Midwest Equipment Manufacturing Trac Vac 655-IC Product guide

07-02-14
Model 655-IC/PRO/H/R
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 655-IC/PRO/H Trac-Vac Parts List
Key Part No. Description Key Part No. Description
1 65510 Frame, 655 33 45101 6" Metal Hose Clamp
2 47014 Frame, 470-FD 34 85226 Bent Pin. 5/8"
3 56510-1 Frame, 565-RH 35 66230 Exhaust Hose, 662
86510-1 Frame, 865 (9HP Robin) 36 86115 Muffler Deflector (Briggs
4 47020 Vertical Upright 5.5 & 6.5 HP
5 56021 Engine, 5.5HP Briggs Intek I/C 560221 Muffler Deflector, Honda
56018 Intek, 6.5HP Intek Pro, 5.5HP
56022 5.5HP Honda 37 1101301 Hairpin Cotter, ½”
86028 9HP Robin (Subaru) 38 1101302 Hairpin Cotter, 1”
6 56030 Turbine Housing (5.5HP Briggs, Honda) 41 6250152 Caster Bolt, 5/8” x 6 ½”
46242 Turbine Housing (6.5HP Briggs) 42 6251101 Caster Nut, 5/8” Nylon Insert
7 56040 Turbine, 5HP (5.5 Briggs, Honda) 43 6250800 Caster Washer
46253 Turbine, 6.5HP Briggs Pro 44 3120518 Eyebolt, 5/16 x 2 ¼”
8 18050 Inlet, 8" (5.5HP Briggs, Honda) 45 3122501 Grease Zerk, 5/16”
66010 Inlet, 8" 6.5 Briggs 47 11100 Hairpin Cotter
9 18119 Hose Clamp, 8" 48 3120612 Housing Bolt
10 86101 Hose, 8" x 60" 3120608 Housing Bolt, (Honda only)
11 47018 Container Holder, 470 49 3120608 Turbine Bolt
12 46217 Top Support 3170110 Turbine Bolt (6.5 Briggs Pro only)
13 46227 Filter Support, Double Top 50 56107 Turbine Washer
14 46228 Filter, Open Mesh 51 3750238 Turbine Set Screw
15 66238 Exhaust Boot, 662 52 1871714 Key Stock
16 46248 Filter Shield 53 3120801 Turbine Lock Washer (Honda)
17 28014 Handle 3750801 Turbine Lock Washer (6.5 Briggs
18 68222 Double Molded Top Pro)
19 46219 Seal, Molded Top 54 56052 Connector Clip, Exhaust Hose
20 46235 Container Latch 55 ***-8 Discharge Chute (tractor specific)
21 46210 Container, 44 Gallon 56 656** Hitch Kit (tractor specific)
22 48038 Spring 57 58075 Engine Guard
23 56115 Nylon Spacer 45133 Decal, Warning Stop Engine
24 46218 Clevis Pin, Vertical Support 45131 Decal, 2 x 8 Trac-Vac Clear
25 47019 Bushing, 470 45130 Decal, 3 x 12 Trac-Vac Clear
26 65032 Bearing, 1" Nylon 48096 Decal, Danger
27 65513 Wheel, 13" x 5.00-6
28 65511 Caster Yoke Assembly
29 65514 1" Collar Clamp
30 58058 Cover, Collar Clamp
31 65512 Stand Optional Accessories
32 28801 Clevis Pin, 1" x 4" 190 6" Remote Pickup Assembly
for 8" Hose

3

4
1. Slip caster assembly (28) through the receiver tube on the frame (1). Secure with 1” collar clamp, slip plastic cover over collar
clamp. Repeat for the other caster. Slip stand (31) into receiver on main frame and secure with 3/8” x 2 ¼” clevis pin (24) and
5/16” hairpin cotter (47). See Fig. 1
2. Attach hitch (56) to rear of tractor as shown in hitch instructions. Hold frame (1) up to hitch (once installed on tractor) aligning the
horizontal receiver tubes up with 1” diameter holes in hitch arms, secure with 1” clevis pins and hairpin cotter clips. Set FD frame
(2) onto main frame (1). Align holes in FD-frame (2) with holes in main frame (1) as shown and loosely secure with 2-5/16” x 3/4”
bolts, flatwashers and whizlock nuts on the “T” side of FD-frame, and with 5/16” square bend u-bolt and whizlock nuts on the leg
of the FD-frame. Do not tighten. Repeat procedure for second FD-frame. Note: be sure and use the holes on FD-Frame illustrated
in Fig. 2 to secure them to the main frame. See Fig. 2
3. Slip vertical upright (4) over leg in FD-frame (2) align the holes and loosely secure with 3/8” x 2 1/2” bolts flatwashers and
whizlock nuts. Note: eyebolt brackets on the upright should be positioned toward the containers. Do not tighten. See Fig. 3
4. Set container holder (11) onto “T” side of FD-frame (2) and align holes. Slip Bushings (25) through the mount holes of both the
container holder (11) and the FD-frame (2) and secure with 5/16” x 1” bolt, 5/16” flatwashers and a 5/16” locknut. Tighten bolts
until the holder will support container in a tilted position. See Fig. 4
5. Place containers (21) into container frames, rotate the handles to the inside of the vertical uprights. Spin 5/16” nut onto the eyebolt
(44) about half way. Slip eyebolt with nut through the hole in the bracket on the side of vertical upright (4) and secure with a 5/16”
whizlock nut. See Fig. 5
6. Set top assembly on containers (21) with top support bracket capturing the vertical upright (4). Align 1/2” hole on top support to
1/2” hole on vertical upright (4). Secure molded top with 1/2" x 2 1/2" HHC’s and nylock nuts. Tighten until slight drag can be felt
when pivoting molded top. See fig. 6
7. Pivot top up and attach springs (22) to eyebolts (44) and spring retainers on top support (12). Lower top assembly to operating
position and immediately slip clevis pin (24) thru locking pinhole on top support. Secure pin with 1/8" x 1" cotter key. Attach
container latch (20) to molded top with 1/4” x 1/2” truss head bolt and 1/4” whizlock nuts. Slip exhaust boot (15) into molded top
and secure with 1/4” x 3/4” bolts, 1/4” flatwashers and whizlock nuts. With molded top assembly setting flat on the containers and
latched, tighten all bolts left loose in earlier assemblies (vertical upright and FD-frame bolts). Once tightened rotate top up and
down a few times to see if proper alignment has been achieved. If proper alignment was not achieved loosen vertical upright and
FD-frame bolts and try again. See Fig. 7
8. Bolt Engine ass’y to frame (3) with 5/16” x 1 1/4” bolts and 5/16” locknuts. Note: bolt the engine ass’y into the holes closest to the
end of the engine plate. Slip engine/frame assembly into receiver on main frame (1). Secure with 5/8” bent pin (34) and 1/2”
hairpin cotter (37). See Fig. 8
9. Slip metal hose clamp (33) up onto bottom of exhaust hose (35) and slip both down over exhaust neck on blower housing. Slip
other end of exhaust hose (35) into exhaust boot (15) bolted into molded top assembly. Once achieved tighten bolts in metal hose
clamp securing exhaust hose to the blower housing, if installed properly the connector clip (54) on the top of the exhaust hose
should not have to be clipped to hold the hose into the exhaust boot on molded top unless unit is running (pressurized). Attach
discharge chute to tractor, slip intake hose (10) over inlet and secure with 8” band clamp (9). Cut hose to fit to discharge chute, slip
onto neck on discharge chute and secure with 8” band clamp. See Fig. 9
10. Read engine operation instructions and service engine before starting.

5
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 6
Fig. 5Fig. 4
Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9
1" Collar
Clamp (2x)
Collar Clamp
Cover (2x)
Hairpin Cotter
Key, 5/16"
3/8" x 2 1/4"
Clevis Pin
5/16" x 3/4" Hexbolt (4x)
5/16" Square Bend U-bolt (2x)
5/16" Whizlock nut (8x)
Hairpin Cotter, 1" (2x)
1" x 4" Clevis Pin (2x)
3/8" x 2 1 /2" Hexbolts (4x)
3/8" Whizlock nuts (4x)
5/16" Flatwasher (4x)
3/8" Flatwasher (4x)
5/16" x 1" Hexbolt (4x)
5/16" Locknut (4x)
Spacer (4x)
5/16" Whizlock Nut (4x)
5/16" Freenut (4x)
Eyebolt, 5/16" x 2 1/4 (4x)
1/2" x 2 1/2"
Hexbolt (2x)
1/2" Nylock (2x)
1/4" x 1/2" Trusshead Screw (4x)
1/4" x 3/4" Hexbolt (4x)
1/4" Whizlock
Nut (8x)
Spring (4x)
1/8" x 1"
Cotter Pin (2x)
5/8" Bent Pin
Hairpin Cotter, 1/2"
Metal Hose Clamp
Discharge Chute
8" Band Clamp (2x)
Inlet
Connector Clip
5/16" Flatwasher (8x)

6
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.

7
CAUTION!!!!
SPINNING BLADE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Check engine oil level
Check tire pressure
Check all hardware for tightness
Lubricate
Clean
Maintain engine per engine manual
Before each use
After each use
Every season
Before Stoarage
Service Dates
X
X
X
X
X
X
MAINTENANCE
DANGER: The Trac-Vac was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. Carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This unit is
capable of amputating fingers or hands and throwing objects. Failure to comply with the safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
BEFORE EACH USE
CHECK FOR LOOSE HARDWARE
▪Make a thorough visual check of the unit for any bolts and nuts which may have become loose.
Retighten any loose nuts and bolts
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
▪Check tire pressure regularly. The recommended tire pressure is printed on the tire.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
▪Check oil level before each use. Maintain engine oil as instructed in engine manual.
LUBRICATION
▪Use a light machine oil to lubricate the axle where the hitch tongue pivots and the latch and pivot
bolt at the beginning of each season.
▪Grease or oil wheel bearings, using automotive wheel bearing grease at least once every season.
WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before
lubricating, cleaning or before maintenance or repairs.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
▪Check oil level before each use, maintain engine oil according to the engine manual
▪Service air cleaner after every 25 hours of normal conditions. Under extremely dusty
conditions, clean every few hours. Poor engine performance usually indicates that the air
cleaner needs to be serviced.
▪Clean spark plug and reset gap once every season. It is recommended that the spark plug be
replaced at the start of each season. Check the engine manual for the correct spark plug and gap
specifications.
CLEANING
▪Clean the unit after each use. Grass clippings and leaves can mildew and cause damage if
not properly cleaned.
▪Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Remove all dirt and debris from muffler area.

8
NOTES

9
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 (385), 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]