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Instructions for operators to familiarize themselves with the machine and its controls before use.
Guidelines for preparing the machine and wearing appropriate safety gear, including handling fuel safely.
Instructions and warnings for safely starting the shredder's engine.
Step-by-step guide for initiating the engine using the choke and starter.
Instructions on what materials to feed and their size limitations for the hopper and chipper chute.
Detailed steps for removing, sharpening, or replacing chipper blades.
Instructions for removing, sharpening, or replacing the main shredding blade.
Potential causes and corrective actions for an engine that will not start.
This manual describes the operation and maintenance of a 3.5 and 4 H.P. Shredder, specifically covering Model Numbers 242-640-000, 242-641-000, 242A640-000, and 242A641-000. The device is designed for shredding and chipping vegetation found in a normal yard, such as branches, leaves, and twigs. It is equipped with an internal combustion engine and includes a chute deflector and a catcher bag for collecting shredded material. Safety glasses are also provided with the unit.
The shredder processes organic material through two main openings: a hopper assembly for smaller materials and a chipper chute for larger branches. The hopper assembly is designed for leaves and small branches up to 1/2" in diameter. The chipper chute handles bulky material, such as stalks or heavy branches, up to 2" in diameter. The internal mechanism includes a shredding blade, chipper blades, and flails, which work together to break down the material. A flail screen is located in the discharge area to ensure proper material processing and prevent clogging. The processed material is discharged through a chute deflector into an attached catcher bag.
The shredder is powered by a 3.5 or 4 H.P. internal combustion engine. The maximum diameter for material fed into the hopper is 1/2", while the chipper chute can accommodate material up to 2" in diameter. The engine's governor settings control the maximum safe operating speeds. The unit is shipped without gasoline or oil, requiring the user to service the engine with appropriate fuel and oil as per the separate engine manual. The shredder meets ANSI Safety Standards. A spark arrester is required for operation in certain areas (e.g., California, federal lands) to prevent fire hazards, and one is available through authorized service dealers.
The shredder's controls include a Choke Lever for starting a cold engine, a Starter Handle for manual engine start, and a Throttle Control for managing engine speed and stopping the unit. Before starting, the shredder must be placed on a firm, level surface, and the engine serviced with gasoline and oil. The spark plug wire must be attached. The throttle control lever should be moved to the FAST position, and the choke lever to the CHOKE position (if the engine is cold). The engine is started by pulling the starter handle with a rapid, continuous stroke. After the engine fires, the choke lever is gradually moved to the OFF position as the engine warms up. To stop the engine, the throttle control lever is moved to the STOP position, and the spark plug wire is disconnected to prevent accidental starting. When feeding material, it is crucial to avoid placing hands or any body parts inside the feeding chamber or discharge chute. A small diameter stick (not exceeding 1/2") can be used to push material into the hopper if necessary. Foreign objects like metal, rocks, bottles, or cans must not be fed into the machine to prevent injury or damage. The chipper chute door should be closed when not in use. The catcher bag is easily attached and secured to the chute deflector using a drawstring and plunger mechanism.
Regular maintenance is essential for safe and efficient operation. Before any cleaning, lubricating, or repairs, the engine must be stopped, allowed to cool, and the spark plug wire disconnected. Lubrication: Pivot points on the chute deflector and chipper chute door should be lubricated once a season with light oil. Engine Maintenance: Refer to the separate engine manual for detailed instructions on engine oil, air cleaner, and spark plug maintenance. The air cleaner should be serviced every 25 hours or more frequently in dusty conditions. The spark plug should be cleaned and gap reset annually, with replacement recommended at the start of each season. The engine and cooling system (blower housing area) must be kept clean to ensure proper air circulation and prevent debris accumulation. Cleaning: The shredder can be cleaned by running water from a hose through the hopper assembly and chipper chute with the engine running, allowing it to dry thoroughly. The catcher bag should be washed periodically and air-dried in the shade. Flail Screen: If the discharge area clogs, the flail screen needs to be removed and cleaned. This involves loosening hand knobs on the chute deflector, lifting it, removing hairpin clips and clevis pins, and then lifting out the screen. The screen should be reinstalled with the curved side down. Shredding Blade and Chipper Blades: For optimal performance, the shredding and chipper blades should be kept sharp. If the material discharge rate slows or the material composition changes (e.g., becomes stringy), the blades likely need sharpening or replacement. To replace/sharpen chipper blades: Disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the flail screen and chipper chute. Rotate the impeller assembly to access the blades, then remove them using an allen wrench and a regular wrench. When reassembling, ensure the sharp edge faces the direction shown in the manual. To replace/sharpen shredding blade: Disconnect the spark plug wire, remove hex lock nuts and washers from the housing weld bolts, remove the hopper assembly, and then the back-up plate. Loosen hand knobs on the chute deflector and raise it. Keep the impeller assembly from turning by inserting a pipe or wood through the flail screen or chute opening. Remove the blade by removing the center bolt, lock washer, and flat washer. When sharpening, maintain the original grind angle and ensure equal material removal from each cutting edge to prevent imbalance, which can cause vibration and damage. Blades can be balanced on a round shaft screwdriver or nail. When reassembling, tighten the blade to between 550 and 650 inch pounds. Flails: The flails inside the housing can be reversed when dull; this procedure is recommended to be performed by an authorized dealer. Carburetor Adjustment: Minor carburetor adjustments may be needed for fuel, temperature, altitude, or load differences. However, unnecessary adjustments should be avoided. A clean air cleaner is crucial before any carburetor adjustments. Refer to the engine manual for detailed instructions. Off-Season Storage: For long-term storage, clean and lubricate the shredder, follow engine storage instructions from the engine manual, coat metal parts with light oil or silicone if storing in an unventilated or metal shed, and store in a dry, clean area away from corrosive materials or open flames/sparks.
General| Brand | MTD |
|---|---|
| Model | 242-640-000 |
| Category | Paper Shredder |
| Language | English |
