Echo Bear Cat 70554S - Manual (Page 12)

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4. Start tractor engine and engage P.T.O. drive
clutch (see tractor owner's manual). Increase
engine speed to rated P.T.O. RPM position.
Note: Do not operate machine if the distance
between the back of the tractor P.T.O. shaft to the
shoulder on the chipper/shredder rotor shaft is
greater than 22-1/2 inches. Readjust hitch or pins, or
consult your dealer for proper fit.
2.3.3 Chipping and Shredding (All
Models)
Caution: Keep face and body away from the
feed opening. Do not overreach. Keep
proper balance.
Shredding (See figure 4-5, pg. 18)
Caution: The shredder will aggressively
pull material into it. Once material is
grabbed by machine during feeding, let go
immediately and move away.
1. Place material to be shredded (grass, leaves, garden
refuse, sticks, and branches up to 1-1/2 inches in
diameter and 24" long) into the hopper. If necessary,
use a leaf tamper, branch, or other similar object to
push the material through the inlet guards.
2. Feed the material evenly into the shredder so that
the engine or tractor does not lug down or shredder
becomes clogged. If the machine becomes plugged,
refer to the Service and Maintenance Section,
"Clearing Plugged Rotor," for instructions. Branches
or items that plug or cause the machine to stall
should be fed more slowly and carefully, or put into
the chipper.
Chipping (See figure 4-6, pg. 18)
1. Select limbs that are up to 5 inches in diameter.
Trim side branches off that cannot be bent over
enough to feed into the chipper chute. Hold
small diameter branches together in a bundle and
feed simultaneously.
2. Place limb (butt end first) into the chipper chute
until it contacts the chipper blades. The actual
feed rate of the limb into the chipper will depend
on the type of material fed, and the sharpness of
the cutting blades. Alternately insert and retract
the limb or insert it continuously at a rate that
will not kill the engine or stall the tractor. Rotat-
ing the branch as you feed it will improve cutting
action.
Note: the chipping blades will become dull with use
and require periodic sharpening. Refer to Service
and Maintenance, "Sharpening Chipper Blades," for
instructions.
2.3.4 Stopping Engine Models
WARNING! Do not leave machine
unattended, or attempt any inspection or
service unless the engine is stopped and
spark plug wire is removed from spark plug.
1. Move throttle to "Slow" Position.
2. Depress foot clutch pedal.
3. Move throttle to "Stop" position or shut off key
switch.
4. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug.
Note: the rotor will continue to turn for some time after
the engine has been shut off. You can tell that the rotor
has stopped when there is no noise or machine vibration.
The stopping time can be shortened by inserting a
branch in the chipper chute to contact the blades and
slow the rotor.
2.3.5 Stopping PTO Model
WARNING! Do not leave machine
unattended. Do not attempt any inspection
or service unless P.T.O. is disengaged and
tractor engine is shut off. Allow machine to come to
a complete stop.
1. Move tractor throttle to "Slow" position.
2. Disengage P.T.O lever and shut off tractor
engine.
3. Allow machine to come to a complete stop.
Note: the rotor will continue to turn for some time
after the P.T.O has been disengaged. You can tell that
the rotor has stopped when there is no noise or
machine vibration. The stopping time can be
shortened by inserting a branch in the chipper chute
to contact the blades and slow the rotor.
S E C T I O N 2