770-10574A.fm (8/01) IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722 Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, 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. 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, power- rating, 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 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 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 reproductive harm. DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation 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 hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. 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 al...