Flowtron Leaf Eater LE-900F User manual

SHREDS LEAVES,
GRASS
CLIPPINGS,
PINE NEEDLES . . .
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL
LE-900F
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
WA R N I N G
Carefully read and
follow safety rules,
precautions and
operating instruc-
tions. Failure to do
so can result in
serious personal
i n j u r y.
Instructions given with this symbol are for
personal safety. Be sure to follow them.
Flowtron Outdoor Products
15 Highland Ave, Malden, MA 02148 • an ARMATRON company
781-321-2300 • www.flowtron.com
ONE Year Limited Warranty on FLOWTRON LEAF-EATER THE ULTIMATE MULCHER — LE-900F
FLOWTRON, division of Armatron warrants your Flowtron Leaf-Eater to be free from defects in mate-
rials or workmanship under normal use and service for one year from date of the original purchase.
All parts which are defective will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Any implied warranties,
including the implied warranty of merchantability are also limited in duration for one year from the
original purchase date. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
so the above limitations may not apply to you.
The provisions of this warranty shall not apply to any Flowtron Leaf-Eater which has been subject
to misuse, neglect or accident, nor which is used for a purpose for which it is not designed, or which
shall have been repaired or altered in any way so as to adversely affect its performance and relia-
bility. Service by unauthorized parties voids your warranty. Warranty covers only the original pur-
chaser. Commercial and/or professional use is excluded from warranty coverage.
Flowtron neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it any other liability in connec-
tion with its products. No responsibility is assumed for any consequential damages that may result
from the use of a Flowtron product, not for damages due to accident, abuse, lack of responsible
care, the affixing of any unauthorized attachments, loss of parts or subjecting this unit to any but the
specified voltage. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of the incidental or conse-
quential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
FLOWTRON Outdoor Products, 15 Highland Ave, Malden,MA 02148 • an ARMATRON Co.
A l w ays Wear Eye Protection During Operation
the Ultimate MULCHER

page 2
A . Special Features Incl u d e :
• Coarse to fine leaf reduction with special posi-
tions for pine needles and grass clippings.
• Unique leg design – functions upright or strad-
dles trash barrel.
• Tilt feature makes loading easy; body of unit flips
180° for simple, compact storage.
• Bungee cord surrounding bottom of unit firmly
holds leaf bag in position.
• Storage compartment with hinged door holds cut-
ting lines, gloves, safety glasses, etc.
• Foam cushion handle grips ensure comfort and
ease of carrying.
• Powerful universal electric motor.
• Runs on ordinary 120 volt, 15 amp household
current.
B . U n p a cking Instructions
Your unit has been carefully packed at the factory to
prevent damage during shipment and storage.
C a r e f u l l y unpack the carton as fo l l o w s :
1.Check parts against list shown.
2.Examine for damage
KNOW YOUR FLOWTRON ULTIMATE LEAF-EATER
C a r ton Contents
Key # D e s c r i p t i o n Q t y.
1 Funnel Half 2
2 Housing 1
3Leg Left 1
4Leg Right 1
5 Hardware Package 1
6Owner’s Manual 1
4
5
11
3
2
FIGURE 2
6
ASSEMBLY
A . Preparation
Your Owner’s Manual has been developed to help
you assemble the unit and to understand its safe
operation. It is important that you read your manual
completely to become familiar with the unit before
you begin assembly.
Tools you will need:
#2 phillips head screwdriver
1 . A s s e m b le Funnel
a.Place funnel halves on flat surface with narrow
opening facing up. Align both halves and press
locating pin of funnel half into locating hole on
adjacent funnel half. See figure 3. Using two (2)
#8 x 1/2” screws, fasten both halves together.
N OT E: Flange on funnel half overlaps outer surface
of adjacent funnel half as shown in figure 3.
b.Rotate Funnel 180º and repeat step a for
opposite side.
Your Flow t ron Ultimate Leaf-Eater is a quality
built product that is designed to provide yo u
with a unit that is affo r d a ble and will perfo r m
with a minimum of care and maintenance.
H a r dware Bag Contents:
Q t y. Pa r t # D e s c r i p t i o n
2352 3533 Leg Connector
2 245 6225 P58 #10-32 Phillips Pan Head Screw, 11/2” long
2396 2599 Leg Hub Spacer
2 245 6237 P28 #8 Phillips Pan Head Sheet Metal Screw, 1/2” long
2396 2438 Handle Grip
2345 2181 #10-32 Wing Nuts
4 345 2285 P28 #8-32 Phillips Pan Head Screw, 1/2” long
36 396 2877 P01 Cutting Lines
FIGURE 3
N A R R O W
END OF
F U N N E L
#8 X 1/2” SCREW
(FOUR PLACES)
(345 2285 P28)
F L A N G E
L O C ATING PIN

page 3
ASSEMBLY (continued)
2 . A t t a c h Funnel to Housing
Place narrow opening of funnel on upper end of
housing and position funnel so that flat areas of
funnel are located at the right and left housing
towers. Align bosson funnel with hole at top cen-
ter of housing tower as shown in figure 4. Repeat
for opposite side. With bosses aligned, press fun-
nel firmly down onto housing. Apply pressure all
around edge of funnel until funnel snaps into
place and is seated evenly around the housing.
3 . A s s e m b le Legs
Position the two curved leg sections to form a
semi-circle. Place leg connector brackets at the
junction of the two leg sections and align the
holes in the brackets with the holes in the legs.
Fasten using two #10 x 1 1/2” screws and two
#10 x 32 wing nuts. See figure 5.
4 . A t t a c h Spacer and Handle Grips to
L e g s
Locate holes on sides of horizontal portion of leg
sections. Holes are located approximately 7" from
end of leg.
Install a spacer on a #8 x 1/2" pan head sheet
metal screw and fasten to outside surface of leg.
Repeat for opposite side. See figure 6.
Place handle grips on horizontal ends of both leg
s e c t i o n s .
5 . A s s e m b le Housing To Legs
Remove knobs and hubs from both sides of the hous-
ing by unscrewing knob and pulling hub off threaded
stems located on either side of the housing. Do not
remove friction pads. See figure 7.
Place housing on legs with funnel facing downward.
Position with Flowtron Leaf-Eater label facing semi-
circle, and with threaded stems of housing above leg
spacers. Place hub on leg making certain that spacer
on leg passes through slot on hub. See figure 7.
Insert threaded stem through hole in center of hub
and fasten by threading knob onto stem. DO NOT
OVER T I G H T E N. Repeat for opposite side. Position
unit at desired angle and tighten left and right knobs
LEG SECTION
L E G
C O N N E C T O R
B R A C K E T S
(352 3533)
# 1 0 - 3 2
WING NUT
(TWO PLACES)
(345 2181)
#10 X 1 1/2” SCREW
(TWO PLACES)
(245 6225 P58)
FIGURE 5
S PA C E R
(396 2599)
S C R E W
#8 X 1/2" LONG
(245 6237 P28)
L E G
HANDLE GRIP
(396 2438)
FIGURE 6
When making large changes in housing
angle or when placing housing in the stor-
age position, Loosen knobs before rotating.
Flowtron
Leaf-Eater
label
Threaded
Stem
Knob
Slot
Hub
Spacer
Friction
Pad
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 4
Funnel
Boss
Push
Housing
Tower

1. Become familiar with all sections of this owner’s
manual before attempting to operate the shred-
der. This shredder should be used solely for the
purpose it was intended.
2. Use only parts or accessories specifically
designed for use with this shredder. Using other
parts or accessories could increase risk of injury.
3. Keep Children Away – all visitors should be kept
at a distance from the work area.
4. Never allow your hands or any part of your body
or clothing inside the upper housing area.
5. Avoid Dangerous Environments – do not use
shredder in damp or wet locations. Do not oper-
ate or store shredder in wet areas. Do not oper-
ate in rain. Store indoors when not in use, in a
dry, and high or locked-up place — out of reach
of children.
6. This shredder should be operated on a solid,
level surface.
7. Dress Properly – do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts.
Use of work gloves and substantial footwear is
advised when working outdoors. Wear protec-
tive hair covering to contain long hair.
8. Stay Alert – Watch what you are doing. Use
common sense. Do not operate shredder when
you are tired.
9. Do not Abuse Power or Extension Cords –
Never carry unit by its power cord or yank cord
to disconnect from receptacle. Keep all cords
clean and away from heat, oil and sharp edges
and inspect for damage before each use.
10.Ground unit properly. Follow instructions on
page 5 when connecting to electrical outlet.
11. Warning – To reduce the risk of electrical shock,
use only an extension cord intended for outdoor
use. See page 5 for additional information on
extension cords.
12.Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection
should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s)
to be used for this shredder. Receptacles are
available having built-in GFCI protection and
may be used for this measure of safety.
13.If it is necessary for any reason to inspect, clean
or repair the shredder, turn the shredder off and
wait until it comes to a complete stop, then dis-
connect the power cord before attempting such
inspection or repair.
14.Disconnect shredder from the power source
when not in use, before servicing, and when
changing cutting lines.
15.When feeding material into the shredder be
extremely careful that pieces of metal, rocks,
bottles, cans or other foreign objects are not
included.
16.Do not force the shredder. It will do the job bet-
ter and with less likelihood of a risk of injury
when used at the rate for which it was designed.
17.If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object
or if your shredder should start making an
unusual noise or vibration, immediately switch it
off, wait until the shredder has come to a com-
plete stop, then disconnect the power cord and
take the following steps:
A. Remove any foreign or clogged material.
B. Check for any loose parts and tighten to
assure continued safe operation.
C. Replace or repair any damaged parts.
18.Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in the shredder.
19.Always use safety glasses. Wear face or dust
mask if operation is dusty.
20.Check discharge area periodically after stopping
shredder to assure the processed material does
not build up and clog motor cooling vents.
21.Do Not Overreach – keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
22.Do not move shredder when motor is running or
with finger on the switch.
23.Maintain Shredder With Care – Follow instruc-
tions for replacing cutting lines and for cleaning
air filter. Inspect shredder power cord periodical-
ly, and if damaged, have it repaired by an
authorized service facility. Keep handles dry,
clean, and free from oil and grease.
24.Check Damaged Parts – Before further use of
the shredder, any part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its intended func-
tion. Check for alignment of moving parts, bind-
ing of moving parts, breakage of parts, mount-
ing, and any other condition that may affect its
operation. A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless indicated else-
where in this manual.
SAFETY RULES AND PRECAUTIONS
Wa r n i n g : To reduce the risk of fir e , electric shock , and personal injury, the fo l l ow i n g
basic safety precautions should alw a ys be fo l l ow e d .
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
S AVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
page 4

page 5
1 . On/Off Switch
The On/Offswitch is located on the side of the
Lower Housing. To turn unit on push switch up to
“On” position, see figure 10. To turn unit “Off” push
switch down to “Off” position, see figure 10.
2 . C i rcuit Breaker/Reset Button
The circuit breaker/reset button is located on the
l o w e r, outside front of the motor housing as shown
in figure 10. The unit is designed to shut down in
the event of an overload. To restart, place on/off
switch in “off” position, push reset button, wait
approximately three minutes and then place switch
in “ON” position.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
I m p o r t a n t : Use a 14 ga. or heavier extension cord with a maximum length of 100 ft.
G r ounding Instructions
This shredder should be grounded while in use to
reduce the risk of electric shock to the operator.
The shredder is equipped with a three-conductor
cord and three-prong grounding plug. The green or
green and yellow conductor in the cord is the
grounding wire. Never connect the green or green
and yellow wire to a live terminal.
The shredder is intended for use on a circuit that
has a grounded outlet box that looks like the one
illustrated in figure 8, sketch A .
An adapter which looks like the adapter illustrated
in figure 8, sketch B is available for connecting
three-prong plugs to two-prong receptacles. T h e
green colored rigid ear, lug, or the like on the
a d a p t e r, must be connected to a permanent
ground, such as a properly grounded outlet box,
using a metal screw.
Check with a qualified electrician or serviceman if
the grounding instructions are not completely
understood, or if in doubt as to whether the shred-
der is properly grounded.
Extensions Cord s
Only use three-wire extension cords that have
three-prong grounding plugs and three-hole recep-
tacles that accept the shredder’splug. When using
an extension cord, make sure that it is in good con-
d i t i o n .
Use a 14 ga. or heavier extension cord with a max-
imum length of 100 ft. An undersized extension
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in
lossof power and overheating.
Warning – To reduce the risk of electric shock, only
use extension cords intended for outdoor use, such
as cord types SW-A, SOW- A ,
S T W -A, STO W-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW- A o r
S J T OW -A.
To prevent disconnection of the shredder cord from
the extension cord during operation, make a knot
as shown in figure 9. Devices for retaining exten-
sion cords are also available at your local hardware
r e t a i l e r.
FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9
G R OUNDING METHOD
( A )
G R O U N D I N G
P I N
P L U G
L U G M E TA L
S C R E W
A D A P T E R
( B )
COVER OF
G R O U N D E D
O U T L E T B O X
METHOD OF SECURING EXTENSION CORD
( B )
E X T E N S I O N
C O R D
TIE CORD AS SHOW
C O N N E C T PLUG & RECEPTA C L E
S H R E D D E R
C O R D
( A )
FIGURE 10
M O T O R
H O U S I N G
E N C L O S U R E
S W I T C H
C I R C U I T B R E A K E R /
R E S E T S W I T C H

page 6
SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Disconnect power cord from extension cord before
moving machine from one location to another location.
C AU T I O N
Your Flow t ron Ultimate Leaf-Eater can be hazardous if impro p e r l y or carelessly used.T h e
instructions and figure shown below demonstrate the right way to use your mach i n e .R e a d
and understand the operating instructions before you operate your mach i n e .A l w ays use
s a f e and cautious operating methods. Please remember, the operating and safety instruc-
tions have been written for your use. Failure to read all instructions may result in injury. B e
sure you have read ‘‘Rules for Safe Operation’’ on page 4 before pro c e e d i n g .
1 . M o ving Your Unit
Disconnect the power cord from the extension cord
or power source, grasp the unit along the top of the
housing tower, lift and move to wherever you
choose. To place unit on trash container, liftby
grasping hand grips located on leg extensions. To
use on legs with leaf bag, place bag around unit
and retain with bungee cord. See figure 12.
2 . Loading Your Mach i n e
With the machine running, feed double handfuls of
dry leaves,or single handfuls of wet leaves, into the
h o p p e r. Allow the machine to shred the load com-
pletely and regain speed before reinserting the next
load. Do not overload the machine by letting it labor
at low speed: this will cause the circuit breaker to
shut the motor off. If this happens, turn the switch
o f f, unplug the machine, clear the unshredded mate-
rial from the hopper, reset the breaker and continue
with your shredding.
3 . M u l c hing Control Lev e r
The control lever, see figure 13, controls the particle
size and speed at which material goes through the
unit With the control lever in the COARSE position,
material will process through the unit faster but will
give you a larger particle size than if the lever were
in the FINE position. The FINE position setting will
discharge material slower, but will give the smallest
particle size. Use special settings for pine needles,
grass clippings and thatch. For bestresults, material
should be shredded when dry.
Do not allow shredded material in trash
container or leaf bag to reach bottom of
motor housing. A reduction in airflow will
result and may cause permanent dam-
age to your motor
Do not attempt to shred twigs, branches
or other foreign objects. If detected dur-
ing operation, stop the shredder and
remove these items from the hopper.
ON T R A S H
C O N TA I N E R
B U N G E E
C O R D
HAND HOLD
B O T H
S I D E S
FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13
WITH LEAF BAG
AT TA C H E D
Filling hopper with unshredded material
at a rate faster than the machine can
handle may result in permanent damage
to your motor.
MULCHING CONTROL L E V E R

page 7
MAINTENANCE
1 . Cleaning Your Unit
Your unit requires a minimum of maintenance other
than cleaning. It is recommended that you clean
out built-up residue from inside the housing area
during and after each use. Replace cutting line as
often as necessary, see paragraph 2 below, and
clean air filter frequently,see paragraph 4 below.
Any other maintenance or repairs should be
performed by Flowtron
2 . Replacement of Cutting Line
Your unit is supplied with six strips of six (6) cutting
lines each (for a total of 36 cutting lines). To sepa-
rate individual lines simply pinch the indent
between lines nearest strip end and peel away.
Replace cutting cord when a noticeable decrease
in shredding efficiencyis observed. To remove
used cutting lines pull used line out of the spinner
head inside the housing. To install new cutting lines
place each end of new line through the two holes
in the post on top of the spinner head and pull
through so that both ends of the line are even.
Thread lines through the two ferrules on the side of
the spinner head and pull tight so that ends are
even. See fig. 14.
WARNING: Use only .080 diameter monofilament
cord 12 3/4" long. Use of thicker lines, lines made
of substitute materials, or lines greater than 12 3/4"
long MAY RESULT IN PERMANENT DAMAGE TO
YOUR MOTOR AND/OR INJURY.
Tro u b le Shooting
S y m p t o m P r o bl e m C o r r e c t i o n
Motor will not start No electric power. Check to be sure power cord is connected to
the power source.
Circuit breaker has tripped. Clean filter and residue inside housing.
No cutting action/lack of power. Cutting line is worn or residue Replace cutting line with new line.
has built-up inside of housing. Clean built-up residue in housing.
Motor does not sound like it is running properly. Air filter is dirty. Remove and clean air filter.
Unit bound with debris. Clean unit.
3 . Replacement of Spinner
Remove screw and ‘‘ O ’ ’ring from center of spinner.
Lift spinner offshaft. Place new spinner over shaft
and turn until hex falls in place. Tighten screw until
‘‘ O ’ ’ring is depressed slightly.
4 . Cleaning Air Filter
The removable air filter is located on the side of the
housing tower. To remove, grasp filter with fin g e r s
and pull out of compartment.(See figure 15.) Rinse
with clear water and air dry. Replace air filter before
using machine.
5 . S t o r a ge
To reduce storage space requirements, loosen knobs
and rotate unit 180°, (funnel facing downward).
I m p o r t a n t
Do not attempt to run or use your machine with
the Air Filter removed. Check frequently to
insure that the Air Filter is clean. Always discon-
nect the power cord prior to removing Air Filter.
HOUSING TO W E R
H O U S I N G
R E M O VA B L E
AIR FILT E R
S
P I N N E R
P
O S T
F
E R R U L E
C
U T T I N G
L
I N E S
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 15
NOTE: LER-100 Cutting Line Kit contains 12
replacement lines and may be purchased from
your local dealer. If not available, order direct
from Flowtron Outdoor Products or on line at
www.flowtron.com

357 3151 REV 11
page 8
4 1
1 7
4 5
1 9
2 0
4
2 3
2 2
1 6
1 5 1 4
1 2
3 6
3 8
2 6
4 3
3
1 3
3 1
2 4
2 5
3 2
4
4 2
3 4
8
7
1 0
3 7
3 3
4 4
4 1
11
1 3
3 3
2 8
2 7
5
2 6
3
2 9
Ref#. Part # D e s c r i p t i o n Q t y.
1355 211 8 F U N N E L 2
2 245 6237 P28 S C R E W, SHT. MTL., PAN HD., PHIL, #8 X 1/2, BK. 2
3 345 2285 P42 S C R E W,PAN HD., PHIL, #10 X-3/4 2
4 345 2285 P29 S C R E W,PAN HD., PHIL, #8 X 5/8 8
5396 2599 LEG HUB SPA C E R 2
6355 211 7 MAIN HOUSING 2
7305 3015 JUMPER WIRE A S S Y. 1
8355 3531 WASHER, BULK HEAD 1
9355 211 6 B U L K H E A D 1
1 0 396 2877 PO1 CUTTING LINE 2
11 396 2438 HANDLE GRIP 2
1 2 355 3150 MULCHING DISC 1
1 3 345 2978 S C R E W , PHIL, HEAD, #10-24 x 5/8 2
1 4 245 6272 P04 #10 FLAT WA S H E R 2
1 5 352 3149 C U T OFF BRACKET 1
1 6 567 4675 ‘‘ O ’ ’R I N G 1
1 7 368 2766 P1 LEG, LEFT 1
1 8 368 2767 P1 LEG, RIGHT 1
1 9 355 3105 S P ACER, CIRCUIT B R E A K E R 1
2 0 394 3511C I R C U I T B R E A K E R 1
2 1 355 2135 S TORAGE DOOR 1
2 2 312 2517 POWER CORD 1
Ref #. Part #D e s c r i p t i o n Q t y.
2 3 355 211 5 M O T OR HOUSING 1
2 4 343 3510 BAFFLE (NOT S H O W N ) 1
2 5 379 3449 M O T O R 1
2 6 355 2134 LEG KNOB 2
2 7 355 2133 LEG HUB 2
2 8 367 2574 FRICTION PA D 2
2 9 355 2555 A D J U S T M E N T K N O B 1
3 0 355 2130 SWITCH COVER 1
3 1 305 3034 SPINNER HEAD A S S E M B LY 1
3 2 394 3014 SWITCH, ON/OFF 1
3 3 345 2285 P34 S C R E W,PAN HD., PHIL, #8 X 1-1/4 6
3 4 367 3011F I LTER ELEMENT, REMOVA B L E 1
3 5 396 2136 BUNGEE CORD 1
3 6 595 1506 WIRE CONNECTO R 1
3 7 345 1683 JAM WASHER, SPINNER (NOT S H O W N ) 1
3 8 369 1689 I N S E R T, SPINNER (NOT S H O W N ) 1
3 9 345 3512 SCREW NYLON, 5/16-18 1
4 0 355 3531 BULK HEAD WASHER (NOT S H O W N ) 1
4 1 352 3533 LEG CONNECTOR BRACKET 2
4 2 245 6225 P58 S C R E W,PAN HD., PHIL PARK, #10-32 X 1 1/2 2
4 3 345 2181 WING NUTS #10-32 2
4 4 345 2285 S C R E W,PAN HD, PHILIP # 8 - 3 2 4
4 5 357 3151 OWNER’S MANUAL1 1
FLOWTRON EXPLODED VIEW OF LE-900F
2
1
1
3 9