Troy-Bilt 24B-060F063 User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
\\\
Yard Vacuum
Chi pper/Shredder/
Vacuum/Hose
Model Number
24A-060F063
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system isequipped with a spark attester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
TROY-BILT LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00169
(4/02)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Yard Vacuum ......................................................................... 5
Know Your Yard Vacuum ................................................................................... 7
Operating Your Yard Vacuum ............................................................................ 8
Maintaining Your Yard Vacuum ......................................................................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 13
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 14
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Yard Vacuum. It will help you assemble, prepare
and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The informationon
the model plate is very important if you need help from ourCustomer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking down at the rear of the Yard Vacuum. A sample model
plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number
of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
O11"_.mll"ll'" TROY-BILT LLC Copy the serial number here:
mm_az,w_-_mm.m P.O. BOX 361131
www.trovbiltcom CLEVELAND,OH44136
-- 330-558-7220
• 866-840-6483)
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-
rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's
Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- [phone] or 1- (866)-840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative.
Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous
section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to
process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
_ WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
TRAINING
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate
this machine. Children 16 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
7. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in
the feeding chambers and discharge opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening, remove or empty vacuum bag,
or inspect and repair the machine while the engine
is running. Shut the engine off and wait until all
moving parts have come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or
other foreign objects which could be picked up or
thrown and cause personal injury or damage to the
machine.
2,
3,
4,
5,
6.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals. Wear
leather work gloves when feeding material in the
chipper chute.
Before starting, check all bolts and screws for
proper tightness to be sure the machine is in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage at frequent intervals.
Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels,
as necessary.
To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to
provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move machine to another
area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.

i. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereisanopenflame,spark,
orpilotlight(e.g.furnace,waterheater,
spaceheater,clothesdryer,etc.)
j. Toreduceafirehazard,keepmachinefree
ofgrass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.
Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveany
fuelsoakeddebris.
k. Allowmachinetocoolatleast5minutes
beforestoring.
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in
the feeding chambers and discharge opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
2. Before starting the machine, make sure the chipper
chute, feed intake, and cutting chamber are empty
and free of all debris.
3. Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and
remove any metal, rocks, bottles, cans, or other
foreign objects which could cause personal injury
or damage to the machine.
4. If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your
machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, immediately shut the engine off. Allow the
impeller to come to a complete stop. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine
and perform the following steps:
a. Inspect fordamage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to
assure continued safe operation.
5. Do not allow an accumulation of processed
material to build up in the discharge area. This can
prevent proper discharge and result in kickback of
material through the feed opening.
6. Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than
specified on the machine or in this manual.
Personal injury or machine damage could result.
7. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening while the engine is running.
Shut the engine off, wait until all moving parts have
stopped, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine before clearing debris.
8. Never operate without vacuum bag and discharge
chute properly attached to the machine. Never
empty or change vacuum bag while the engine is
running. Zippered end of vacuum bag must be kept
closed at all times during operation.
9. Never operate without either the inlet nozzle or
optional hose attachment properly attached to the
machine. Never attempt to attach or change either
attachment while the engine is running.
10. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in
place and operating properly.
11. Keep your face and body back and to the side of
the chipper chute while feeding material into the
machine to avoid accidental kickback injuries.
12. Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles.
13. Do not operate this machine on a gravel surface.
14. Do not operate this machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
16. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is
running.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
2. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage and repair, if needed.
3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the
engine and make certain the impeller and all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
6. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.
7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.
8. Always refer to the operator's manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

,_ WARNING -YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
,' 0i_
,,," '_%. ,,....
_'_/....
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURYARDVACUUM
IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the Yard
Vacuum is observed from the operating position.
RemovingUnitFromCarton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
LoosePartsInCarton(SeeFigure1)
• Handle Assembly
• Bag
• Blower Chute (If Equipped)
• Hose Assembly
DisconnectingSparkPlugWire
Before setting up your Yard Vacuum, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground to a
stud on the engine.
Blower Chute_
Upper
Handle_
Wing
Rope Nuts
Guide_
iwer
andre
se
sembly f_\\
/
\
Figure 1
/Bag

AttachingTheHandle
• Unfold the upper handle until it aligns with the lower
handle.
• Secure the two handles by tightening the wing nuts
(carriage bolts must be seated properly into the
handle). See Figure 1
• Remove the hairpin clips from the handle brackets
on the Yard Vacuum and remove the carriage bolts
and wing nuts from the lower handle. See Figure 2.
• Place the bottom holes in lower handle over pins on
handle brackets and secure with hairpin clips.
• Insert carriage bolts through upper hole in lower
handle from the outside and secure with wing nuts.
Wing Nuts
Figure 2
Loosen the wing nut that secures the rope guide to
the right side of upper handle.
Pull the starter rope out of the engine slowly and
slip the starter rope into the rope guide. Tighten the
wing nut.
AttachingTheHoseAssembly
• Slide hose adapter of hose assembly into the base
adapter located on the left front of the Yard
Vacuum. See Figure 3.
• Pull spring loaded pin out on the base and align pin
with the first hole in the hose adapter.
• Release the pin to lock the hose in place.
• Connect the hose handle near nozzle end of hose
to the side bracket on the upper handle. Refer to
Figure 6.
• Snap hose handle to the lower handle bracket to
secure in place and lay hose tubing on side bracket
hanger next to chipper chute. Refer to Figure 6.
Hose
Spring Pin
Figure 3
AttachingTheBag
• Grasp bag handle with one hand and slide locking
rod on mounting bracket with other hand toward
engine. Use the end of mounting bracket as
leverage when sliding the locking rod. See Figure 4.
• Slip bag over the rim of the discharge opening and
release locking rod to secure bag in place.
• Place the straps on the bag over the lower handle,
hooking them on the studs.
• Snap bag clip to the top of the lower handle.
NOTE: The safety switch button attached to the
mounting bracket must be fully depressed by the front
tab on the bag handle when securing the bag or the
engine will not start.
Figure 4

AttachingTheBlowerChute(IfEquipped)
• Grasp blower chute with one hand and slide locking
rod on mounting bracket with other hand toward
engine. Use end of mounting bracket as leverage
when sliding the locking rod. See Figure 5.
• Slip blower chute over rim of the discharge opening
and release locking rod to secure chute in place.
Make sure the safety switch button is fully
depressed by the front tab on the blower chute.
• Raise the nozzle height to the highest setting when
using the blower chute. Refer to nozzle height
adjustment in the OPERATION section.
Blower
_Chute
Front
Tab
Figure5
SECTION3: KNOWYOURYARDVACUUM
Starter Handle
\
Handle
\\\Handle
Vac Handle
Hose Assembly
Nozzle
Blower Chute
Figure6
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your Yard Vacuum. Compare the illustrations
in Figure 6 with your unit to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments.
StarterHandle
The starter handle isattached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind unit and pull the starter handle to start
engine.
WARNING: The operation of any Yard
Vacuum can result in foreign objects
being thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses, provided with the Yard
Vacuum, for operating this equipment or
while performing any adjustments or
Bag
Collects shredded material fed through the chipper
chute or vacuumed through the nozzle or hose.
BagHandle
Used to grasp bag in order to assist in attaching,
removing, and emptying bag.
repairs on it.

ChipperChute
Allow twigs and small branches up to 1 1/2" in diameter
to be fed into the impeller for chipping.
BlowerChute(if Equipped)
When attached to unit the blower chute is used to blow
or scatter yard waste such as leaves, pine needles, or
small twigs across yard.
NozzleHeightAdjustmentLever
Used to adjust the nozzle ground clearance ranging
approximately 5/8" to 4 1/8".
Nozzle
Yard waste such as leaves or pine needles can be
vacuumed up through the nozzle for shredding.
HoseAssembly
Used as an alternative to the nozzle to vacuum yard
waste such as leaves or pine needles in hard to reach
places.
HoseHandle
Used to guide hose assembly when vacuuming.
Nozzle/HoseVac Handle
The nozzle/hose vac handle is located on top of the
nozzle and it is used to regulate the vacuum between
the nozzle and the hose assembly.
ThrottleControlLever(NotShown)
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine's speed and stops the engine. See
separate engine manual packed with unit for details.
EngineControls
See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the controls on the engine.
StoppingEngine
•Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF
position.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURYARDVACUUM
WARNING: The operation of the Yard
Vacuum can result in foreign objects
being thrown into the eyes, which can
damage your eyes severely. Always wear
the safety glasses provided with this unit
or eye shields before chipping or blowing
and while performing any adjustments or
repairs.
GasAndOilFill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your Yard
Vacuum. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors with
engine running or until the engine has
been allowed to cool for at least two _r_
411
minutes after running.
StartingEngine
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug.
• Make sure safety switch wire is connected to
engine and properly grounded.
•Engines with choke lever:
Move choke lever on engine to CHOKE position. (A
warm engine may not require choking).
•Engines with primer:
Prime engine as instructed in separate engine
manual.
• The throttle control is located on the engine. Move
engine throttle control lever to FAST or ON position.
• Stand behind unit, grasp starter handle and pull
rope out slowly until engine reaches start of
compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at
this point).
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind
slowly.
• Repeat previous steps until engine fires. When
engine starts, move choke control (if equipped)
gradually to RUN position.
WARNING: Never run the engine indoors
or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
ToEmptyBag
• Unhook bag straps from the lower handle and
unsnap bag clip from the top of lower handle.
See Figure 7.
• Grasp bag handle with one hand and pull lock rod
on mounting bracket with other hand toward engine
to release.
• Remove bag from rim of the discharge opening.
Refer to Figure 4.
• Twist the two buttons on the back of the bag to
unlock and empty contents. See Figure 7.

• Holdbaghandleandbagclipwhileemptyingthe
contents.
• Compressbagopeningandfoldinnerflapover
opening.
• Foldouterflapoverinnerflapandinsertbuttonson
thebagthroughmetaloutlets.
Twistthebuttonstolockbag.
3u_ons
Bag
Inner Flap
J
Outer Flap_
Bag Handle
Figure 7
ToRemoveBlowerChute
• Grasp blower chute with one hand and pull lock rod
on mounting bracket with other hand toward engine
to release. Refer to Figure 5.
• Remove blower chute from rim of the discharge
opening.
UsingtheNozzleVacuum
• Place nozzle/hose vac handle in the top position on
the nozzle to vacuum through nozzle. See Figure 8.
• The spring loaded pin must be in the first hole of the
hose adapter to operate the nozzle vac.
• Place both hands on top of upper handle to push
unit over yard waste.
Yard waste such as leaves and pine needles can be
vacuumed up through the nozzle for shredding. After
material has been shredded by the flail blades on the
impeller assembly, it will be discharged into catcher bag
or through blower chute. Do not attempt to shred or chip
any material other than vegetation found in a normal
yard (i.e. branches, leaves, twigs, etc.) Avoid fibrous
plants such as tomato vines until they are thoroughly
dried out. Materials such as stalks or heavy branches
up to 1 1/2" in diameter may be fed into the chipper
chute.
Nozzle/Hose
Vac Handle
(Top Position)
Spring Loaded Pin
(First Hole)
Figure 8
IMPORTANT:The flail screen is located inside the
housing in the discharge area. If the flail screen
becomes clogged, remove and clean as instructed in
SECTION 5: MAINTAINING YOUR YARD VACUUM.
For best performance, it is also important to keep the
chipper blade sharp.
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping engine
and disconnecting spark plug wire.
Usingthe HoseAssembly
• Place nozzle/hose vac handle in the bottom
position on the nozzle to redirect vacuum to the
hose assembly. See Figure 9.
• The spring loaded pin must be inthe second hole of
the hose adapter to operate the hose assembly.
• Unhook the hose from upper handle bracket and
grasp the hose handle to guide while vacuuming
yard waste such as leaves or pine needles in hard
to reach places.
Nozzle/Hose
Vac Handle
(Bottom Position)
/
Spring Loaded Pin
(Second Hole)
Figure 9

NozzleHeightAdjustment
The nozzle can be adjusted to any six positions,
ranging from 5/8" to 4 1/8" ground clearance. The
nozzle height has to be adjusted according to the
conditions. Move the height adjustment levers forward
or backward to adjust the nozzle upwards or
downwards. See Figure 10.
NOTE: In general, raise the nozzle height to vacuum a
thick layer of lea ves or to operate with the blower chute
and lower the nozzle height for smoother surfaces.
Nozzle j
Figure 10
Nozzle Height
Adjustment
Lever
SECTION5: MAINTAININGYOURYARDVACUUM
CustomerResponsibilities o.o,oO.-J!
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
SCHEDULE _o,O _o_ &o_ e_ ._e _o DATES
t- Lubricate Wheels
O Lubricate Nozzle Levers
D
O Lubricate Locking Rod
Q_ Lubricate Nozzle/Hose Handle
Check ChipperBlade
Change Oil
Check Air Filter
Z Clean Engine
Check Spark Plug
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before
cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of
maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
Wheels: Lubricate each wheel shoulder screw once a
season with light oil. Refer to Figure 6.
Nozzle height adjustment levers: Lubricate the pivot
points of the nozzle height adjustment levers once a
season with light oil. Refer to Figure 6.
Locking Rod: Lubricate the locking rod with light oil to
ease the application of attaching on or removing bag or
blower chute. Refer to Figure 6.
Nozzle/Hose Vac Handle: Lubricate the nozzle/hose
vac handle on top of nozzle once a season with light oil.
Refer to Figure 6.
Engine: Follow the separate engine manual packed
with you unit for lubrication instructions.
10