Midwest Equipment Manufacturing Trac-Vac 452-DIC Product guide

02-14-12
.
Model 452-DIC/DH
Operating and
Assembly
Manual
Midwest Equipment Manufacturing, Inc.
5225 Serum Plant Road
Thorntown, IN 46071

1
SAFETY RULES
Remember, 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.
This symbol means Attention!!!!! It is used to point out safety precautions.
▪ Read and follow all instructions in this manual before assembly or operation of this equipment. Failure to comply with
these instructions may result in personal injury. Keep this manual for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
▪ Read this instruction manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and proper use of this equipment.
▪ Read the engine owners manual and safe operation rules before using this equipment.
▪ Never allow children less than 16 years of age to operate the Trac-Vac. Children 16 years and older should operate only
under close parental supervision.
▪ Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment without proper instruction.
▪ Do not allow passengers to ride on the Trac-Vac or on the towing vehicle.
▪ Keep children and pets out of area of operation.
▪ Check fuel before starting engine. Do Not fill fuel tank indoors, or while engine is running or hot. Wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting engine.
▪ Engine and muffler get HOT! Do Not touch! Keep debris from accumulating on or around engine and muffler to avoid
fire hazard.
▪ Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosed area. Never store Trac-Vac with fuel in tank.
▪ Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover is removed, except for adjustments. Removal of the part could create a fire
hazard.
▪ Keep hands, feet, face, long hair and clothing out of inlet and discharge areas. There are ROTATING BLADES inside
these openings.
▪ Make certain that all moving parts come to a complete stop before cleaning, repairing or inspection. Disconnect spark plug
wire and keep away from plug to prevent accidental starting.
▪ If Trac-Vac should become clogged with debris, SHUT OFF ALL ENGINES and wait until impeller comes to a complete
stop before attempting to remove obstruction. Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
▪ If excessive vibration occurs while operating your Trac-Vac, stop the engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug wire
and allow all moving parts to stop completely before taking 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 hardware periodically to insure safe operation.
▪ Check cart cover periodically for wear and replace if worn or damaged.
▪ Never operate Trac-Vac without intake hose and exhaust hose attached in proper place.
▪ Do Not remove exhaust hose or attempt to empty contents of container while engine in running.
▪ Keep all shields and guards in place and securely attached.
▪ Always wear eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) when operating this equipment.
▪ Do Not stand behind unit in exhaust discharge area while engine is running.
▪ Do Not operate this equipment while intoxicated or while taking medications that could impair reactions or senses.
▪ Operate this equipment at reduced ground speed on rough terrain, along creeks and ditches and on
slopes to prevent tipping or loss of control.
▪ Vehicle stability and braking are affected by the addition of this unit. Do not fill the Trac-Vac to its full capacity without
checking the capability of the towing vehicle to safely pull and stop with the unit attached.
▪ Do Not operate on slopes in excess of 10 degrees. STAY OFF OF STEEP SLOPES!
▪ Follow the maintenance instructions outlined in this manual.

2
Model 452-DIC/DH/DK Trac-Vac Parts List
Key Part No. Description Qty.
1 45212 Frame, RH 1
2 56021 Engine, 5.5 HP Briggs
Intek IC 1
56022 Engine, 5.5 HP Honda 1
3 56030 Turbine Housing (5.5 Briggs,
Honda) 1
4 56040 Turbine (5.5 Briggs, Honda) 1
5 56107 Turbine Washer 1
6 58050 Inlet, 6" (5.5 Briggs, Honda) 1
7 45060A Caster Yoke 2
8 68050 Wheel 2
9 45250 Container Holder, 452 1
10 45227 Vertical Support Bracket, RH 1
11 45226 Vertical Support, 452 1
12 3120518 Eyebolt 2
13 48038 Spring 2
14 46217 Top Support 1
15 56115 Nylon Spacer 3
16 46233 Filter Support 1
17 46228 Filter 1
18 47222 Molded Top 1
19 46235 Container Latch 1
20 46210 44 Gallon Container 1
21 46218 Clevis Pin 1
22 46248 Filter Shield 1
23 46219 Seal 1
24 48040 Intake Nozzle 1
25 56102 6" Band Clamp 4
26 65203 Hose-HD, 6" x 42" 1
27 45112 Hitch Pin, 452-D 1
28 45102 Hose, 6" x 72" 1
29 86115 Muffler Deflector (5.5
Briggs) 1
560221 Muffler Deflector, Honda 1
30 45061 Nylon Washer, Caster 2
31 3120608 Turbine Bolt (5.5 Briggs) 1
3130112 Turbine Bolt, Honda 1
Key Part No. Description Qty.
32 3120612 Housing Bolt (5.5 Briggs 4
3120608 Housing Bolt (Honda) 4
33 3750238 Turbine Set Screw 1
34 1871714 Turbine Key (5.5 Briggs
Honda) 1
35 3120801 Turbine Lock Washer
(5.5HP Honda) 1
36 48047 Hose Support Arm 1
37 58072 Hose Support Strap 1
39 456** Hitch, 452-D
(Tractor Specific) 1
40 ***-6 Deck Chute Ass'y
(Deck Specific) 1
41 58075 Engine Guard 1
56122 Honda Engine Spacer Kit 1
45131 Decal, White Trac-Vac 2 x 8 1
45133 Decal, Warning Stop Eng. 1
45130 Decal White Trac-Vac 3 x 12 1
48096 Decal, Danger 1
Optional Accessories:
Key Part No. Description
42 150 4” Remote Pickup Assembly
160 6” Remote Pickup Assembly
43 45125 7” Caster Extension Kit

3
Trac-Vac Model 452-DIC/DH/DK
11
16
15
14
18
17
23
19
24
12
13
21
20
25 26
22
1
7
8
910
28
40
27
39
30
42
Accessories:
43
38
29
34
33 32
5
43
35
31
636
37
2
41

4

5
Model 452-D Assembly Instructions
1. Slip one nylon washer (30) over each caster yoke (7) pin. Slip one 3/4” flatwasher over each pin. Insert caster into
frame (1). Slip another 3/4” flatwasher over pin and secure with 1/8” cotter pin. Fig. 1
2. With vertical support bracket (10) in position as shown, align with holes on frame. Secure with 5/16” x 3/4” hexbolts,
5/16” flatwashers as shown and 5/16” whizlock nuts. Do not tighten. Slip vertical upright (11) into receiver tube on
support bracket as far as it will slide and align with a mount hole in tubes. Secure with 3/8” x 2 1/2” hexbolt, 3/8”
flatwasher and 3/8” whizlock nut. Again, do not tighten. Fig. 2
3. Attach container holder (9) to frame with 5/8” x 1” hexbolt and 5/8” locknut. Place container (20) in holder and
tighten bolts until holder supports the container (20) in the tilted position. Fig. 3
4. Attach eyebolts (12) to vertical support upper brackets, trapping brackets between 5/16” hexnut and 5/16” whizlock
nut. Rotate eyebolts so eyelets face form front to back. Fig. 4
5. The molded top assembly is partially assembled by the manufacturer. Attach latch (19) to molded top (18) with 1/4” x
1/2” truss head screws and 1/4” whizlock nuts. Fit filter (17) over filter support (16). Slide intake nozzle (24) thru
opening in molded top with lip on inside. Set top assembly on container. Align 1/2” swivel hole on top support (14)
with hole on vertical support (11). Secure with 1/2” x 2 1/2” hexbolt and 1/2” nylock nut. Tighten until slight drag is
felt when pivoting molded top assembly. Grasp top assembly and pivot upward until springs (13) can be attached to
upper spring retainer (on top support) and to eyebolts (on vertical support). Lower top assembly to operating position
and immediately slip 3/8” x 2 1/8” clevis pin (21) thru locking pinhole. Secure with 1/8” cotter pin. Slip latch over
handle of container. Tighten all bolts to vertical support bracket and vertical support in step 2. Fig. 5
6. Slip exhaust hose (26) over intake nozzle (24) and secure with 6” band clamp (25). Note: bunch a few ribs up between
the band clamp and the molded top. This will achieve a nice airtight fit to the top. Fig. 6
7. To attach unit to tractor, attach tractor specific hitch to rear of tractor (Illustration is only an example). Once hitch is
attached slip vacuum frame inside of hitch, and align holes in hitch and holes in frame. Once aligned slip hitch pin
through all and secure by slipping a ¾” flatwasher over end of hitch pin sticking through and clip with hairclip pin.
Fig. 7 & 8
8. Attach chute (40) to mower deck. Attach intake hose to chute and inlet (6). Secure each end with 6” band clamp (25).
Fig. 9
9. Read engine operating instructions and service engine before starting

TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine fails to start 1. Spark plug wire disconnected
2. Fuel tank empty
3. Faulty spark plug
1. Connect wire to spark plug
2. Fill tank with clean fuel
3. Clean, adjust gap or replace
Loss of power or
erratic operation 1. Spark plug wire loose
2. Blocked fuel line
3. Water or dirt in fuel system
4. Dirty air cleaner
5. Unit running on choke
1. Connect & tighten spark plug wire
2. Clean fuel line
3. Disconnect fuel line at carburetor
drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh
fuel
4. Service air cleaner (refer to engine
manual)
5. Move choke lever to OFF position
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low
2. Operating below full RPM 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil
2. Run throttle full open.
Excessive vibration 1. Damaged turbine or loose
parts 1. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect spark plug wire. Tighten
all bolts & nuts. Make necessary
repairs. If vibration continues, have
unit serviced by an authorized dealer.
Unit won't pick up. 1. Discharge chute clogged
2. Foreign object lodged in
turbine.
3. Container full
1. Stop engine & disconnect spark plug
wire. Clean inside of discharge
chute.
2. Stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire. Remove lodged object
in turbine.
3. Stop engine and empty container.
NOTE: Please contact the nearest authorized service dealer for repairs beyond the minor adjustments above.

CAUTION!!!!
SPINNING BLADE
OPERATING PROCEDURE
BEFORE STARTING, Follow the engine manufacturer’s instructions in preparing engine for
operation. Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or while engine is hot. Do not smoke while
filling tank!
1. Inspect area to be vacuumed and pickup all harmful objects and litter. Rocks and other harmful
debris can do serious damage to vacuum assembly and cause bodily injury.
2. For best vacuuming results operate tractor at manufacturer's recommended speed for best cutting. If grass is high,
mow first and vacuum on the second pass.
3. Your vacuum is preset to run at approximately 3800-RPM at no load. Do not slow down
engine.
4. SHUT OFF ENGINE TO UNLOAD.
5. When operating tractor on slope or grade, exercise EXTREME CAUTION. Do not cut across grade or slope. Mow
directly up and down hills.
6. Periodically check all fasteners for tightness.
7. Listen for unusual vibration of engine or air turbine. If excessive vibration is present, STOP engine and check for
damage to turbine fan.
8. Always shut off tractor engine and vacuum engine before servicing.
9. Replace deflector shield when discharge chute is removed.
10. When removing clogs, SHUT OFF ALL ENGINES and wait for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop! Failure to do so can cause serious bodily injury!
11. Do not tow unit on public roads
12. Do not carry passengers on unit
13. Avoid sudden turns or maneuvers.
EXTENDED STORAGE PROCEDURES
1. Wash and clean vacuum, and lubricate any lubrication points.
2. Drain fuel from the tank and run vacuum until fuel is exhausted in carburetor.
3. Drain and change the engine oil.
4. Clean tires and check pressure. Raising and supporting unit with weight off tires is recommended.
5. When storing a unit with Rubbermaidcontainers, leave containers latched to top.
6. Store inside a clean dry area, when not in use.
TRAC VAC WARRANTY POLICY
Midwest Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. will repair or replace, free of charge, any part, or parts that are
defective in material or workmanship or both for a period of one year residential use, and 90 day’s for
commercial and rental use. The purchaser will pay transportation charges on parts submitted for replacement
under warranty. For warranty service, contact your local dealer from whom the unit was purchased. There are
no other express or implied warranties. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, and some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation and 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.
MIDWEST EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING, INC.-5225 Serum Plant Rd.-Thorntown, IN
46071
Phone: 1-800-Trac-Vac
Web Page: www.trac-vac.com E-Mail: [e-mail]