Craftsman 486.24516 User manual

Operators Manual
LCRRFTSHRN"I
H.P.
CHIPPER VAC SYSTEM
Model No, 486.24516
CAUTION:
Before using this product,
read this manual and follow
all Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.
•Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
•Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.searS.com/craftsman
PRINTED IN U.S,A, FORM NO. 47813 (8/00)

WARRANTY ............................................................... 2
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 3
FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART ............................. 6
CARTON CONTENTS ............................................... 8
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 9
OPERATION ............................................................ 19
MAINTENANCE ....................................................... 22
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 23
STORAGE ................................................................ 23
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................. 24
REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATIONS ............ 25,26,27
REPAIR PARTS LISTS ................................ 25,27,28
SLOPE GUIDE ......................................................... 29
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ............... Rear Cover
LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWERED TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated
and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace free
of charge any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Warranty service is avail-
able free of charge by returning your Craftsman equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center.
In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply. This Warranty applies only
while this product i_ in the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:
•Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, air cleaners,
belts, and oil filters.
•Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns,
stumps, or glass.
•Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by
impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.
•Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, includin_ but not limited to, electrical and
mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount
of engine oil, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the
owner's manual.
•Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or
oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.
•Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with the equipment proves
defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a
charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. Warranty service is available free of charge
by returning your Craftsman equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty
service is available but a trip charge will apply. This Warranty applies only while this product is in
the United States.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE SERVICE,
SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from
state to state.

Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the
equipment. Exercise caution at all times, when using power equipment.
• Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to assemble or operate this equipment. Failure
to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference
and for ordering replacement parts.
• Read this operating and service instruction manualcarefully.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of
this power vacuum.
•Read the vehicle owners manual and vehicle safe operation
rules before using this equipment.
•Never allow children under 16 to operate this Chipper Vac.
Children 16 years and older should only operate under
close parental supervision.
• Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment without
proper instructions.
•Do not allow passengers to ride on this equipment or on the
towing vehicle.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children. Also keep area clear of pets.
• Check fuel before starting,,,engine. Do not fill fuel tank
indoors, or when engine is running, or while engine is hot.
Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting engine.
•Engine and muffler get hot. Do not touch! To avoid fire
hazard, keep clean of debris and other accumulations.
•Never store Chipper Vac with fuel in tank. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
•Do not change engine governor settings.
•Do not operate engine it air cleaner or cover is removed,
except for adjustment. Removal ofthese parts could create
afire hazard.
•Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain all
moving parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug wire and keep wire away from plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting. Keep throttle control lever in stop position.
•If the Chipper Vac should become blocked with debris at
any point, shut engine off and wait until the impeller comes
to a complete stop before attempting to remove the obstruc-
tion. Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental
starting.
•If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object, or if your
Chipper Vac should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug wire and
move the wire away from the spark plug. Allow the machine
to stop and take the following steps.
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for loose parts and tighten to assure
continued safe operation.
•Check all bolts for tightness at frequent intervals to help
insure safe operation.
•Check vinyl hard top boot frequently for wear. Replace if
worn or damaged.
•Never operate Chipper Vac unless deck adapter, hose,
hose adapter (nozzle), discharge chute (elbow), chipper
chute and top cover are properly attached in their place.
• Do not remove top cover or attempt to empty contents of
cart while engine is running.
•Never attempt to change hose adapter (nozzle) or to install
remote hose attachment when engine is running.
• Keep all shields and guards (e.g. chipper chute, discharge
chute (elbow) and hose adapter (nozzle) in place and
securely attached.
•Keep hands, feet, face, long hair and clothing out of inlet
and discharge area. There are ROTATING BLADES inside
these openings.
•Always wear safety glasses or otheJ'suitable eye protection
when operating or maintaining this equipment.
•Wear protective gloves when feeding material into the
chipper chute. Avoid loose fitting clothing.
•Keep face and body clear of the chipper chute to avoid
accidental bounce back of any material.
•When feeding material into this equipment, be extremely
careful that pieces of metal, rocks, bottles, cans or other
foreign objects are not included. Personal injury or damage
to the machine could result.
•Do not stand behind cart in exhaust discharge area while
engine is running.
•Do not operate this equipment while intoxicated or while
taking drugs or medication that impairs the senses and
reactions.
•When using this equipment, start with the vehicle transmis-
sion in first (low) gear and then gradually increase speed
only as conditions permit.
•Operate this equipment at reduced speed on rough terrain,
along creeks and ditches and on slopes to prevent tipping
or loss of control. Do not drive too close to a creek or ditch.
•Vehicle braking and stability are affected by the addition of
this equipment. Do not fill the Chipper Vac to its full capacity
without checking the capability of the towing vehicle to
safely pull and stop with the Chipper Vac attached.
•Before operating on any grade (hill) refer to the safety rules
inthe vehicle owner's manual concerning safe operation on
slopes. Also refer to the SLOPE GUIDE on page 27 of this
owner's manual. Do not operate on slopes in excess of 10
degrees. STAY OFF STEEP SLOPES.
•Follow the maintenance instructions outlined in this manual.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means*-Attentlonl! Become alert!!
Your safety is involved.
&I
DANGER: This Chipper Vac 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 opera- I
tor can result in serious injury. This unit is capable of amputating fingers and hands and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY
• Read Owner's Manual and all safety labels on machine before starting and using machine.
• Do Not remove top cover or attempt to empty contents of cart while engine is running.
•Do Not stand behind cart in exhaust discharge area while engine is running.
• Keep hands, feet, face, long hair and clothing out of chipper inlet, vac inlet, and discharge
area. There are ROTATING BLADES inside these openings.
•Wear approved safety glasses and gloves. Avoid loose fitting clothes.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets.
•Keep all sh!elds and guards (e.g. upper chipper chute extens,on, discharge chute, nozzle
assembly) mplace and securely attached.
•Check discharge boot frequently for wear. Replace if worn or damaged.
•If unit becomes clogged or jammed, shut off engine right away. Do Not attempt to clear
clog or jam with engine running.
• Muffler and engine get hot and can cause burns. Do Not Touch. To avoid a fire hazard,
keep leaves, grass and other combustible debris off hot muffler and engine.
•Do Not attempt to remove or attach vac nozzle or optional Hose Kit with engine running.
•Do Not operateJJnit unless nozzle or optional Hose Kit is secured in place.
•Do Not fill gas tank while engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least 2 minutes
before refueling.
ROTATING CUTTING BLADES.
KEEP HANDS AND FEET OUT
OF OPENINGS WHILE MACHINE
IS RUNNING.
MUFFLER & ADJACENT AREAS
MAY EXCEED 150 o F
WARNING
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near unimproved forest-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 shoutd 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 muffler is available at your nearest
engine authorized service center.
4

These accessories were available when the unit was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail
outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model
numbers of your tractor and Chipper Vac System.
L
,,-
\\
x, i II
I
The Hand Wand Attachment, Model 486.24509 I
provides a 15' x 5" diameter hose to clean I
around shrubs, patios, window wells and other
areas not accessible to the tractor.
The model and serial numbers willbe found on a decal
attached to the engine base.
You should record both the serial number and the date of
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
486.24516

SHOWN FULL SIZE
_y _ jAA .i BB CC 7DD jEE
II
II
RR
J
NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
KK LL MM
UU jW
PP
XX
6

ATTENTION! Keep contents of each hardware package separate for easier assembly.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACKAGE IN CART CARTON
Ref. Qty. Description Ref. Qty. Description
A
B
D
J
M
O
P
Q
R
X
3
2
2
9
14
11
14
5
2
4
Bolt, Hex 3/8" x 3"
Bolt, Hex 1/4" x 1-3/4"
Bolt, Hex 3/8" x 1-1/4"
Bolt, Hex 1/4" x 5/8"
Bolt, Truss Head 5/16" x 3/4"
Lockwasher, 1/4"
Lockwasher, 5/16"
Lockwasher, 3/8"
Flat Washer, 1/4"
Flat Washer, 1=
Z11 Hex Nut, 1/4"
BB 14 Hex Nut, 5/16"
EE 5 Nut, Hex Lock 3/8"
GG 2 Pin, Cotter 1/8" x 1-1/2"
HH 1 Hair Cotter Pin, 1/8"
II 2 Hub Cap
JJ 2 Spacer Tube
KK 2 Door Support
NN 1 Hitch Pin
CONTENTS OF (2) VAC HARDWARE PACKAGES IN VAC CARTON
Ref. Qty. Description _
C 1
E 2
G 4
H 6
J 30
L 4
N 2
O 40
P 4
R 26
S 6
T 3
U 4
V 1
W 4
Ref. Qty. Description
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x1-1/4"
Hex Bolt, 1/4=x 1-1/4"
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1"
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 3/4"
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 5/8"
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 3/4" Thread Forming
Truss Bolt Head, #10-32 x 5/8"
Y2Hex Nut, #10-32
Z 46 Hex Nut, 1/4"
AA 2 Hex Lock Nut, 1/4"
DD 9 Nylock Nut, 5/16"
EE 2 Hex Lock Nut, 3/6"
FF 1 Hex Lock Nut, 1/2"
LL 1 Hitch Plate
Lock Washer, 1/4"
Lock Washer, 5/16"
Flat Washer, 1/4"
Nylon Washer
Flat Washer, 5/16"
Flat Washer, 3/8"
Flat Washer, 7116"
Flat Washer, 11/32" x 1-1/2"
MM
OO
PP
QQ
RR
SS
TT
UU
3 Knob
1Tarp Strap, 25"
2 Tarp Strap (Less Hooks)
2 "S" Hooks
2 Eye Bolt
1 Door Latch (RH)
1 Door Latch (LH)
3 Hinge
CONTENTS OF DECK ADAPTER HARDWARE PACKAGE IN VAC CARTON
Not all parts in thislist will be used for any one tractor.
Ref. Qty. Description
F2Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1•
I 3 Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 3/4'
K 2 Cardage Bolt, 5/16" x 3/4"
R 3 Flat Washer, 1/4"
S 3 Nylon Washer
T 12 Flat Washer, 5/16"
AA 3 Hex Lock Nut, 1/4"
CC 3Hex Lock Nut, 5/16"
VV 1 Mounting Strap
WW 1Angle Bracket
XX 1 Mounting Bracket

10
CARTON CONTENTS (Cart Carton)
Ref. Qty. Description Ref. Qty. Description
1 1 Wheel Support 6 1 Hose
2 1 Rear Tongue 7 1 Tailgate Reinforcement Bracket
3 1 Front Tongue 8 1 Axle
4 1 Hose Hanger Rod Assembly 9 1 Latch Stand Bracket
5 2 Cart Bodies 10 2 Wheels
CARTON CONTENTS (Vac Carton)
17 /
12
Ref. Qty. Description Ref. Qty.
1 1 Front Panel 10 1
2 2 Side Brackets 11 1
3 2 Side Panels 12 1
4 1 Dump Handle 13 1
5 1 Prop Rod (Right) 14 1
6 1 Prop Rod (Left) 15 1
7 1 Rear Door 16 1
8 2 Tie Rods 17 1
9 2 Hose Clamps 18 1
19 1
Description
Deck Adapter
Hose Hanger Bracket
Adapter Bracket
Skid Plate
Engine/Impeller Assembly
Chipper Chute w/Tamper Plug
Hose Adapter (Nozzle)
Elbow
Poly Hard Top
Hitch Bracket

This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After
assembly, see separate engine manual for proper fuel
and engine oil recommendations.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) Screwdriver
(1) Pliers
(1) 3/8" Wrench
(2) 7/16" Wrenches
(2) 1/2" Wrenches
(2) 9/16" Wrenches
(2) 3/4" Wrenches (only if figure 28 on page 16 is used)
REMOVAL OF PARTS FROM CARTONS
• Remove the hardware packs and all loose parts from
the cartons.
• Lay out and identify parts shown in carton contents.
•Lay out and identify parts in the hardware packs.
Keep contents of each hardware package separate
for easier assembly.
ASSEMBLING THE VAC SYSTEM
• Place cart body halves upright on a smooth level
surface such as a garage floor or apaved driveway.
See figure 1.
&CAUTION: Do not leave the cart unattended
in upright position during assembly. A falling
cart can cause personal injury! Pay close
attention to the stability of the cart while it
remains in an upright position. For best stability,
assemble on a smooth level surface.
•Assemble cart body halves together using three 1/4"
x5/8" hex bolts, 1/4" lock washers and 1/4" hex nuts
as shown in figure 1. Do not tighten yet.
1/4" x 5/8"
HEX BOLT
1/4" HEX NUT
• Fit the tailgate reinforcement bracket over the end of
the cart bed. Position the two door support brackets
on the bottom of the reinforcement bracket as shown
in figure 2. Fasten the reinforcement bracket and the
door supports to the bottom of the cart using six 5/16"
x 3/4" truss head screws, 5/16" lock washers and
5/16" hex nuts. Do not tighten yet. See figure 2.
• Fasten the tailgate reinforcement bracket to the sides
of the cart body using four 1/4" x 5/8" hex bolts, 1/4"
lock washers and 1/4" hex nuts as shown in figure 2.
Do not tighten yet.
1/4" HEX NUT
Q
DOOR
SUPPORT
114" LOCK
WASHER
1_"x5/8"
HEX BOLT
_16"x _4"TRUSS
HEADSCREW
/
"l _ TAILGATE
• _16"LOCK REINFORCEMENT
WASHER BRACKET
_16" HEX NUT
FIGURE 2
• Pull the cart body halves together.
Tighten the six tr_Jsshead screws in figure 2.
Tighten the four hex bolts in figure 2.
Tighten the three hex bolts in figure 1, keeping the
bottom aligned and pulled together.
•Carefully flip the cart end for end so that it rests on
the tailgate reinforcement bracket. See figure 3.
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 3
9

• Assemble the wheel support to the bottom of the cart
using eight 5/16" x 3/4" truss head screws, 5/16" lock
washers, and 5/16 hex nuts as shown in figure 4.
Heads of screws go on the inside of cart. Tighten.
TRUSS HEAD SCREW
5/16" x 3/4"
"5/16" LOCK
WASHER
WHEEL
SUPPORT _16"HEX NUT
FIGURE 4
Align the latch stand bracket so that the tab is at the
rear. Fasten the bracket to the rear set of holes at the
front of the cart using two 1/4" x 5/8" hex bolts, 1/4"
flat washers, 1/4" lock washers, and 1/4" hex nuts.
Use the 1/4" flat washers as shims between the
bracket and the cart bed. Make finger tight at this
time. See figure 6.
LATCH STAND 1_" HEX NUT
BRACKET _/
(Tabatrear) I_"LOCK
WASHER
I_"FLAT
\1/4"x 5/8"
HEXBOLT
• Lower the cart to rest upside down, with the wheel
support facing up, as shown in figure 5.
NOTE: The parts assembled in the next paragraph are
shipped in the Vac carton.
Assemble the skid plate to the bottom of the cart
using two 1/4" x 1" hex bolts, four 1-1/2" flat
washef._, two 1/4" lock washers and two 1/4" hex
nuts. See figure 5.
SKID PLATE
1/4" HEX NUT
114"LOCK
WASHER
1-1/2" x 11/32"
FLAT WASHER
1/4" x 1"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 6
Place the rear tongue onto the wheel support and the
latch stand bracket. Assemble the axle through the
ends of the wheel support and the tongue. Fasten the
axle to the wheel support using two 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex
bolts, 1/4" lock washers and 1/4" hex nuts. Tighten.
See figure 7. -
IMPORTANT: Make sure the tongue is securely locked
to the latch stand bracket by the latch lock lever.
1/4" x 1-3/4"
HEX BOLT _AXLE TONGUE
/'2 -- .(REAR)
_" 1/4" LOCK WASHER
"_ 1/4" HEX NUT
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 7
10