MTD Yard Machines 462 Series - User Manual

YARDMACHINES
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Chipper- Shredders
Model Series
462 thru 465
(Model 465A shown)
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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-10038A
5/99

Summary

Finding Your Model Number

Locating Model and Serial Number

How to find the model and serial number plate on the unit.

Calling Customer Support

Customer Support Contact Information

Phone numbers and instructions for contacting customer service.

Important Safe Operation Practices

General Operation Guidelines

Safe operational procedures, precautions, and user responsibilities.

Child Safety Precautions

Specific warnings and guidelines regarding children around the machine.

Critical Safety Warnings and Labels

Key danger and warning labels for safe operation and hazard avoidance.

Set-Up Instructions

Unpacking and Parts Identification

Procedures for unpacking the unit and identifying loose parts.

Attaching Hopper and Discharge Chute

Step-by-step guide for assembling the hopper and discharge chute.

Attaching Chipper Chute

Instructions for attaching the chipper chute to the unit.

Attaching the Bag

Steps for connecting the collection bag to the discharge chute.

Controls Overview

Identifying Unit Controls

Description of main controls like choke, throttle, and starter handle.

Operation Guide

Stopping the Engine

Procedure for safely shutting down the engine.

Fueling and Oil

Instructions for filling the engine with gasoline and oil.

Starting the Engine

Step-by-step guide for starting the engine.

Using Your Chipper-Shredder

Guidelines for feeding material and operating the chipper-shredder.

Lowering the Hopper Assembly

Procedure for lowering the hopper for operation or storage.

Maintenance

General Maintenance Recommendations

Basic safety rules and warranty considerations for maintenance.

Lubrication and Cleaning

Procedures for lubricating pivot points and cleaning the unit.

Engine Oil and Air Cleaner Service

Instructions for engine oil changes and air cleaner maintenance.

Carburetor, Engine Speed, and Spark Plug

Guidance on carburetor adjustments, engine speed, and spark plug service.

Removing the Flail Screen

Steps for removing and cleaning the flail screen when clogged.

Sharpening or Replacing Blades

Detailed instructions for chipper and shredder blade maintenance.

Off-Season Storage

Preparing for Storage

Steps to prepare the chipper-shredder for long-term storage.

Trouble Shooting Guide

Common Issues and Corrective Actions

Guide to diagnose and resolve common operational problems.

Manufacturers Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage and Limitations

Details on product warranty, exclusions, and claims process.

Obtaining Warranty Service

How to find authorized service dealers and contact customer support.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is an operator's manual for Yard Machines Chipper-Shredders, specifically covering Model Series 462 through 465.

Function Description

The Yard Machines Chipper-Shredder is a powerful tool designed to chip and shred vegetation found in a normal yard. It is not intended for any other purpose. The unit features a hopper assembly for feeding leaves and small branches up to 1/2" diameter, and a chipper chute for bulky vegetation like stalks or heavy branches. Model 462 can handle material up to 2" in diameter in the chipper chute, while models 463 and 465 can handle up to 3" in diameter. The shredded material is collected in a catcher bag (not shown).

Important Technical Specifications

• Model Series: 462 thru 465
• Chipper Chute Capacity:
  • Model 462: Up to 2" diameter
  • Models 463 or 465: Up to 3" diameter
• Hopper Assembly Capacity: Up to 1/2" diameter for leaves and small branches
• Engine: Internal combustion engine (specifics detailed in a separate engine manual)
• Spark Arrester: Required by law in some areas (e.g., California Section 4442) for use on unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land.
• Torque Specifications:
  • Chipper blade bolts and nuts: 250-350 inch-pounds
  • Shredder blade center bolt: 550-700 inch-pounds
  • Shredder blade outer bolts: 250-350 inch-pounds

Usage Features

• Controls:
  • Release Rod: Used to release the hopper for raising or lowering.
  • Choke Lever: Enriches fuel mixture for cold starts.
  • Starter Handle: Manual engine start.
  • Throttle Control: Regulates engine speed.
• Starting Procedure:
  1. Attach spark plug wire.
  2. Move choke lever to CHOKE (for cold engine) or No Choke (for warm engine).
  3. Grasp starter handle and pull rope slowly to compression cycle, then pull with a rapid full arm stroke.
  4. Once started, move choke lever to half choke, then to No Choke as the engine warms up.
• Stopping Procedure: Move throttle control lever to STOP position and disconnect the spark plug wire.
• Hopper Assembly: Can be raised or lowered. To lower, grasp the hand-hold, lift slightly, pull the release rod, and lower to the ground.
• Safety Features: Includes various safety labels and warnings regarding rotating blades, discharge areas, and foreign objects. The chute deflector must be properly installed and secured with hand knobs before operation.
• Material Feeding: Use a small diameter stick, not hands, to push material into the chipper chute or shredder hopper if necessary.
• Discharge: Materials are discharged with considerable velocity; keep clear of the discharge area.

Maintenance Features

• General:
  • Always observe safety rules.
  • Periodically check and tighten all fasteners.
  • Warranty requires maintenance as instructed in the manual.
• Engine:
  • Refer to the separate engine manual for specific service, oil, air cleaner, carburetor, and spark plug instructions.
  • Maintain proper oil level and change regularly.
  • Engine speed is factory-set and should not be altered.
• Cleaning:
  • Clean the engine periodically, removing dirt and debris from cooling fins, air intake screen, levers, and linkage.
  • Clean the chipper shredder by running water from a hose through the hopper assembly and chipper chute with the engine running, then allow to dry.
  • Wash the catcher bag periodically and allow to dry in the shade.
  • Keep engine and muffler free of leaves, grass, and other debris to reduce fire hazard.
• Lubrication: Lubricate pivot points on the release rod bracket, hopper assembly, and chute deflector once a season with light oil.
• Flail Screen:
  • Remove and clean if the discharge area becomes clogged.
  • Procedure involves stopping the engine, disconnecting the spark plug, removing hand knobs from the discharge chute, lifting the chute, removing hairpin clips and clevis pins, and pulling out the screen.
• Chipper Blades:
  • Sharpen or replace when dull.
  • Procedure involves disconnecting the spark plug, removing the flail screen and chipper chute, then removing the blades using wrenches.
  • Ensure equal material removal if sharpening to maintain balance.
  • Reassemble with the sharp edge facing the slotted opening at the bottom.
• Shredder Blade:
  • Sharpen or replace when dull.
  • Procedure involves disconnecting the spark plug, lowering the hopper, blocking up the housing, separating the chipper-shredder into two halves, removing the support plate, and then removing the blade.
  • Crucially, an unbalanced blade causes excessive vibration and damage; test for balance by balancing on a round shaft screwdriver or nail, removing metal from the heavy side until balanced.
• Off-Season Storage:
  • Clean and lubricate thoroughly.
  • Refer to the engine manual for storage instructions.
  • Coat metal parts with light oil or silicone if storing in an unventilated or metal shed.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from corrosive materials.

MTD Yard Machines 462 Series Specifications