute, to avoid
bogging or stalling the engine.

• Ensure chipper chute is clear of branches (or
wood) before shutting the engine off.

IMPORTANT: Never feed branches with a
diameter greater than two (2) inches into the
chipper chute. Doing so can result in serious
damage to your unit’s chipper blades, flails or
imp eller.

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.

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 4- 4.

Clearing the Hopper

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

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

If the clog does not clear, proceed as follows:

1. Stop engine, make certain the chipper
shredder has come to a complete stop, and
disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.

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

Figure 4-4

3. Empty the bag and reattach to the chute
deflector opening. Refer to the “Assembly &
Setup” section of this manual.

7Section 4 — controlS & operation

Maintenance & Service

1

1

2

1

2

3

Dog Clutch

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 the FLEX™ Power Base
from the attachment before, cleaning,
or performing any type of
maintenance on your machine.

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.

• Sharpen or replace chipper blade every 50
hours of use.

2. If attached, remove debris bag. Remove the
two wing knobs on either side of the chute
deflector and pivot the chute deflector
upward. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1

3. Remove the hairpin clip from the clevis
pin which extends through the housing
and shredder screen. Remove clevis pin.
See Figure 5-2.

5

6. When the area is cleaned, pivot the shredder
screen downward and re-secure with the
clevis pin and hairpin clip removed earlier.

7. Reattach the debris collection bag to the
chute deflector, if desired.

Blade Care

Chipper Blades

WARNING: The impeller’s chipper
blades are sharp. Wear leather work
gloves to protect your hands.

1. Stop engine, make certain the chipper
shredder has come to a complete stop, and
disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.

2. Remove the cover screws which secure
the drive system cover. Retain hardware.
See Figure 5-4.

Cleaning The Reduction Chamber

WARNING: The impeller’s shredder
blade and chipper blades are sharp.
Wear leather work gloves to protect
your hands when cleaning out the
reduction chamber.

If the reduction chamber becomes clogged with
debris, the shredder screen can be pivoted upward
so that you can clean the surrounding area. To do so,
proceed as follows:

1. Stop engine, make certain the chipper
shredder has come to a complete stop, and
disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.

WARNING: The muffler and
surrounding area will be hot if the
engine has been running. Use caution
and protect your hands if working
near the muffler.

8

Figure 5-2

4. Pivot the shredder screen upward. See Figure 5-2.
Clean the surrounding area by scraping away
debris.

5. Spin the dog clutch two-to-three times
to purge any remaining debris from the
reduction chamber. See Figure 5-3.

Figure 5-3

Figure 5-4

3. Remove the two flange nuts (and hex bolts)
which secure the hopper support bracket to
the impeller housing. Retain the hardware.
See Figure 5-5.

Figure 5-5