MTD 24A-070H799 Owner's manual

Operator's Manual

I:RRFTSMRN+

6.5 Horse Power

POWER PROPELLED YARD VACUUM

Model No. 247.770990

CAUTION: Before using

this product, read this

manual and follow all

safety rules and operating

instructions.

+ SAFETY

• ASSEMBLY

+ OPERATION

+ MAINTENANCE

+ PARTS LIST

ESPAI_OL

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our web site: www.sears.com/craftsman

FORMNO.769-01281B

06/27/2006

WarrantyStatement..................................Page2

RepairProtectionAgreement...................Page3

SafeOperationPractices.........................Pages4-5

Assembly..................................................Pages6-9

Operation..................................................Pages10-13

Maintenance.............................................Pages14-15

ServiceAndAdjustment...........................Page16-19

Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20

TroubleShooting......................................Page21

PartsList...................................................Page22-30

SafetyLabels............................................Page31

Espa_ol.....................................................Page33

ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover

OneYearFullWarrantyon Craftsman YardVacuum

Thisequipmentiscoveredbya one-yearwarranty,providedthat itis maintained,lubricated,andtunedupaccordingto theinstructionsinthe

operator'smanual.Duringthewarrantyyear,ifthisequipmentexperiencesanyfailureduetodefectsinmaterialor workmanship,RETURNITTO

YOURNEARESTSEARSPARTS& REPAIRCENTER,andSearswillrepairit, freeofcharge.In-homewarrantyserviceisavailable,butyouwill

havetopaya tripcharge.

This warranty does not cover:

• Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduringnormaluse,suchassparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,andoil filters.

• Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedto,damagecausedbyobjects,suchasstones,metaldebrisor

oversizedpiecesofwood,or impactingobjectsthatbendtheframeorcrankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricaland mechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeand amountofengineoil,orfailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontained

in theoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobecontaminatedor oxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe used

within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

• Equipmentifusedforcommercialorrentalpurposes.

TOLOCATETHE NEARESTSEARSPARTS& REPAIRCENTERORTOSCHEDULESERVICE,SIMPLYCONTACTSEARSAT1-800-4-MY-

HOME®.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrightsandyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichmayvary fromstatetostate.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

Horse Power:

Engine Oil Type:

Engine Oil Capacity:

Fuel Capacity:

Spark Plug:

Spark Plug Gap:

6.5

SAE 30

18 ounces

1 1/2 Quarts

Champion® RJ19LM

.030"

Model Number .............................................................

Serial Number ..............................................................

Date of Purchase ..........................................................

Record the model number, serial number

and date of purchase above

Congratulationsonmakingasmartpurchase.YournewCraftsman®

productisdesignedandmanufacturedforyearsofdependableopera-

tion.Butlikeallproducts,itmayrequirerepairfromtimetotime.That's

whenhavingaRepairProtectionAgreementcansaveyoumoneyand

aggravation.

Here'swhat'sincludedintheAgreement:

,, Expertservicebyour12,000professionalrepairspecialists

,, Unlimitedserviceandnochargeforpartsandlaboronallcovered

repairs

,, Productreplacementifyourcoveredproductcan'tbefixed

,, Discountof10%fromregularpriceofserviceandservice-related

partsnotcoveredbytheagreement;also,10%offregularpriceof

preventivemaintenancecheck

,, Fasthelpbyphone- phonesupportfromaSearstechnicianon

productsrequiringin-homerepair,plusconvenientrepair

scheduling

PurchaseaRepairProtectionAgreementnowandprotectyourself

fromunexpectedhassleandexpense.

OnceyoupurchasetheAgreement,asimplephonecallisallthatit

takesforyoutoscheduleservice.Youcancallanytimedayornight,or

scheduleaserviceappointmentonline.

Searshasover12,000professionalrepairspecialists,whohave

accesstoover4.5millionqualitypartsandaccessories.That'sthe

kindofprofessionalismyoucancountontohelpprolongthelifeof

yournewpurchaseforyearstocome.PurchaseyourRepairProtection

Agreementtoday!

Somelimitationsand exclusionsapply. Forpricesand additional

informationcall 1-800-827-6655.

SearsInstallation Service

ForSearsprofessionalinstallationof homeappliances,garagedoor

openers,waterheaters,andothermajorhomeitems,in theU.S.A.call

1-800-4-MY-HOME®

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,and certainvehiclecomponentscontainor emit

chemicalsknown to Stateof Californiato cause cancerand birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperation in this manual.As with anytype

of powerequipment,carelessnessorerroron thepart of theoperatorcan result in seriousinjury.Thismachine is capable

of amputatinghandsand feet and throwingobjects. Failureto observe the following safety instructionscould resultin

seriousinjuryordeath.

WARNING: Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if notfollowed,couldendangerthe

personalsafetyand/orpropertyofyourselfand others.Readandfollowallinstructionsinthismanualbefore

attemptingto operatethismachine.Failureto complywiththese instructionsmayresultin personalinjury.

Whenyouseethis symbol.HEED ITSWARNING!

Preparation

1. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretile equipmentisto beused.Remove

all rocks,bottles,cans, orotherforeignobjectswhichcould bepickedup

or thrownandcausepersonalinjuryor damagetothemachine.

2. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationor while

performingan adjustmentor repair,toprotecteyes.Thrownobjectswhich

ricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

3. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.

Loosefittingclothesorjewelrycanbecaughtin movableparts.Never

operatethismachinein barefeet or sandals.Wearleatherworkgloves

whenfeedingmaterialinthe chipperchute.

4. Beforestarting,checkall boltsandscrewsfor propertightnessto besure

the machineis in safeworkingcondition.Also,visuallyinspectmachinefor

anydamageatfrequentintervals.

5. Maintainorreplacesafetyand instructionslabels,as necessary.

6. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein handling

gasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.

Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen gasolineisspilledonyourself

or yourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

a. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

b. Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipes,and othersourcesofignition.

c. Neverfuel machineindoors.

d. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhilethe engineishot orrunning.

e. Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

f. Neveroverfillfuel tank.Filltankto nomorethan 1/2inchbelowbottom

offiller neckto providespacefor fuelexpansion.

g. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

h. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.Move

machinetoanotherarea. Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.

i. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethere isan open

flame,spark,or pilotlight(e.g.furnace,waterheater,spaceheater,

clothesdryer,etc.).

j. To reduceafire hazard,keep machinefreeofgrass,leaves,or other

debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel

soakeddebris.

k. Allowmachineto coolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.

Training

1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe machineand in tile

manual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.Keepthismanual

in asafeplaceforfutureand regularreferenceandfororderingreplace-

mentparts.

2. Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowto stop

the machineanddisengagethemquickly.

3. Neverallowchildrenunder16yearsoldto operatethismachine.Children

16yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstruc-

tionsandsafetyrulesin thismanualandshouldbetrainedand supervised

byaparent.

4. Neverallow adultsto operatethismachinewithoutproperinstruction.

5. Keepbystanders,helpers,pets,andchildrenat least75feetfromthe

machinewhileitis in operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

6. Neverrunan engineindoorsor in apoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust

containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.

7. Donotputhandsandfeetnearrotatingpartsorin the feedingchambers

anddischargeopening.Contactwiththe rotatingimpellercan amputate

fingers,hands,andfeet.

8. Neverattempttounclogeitherthefeedintakeor dischargeopening,

removeoremptyvacuumbag,or inspectandrepairthe machinewhilethe

engineisrunning.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilall movingpartshave

cometoacompletestop.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit

againsttheengine.

4

Operation

1. Donotputhandsandfeetnearrotatingpartsor inthe feedingchambers

anddischargeopening.Contactwiththe rotatingimpellercan amputate

fingers,hands,andfeet.

2. Beforestartingthe machine,makesurethe chipperchute,feedintake,and

cuttingchamberareemptyandfreeof alldebris.

3. Thoroughlyinspectall materialto beshreddedand removeanymetal,

rocks,bottles,cans,or otherforeignobjectswhichcouldcause personal

injuryor damageto the machine.

4. Ifthe impellerstrikesaforeign objector ifyourmachineshouldstart

makingan unusualnoiseorvibration,immediatelyshutthe engineoff.

Allowthe impellerto cometoacompletestop.Disconnectthesparkplug

wire,groundit againstthe engineandperformthe followingsteps:

a. Inspectfor damage.

b. Repairor replaceanydamagedparts.

c. Checkfor anyloosepartsandtightentoassurecontinuedsafe opera-

tion.

5. Donotallowanaccumulationofprocessedmaterialto buildupinthe

dischargearea.This canpreventproperdischargeandresultin kickback

ofmaterialthroughthefeedopening.

6. Donotattempttoshredor chipmateriallargerthanspecifiedonthe

machineorinthis manual.Personalinjuryor machinedamagecould

result.

7. Neverattemptto unclogeitherthefeedintakeor dischargeopeningwhile

theengineis running.Shuttheengineoff, waituntilall movingpartshave

stopped,disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundit againstthe engine

beforeclearingdebris.

8. Neveroperatewithoutvacuumbaganddischargechuteproperlyattached

tothe machine.Neveremptyor changevacuumbagwhilethe engineis

running.Zipperedendofvacuumbagmustbe keptclosedat alltimes

duringoperation.

9. Neveroperatewithouteitherthe inletnozzleoroptionalhoseattachment

properlyattachedtothemachine.Neverattempttoattachor changeeither

attachmentwhilethe engineisrunning.

10.Keepall guards,deflectorsandsafetydevicesin placeandoperating

properly.

11.Keepyourfaceand bodybackandtothe sideofthechipperchutewhile

feedingmaterialintothe machinetoavoidaccidentalkickbackinjuries.

12.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Alwaysbesure

ofyourfootingandkeepafirm holdonthe handles.

13.Do notoperatethismachineon agravelsurface.

14.Do notoperatethismachinewhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.

15.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancauseaburn. Donottouch.

16.Neverpickupor carrymachinewhiletheengineisrunning.

Maintenance & Storage

1. Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

2. Checkboltsandscrewsfor propertightnessatfrequentintervalstokeep

the machineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visuallyinspectmachinefor

anydamageand repair,if needed.

3. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stoptheengineand makecertain

the impellerand allmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplug

wireandgroundit againstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.

4. Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsoroverspeedthe engine.The

governorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe engine.

5. Maintainorreplacesafetyand instructionlabels,as necessary.

6. Followthismanualfor safeloading,unloading,transporting,andstorage

ofthis machine.

7. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethere isanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightsuchasa waterheater,furnace,clothesdryer,

etc.

8. Alwaysrefertothe operator'smanualfor properinstructionsonoff-season

storage.

9. Ifthe fueltankhasto bedrained,dothis outdoors.

10.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsforgas, oil,etc.to protect

the environment.

Do not modify engine

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyenginein anyway.Tampering

withthe governorsettingcanleadto arunawayengineandcauseitto operate

at unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysettingofenginegovernor.

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe useofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understandand

followthe warningsandinstructionsinthis manualandonthemachine.

f _Upper Handle _'_ IMPORTANT:This unitisshippedwithoutgasolineor oil intheengine.

Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedinthe

DriveControl.,,,,,,,_

UpperHose

Handle

RopeGuidej/_

LowerHose

HandleBracket

Wing Nut

SafetyGlasses

BottleofEngineOil

LowerHandle

Bag

Operator'sManual

FreshStartT_4

Cartridge

Figure 1

separateenginemanualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.

_eedControl

NOTE:Referenceto rightandleft handsideoftheYardVacuumis

observedfromtheoperatingposition.

CableGuide

S OPENING CARTON

1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.

2. Removeall looseparts.

Carriage 3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.

Screws

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

1. Lift unitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial

and rollunitoutofcarton.

WingNuts 2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.

NOTE:Makesurenotto crimpcableswhileremovingloosepartsor

theentireunitfromthecarton.

LOOSE PARTS iN CARTON

(See Figure 1)

a. UpperandLowerHandle

b. HoseAssembly

c. SafetyGlasses

d. EngineOil (Maybelocatedin bag)

Hose

Assembly e. Bag

f. BlowerChute

BIowerChute g. Operator'sManual

h. FreshStartTM Cartridge

6

f

Carriage Screw

Wing

Handle Bracke!.

RopeGuide

ATTACHING THE HANDLE

1. Removethehairpinclipsfromthehandlebracketsandremovethe

carriagescrewsandwingnutsfromthelowerhandle.

a. Placethebottomholesin lowerhandleoverthepinsonthe

handlebracketsandsecurewithhairpinclips.SeeFigure2.

b. Insertcarriagescrewsthroughupperholeinlowerhandlefrom

theinsideandsecurewithwingnuts.SeeFigure2.

2. a. Unfoldthe upperhandleuntilit alignswithlowerhandle.Make

suretheropeguideisonthe rightsideof upperhandle.See

Figure3.

IMPORTANT:Makesurethecablesare routedoutsidethelower

handle.Also,do notcrimpthecableswhileliftingup thehandles.

b.Securethetwohandlesbytighteningthehandleknobs(carriage

boltsmustbe seatedproperlyintothehandle).SeeFigure3.

Pullthetwocableties attachedtothecablestightapproximately

8 inchesfromeachcableendandplacethecablesintothecable

guide.SeeFigure3.

Loosenthewingnutthat securestheropeguidetotherightsideof

upperhandle.

a. Pullthestarterropeoutof theengineslowly.SeeFigure4.

b. Slipthestarterropeintothe ropeguide.Tightenthewingnut.

SeeFigure4.

ATTACHING THE HOSE

ASSEMBLY

5. a. Slidehoseadapterof hoseassemblyintothe baseadapter

locatedon theleftfrontoftheYardVacuum.SeeFigure5.

b.Pullspringloadedpin outon thebaseandalignpinwiththefirst

hole (closesttotheendofthetube)inthehoseadapter.

c. Releasethepintolockthehoseinplace.

Figure 3

Figure 4

J

Figure 5

J

7

f-

Upper

Bracket

Lower

Hose

Handle

Bracket

Hose

Handle

Hose

6. a. Snapthehosehandlefirstintotheupperhosehandlebracket

andthenintothelowerhosehandlebracket.

b. Layhosetubingon hangerbracketnextto chipperchute.See

Figure6.

ATTACHING THE BAG

7. Graspbaghandlewithone handandslidelockingrodon mounting

bracketwithotherhandtowardengine.Usetheendof mounting

bracketasleveragewhenslidingthelockingrod.

a. Slipbagovertherimofthedischargeopeningandrelease

lockingrodtosecurebagin place.SeeFigure7.

b. Snapbagcliptothetopofthelowerhandle.

c. Placethelowerstrapsonthebagoverthetopof lowerhandle,

hookingthemon thestuds.SeeFigure7.

Hangar

Bracket

Figure 6

NOTE:Thebag/chuteswitchbuttonattachedtothemountingbracket

mustbefullydepressedbythetip offronttabon baghandlewhen

securingthebagorenginewillnotstart.

\

Bag

Clip

Strap

Figure 7

8

ATTACHING THE BLOWER CHUTE f

NOTE:Thebagmustbe removedbeforeinstallingtheblowerchute.

8. a. Graspblowerchutewithonehandandslidelockingrodon

mountingbracketwithotherhandtowardengine.Usetheendof

mountingbracketas leveragewhenslidingthelockingrod.See

Figure8.

b. Slipblowerchuteoverrimofdischargeopeningandrelease

lockingrodtosecurechutein place,asin Figure8.

c. Raisethenozzleheighttothehighestsettingwhenusingthe

blowerchute.Referto nozzleheightadjustmentintheADJUST-

MENTsectionon page16.

NOTE:Thebag/chuteswitchbuttonattachedtothe mountingbracket

mustbefullydepressedbythetipoffronttabontheblowerchuteor

enginewillnotstart.

Figure 8

J

9

f

DriveControl

SpeedControl

Starter Handle

Bag Throttle Control Choke Control

Bag Handle

Fill

Hose

Handle

Chipl

Blower

Chute

\

NozzleHeig

Adjustment Lever

Fill

Hose

,,_Assembly

Nozzle/Hose

Nozzle

Figure 9

Nowthatyouhavesetup youryardvacuumforoperation,get

acquaintedwith itscontrolsand features.Thesearedescribedbelow

andillustratedon thispage.Thisknowledgewillallowyoutouseyour

newequipmenttoits fullestpotential.

_ ARNING:Theoperation ofanychippershredder

canresult inforeign objects beingthrown intothe

eyes,which candamageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearthe safety glasses providedwith this unit or

eyeshieldswhile operating or while performingany

adjustments orrepairs.

Chipper Chute

Allowstwigsandsmallbranchesupto1-1/2"indiameterto befedinto

theimpellerforchipping.SeeFigure9.

Drive Control

Locatedon theundersideof theupperhandle,thedrivecontrolis used

toengage/disengagewheels.Fullysqueezethedrivecontrolagainst

theupperhandletoengagethewheels;releasetodisengage.(DO

NOTslipclutch).

Speed Control

Locatedontheleft sideofthe upperhandle,thespeedcontrolisused

toselecttheforwardspeedoftheyardvacuum.

IMPORTANT:Movethespeedcontrolonlywhentheengineisrunning.

Changingthespeedcontrolsettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe

yardvacuum.

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

Usedtoadjustthenozzlegroundclearancerangingapproximately

from5/8" to41/8".SeeFigure9.

Throttle Control

This levercontrolstheenginespeedandstopfunction.Throughthree

separatepositionsontheleverfromlefttoright,theoperationisas

follows:

Start/Run Slow/Idle Engine Off

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanYardVacuumsconformtothesafetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

10

Choke Control

Thechokecontrolisusedtochokethecarburetorandassistinstarting

theengine.

Starter Handle

Usedto starttheengine.

Nozzle

Yardwastesuchasleavesor pineneedlescanbevacuumedup

throughthenozzleforshredding.

Hose Assembly

Usedasan alternativetothenozzletovacuumyardwastesuchas

leavesorpine needlesinhardtoreachplaces.SeeFigure9.

Nozzlel Hose Vac Lever

The nozzle/hosevac handleislocatedontopofthenozzle.Useit to

switchvacuumsuctionbetweenthenozzleandthehoseassembly.

Hose Handle

Usedto guidehoseassemblywhenvacuuming.

Bag Handle

Usedto graspbag inordertoassistin attaching,removing,and

emptyingbag.SeeFigure9.

Bag

Collectsshreddedmaterialfedthroughthechipperchuteorvacuumed

throughthenozzleor hose.

Blower Chute

Whenattachedtounit,theblowerchuteisusedtodischargeyard

wastesuchasleaves,pineneedle,orsmalltwigsacrossyard.

GAS AND OIL FILL=UP

Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)

First Time Use

1. Removeoilfilldipstick.

2. WiththeYardVacuumonlevelground,usea funneltoemptyentire

contentsofoil bottleprovidedintotheengine.

3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.

Subsequent Uses

Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SE SG,or SH.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtothe

axpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.

Colder -_ 32°F _,,_Warmel

0il Viscosity Chart

Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W30,10W30,etc.)improvestarting

incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen

usedabove32°RCheckyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlytoavoid

possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

1. Checktheoil levelmakingcertainnotto rubthedipstickalongthe

insidewallsoftheoilfill tube.Thiswouldresultin a falsedipstick

reading.RefilltoFULLmarkondipstick,if necessary.Capacity

isapproximately18oz.Overfillingwillcausetheengineto smoke

profuselyandwillresultinpoorengineperformance.

2. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.

3. Keepoil levelat FULL.Runningtheenginewithtoolittleoil can

resultin permanentenginedamage.

Gasoline

1. Removefuelcapfromthefueltank.

2. Makesurethecontainerfromwhichyouwillpourthegasolineis

cleanandfreefromrustorforeignparticles.Neverusegasoline

that maybestalefromlongperiodsof storagein itscontainer.

Gasolinethat hasbeensittingforanyperiodlongerthanfourweeks

shouldbeconsideredstale.

3. Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedregulargasolineonly.Do

notusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL.Replacefuelcap.

IMPORTANT:Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbe

emptiedbeforestoragefor30 daysor longer.Drainthefuelfromthe

tankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefueltankisempty.Usefreshfuel

nextseason.SeeSTORAGEsectionforadditionalinformation.

NOTE:Checkthefuellevelperiodicallytoavoidrunningoutof

gasolinewhileoperatingtheYardVacuum.If theunitrunsoutofgas

as itischipping,itmaybenecessaryto unclogthedischargearea

beforeitcanbe restarted.RefertoSERVICEANDADJUSTMENT

sectionon page17.

FreshStart TM Gas Cap

Thisunitisequippedwitha FreshStartTM continuousfuelpreserver

gascapwhichautomaticallydripscontinuousfuelpreserverinto

yourfueltankforuptosix monthsdependingon conditions,suchas

temperature,usagepatterns,fueltypeandblend.Toactivatethegas

cap,followthe instructionsbelow:

1. Snapthefuelpreservercartridgethatcomeswithyourunitintothe

fuelcap.

2. Peeloff thewhitetabfromthecartridge.

3. TwisttheFreshStartTM capontothefueltank.

Whenyouvisuallyseethatthefuelpreservercartridgeis empty,

replacementcartridgesareavailablethroughyourlocalSearsParts&

RepairCenterandmostSearsstores.

_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhenhandling

gasoline. Gasoline isextremelyflammableand the

vapors are explosive.Neverfuel machine indoors

or whilethe engineis hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipes,and other sources of

ignition.

11

ThrottleControl

ChokeControl

TO STOP ENGINE

1. MovethrottlecontrollevertoSTOPorOFFposition.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundittotheretainingpostto

preventaccidentalstartingwhiletheequipmentis unattended.

_ ARNING:When movingthrottle controllever,

be careful of heatedsurfaces and sharp edgeson

muffler guard.

f

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

TO START ENGINE

1. Attachsparkplugwireandrubberboottosparkplug.

2. Thebag/chuteswitchbuttonmustbefullydepressedbythetipof

fronttabonbag handleor blowerchuteforenginetostart.

3. Makesurebag/chuteswitchwireisconnectedtoengineand

groundedtomountingbracket.

4. Gastankshouldbefilled3/4 tofullbeforestarting.

5. Movethrottlecontrolto START/RUN(Rabbit)position.SeeFigure

10.

6. Movethechokecontroltowardthethrottlecontrolto chokethe

engine'scarburetor.(Awarmenginemaynotrequirechoking.)See

Figure10.

7. Standingbehindtheunit,graspstarterhandleand pullropeout

untilyoufeeladrag.

8. Pulltheropewitha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepa firm

gripon thestarterhandle.Letthe roperewindslowly.

9. Repeat,ifnecessary,untilenginestarts.Whenenginestarts,move

chokecontrolgraduallyawayfromthethrottlecontrol.

10.If enginefalters,movechokecontrolbacktowardthethrottlecontrol

and repeatsteps7 through9.

11.ALWAYSkeepthethrottlecontrolin theSTART/RUNpositionwhen

operatingtheYardVacuum.

TO EMPTY BAG

1. a. Unhookbagstrapsfromthelowerhandle.

b. Unsnapbagclipfromthetopoflowerhandle.SeeFigure11.

c. Graspbaghandlewithone handandpulllockrod onmounting

bracketwithotherhandtowardengineto release.

d. Liftbagoff backof unit.

2. Twistthetwobuttonsonthebackofthebagto unlockandempty

contents.SeeFigure12.Holdbaghandleandbagclipwhileempty-

ing thecontents.

3. Compressbagopeningandfoldinnerflapoveropening.

4. Foldouterflapoverinnerflapandinsertbuttonsonthe bagthrough

metaloutlets.SeeFigure12.

5. Twistthebuttonsto lockbag.Placebagbackontounitas

instructedon page8.

12

TO REMOVE BLOWER CHUTE

1. Graspblowerchutewithonehandand pulllockrodon mounting

bracketwithotherhandtowardenginetorelease.RefertoFigure7.

2. Removeblowerchutefromovertherimofthedischargeopening.

USING THE NOZZLE VACUUM

1. Placenozzle/hosevacleverinthetoppositiononthenozzleto

vacuumthroughnozzle.SeeFigure13.

2. Thespringloadedpinmustbe inthefirsthole(closesttotheendof

thetube)ofthehoseadaptertooperatethenozzlevac.

3. Placebothhandsontopoftheupperhandleandfullyliftthedrive

controlagainsttheupperhandletopropeltheunitoveryard.

4. Usethespeedcontrolto chooseeitherthehighor lowspeed.The

speedcontrolmaybemovedeitherwhiletheunitispropellingor

beforeengagingthewheels.

IMPORTANT:Movethespeedcontrolonlywhentheengineisrunning.

Changingthespeedcontrolsettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe

yardvacuum.

Yardwastesuchasleavesandpineneedlescanbe vacuumedup

throughthenozzleforshredding.Aftermaterialhasbeenshredded

bytheflailbladesontheimpellerassembly,itwillbedischarged

intocatcherbagorthroughblowerchute.Donotattempttoshredor

chipanymaterialotherthanvegetationfoundin a normalyard(i.e.

branches,leaves,twigs,etc.)Avoidfibrousplantssuchastomato

vinesuntiltheyarethoroughlydriedout. Materialssuchasstalksor

heavybranchesupto 1-1/2"indiametermaybefedintothechipper

chute.

,_ WARNING:Do notattempt to shred, chip,or vacuum

anymaterial largerthan specifiedon the machine

or inthis manual.Personalinjuryor damageto the

machine couldresult.

IMPORTANT:Theflailscreenis locatedinsidethehousinginthe

dischargearea.If theflailscreenbecomesclogged,removeandclean

asinstructedin theService&Adjustmentssectionon page17.For

bestperformance,itis alsoimportanttokeepthechipperbladesharp.

_ WARNING:Do notat anytime makeany

adjustments without first stopping engineand

disconnecting sparkplugwire.

f Nozzle/Hose Hose

VacLever

(TopPositi

Nozzle

Spring Loaded Pi

(First Hole)

Figure 13

J

f

Nozzle/Hose

Vac Lever

(Bottom Po

Spring Loaded Pin

(SecondHole)

Figure 14

J

USING THE HOSE ASSEMBLY

1. Placenozzle/hosevachandleinthebottompositiononthenozzle

toredirectvacuumtothehoseassembly.SeeFigure14.

2. Thespringloadedpinmustbe inthesecondholeofthehose

adaptertooperatethehoseassembly.

3. Unhookthehosefromupperhandlebracketandgraspthehose

handletoguidewhilevacuumingyardwastesuchasleavesor pine

needlesin hardtoreachplaces.

13

©

Cleaner

Housing

\

Figure 15

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thisyardvacuumdoesnotcoveritemsthathave

beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull

valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas

instructedhere.

3. Someadjustmentswill haveto bemadeperiodicallytomaintain

yourunitproperly.

4. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethesearetight.

,_ WARNING:Alwaysstopengineand disconnect

sparkplugwire before performingany maintenance

or adjustments. Alwayswearsafetyglasses during

operation or while performingany adjustments or

repairs.

LUBRICATION

1. Wheels-Placea fewdropsofSAE30 oil oneachshoulderscrew

oncea season.Referto Figure23 onpage18.

2. Nozzleheight adjustment levers- Lubricatenozzleheightadjust-

mentleverswithlightoil.RefertoFigure9.

3. Locking Rod-Lubricatethe lockrodandcompressionsprings

whichattachtothe mountingbracket.Referto Figure8.

CLEAN EQUIPMENT

1. CleantheYardVacuumthoroughlyaftereachuse.

2. Washbagperiodicallywithwater.Allowto drythoroughlyinshade.

3. If theflailscreenbecomesclogged,removeandcleanasinstructed

in theSERVICEANDADJUSTMENTSsection.

NOTE:Cleaningwitha forcefulsprayofwaterisnotrecommendedas

itcouldcontaminatethefuelsystem.

CHECK ENGINE OIL

1. Stopengineandwaitseveralminutesbeforecheckingoil level.

Withengineon levelground,theoil mustbetoFULLmarkon

dipstick.

2. Removeoil filldipstick.

3. Checkoil levelondipstick.Levelshouldbeat FULLmark.(If not,

see"SubsequentUses"on page11).

4. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

,, OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassifica-

tionSF,SG,orSH.Selecttheoil's SAEviscositygradeaccording

totheexpectedoperatingtemperature.Refertooperationsection

forviscositychart.

Changeengineoilafterthefirstfive hoursof operation,andevery

twenty-fivehoursthereafter.

TO DRAIN OIL

Drainoil whileengineiswarm.Followtheinstructionsgivenbelow:

1. Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefueltank

is empty.

2. Removeoil filldipstick.

3. Tipunitonits sideto drainthroughtheoil filltube.

4. Whenengineis drainedofall oil,refillwithapproximately18oz.of

freshoil.RefertoGasAnd Oil Fill-Up in OPERATIONsection.

5. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.

SERVICE AIR CLEANER

Theaircleanerpreventsdamagingdirt,dust,etc.,fromenteringthe

carburetorand beingforcedintotheengineand isimportanttoengine

lifeandperformance.Theaircleanerconsistsofa pleatedfilter.Never

runtheenginewithoutanair cleanercompletelyassembled.

To Service Air Cleaner:

1. Loosenscrewand tiltplastichousingcoveron sideofenginedown.

SeeFigure15.

14

2. Removepleatedfilterfromplastichousingcoverandreplacewith

cleanor newfilter.

3. Tiltcoverupintoplaceand tightenscrew.

NOTE:If thefilter istornor damagedinanyway,replaceit.

_ ARNING:Temperatureof muffler and nearbyareas

mayexceed 150°F(65°C).Avoidthese areas.

SERVICE SPARK PLUG

Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto .030"atleastoncea season

or every50hoursofoperation.SeeFigure15.Sparkplugreplacement

isrecommendedatthestartofeachseason.Referto enginepartslist

forcorrectsparkplugtype.

NOTE:Donotsandblastsparkplug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedby

scrapingor wirebrushingand washingwitha commercialsolvent.

f --,,

2 3

II

1..030 (.76 turn) Gap

2. Electrodes

3. Porcelain

Figure 16

,J

SERVICE MUFFLER

• Inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.

• If yourengineisequippedwithasparkarresterscreenassembly,

removeafterevery50hoursofuseforcleaningandinspection.

Replaceifdamaged.

_ ARNING:Donot operatethe YardVacuumwithout

a muffler ortamper withthe exhaustsystem.

Damagedmufflers or spark arresters could createa

fire hazard.

CLEAN ENGINE

• Cleanenginebyremovingdirtanddebriswitha clothorbrush.

Frequentlyremovegrassclippings,dirt,anddebrisfromcooling

fins,air intakescreen,levers,andlinkage.Thiswillhelpensure

adequatecoolingandenginespeed.

15

NozzleHeight

Adjustment

_ WARNING: Donot atanytime makeany adjustment

to the unit withoutfirst stoppingengineand discon-

nectingsparkplugwire.

Nozzle

Figure 17

f_A Drive Control

J

/

\\

XX

X

Drive Control

Z-Fittin_

Front Hole

Rear Hole Drive Control Cable

J

Figure 18

NOZZLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Thenozzlecanbeadjustedtoanysixpositions,rangingfrom5/8" to4

1/8"groundclearance.Thenozzleheighthastobeadjustedaccording

toyardconditions.

1. Depressnozzleheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.SeeFigure

17.

2. Movetheheightadjustmentleverforwardorbackwardtoadjustthe

nozzleupwardsordownwards.Makesurebothleversareinthe

sameposition.

3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

NOTE:Ingeneral,raisethenozzleheighttovacuuma thicklayerof

leavesor tooperatewiththeblowerchute.Lowerthenozzleheightfor

smoothersurfaces.

DRIVE CONTROL

CABLE ADJUSTMENT

Adjustthedrivecontrolcableiftheyardvacuumdoesnotselfpropel

withthedrivecontrolengaged,or iftheunithesitateswhiletheengine

maintainsthesamespeedafterapproximately20 hoursofuse.

Tomovethez-fittingof thedrivecontrolcablefromitsfactoryset

positioninthefrontholeofthedrivecontroltotherearhole,proceed

asfollows:

1. a. Pushtherightsideofthecontroloutoftherightholeintheupper

handle.SeeFigure18A.

b. Pivotcontroldowntowardsthelowerhandle.

c. Pivotstraightup toremoveit fromtheleft holeinthe upper

handle.SeeFigure18A.

2. Graspthez-fittingwithyourhandandmoveitfromthefrontholeto

therearholeofthedrivecontrol.SeeFigure18B.

IMPORTANT:Makesuretoinsertthez-fittingintotherearholeas

itwasinsertedinthefronthole,thatisfromtheoutside of thedrive

control.

3. Reinstallthedrivecontrolbyperformingthepreviousstepsinthe

oppositeorderand mannerofremoval.

IMPORTANT:Onceassembledandpriortorestarting,makesurethat

thecableisproperlyadjusted.Withthedrivecontroldisengaged,the

unitshouldfreelypullin reverse.

16

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT

_ ARNING:ifany adjustments (e.g. carburetor)are

madeto the enginewhilethe engineisrunning,

keepclearof all moving parts.Becarefulofheated

surfacesand muffler.

Thecarburetorhasbeenpre-setat thefactoryandshouldnotrequire

adjustment.If yourenginedoesnotoperateproperlydueto suspected

carburetorproblems,takeyourYardVacuumto a SearsParts& Repair

Centerforrepairandadjustment.

ENGINE SPEED

Theenginespeedon yourYardVacuumhasbeensetat thefactory.

Donotattemptto increasetheengineRPM.Ifyouthinkthat theengine

isrunningtoofastor tooslow,takeyourYardVacuumto thenearest

SearsParts&RepairCenterforrepairandadjustment.

,i_i WARNING:Do notattempt to alterthe enginespeed

bytampering withthe engine'sgovernorlinkage.

Doing so couldresult in serious personalinjuryand

damageto the engine.TheengineRPMhas beenset

atthe factory.

REMOVING THE FLAIL SCREEN

If thedischargeareabecomesclogged,removetheflailscreenand

cleanareaasfollows.

1. Stoptheengine.Makecertainthechipper/shreddervacuumhas

cometoa completestop.

2. Beforeuncloggingthedischargechute,disconnect and ground

the spark plugwireto retaining post.

3. Removethevacuumbagor blowerchutefromtheunitasinstructed

intheOPERATIONsectiontoobtainaccesstoflailscreen.

4. Removethethreeselftappingscrewssecuringthebeltcover,and

removethebeltcover.SeeFigure19.

5. Removeselftappingscrewon rightsideof unitthatattachestothe

flailscreen.SeeFigure20.

6. Removehexscrewontopofrearhousingnearmountingbracket

andtheflangelocknutthatsecuresflailscreen.SeeFigure20.

7. Removeandcleanthescreenbyscrapingor washingwithwater.

SeeFigure21.

8. Reinstallthescreen.

17

//

/

//

/-

Self

Tapping

crews

: .... Belt Cover

/ S

/

i /

/<

/

f

Figure 19

/

Screw

\

f

Flange

Lock Nut

J

Flail Screen

Figure 21

J

Hex Cap ............ "

, Screws

f

............."_FrontSupport Braceand Lock NUi ....

J

SHARPENING OR REPLACING

CHIPPER BLADE

NOTE:Whentippingtheunit,emptytheoil andfueltankand keep

enginesparkplugsideup.

1. Disconnect and ground the spark plugwire to retaining post.

2. Removehoseassemblyandbagassembly.

3. Removethethreehexcapscrewsholdingthehosehangerbracket

andchipperchutetotheupperhousing.SeeFigure22.

4. Removethefronthubcaps,flangelocknuts,frontwheels,andwave

washersthatattachtothe pivotarmassemblies.SeeFigure23.

5. Removetheshoulderscrews,thrustwashers,and bellwashers

thatgo throughthepivotarmstothefrontsupportbrace.Thefront

supportbraceand locknutcanbe removedatthistimeaswell.

6. Removethefourscrewsonthe upperhousingthatsecurethe

nozzlecover.SeeFigure24.

Pivot Arm

BellWasher

Thrust Washer

Shoulder Screw

%_*.r

Wave

Washer

Hub Ca[

LockNut

Figure 23

Wheel

,J

f

Nozzle Screws

Figure 24

,J

18

7. Carefullytiltandsupportthe unitupto provideaccessunderneath

tothenozzlemountinghardwareandimpeller.Removethethree

shoulderboltssecuringtheblackplasticlowerflailhousingto the

lowerhousing.Referto Figure25.

8. Tilttopofblackplasticlowerflailhousingtowardtheengineto

remove.

9. Usinga 3/16"allenwrench,removetheflatheadcapscrewsthat

holdthechipperbladetotheimpeller.Thesescrewsareaccessible

throughtheopeningcreatedwhenthechipperchutewasremoved

earlier.SeeFigure26.

lO.The nutson theflat headcapscrewscanbereachedfrom

underneathusinga 1/2-inchsocket,universal,andextension.See

Figure27.

11.Replaceor sharpenchipperblade.Thebladecanbesharpened

withafile oron agrindingwheel.

12.Whensharpeningblade,protecthandsbyusingglovesandfollow

theoriginalangleofgrind.

13.Reassemblebyperformingthepreviousstepsin theoppositeorder

andmannerofremoval.

NOTE:Tightenbladescrewsto210- 250 in-lbs.Makecertainchipper

bladeis reassembledwiththesharpedgefacingupward.

f --,,

Black Plastic

lower flail

housing

.............. ,

ShoulderScrews

Figure 25

J

f

FlatHead Screws

Chipper Blade

f

_NNuts

Figure 26

Impeller

\

19

Figure 27

J

PrepareyourCraftsmanYardVacuumforstorageattheendofthe

seasonor iftheunitwillnotbeusedfor30 daysor longer.A yearly

check-upbyyourlocalSearsParts&RepairCenterisa goodwayto

ensurethattheunitrunsproperlynextseason.

Yard Vacuum

,, Cleantheequipmentthoroughly.

,, Wipeequipmentwithanoiledragto preventrust.Usea lightoilor

siliconetowipe.

,, Servicetheenginefollowinginstructionsbelow.

,, Storeunitina clean,dryarea.Donotstorenextto corrosive

materialssuchasfertilizer.

Engine

IMPORTANT:It isimportantto preventgumdepositsfromformingin

essentialfuelsystempartssuchasthecarburetor,fuelfilter,fuelhose,

ortankduringstorage.Also,alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor

usingethanolor methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadstosepara-

tionandformationofacidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethe

fuelsystemofanenginewhileinstorage.

NOTE:Fuelstabilizerisanacceptablealternativetoemptyingthetank

offuelinminimizingtheformationoffuelgumdepositsduringstorage.

,, Addstabilizerto gasolineinfueltank(if FreshStartTM fuelpreserver

cartridgeisempty)orstoragecontainer.

,, Donotdrainthegastankandcarburetorifusingfuelstabilizer.

Inall cases,drainalltheoil fromthecrankcase(thisshouldbedone

aftertheenginehasbeenoperatedand isstillwarm)andrefillthe

crankcasewithfreshoil.

Whenyouvisuallyseethat thefuelpreservercartridgeisempty,

replacementcartridgesareavailablethroughyourlocalSearsParts&

RepairCenterandmostSearsstores.

IfyoudonotuseFreshStartTM or otherfuelstabilizer,followthese

instructions:

,, Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefueltank

is empty.

,, Removesparkplug,pourapproximately1/2ounce(approximately

onetablespoon)ofengineoil intocylinderand crankslowlyto

distributeoil.

,, Replacesparkplug.

Other

,, Donotstoregasolinefromoneseasontoanother.

,, Replacethegasolinecanifitstartsto rust.Rustand/ordirt inthe

gasolinewillcauseproblems.

,, Storeunitin aclean,dryarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosive

materials,suchasfertilizer.

NOTE:If storingin anunventilatedor metalstorageshed,be certainto

rustprooftheequipmentbycoatingwitha lightoil orsilicone.

2O

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