North Star M191185C.7 User manual

M191185C.7
ITEM NUMBER:191185
SERIAL NUMBER:
Owner’s Manual
Trencher/Edger: Cuts trenches in dirt.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810

2
Table of Contents
Hazard Signal Word Definitions………………………………......2
Important Safety Rules ................................................………..3,4
Warning Label Locations ............................................…………5
Unpacking ....................................................................……………6-7
Parts Identification .............................................…….….6
Fastener Identification .......................................…..……7
Assembly Instructions ....................................................…………. 8-9
Machine Component Identification.........................................…….10
Operation Instructions .................................................………..11-13
Work Site Preparation and Operating Zones ......……... 11
Trenching ...........................................................……….12
Changing Trench Depth & Blades.......................……… 13
Lockout Procedure, Maintenance and Storage ...........……….. 14,15
Lockout Procedure, Belt tension and Changing Blades... 14
Sheave Alignment and Storage………………......……..... 15
Specifications and Troubleshooting..................…………. 16
Parts Explosion ........................................………………..........…...17
Limited Warranty ........................................………………..........….19
Hazard Signal Word Definitions

3
Important Safety Rules

4
Important Safety Rules
3.) Fire hazard.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
-Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
-Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.
4.) Tripping hazard.
Make sure area is clear of obstacles before trenching.
Serious injury can result.
Do not trench on wet, slippery grass.
5.) Tip-over hazard.
Do not trench on hills with a slope greater than 15°.
Trencher can tip over resulting in serious injury.
6.) Entanglement.
Rotating blade can get tangled in debris left on ground
resulting in serious injury and damage to trencher. Before
trenching, make sure area is clear of debris that may wind
around blade during operation.
CAUTION
1.) Hot muffler.
You can be burned by muffler.
Do not touch.
2.) Loud noise.
Exposure to loud engine noise can cause hearing loss.
Wear ear protection.
WARNING

5
Warning Label Locations
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
Flying objects.
Rock and dirt may fly out
while trenching.
Serious injury can occur.
-Pull trencher as you dig.
Do not push.
-Wear safety glasses.
WARNING
WARNING
Belt pinch point.
Moving belts can cut skin
and bones.
Do not operate with
guards removed.
DANGER
1.) Read safety manual completely.
Serious injury or death will result if safety
instructions are not followed.
2.) Rotating blade.
Blade will cut and crush skin and bones. Keep
hands clear. Follow lockout procedure before
servicing.
3.) Buried cables and pipes.
Call utilities before trenching.
Blade will cut through buried electrical cables and
gas pipes resulting in serious injury or death.
4.) Breathing hazard.
Poisonous fumes from engine will kill you. Do not
operate the trencher in enclosed areas even if
ventilated.
2002 K-Bar Industries 800-270-0810 Part No. 38035
fig04829

6
Unpacking
Closely inspect all contents in the shipping carton.
- If you have missing or damaged components: Contact Product Support at 1-800-270-0810.
ENGINE/FRAME ASSEMBLY
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT AXLE
(4) WHEEL
FIG01705

7
Unpacking
Fastener Identification

8
Assembly Instructions
1.) Handle Assembly.
- Use (1) 5/16” x 3/4” bolt, (1) 5/16” x 2” bolt, & (2) 5/16” nuts to fasten the handle to the
frame.
- Make sure the tab engages the slot.
- Install the 3/8” x 3 1/4” bolt and 3/8” nut.
- Loop the zip tie around the 3/8” bolt under the handle to loosely capture the control cable,
make a loop approximately 1” diameter, trim off the excess zip tie. Caution: Tightening zip
tie can result in abnormal ware to control cable jacket, assure control cable jacket does not
contact frame.
Fig01707
5/16” x 3/4” bolt
5/16” x 2” bolt
3/8” x 3 1/4” bolt
Handle
5/16” nut
5/16” nut
3/8” nut
Frame
slot/tab
Control cable
Zip tie
3/8” bolt

9
Assembly Instructions
2.) Wheel Assembly
- Check tires for correct air pressure prior to assembly.
- Use a 5/32” hex wrench to attach (2) wheels to the front axle with (2) wheel retainers.
Use (2) 5/16 x 3/4” bolts to fasten the front axle to the frame.
- Fasten the (2) wheels to the frame with (2) wheel retainers.
fig01708
Wheel retainer
Wheel
Front Axle
5/16” x 3/4” bolt
5/16” nut
Frame

10
Machine Component Identification
1.) Control Lever. Used to start and stop cutting blade.
2.) Turnbuckle. Adjusts belt tension. As belts wear, retensioning may be required. See “Belt
Tension” section of this manual.
3.) Engine. Air-cooled engine provides power for cutting blade.
4.) Engine on/off switch. Controls engine as indicated on switch.
5.) Belt Guard. Covers moving drive system of machine.
CAUTION: NEVER operate machine without belt guards.
6.) Front Axle. Cutting depth is changed by moving axle to alternate hole locations.
7.) Cutting Blade. Creates trench in dirt. Check for missing teeth prior to digging trench.
8.) Flexible Blade Guards. Prevents accidental contact with blade and controls direction of
flying dirt. Replace worn/torn guards as needed.
CAUTION: NEVER operate machine without blade guards.
2
3
6
8
1
7
5
4
Fig01709

11
Operation Instructions
Work Site Preparation
The Trencher/Edger is operated by pulling the machine along a planned path. Mark your path before
starting the trenching operation. Locate any aboveground obstacles in your path and plan a safe
route to avoid them. Mark a well defined, easy to follow path. Move or cover objects that could be
damaged by flying objects (windows, cars, siding, etc.). For safety reasons, plan your route to avoid
pulling the trencher up any slopes. Do not trench on steep slopes (more than 15 degrees).
NOTE: Always consult state and local building codes to determine the proper size and depth of the trench required for the
job. Building codes vary from state to state and county to county.
CO Poisoning: Exhaust from engine contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can cause carbon monoxide
poisoning and possible death if inhaled. ONLY run trencher/edger OUTDOORS and at least 20 feet from the home, away
from windows, vents and air intakes, to allow proper ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the
trencher/edger, shut off the engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY.
Operating Zones
Serious accidents can occur when people other than the operator are allowed into the
operating zone, or when the machine is operated from areas other than the operating
zone. Keep all bystanders 20 feet from the trencher/edger and never operate the machine
from a position other than the defined operating zone.
Trench path
FIG01711
Debris
Area
Trench

12
Operation Instructions
Trenching
DANGER DO NOT PUSH MACHINE DURING OPERATION
Trencher is designed as a “PULL” type machine only. Pushing the machine will expose the
operator to flying debris.
1.) Starting Engine:
Refer to Engine Owners’ Manual for proper engine starting procedure. DO NOT run engine
more than 2 minutes without engaging blade, serious damage can occur to belts.
2.) Starting a Trench:
Tilt machine from the handle to achieve free rotation of blade.
3.) Engage Control Lever:
Squeeze the Control Lever. SLOWLY lower the blade into the ground until the front wheels
rest on the ground. Soil conditions influence the time it takes for the front wheels to contact
the ground. Lowering the machine too quickly can stop the engine, if this condition persists,
see the “Trouble Shooting” section of this manual.
4.) Pull Machine:
Pull machine along the designated path. Trench cutting speed is influenced by trench depth
and soil conditions. Do not jerk machine backwards while blade is engaged, damage will
occur to the blade and/or drive train. Do not attempt to cut an angled trench as this will
expose flying debris to the operator. Altering the design of the machine voids all warranties
and liabilities.
NOTE: Blade DOES NOT cut rock or concrete. If extreme resistance is felt and/or heard,
stop lowering the Blade and try somewhere else. Excessive vibration/noise indicates an
undesirable cutting condition.
Direction of travel
Front wheels

13
Operation Instructions
Changing Trench Depth
The Trencher/Edger can cut a 7,6 or 5” deep trench. Simply unbolt the axle assembly and move it to
the next hole pattern, or “flip” the axle assembly to achieve the desired cutting depth.
Changing Blades
-Follow lockout procedure as outlined in the Maintenance and Storage section of this manual.
- Tilt machine enough to gain access to blade with wrench.
- Turn nut counterclockwise with 1 1/2” wrench to loosen.
-When installing blade, make sure carbide tooth contacts ground before any other part of the blade.
CAUTION: Do not install blade backward.
7” Trench
6” Trench
5” Trench
Tire removed for clarity.
Removal of tire NOT required
to change trench depth.
“Flip” Axle
Ground
Carbide tooth
Blade
Rotation
Blade
Rotation
Nut
Blade guard

14
Maintenance and Storage
Lockout Procedure
Before performing maintenance, the trencher/edger must be placed in lockout mode.
1.) Turn off engine.
2.) Disconnect engine spark plug wire.
Belt Tension
1. The ideal belt tension is the lowest tension at which the belts will not slip under peak load conditions.
- Belts are too loose if a “squealing” noise is heard during operation.
- Belt tension is too tight if engine cannot be started when all four wheels are resting on the ground.
2. Check belt tension after the first hour of operation. Recheck again after 20 hours of operation.
Changing Belt
-Remove (4) 5/16” x ½” bolts and (2) 5/16” x ¾” bolts with nuts that fasten the guard in place.
-Remove belts from pulleys by hand, no tools are required.
-Install new belts in reverse order of removal.
-Run machine and retention belts as required. Excessive belt tension will shorten belt life.
-Never mix old belts and new belts. Never mix belts from different manufacturers.
-Keep belts free of foreign material. Do not use belt dressing.
To adjust belt tension:
1. Loosen both Lock Nuts.
2. Hold Control Cable while turning turnbuckle.
3. Check belt tension by digging a trench.
4. Retighten Lock Nuts.
Lock Nut
Turnbuckle
Lock Nut
Control Cable
Handle
CAUTION
New belts require approximately 1 hour of use for proper
break-in. DO NOT allow engine to run more than 2 minutes
without engaging blade, serious damage can result to the
belts.

15
Maintenance and Storage
Sheave Alignment
Eventually, sheave removal or replacement may become necessary. Inspect sheaves for cracks or a
groove bottom that is shiny. Sheaves must be aligned to within 1/16” when reinstalled.
CAUTION: After performing maintenance, make sure all guards, shields, and safety
features are put back in place. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious injury.
What
When
How
Blade
Before each use
Check for missing carbide teeth/ bent blade
Tires
Each use
Check pressure. The pressure rating is listed on the tire.
Nuts and Bolts
Each use
Check for loose bolts.
Moving Parts
Each use
Clear debris.
Bearings
Every 40 hours
Use grease gun with axle grease.
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for engine maintenance.
Storage
1.) Remove gasoline from engine or add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline to prevent gumming.
2.) Never store the trencher/edger where fumes might reach an open flame or spark. Allow
the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
ITEM #191185
PARTS EXPLOSION
TRENCHER/EDGER
REV. C.7
1/16”
INCORRECT CORRECT CHECK ALIGNMENT
Grease zerk
Large pulley
Blade

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Specifications
Engine................................................. 6.5 hp Honda
Trench Depth (with standard blade).... 7”
Trench Width (with standard blade).... 1 1/2”
Overall Dimensions............................ 65 1/2” L x 26” W x 36 1/2” H
Dry Weight.......................................... 137 lbs.
Belt Size.............................................. A30K (Kevlar™ Reinforced)
Blade RPM.......................................... 1850
The manufacturer reserves the right to make improvements in design and/or changes in
specifications at any time without incurring any obligation to install them on units
previously sold. Troubleshooting
The following chart is intended for troubleshooting all aspects of the Trencher/Edger except the engine. Please
refer to the engine owners’ manual for troubleshooting the engine.
Problem
See Cause:
Blade does not turn.
A, B, J
Blade turns but does not cut ground.
C, D,K
Machine “squeals” during trenching.
C, D
Engine shuts down as machine is tilted.
E, F
Machine vibrates excessively during trenching.
G, H, I, J
Engine stalls when trenching
L
Engine stalls when idling/starting
C
Engine stalls when lowering starting a trench.
C, E, F, G, J, K, M
Cause
Solution
A –Loose/Broken belts
Tighten/Replace belts
B - Control Cable broken
Replace cable
C - Belt tension incorrect
Retention Belt
D - Belts are worn beyond acceptable limit
Purchase new belts
E - Engine oil low
Add oil per engine owners’ manual.
F - Low level in gas tank
Add gasoline
G - Obstruction underground
Attempt to remove obstruction or start trenching further along
path.
H - Loose bolts
Tighten bolts
I - Drive Shaft Bearings worn
Replace bearings
J - Blade bent/broken
Replace blade
K - Blade installed incorrectly
See “Changing Blade” section for proper blade installation.
L - Pulling to fast
Decrease rate of pull.
M –Lowering machine too fast
Decrease rate of drop.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems or Parts Orders
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810

17
Parts Explosion –Rev C.7
ITEM
PART#
DESCRIPTION
QTY
21
37977
Idler Pulley
1
22
38068
Belt Guard
1
23
37968
Control Cable
1
24
37962
Protective Mat
1
25
37964
Guard Retainer
1
26
38036
Warning Label
1
27
38164
Trench Path Label
1
28
38035
Danger Label
1
29
37952
Blade Guard
1
30
37974
Protective Mat
1
31
37980
Guard Retainer
1
32
37982
Guard Retainer
1
33
37975
Protective Mat
1
34
37949
Handle
1
35
37986
1/4-20 Left Handed Nut
1
36
37970
Control Lever
1
37
30747
Hand Grip
2
38
38310
¼” Turnbuckle
1
39
37979
A30K V-Belt
2
40
781903
¼”- 28 x ¼” Set Screw
4
ITEM
PART#
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
606512
6.5 Honda Engine
1
2
82142
3/16” x 2” Shaft Key
1
3
37978
2AK27-3/4” Sheave
1
4
37938
Trencher Frame
1
5
788813
Wheel
4
6
305200
Wheel Retainer
4
7
38037
Warning Label
1
8
37958
Belt Guard
1
9
82143
1/4” x 1 3/4” Key
1
10
37976
2AK51-1” Sheave
1
11
37972
1” Flange Bearing
2
12
37959
Front Axle
1
13
37973
Drive Shaft
1
14
82221
1”-8 Jam Nut
1
15
37995
1 1/2” x 7” Blade
1
16
82216
1”-8 Hex Nut
1
17
82077
1/4” x 2” Eye Bolt
2
18
37991
Idler Return Spring
1
19
82225
Spacer
6
20
37948
Idler Arm
1

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19
Limited Warranty
Dear Valued Customer:
The NorthStar Product you just purchased is built with the finest material and craftsmanship. Use
this product properly and enjoy the benefits from its high performance. By purchasing a NorthStar
product, you show a desire for quality and durability.
Like all mechanical equipment this unit requires a due amount of care. Treat this unit like the high
quality piece of machinery it is. Neglect and improper handling may impair its performance. Please
thoroughly read the instructions and understand the operation before using your product.
Limited Warranty
NorthStar shall warranty any piece of equipment manufactured, or parts of equipment manufactured,
to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase
by user. This warranty applies to the original purchaser of the equipment and is non transferable.
Verification of purchase is the responsibility of the buyer. Parts will be replaced or repaired at no
charge, except when the equipment has failed due to lack of proper maintenance. Any misuse,
abuse, alteration or improper installation or operations will void warranty. Determining whether a part
is to be replaced or repaired is the sole decision of NorthStar.
NOTE: Some services performed by parties other than NorthStar may void warranty.
This warranty covers parts only. It will not provide for replacement of complete products due
to defective parts. Components not manufactured by NorthStar such as engines are
guaranteed by their manufacturer and can be serviced at factory-authorized locations near
you. Any costs incurred due to replacement or repair of items outside of a NorthStar approved
facility is the responsibility of the buyer and not covered under warranty. NorthStar can
supply you with the service center location in your area.
This warranty specifically excludes the following; failure of parts due to damage caused by accident,
fire, flood, windstorm, acts of God, applications not approved by NorthStar in writing, corrosion
caused by chemicals, use of replacement parts which do not conform to manufacturer’s
specifications, and damage caused by vandalism. Additional exclusions: loss of running time,
inconvenience, loss of income, or loss of use, including any implied warranty of merchantability of
fitness for a specific use.
Warranty does not cover items subject to normal wear such as tires, receptacles or any part subject
to direct physical contact by the public. This warranty does not cover any personal injury or damage
to surrounding property caused by failure of any part.
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranty expressed or implied and NorthStar assumes no other
responsibility or liability outside that expressed within this warranty.
Please fill in the following information and have it on hand when you call in a warranty claim.
Customer Number: ______________________________________________________________
Date of Purchase: _______________________________________________________________
NorthStar Serial Number: _________________________________________________________
Item Number: __________________________________________________________________

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Manufactured by
Northern Tool + Equipment Co.,
2800 SouthCross Drive West
P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 55337-0499