MTD Blower 60 3857 0 User Manual

TM  
MC  
60-3857-0  
Ga s Po w e re d Mu lch in g Blo w e r / Va cu u m  
OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-888-939-0992  
IMPORTANT MANUAL  
DO NOT THROW AWAY  
 
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING  
WARNING  
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS  
PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS  
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA  
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS  
OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.  
SPARK ARRESTOR  
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S.  
Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by  
law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a  
spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the  
prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to  
follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If  
it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE DEALER to install the Accessory Part #182747 Spark Arrestor Kit.  
WARNING!  
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can  
result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.  
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 IN CANADA  
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION  
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your  
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,  
and their explanations, deserve your careful attention  
and understanding. The safety warnings do not by  
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or  
warnings they give are not substitutes for proper  
accident prevention measures.  
SYMBOL  
MEANING  
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning  
will result in serious injury to yourself or to  
others. Always follow the safety  
precautions to reduce the risk of fire,  
electric shock and personal injury.  
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital  
to the operation or maintenance of the  
equipment.  
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety  
warning can result in injury to yourself and  
others. Always follow the safety  
precautions to reduce the risk of fire,  
electric shock and personal injury.  
SYMBOL  
MEANING  
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates  
danger, warning or caution. Attention is  
required in order to avoid serious personal  
injury. May be used in conjunction with  
other symbols or pictographs.  
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning  
may result in property damage or personal  
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow  
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of  
fire, electric shock and personal injury.  
3
 
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION  
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •  
WHILE OPERATING  
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or  
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this  
unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.  
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS  
BEFORE OPERATING  
WARNING: When using the unit, you must  
follow the safety rules. For your own safety  
and that of bystanders, please read these  
instructions before operating the unit.  
Please keep the instructions for later use.  
• To reduce the risk of injury associated with thrown  
objects, wear safety glasses or goggles that are  
marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards.  
• Never run the unit without the the proper equipment  
attached. When using this unit, always install the  
blower/vacuum tubes and vacuum bag depending on  
model. Make sure the vacuum bag is completely  
zipped closed.  
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the  
controls and proper use of the unit.  
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the  
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use  
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.  
• To reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with  
sound level(s), always wear ear/hearing protection  
when operating this unit.  
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed  
properly before operating the unit.  
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not  
wear short pants, sandals, or go barefoot.  
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.  
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in  
place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked,  
chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the  
unit with loose or damaged parts.  
• To avoid static electricity shock, do not wear rubber  
gloves or any other insulated gloves while operating  
this unit.  
• To reduce the risk of injury associated with objects  
being drawn into rotating parts, do not wear loose  
clothing, jewelry, scarves, and the like. Secure hair  
above shoulder level.  
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit.  
Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as  
glass, wire, etc.  
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a  
minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets  
outside a 50 feet (15 m.) radius; there still may be a risk  
to bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders should  
be encouraged to wear eye protection. If you are  
approached, stop the unit immediately.  
• Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.  
Long sleeve shirts are recommended.  
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.  
• Keep outside surfaces free from oil and fuel.  
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position  
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and  
unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer to  
Starting/Stopping Instructions.  
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS  
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable,  
and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take  
the following precautions:  
• Do not set unit on any surface except a clean, hard  
area while engine is running. Debris such as gravel,  
sand, dust, grass, etc. could be picked up by the air  
intake and thrown out by the discharge opening,  
damaging unit, property, or causing serious injury to  
bystanders or operator.  
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and  
approved for the storage of such materials.  
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do  
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.  
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose  
intended.  
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling  
the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank, or  
add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit  
without the fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel  
tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.  
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less  
likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.  
• Do not overreach or use from unstable surfaces such  
as ladders, trees, steep slopes, rooftops, etc. Always  
keep proper footing and balance.  
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area  
where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the  
fuel cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke while  
fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the  
unit immediately. Always wipe unit dry before using.  
• Always hold the unit with a firm grip when operating.  
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving  
parts. Do not touch or try to stop the impeller when it is  
rotating. Do not operate without guards in place.  
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling  
source and site before starting the engine. Do not  
smoke or allow sparks and open flames near the area  
while adding fuel or operating the unit.  
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with  
any opening blocked; keep free of dirt, debris and  
anything that may reduce the air flow.  
4
 
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION  
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get  
extremely hot from operation. When turned off they  
remain hot for a short time.  
• The unit is designed to pickup dry material such as  
leaves, grass, small twigs, and bits of paper. Do not  
attempt to vacuum wet debris and/or standing water  
as this may result in damage to the blower/ vacuum.  
To avoid severe damage to the impeller, do not  
vacuum metal, broken glass, etc.  
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed  
needed to do the job. Do not run the engine at high  
speed when not in use.  
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS  
• Always disconnect the spark plug before performing  
maintenance or accessing movable parts.  
• Always stop the engine when operation is delayed or  
when walking from one location to another.  
• Stop the engine for maintenance, repair, to install or  
remove the blower tubes or vacuum attachments. The  
unit must be stopped and the impeller no longer  
turning to avoid contact with the rotating blades.  
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a  
building where fumes may reach an open flame (pilot  
lights, etc.) or sparks (switches, electrical motors, etc.).  
• Use only Genuine Factory Parts™ replacement parts  
when servicing this unit. These parts are available from  
your authorized service dealer. Do not use  
unauthorized parts, accessories, or attachments for  
this unit. Doing so could lead to serious injury to the  
user, or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.  
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.  
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.  
• Store the unit in a dry place, either locked up or up  
high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out  
of the reach of children.  
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other  
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from debris.  
Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage  
instructions.  
• Never use this unit for spreading chemicals, fertilizers  
or other substances which may contain toxic materials.  
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark  
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass,  
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.  
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use  
them to instruct other users. If you loan this unit to  
others, also loan these instructions to them.  
WHILE OPERATING UNIT AS A BLOWER  
• Never point the blower in the direction of people or  
pets, or in the direction of windows. Always direct the  
blowing debris away from people, animals, and  
windows. Use extra caution when blowing debris near  
solid objects such as trees, automobiles, walls, etc.  
SPECIAL NOTE: Exposure to vibrations through  
prolonged use of gasoline powered hand tools could  
cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,  
hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders  
or abnormal swelling. Prolonged use in cold weather has  
been linked to blood vessel damage in otherwise healthy  
people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss  
of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of  
feeling in the fingers, hands or joints, discontinue use of  
this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vibration  
system does not guarantee avoidance of these  
WHILE OPERATING UNIT AS A VACUUM  
• Avoid situations that could catch the vacuum bag on  
fire. Do not operate near an open flame. Do not  
vacuum warm ash from fireplaces, barbecue pits,  
brush piles, etc. Do not vacuum discarded cigars or  
cigarettes unless the cinders are completely cool.  
problems. Users who operate power tools on a regular  
basis must closely monitor their physical condition and  
the condition of this tool.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
5
 
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION  
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS  
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.  
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.  
SYMBOL  
MEANING  
SYMBOL  
MEANING  
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL  
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL  
ON / START / RUN  
Indicates danger, warning, or  
caution. May be used in conjunction  
with other symbols or pictographs.  
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL  
OFF OR STOP  
• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S  
MANUAL  
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and  
follow all warnings and safety  
instructions. Failure to do so can  
result in serious injury to the  
operator and/or bystanders.  
• HOT SURFACE WARNING  
Do not touch a hot muffler or  
cylinder. You may get burned. These  
parts get extremely hot from  
operation. When you turn off the  
unit, they remain hot for a short time.  
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING  
PROTECTION  
CHOKE CONTROL  
WARNING: Thrown objects and  
loud noise can cause severe eye  
injury and hearing loss. Wear eye  
protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989  
standards and ear protection when  
operating this unit. Use a full face  
shield when needed.  
A • FULL choke position  
B • PARTIAL choke position  
C • RUN position  
• BLOWERS – ROTATING  
IMPELLER BLADES CAN  
CAUSE SEVERE INJURY  
WARNING: Stop the engine and  
allow the impeller to stop before you  
open the vacuum door, clean the  
unit, service the unit or install/  
change the tubes or the bag.  
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY  
WARNING: Keep all bystanders,  
especially children and pets, at least  
50 feet (15 m.) from the operating area.  
• BLOWER/VACUUM MODE  
CHANGE-OVER LEVER  
• UNLEADED FUEL  
A - Vacuum mode  
B - Blower mode  
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.  
• OIL  
• THROTTLE CONTROL  
Refer to operator's manual for the  
proper type of oil.  
Indicates “HIGH” or “FASTEST” speed.  
• THROWN OBJECTS AND  
ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE  
SEVERE INJURY  
• THROTTLE CONTROL  
Indicates “IDLE,” “LOW” or  
SLOWEST” speed.  
WARNING: Keep clear of blower  
outlet. Never point the blower at  
yourself or others. Objects can be  
thrown from blower. Do not  
operate unit without proper  
attachments and guards in place.  
6
 
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION  
KNOW YOUR UNIT  
Throttle  
Control  
APPLICATION  
As a blower:  
• Cleaning yards, garages, driveways, porches,  
patios, around walls, fences and more  
As a vacuum:  
• Picking up leaves and other light debris  
Fuel Cap  
Starter Rope  
Grip  
On/Off Stop Control  
Shoulder  
Harness  
Blower/Vacuum Tube  
Vacuum Inlet  
Blower Outlet  
Vacuum Bag Hook  
Blower/Vacuum Mode  
Change-Over Lever  
Spark Plug  
Vacuum Bag  
Vacuum Bag Zipper  
Choke Control  
Primer  
Air filter/muffler cover  
7
 
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
Removing  
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE  
BLOWER/VACUUM TUBE  
NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the  
blower/vacuum tube to clear a blocked tube or  
impeller.  
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,  
the blower/vacuum tube and vacuum bag  
must be used when operating this unit.  
WARNING: To prevent serious personal  
injury, stop the engine and allow the impeller  
to stop before attaching or removing tubes.  
Attaching  
NOTE: The blower/vacuum tube comes unassembled  
on this unit. Installation is required to provide  
safe and easy use for the operator.  
1. Remove the 2 (two) self-tapping screws from either  
side of the housing.  
2. Remove the 2 (two) screws and nuts holding the  
blower/vacuum tube on the housing (Fig. 2).  
WARNING: To prevent serious personal  
injury, stop the engine, disconnect the spark  
plug wire and allow the impeller to stop  
before attaching or removing tubes.  
NOTE: Keep the hardware in a safe place for future use.  
1. Remove the screws and nuts provided from the  
hardware pack.  
2. Insert the blower/vacuum tube all the way into the  
opening on the motor housing until the holes in the  
tabs on the blower/vacuum tube align with the screw  
holes in the housing (Fig. 1).  
3. Insert the 2 (two) 8-32 x 3/4” slotted T20 Torx screws  
into the right side of the motor housing and the 2 (two)  
nuts into the left side of the motor housing (Fig. 1).  
Motor Housing  
Nut  
Screw  
and Nut  
Self Tapping  
Screw  
Blower/Vacuum  
Tube  
Screw and Nut  
Fig. 2  
3. Remove the blower/vacuum tube from the motor  
housing.  
4. Replace the blower/vacuum tube before use.  
Screw  
Self-Tapping Screw  
Fig. 1  
4. Tighten the screws firmly. Do not over-tighten.  
5. Install the 2 (two) remaining self-tapping 8-16 x 3/4”  
slotted T20 Torx screws into the holes on either side  
of the housing (Fig. 1). Tighten until snug, but do not  
over-tighten.  
8
 
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS  
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE VACUUM BAG  
INSTALLING THE SHOULDER HARNESS  
Attaching  
WARNING: To avoid serious personal  
injury, never attempt to start the unit when  
you are standing and the unit is clipped to  
the shoulder strap. Always follow the  
starting procedures as described in the  
Starting/ Stopping Instructions section.  
1. Attach the vacuum bag to the vacuum bag hook on  
the blower/vacuum tube (Fig. 3).  
1. Push the strap through the center of the buckle.  
2. Pull the strap over the cross bar and down through  
the slot in the buckle (Fig. 6).  
Vacuum Bag Hook  
Fig. 3  
2. Slide the vacuum bag tube over the debris exhaust  
tube on the housing. Push the tube until the latching  
tabs on both sides click into place, securing the bag  
on the unit (Fig. 4).  
Clip  
Fig. 6  
3. Snap the clip on to the support fitting (Fig. 7).  
Support Fitting  
Latching Tabs  
Debris Exhaust Tube  
Vacuum Bag Tube  
Vacuum Bag  
Zipper  
Clip  
Fig. 7  
4. While standing in the operating position adjust the  
length to fit the operator’s size. Pull the tab to  
lengthen, pull the strap to shorten (Fig 8).  
Fig. 4  
Removing  
1. Press the latching tabs on both sides of the vacuum  
bag tube and pull the vacuum bag down from the  
unit (Fig. 5).  
2. Detach the vacuum bag from the vacuum bag hook.  
Latching Tabs  
PRESS IN  
PRESS IN  
Fig. 8  
5. Unclip the shoulder strap from the unit before you  
start the unit.  
Fig. 5  
9
 
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION  
Thoroughly mix the proper ratio of 2-cycle engine oil  
OIL AND FUEL MIXING INSTRUCTIONS  
with unleaded gasoline in a separate fuel can. Use a 40:1  
fuel/oil ratio. Do not mix them directly in the engine fuel  
tank. See the table below for specific gas and oil mixing  
ratios.  
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel are the main reasons  
for the unit not running properly. Be sure to use fresh,  
clean unleaded fuel. Follow the instructions carefully for  
the proper fuel/oil mixture.  
NOTE: One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded gasoline mixed  
with one 3.2 oz. (95 ml.) bottle of  
Definition of Blended Fuels  
2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.  
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and  
oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol, or MTBE (ether).  
Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1%  
water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate. It forms  
acids when stored. When using alcohol-blended fuel,  
use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old).  
+
Using Blended Fuels  
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is  
unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:  
UNLEADED GAS  
2 CYCLE OIL  
• Always use the fresh fuel mix explained in your  
operator's manual  
1 GALLON US  
(3.8 LITERS)  
3.2 FL. OZ.  
(95 ml)  
• Always agitate the fuel mix before fueling the unit  
• Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing  
the unit  
1 LITER  
25 ml  
MIXING RATIO - 40:1  
Using Fuel Additives  
The bottle of 2-cycle oil that came with your unit  
contains a fuel additive which will help inhibit corrosion  
and minimize the formation of gum deposits. It is  
recommended that you use our 2-cycle oil with this unit.  
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely  
flammable. Ignited Vapors may explode.  
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool  
before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke  
while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open  
flames at a distance from the area.  
If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for  
air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive, such as  
STA-BIL® Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz.  
(23 ml.) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the  
instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives  
directly to the unit's fuel tank.  
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid  
injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit  
without the fuel cap securely in place  
.
CAUTION: For proper engine operation and  
maximum reliability, pay strict attention to  
the oil and fuel mixing instructions on the  
2-cycle oil container. Using improperly  
mixed fuel can severely damage the engine.  
WARNING: Add fuel in a clean, well  
ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any  
spilled fuel immediately. Avoid creating a  
source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start  
the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.  
NOTE: Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to  
Federal, State and Local regulations.  
10  
 
STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS  
Throttle Control  
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS  
Fast  
Idle  
WARNING: Operate this unit only in a well-  
ventilated outdoor area. Carbon monoxide  
exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.  
WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Make  
sure you are in the starting position when  
pulling the starter rope (Fig. 11). To avoid  
serious injury, the operator and unit must be  
in a stable position while starting.  
Do not set unit on any surface except a  
clean, hard area while starting. Debris such  
as gravel, sand, dust and grass could be  
picked up by the air intake and thrown out  
by the discharge opening. This could  
damage the unit, property, or cause serious  
injury to bystanders or the operator.  
On/Off Stop Control  
Fig. 9  
A
B
C
1. Mix gas with oil. Fill fuel tank with fuel/oil mixture.  
Refer to Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions.  
Run Position (C)  
Partial Position (B)  
WARNING: To avoid serious personal  
injury, always remove the vacuum bag prior  
to refueling the unit. The bag may become  
a fire hazard when saturated with fuel.  
Full Choke Position (A)  
Choke Control  
NOTE: The throttle control will remain in the position it’s  
placed until moved. Fast position is to the right.  
NOTE: Put on the shoulder harness and adjust it, but don’t  
Primer Bulb  
Fig. 10  
clip it to the support until the unit has started.  
2. Set the blower/vacuum mode change-over lever to