Yard-Man 24A-061I401 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Yard Vacuum
Chipper/Shredder/
Vacuum/Hose
Model Number
24A-061I401
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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10534D.fm
(7/03)
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 underst and what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model pla te 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 Departme nt or
an authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number b y looking down at t he rear of the Yard Vacuum. A sam ple model
plate is explained below. For future referenc e, please copy the model number and the ser ial number
of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
www.yardman.com
(Serial Number)
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND,OH
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
361131
44136
ENGINE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine- related issues with regards to per formance, 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
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Should you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, ope ration
or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Depar tment.
Call 1- (330) 2 20-4MTD (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
2
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 your self and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failur e 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 reproductive harm.
DANGER
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessne ss or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and thro wing 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 oper ation 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 regu lar reference a nd 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 m achine without
proper instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and childre n 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 discharg e opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
8. Never attempt to unclog either th e 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.
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 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 a nd 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 containe r.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
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.
3
i. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spar k,
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 discharg e opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
2. Before starting the machine, make sure t he chipper
chute, feed intake, and cutting chamber are empt y
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 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.
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 re sult.
7. Never attempt to unclog either th e 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 disch arge
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 att ached 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 avoid accidental kickback injuries.
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 their
proper operation regularly.
2. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the mach ine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage and repair, if needed.
3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, sto p 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 outdoor s.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
4
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.
NOTE: Not all safety labels may apply to your Yard Vacuum.
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR YARD VACUUM
IMPORTANT:
in the engine. Be certain to service engine wi th gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the Yard
Vacuum is observed from the operating posit ion.
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 fl at, 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 Plug 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
5
Attaching The Handle
• Unfold the upper handle until it a ligns 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 b olts
and wing nuts from the lower hand le. See Figure 2.
• Place the bottom holes in lower handle 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 o ne 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 o f the lower ha ndle.
Figure 2
• Loosen the wing nut that secure s 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. Tig hten the
wing nut.
Attaching The Hose Assembly
• Slide hose adapter of hose assembly into the base
adapter located on the left front of the Ya rd
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 ho se
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 must be fully depressed by the front
tab on the bag handle when securing the bag or the
engine will not start. See Figure 4.
Bag Handle
Straps
Stud
Front Tab
Locking
Rod
Safety Switch
Bag Clip
Stud
Figure 4
6
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