Minuteman CV-9408BSP, Operation & Care

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16
Operation
Chipper Operating Instructions
1. Make sure that a vacuuming attachment and the collection bag are properly installed. The vacuum inlet cap (page
13, figure 4) is recommended for use when performing large-scale chipping projects.
2. Make sure you are wearing safety goggles, work gloves, sturdy footwear, and hearing protection.
3. Start the engine. The chipper blade (and the vacuuming attachment) are now in full operation.
4. Park the machine on level ground. Place the GEAR SHIFT LEVER in neutral and set parking brake.
5. To feed material into the chipper chute, stand a foot or two away from either side of the chipper chute. Do not stand
near the hot engine exhaust or muffler.
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Do not point your arms into the chute keep them perpendicular (a 90° angle) to the branch.
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Keep your face and body safely away from the chipper chute and branches.
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Drop light brush, stalks, vines, or branches up to about 2" in diameter into the chute and the self-feeding action
will pull them downward. If necessary, help guide the material downward until your hands begin to come near the
top of the chute and then let go! NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS INSIDE THE CHIPPER CHUTE! If necessary, push
the material further downward with a long stick or branch.
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Larger branches, particularly hard wood may require that you control the rate of feed. Hold one end of the branch
firmly with one or both hands and feed the branch slowly into the chipper chute (rotating the branch may help it
to feed more easily). If the engine labors, pull the branch upward to allow the engine to regain speed. Continue
to alternately feed and retract the branch until your hands begin to come near the top of the chute and then let
go! NEVER PUT HANDS INSIDE THE CHIPPER CHUTE!
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Do not reach into the chipper chute to retrieve material that is below the top of the chute. Shut off the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire, and wait for all moving parts to stop before attempting to retrieve any materials.
6. If a piece of wood is too large or hard to be processed, you should put it aside for firewood.
7. If a branch causes the engine to stall, remove the branch and restart the engine. Stalling does not harm the engine.
8. Empty the collection bag frequently when using the chipper.
9. To stop the engine, Briggs & Stratton equipment, move the Engine Throttle Control to the STOP position. For Honda
equipment, reduce engine speed to slow, turn engine STOP control to off, on side of engine. Remove any hearing
protection and listen for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
Clearing the Machine of Clogs and Jams
A clog or jam in the machine can cause the vacuuming and chipping operations to decrease or even stop completely.
If this occurs, take the following steps:
1. STOP THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Wait for all moving
parts to come to a complete stop.
2. Check (and clean, if necessary) the following areas in this order:
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Check that the collection bag is not overfilled. To remove and empty bag, see Page 9.
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While the bag is removed, check that the discharge deflector is not clogged or jammed. Use a stick to clear
away any debris.
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Check that the vacuuming attachment is not clogged or jammed. Remove the attachment and thoroughly clean
the opening. While the attachment is removed, check the inlet opening to the machine. Use a stick to clear
away any debris.
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Check that the shredder screen (if installed) is not clogged.