Trac Vac 462-ZIC Product guide

12-14-16
Model 462-ZIC/ZH/ZPRO
Operating and Assembly
Manual
Midwest Equipment Mfg.
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 462-Z/ZH/ZPRO/ZK Trac-Vac Parts List
Key Part No. Description
1 46267 Heavy Frame, RH
2 56021 *Engine, 5.5 HP Briggs
56022 *Engine, 5.5 HP Honda
56018 *Engine, 6.5 HP Briggs Pro
56014 *Engine, 6 HP Robin/Subaru
52048 *Engine, 6.5 HP Vanguard
FX200 Engine, 196CC Champ
Engine
FX200E Engine, 196CC Elec Champ
56123 Spacer Kit for FX200 &
FX200E
3 56030 Turbine Housing (3/4”crank)
46242 Turbine Housing (1”crank)
4 56040 Turbine (¾” crank)
46253 Turbine (1”crank)
5 56107 Turbine Washer
6 88040 Inlet, 8" (3/4”crank)
47050 Inlet, 8" (1”crank)
7 46246 Vertical Support, 462-Z
8 3120518 Eyebolt
9 48038 Spring
10 46219 Seal
11 46248 Filter Shield
12 46218 Clevis Pin
13 46217 Top Support
14 56115 Nylon Spacer
15 46233 Filter Support
16 46228 Filter
17 46204 Molded Top
18 46235 Container Latch
19 46210 44 Gallon Container
20 46230 Container Holder
21 48040 Intake Nozzle
22 56102 6" Band Clamp
23 46103 Hose, 6" x 36"
24 18119 8" Band Clamp
25 86101 Hose, 8" x 60"
26 46244 Engine Plate Extension
27 46247 Support Brace
28 86115 *Muffler Deflector
56016A *Muffler Deflector Kohler
560221 *Muffler Deflector Honda
29 3120612 Housing Bolt, 5/16”-24 x 5/8”
3120608 Housing Bolt, 5/16”-24 x 1”
30 4370109 Turbine Bolt, 7/16”-20 x 1 1/4
3130112 Turbine Bolt, 5/16”-24 x 1 1/2
3760110 Turbine Bolt, 3/8”- 24 x 11/4”
31 3120801 Turbine Bolt Lock Washer
3750801 Turbine Bolt Lock Washer
32 1871714 Turbine Key
2501716 Turbine Key
33 3750238 Turbine Set Screw
34 46*** Hitch Ass'y
35 ***-8 Deck Chute Ass'y
45130 Decal, 3 x 12, White on
Clear
45131 Decal, 2 x 8, White on Clear
45133 Decal, Warning
48096 Decal, Danger
Optional Accessories:
Key Part Description
36 190 8” Remote Pickup Assembly
* NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

1
Trac-Vac Model 462-ZIC/ZH/ZPRO/ZK
6-04-12
7
15
14
13
17
16
10
18
8
9
12
19
11
20
28
1
3
4
5
6
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
34
35
Accessories:
36
22
24
29
31
30
33
32
2
36

2
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 6
Fig. 5Fig. 4
Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9
5/16" Whizlock Nut (2x)
5/16" Freenut (2x)
Eyebolt (2x)
Not Pictured
1/4" Whizlock Nut (2x)
1/2" x 2 1/2" Hexbolt
3/8" x 2 1/8" Clevis Pin
1/4" x 1/2" Truss Head (2x)
(
1/2" Nylon Locknut
1/8" Cotter Pin
between hose and top.
make a good tight seal
hose clamp. This will
the hose up behind the
Note: Bunch a few ribs of

3
Model 462-Z/ZH/ZPRO/ZK Assembly Instructions:
1. Mount hitch (29) to tractor. Each different tractor has its own specific hitch so the
look and method of attachment may be slightly different than pictured but the hitch
should always be mounted with the lip upward. Many come with specific instructions
in the box with the hitch. Fig. 1
2. Attach frame (1) onto hitch (29) by hooking lip of frame box onto lip of hitch and
sliding the frame to the right or left until hole in bottom of hitch box aligns with hole
in drawplate of the hitch installed in step 1. Secure with 5/8” x 1 1/2” carriage bolt,
5/8” split lock washer and 5/8” hexnut. Once secured, pivot lock tab over corner of
lip on the frame (1) and tighten bolt. Fig. 2
3. Slip vertical support (7) into receiver tube on frame (1), with offset towards tractor
(away from frame) as shown. Align slot in support brace (27) with hole about
halfway up vertical support (7) and loosely secure with 3/8” x 2 1/2” hexbolt and
whizlock nut. Adjust the height of the vertical support until the lower hole in the
brace aligns with the hole in the top of the box on the frame (1). Loosely secure the
upright with a 3/8” x 2 1/2” hexbolt and whizlock nut and the bottom of the brace
with a 3/8” x 1” hexbolt and whizlock nut. Fig. 3
Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12
Fig. 15
Fig. 14
Fig. 13
between hose and top.
make a good tight seal
hose clamp. This will
the hose up behind the
Note: Bunch a few ribs of
1/2" Nylon Locknut
1/2" x 2 1/2" Hexbolt
3/8" x 2 1/4" Clevis Pin
1/8" Cotter Pin
Cut hose to fit

4
4. Mount air turbine assembly onto frame (1) with four 5/16” x 1 1/4” hexbolts, 5/16”
flatwashers and 5/16” locknuts. Trap the exhaust shield between the engine and the
engine plate as shown. Note: some applications require rotating the engine assembly
90from the standard location to avoid interference between the engine assembly and
the rear of the tractor. If needed, slip the engine plate extension (26) into the end of
engine plate on frame (1) and secure with a minimum of two 5/16” x 3/4” hexbolts
and whizlock nuts. (Note: bolt #3 may be omitted if recoil housing on engine will not
allow it). The exhaust shield is not needed when air turbine assembly mounts 90
with the engine plate extension. Fig. 4-6
5. Attach container holder (20) to frame with two 5/8” x 1” hexbolts and locknuts.
Tighten bolts until ring supports the container (19) in a tilted position. Fig. 7
6. Attach eyebolts (8) to brackets on vertical support by trapping brackets between 5/16”
hexnut and 5/16” whizlock. Rotate eyebolts so that eyelets face from front to back.
Fig. 8
7. The molded top assembly has been partially assembled by the factory. Fit the filter
(16) over the filter support inside the top. Slide intake nozzle (21) through hole in top
from the inside out with the lip inside. Attach the latch (18) to molded top with two
1/4” x 1/2” truss head screws and whizlock nuts. Fig. 9
8. Place container in container ring. Set top assembly down onto container. Align 1/2”
swivel hole in top assembly (hole furthest from top) with top hole in vertical support.
Secure with 1/2” x 2 1/2” hexbolt and 1/2” nylon locknut. Tighten until slight drag
can be felt when pivoting assembly. Fig. 10
9. Pivot top assembly back until the springs (9) can be attached to upper spring retainers
on top support and to the eyebolts on vertical support installed in step 6. Once springs
are attached pull top assembly down onto container and immediately slip 3/8” x
2 1/4” clevis pin through locking hole in top support and secure with 1/8” cotter key.
This locking pin will not allow top to rotate all the way around and allow the springs
to come off. Rotate container until container latch (18) lines up with a handle on
container (19) and secure latch by locking it over handle. Note: latch may have to be
adjusted to be tight on handle. Once achieved, tighten bolts in vertical support (7) and
vertical support brace (27). Fig. 11
10. Attach discharge hose (23) to intake nozzle in molded top with 6” band clamp (22)
Note: try to bunch a few ribs of hose up between the band clamp and the molded top
to achieve a more airtight attachment. Once achieved, attach the other end of exhaust
hose to the exhaust on the blower housing with the other 6” band clamp (22)
provided. Fig. 12
11. Attach intake hose (25) to inlet on blower housing with 8” band clamp (24). Fig. 13
12. Attach chute to mower deck, the chutes are also deck specific so your chute may look
and attach differently than what is pictured. Usually the chutes require mounting an
adapter to the deck to accept the bracket on the chute or for the chute to pin into it.
Most of the time the adapters pick up existing holes on the deck but occasionally they
do not. If they do not, clip or pin the chute into the adapter, hold the chute up to the
deck and adjust to the best fit. Once best fit is achieved, mark and drill holes through
the deck. If 1/4” hardware is to be used drill with 9/32” bit, if 5/16” hardware is to be
used drill with 11/32” bit and if 3/8” hardware is to be used drill with 13/32” drillbit.
After drilled, attach with hardware provided. Fig. 14
13. Cut intake hose to fit and attach free end of intake hose (25) to discharge chute with
8” band clamp (24). Fig. 15
14. Read engine-operating instructions before starting.

5
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.

6
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 Mfg. 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 MFG.- 5225 Serum Plant Rd.-Thorntown, IN
46071
Phone: 1-800-Trac-Vac
Web Page: www.trac-vac.com E-Mail: [email protected]