Trac Vac 858-RH Product guide

10/10/2018
Model 858-RH
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 cart 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 cart 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
2
3
4
25
23
22
21
Model 858 Trac-Vac Parts List
11-19-14
25
25
1
17 19
20
32
30
25
27
33
28
43
16
29
11
5
14
13
7
9
8
810
12
6
15
24
26
DRAWBAR KIT
PART NO. 10620
18
27
34
35
36
37
38
41
38
39
40
31
42

3
Model 858 Trac-Vac Parts List
Key Part No. Description Qty.
1 85810 Frame, 854-RH 1
2 18030 Turbine Housing, RH 1
3 86040 Turbine 1
4 18050 8" Inlet 1
5 85001 Gearbox 1
6 85023 PTO Shaft 1
7 85016 Pulley, MA 55 x 3/4" 1
8 85009 Bearing, 3/4" Pillow Block 2
9 85028 Bearing, 1" Flange 1
10 85029 Bearing, 1" Pillow Block 1
11 85027 Pulley, 8400 x 1" 1
12 85015 Pulley, 8400 x 3/4" 1
13 18104 Shaft, 3/4" 1
14 18109 Shaft, 1" 1
15 85101 Belt, AX25 1
16 85102 Belt, AX40 1
17 85032 Belt Guard, RH 1
18 85812 Guard Mount Tab 1
19 85020 Belt Guard, Outer, RH 1
20 85008 U-Joint Guard 1
21 86101 Exhaust Hose, 8" x 60" 1
22 86060 Hose Connector 1
23 18070 Cart Connector 1
24 88101 Intake Hose, 8" x 90" 1
25 18119 8" Hose Clamp 4
26 58104 Hitch Pin 1
27 85019 Bearing Support 2
28 85026 Support, Belt Guard 1
29 85014 Pulley, AK74 x 1" 1
30 85811 Support Arm, 858 1
31 18125 Support Arm Extension 1
32 18118 8" Hose Support Strap 1
33 85034 Bearing Support, 1" Pillow Block 1
34 10606 Drawbar 1
35 10605 Drawbar, Step-up 1
36 58061 Cart Latch 1
37 3750238 3/8”-24 x 3/8” Set Screw, Turbine 1
38 2501716 1/4” Square Key Stock x 2 1/2” 2
39 1871714 3/16” Square Key Stock x 1 3/4” 2
40 2501712 1/4" Square Key Stock x 1 1/2" 2
41 3121875 5/16”-18 x 3/4" Sq. Head Set 1
42 858** Mount Kit 858 (Tractor Specific) 1
43 ***-8 8" Deck Chute Assembly 1
85888 Hardware Bag, 858 1
45131 Decal, 2" x 8" Trac-Vac white 1
45133 Decal, Warning Stop Engine 1

4
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Your Model 858 Trac-Vac is designed to mount to the drawbar and center link of your compact
tractor. It does not require the use of the lower arms of the 3-point hitch to mount.
Each unit requires a tractor specific mount kit that will need to be installed to the drawbar of
your tractor. Once the kit is installed the frame on the Model 858 bolts to the mount kit via two
1/2" x 1 1/4” hex bolts and locknuts included in the hardware package of the Model 858 Trac-
Vac.
Please refer to instructions in the mount kit in conjunction with this manual to install your Model
858 Trac-Vac.
Once installed be sure that the lower arms of the 3-point hitch are free to move through their full
range of motion as this is usually how the mid-mount deck achieves its movement up and down.

5
Place side panels on end with decal
outward and about a foot apart at
top. Place screen with latch, ( rear
screen), on end between sides with
latch outward and to the floor.
Attach to sides with 1/4 x 1/2 bolts.
Place screen without latch, (front
screen), on top of rear screen and
between sides. Secure to rear
screen with 1/4 x 1/2 bolts. Slip
deflector between sides and front
screen with tapered end up.
Secure with 1/4 x 1/2 bolts.
Place front on sides with flanges on
outside . Start corner bolts in sides
and screen before tightening. Start
bolts at top & bottom of side panels
and work your way toward center,
with truss head, round, to the outside.
Place cover flat on floor and attach angles
to side panels at rear of cover with angles
on the outside of cover. Secure with 1/4 x
1/2 bolts. Start at the top and second hole
from the bottom, (latch uses bottom hole),
then work towards the center of the panels.
Bolts truss, (round), head should be to the
inside of cart.
Attach handle to tailgate on smooth
side. Place cover on cart. Make sure
the two lower black angle brackets
have been installed on the lower rear
of the cart. Fit tailgate to the cover
using the top latch and lower brackets
only.
Place latch on each side of cart with
tongue of latch to rear. Attach to
side panel and cart with 1/4 x 1/2 bolts.
Place connector, (packed in with vac),
on outside of front with the lip to the
outside. Attach with 1/4 x 1/2 bolts.
Model 280 Cart Cover Assembly Instructions
Gently move cover to the rear to insure
contact between the tailgate and cover,
(along entire contacting surface). Center
1/4 x 1/2 bolts.
drill 9/32" holes. Attach cover with
front on cart. Mark hole locations, and
NOTE: Do not tighten any bolts until the end of construction.
Tighten all hardware.

6
4
2
3
15
6
79
10
12 11 8
Model 280/348L Cart Cover Model 280/368L Cart Cover
Key Part No. Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
28047
28030
28236
28232
28242
28243
28100
28101
28102
28103
28105
28104
Side Panel
Front Panel
Tailgate
Deflector
Front Screen
Rear Screen
Rear Angle RH
Rear Angle LH
Latch Ass'y RH
Latch Ass'y LH
Top Latch
Handle
DescriptionPart No.Key Side Panel
28100
728101
28102
28103
28105
28104
10
12
11
8
9
28059
28035
28238
28235
28240
28241
4
5
6
2
3
1
Rear Angle RH
Latch Ass'y LH
Latch Ass'y RH
Rear Angle LH
Handle
Top Latch
Rear Screen
Front Screen
Front Panel
Deflector
Tailgate
Model 348/368L Cart Covers
1
28156
13 Latch Ass'y LH
14
28157
14 Latch Ass'y RH
13

7
CAUTION!!!!
SPINNING BLADE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Check engine oil level
Check tire pressure
Check all hardware for tightness
Check cover for wear
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
X
MAINTENANCE
DANGER: The Trac-Vac 858 was built to be operated according to the rules for safe
operation as outlined 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 cart & top 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
CAUTION!!!!
SPINNING BLADE
Operation
The Model 858 Trac-Vac is designed to operate at a 540 RPM PTO speed. Poor performance will
result if ran much below recommended speed.
1. Inspect area to be vacuumed and pick up 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 manufacturers’ recommended speed for best
cutting. If grass is high, reduce ground speed to prevent overloading mower and vacuum.
If grass is wet, wait until dry for best results.
3. When mowing, keep discharge chute to the outside of the cutting area for better cut of
grass and efficient pickup of grass clippings and leaves.
4. Do not overload cart. When it is filled shut off vacuum, disconnect hose at snap
disconnect, remove tailgate and dump.
5. When operating tractor on slope or grade, exercise much caution. Do not cut across grade
or slope. Mow directly up or down hill.
6. Periodically tighten all bolts.
7. Listen for unusual vibration of air turbine. If excessive vibration is present, STOP
vacuum and check for damaged blade.
8. Always shut off tractor engine before servicing vacuum.
9. Replace deflector shield when discharge chute is removed.
10. When removing clogs, SHUT OFF ALL engines.
Maintenance
•Your 858 Trac-Vac has been serviced at the factory for initial operation.
•Bearings should be greased and gearbox oil checked. Gearbox oil level should be to the bottom of
the cross shaft bearing. Overfilling will cause oil to be forced out though the vent. Fill with 90
weight gear lube.
•Check belt tension after the first hour of operation and every ten hours thereafter.
•Adjust inboard belt first by moving jack shaft bearing to the rear, then adjust outboard belt by
moving gearbox forward.
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: [e-mail]