This document is an owner's manual for a Power Shredder, specifically models 242-650A and 24650-A, manufactured by MTD Products Inc, also known as Yard-Man Company. The manual provides essential information for assembly, operation, maintenance, and safe use of the shredder.
The primary function of this device is to shred organic material, such as leaves, twigs, stalks, and branches, into smaller pieces. This process helps in composting, mulching, or reducing the volume of yard waste. The shredder is equipped with both a hopper for general material and a chip-it guide extension for bulkier items.
Important Technical Specifications and Features:
- Engine: The shredder is powered by an internal combustion engine. The manual emphasizes that the engine is shipped without gasoline or oil, requiring the user to fill both before initial operation. Specific oil recommendations are provided: SAE 30 above 32°F and SAE 10W below 32°F, with MS classification oil. The engine's governor settings are factory-set to control maximum safe operating speeds and protect the engine from overspeed damage.
- Fuel: The engine requires fresh regular gasoline, not mixed with oil.
- Cutting Mechanism: The shredder features a cutting blade and flails/fingers. The blade is reversible for extended life and can be removed for grinding or replacement. The flails and fingers are also reversible when they become dull.
- Feeding Mechanisms:
- Hopper: Designed for leaves and smaller branches, with a caution against depositing material larger than 1/2" diameter to prevent damage to the shredding mechanism.
- Chip-It Guide Extension: Intended for bulky material like stalks or heavy branches. The manual explicitly warns against forcing or jamming material into this guide.
- Upper Guide Extension: This component is adjustable in height and can be lowered for raking leaves and small twigs directly into the shredder. It can also be raised to close the opening if the hopper is not installed.
- Discharge: The shredded material is discharged through a chute deflector, which can direct material into a pile, a container, or a nylon bag provided with a drawstring lock. The manual notes that the shredder accommodates a perforated disposable plastic bag.
- Safety Features: The manual stresses the importance of keeping all guards and deflectors in place and in good working condition. It also advises standing clear of the discharge area, avoiding over-reaching, and maintaining proper balance and footing.
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The manual provides step-by-step instructions for assembling the chute deflector, hopper, and upper guide extension using common tools like open-end, box, and adjustable wrenches. A hardware pack containing specific screws, nuts, and washers is included.
- Starting the Engine: Instructions include placing the control lever in "RUN," using the "CHOKE" position for cold starts, and pulling the rewind starter. For warm engines, choking may not be necessary.
- Stopping the Engine: The control lever should be moved to "STOP," and the spark plug wire disconnected to prevent accidental starting.
- Feeding Material: Users are advised to feed material carefully, avoiding metal, rocks, bottles, or other foreign objects. The manual suggests experimenting with feeding rates to prevent stalling the engine and rotating material for best results. A stick, not hands, should be used to push materials into the inlet guide if necessary.
- Adjustments: The upper guide extension is adjustable by loosening a hand knob. Carburetor adjustments are generally not recommended as factory settings are correct for most applications; for specific needs, refer to the engine manual.
Maintenance Features:
- General Maintenance: The manual emphasizes keeping the engine clean of debris and accumulations, especially cylinder fins and the underside of the tank/housing, for efficient air-cooled operation.
- Oil Changes: Initial oil change is recommended after the first two hours of operation, followed by changes every 25 operating hours or sooner in dusty/dirty conditions. The oil drain plug location is specified.
- Oil Level Checks: Oil level should be checked every five operating hours or each time the equipment is used, ensuring it's filled to the point of overflowing.
- Air Cleaner: The air cleaner is crucial for preventing dirt and dust from entering the carburetor and engine. Users are directed to the engine manual for air cleaner service and warned against running the engine without a completely assembled air cleaner.
- Blade and Flail/Finger Maintenance: Instructions are provided for removing the cutting blade for grinding or replacement, noting its reversibility. The importance of equal grinding on all cutting edges to prevent imbalance and vibration is highlighted. Flails and fingers are also reversible.
- Lubrication: Wheels do not require lubrication. Engine lubrication instructions are found in the engine manual.
Safety Practices:
- Operator Training: Operators must be fully familiar with the manual before use.
- Children and Pets: Never allow children to operate the equipment or run the machine in the vicinity of children, pets, or other persons.
- Operating Environment: Operate only on an earthen, level surface. Never run the machine in an enclosed area due to carbon monoxide exhaust.
- Personal Safety: Wear safety glasses at all times. Avoid loose-fitting clothing. Never allow hands or any part of the body or clothing inside the feeding chamber, discharge chute, or near any moving part while the machine or engine is running.
- Pre-Operation Checks: Ensure all fasteners are properly secured.
- Foreign Objects/Unusual Noise: Immediately stop the engine, allow it to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire if the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object or if the machine makes an unusual noise or vibration. Inspect for damage and replace/repair as needed.
- Discharge Area: Do not allow processed material to build up in the discharge area to prevent kick-back. Always stand clear of the discharge area.
- Engine Governor: Do not alter, change, or tamper with engine governor settings.
- Transport: Do not transport the machine while the engine is running.
- Storage: Store the machine out of reach of children, away from open flames or sparks, and allow it to cool before storing in any enclosure. For long-term storage (30 days or more), drain gasoline and protect the engine's interior with oil.
The manual also includes a Limited Warranty for one year from the date of purchase, covering defects in material or workmanship, but excluding misuse, excessive use, accidents, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, or commercial use. Engine, motor, battery, and battery charger components are covered by their respective manufacturers' warranties. A specific WARNING TO PURCHASERS OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED MACHINERY OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA notes the requirement for a spark arrester on forest, brush, or grass-covered unimproved land.
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