Yard-Man 24A-060F401 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Yard Vacuum

Chipper/Shredder/

Vacuum/Hose

Model Number

24A-060F401

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTR UCTIONS 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.

770-10534B.fm (8/01)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

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

Assembling Your Yard Vacuum .........................................................................5

Know Your Yard Vacuum...................................................................................7

Operating Your Yard Vacuum............................................................................8

Maintaining Your Yard Vacuum .........................................................................10

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................13

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

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new Yard 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 Yard 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)

(Serial Number)

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINE INFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, powerrating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.

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.yardman.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 may apply to your Yard Vacuum.

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR YARD 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 ri ght or left h and side of the Ya rd 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)

• Hose Assembly

Upper Handle

Rope Guide

Blower Chute

Wing Nuts

Lower Handle

Hose Assembly

Bag

Disconnecting Spark Pl ug 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

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 Yard Vacuum and remove the carriage bolts and wing nuts from the lower handle. See Figure 2.

• Place the bot tom holes i n lower handl e 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.

Wing Nuts

Carriage Bolt

Hairpin Clip

Hose Adapter

Spring Loaded Pin

Figure 3

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.

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

Figure 2

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Bag Handle

Straps

Stud

Front Tab

Locking Rod

Stud

Figure 4

Attaching The Blower Chute (If Equipped)

• 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.

Locking Rod

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR YARD VACUUM

Front Tab

Figure 5

Front Tab

Blower Chute

Locking Rod

Starter Handle

Side Bracket

Handle Bracket

Hose Handle

Chipper Chute

Side Hang er Bracket

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

Bag

Bag Handle

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.

WARNING: The operation of any Yard Vacuum can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe e ye d amage. Al ways wear safety glasses, provided with the Yard Vacuum, for operating this equipment or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle

Hose Assembly

Blower Chute

Nozzle

Starter Handle

The starter handle is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind unit and pull the starter handle to start engine.

Bag

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.

Chipper Chute

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

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.

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

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

Nozzle

Yard waste such as leaves or pine needles can be vacuumed up through the nozzle for shredding.

Hose Handle

Used to guide hose assembly when vacuuming.

Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle

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.

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.

Hose Assembly

Used as an alternative to the nozzle to vacuum yard waste such as leaves or pine needles in hard to reach places.

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 YARD VACUUM

WARNING: The operation of the Yard Vacuum can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes se verely. Always wear the safety glasses provided with this unit or eye s hield s bef ore ch ippi ng or b lowi ng 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 Yard 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 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.

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 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.

• 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.

Buttons

Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle (Top Position)

Inner Flap

Bag Clip

Bag Handle

Outer Flap

Strap

Figure 7

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.

• Remove blower chute from rim of the discharge opening.

Using the Nozzle Vacu um

• Place nozzle/hose vac handle in the top position on the nozzle to vacuum through nozzle. See Figure 8.

• The spring loa ded pin must be in the first h ole of the hose adapter to operate the nozzle vac.

• 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 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 (First Hole)

Figure 8

IMPORT ANT :

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.

The flail screen is located inside the

WARNING: Do not at any time make any adjustments without first stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug wire.

Using the Hose Assembly

• Place nozzle /hos e vac h andl e in th e bot tom position on the nozzle to redirect vacuum to the hose assembly. See Figure 9.

• 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.

Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle (Bottom Position)

Spring Loaded Pin (Second Hole)

Figure 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. See Figure 10.

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

Nozzle

SECTION 5: MAINTAINING YOUR YARD VACUUM

Customer Responsibilities

MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE

Lubricate Wheels

T C

Lubricate Nozzle Levers

U D O

Lubricate Locking Rod

R P

Lubricate Nozzle/Hose Handle

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

Figure 10

SERVICE

DATES

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 6.

Nozzle height adjustment levers: Lubricate the pivot points of the nozzle height adjustment levers once a season with light oil. Refer to Figure 6.

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.

Engine: Follow the separate engine manual packed with you unit for lubrication instructions.

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