TB190BV - Electric blower/vacuum MTD - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL TB190BV MTD

Rules for Safe Operation 2

Know Your Unit 4

Assembly Instructions 5

Operating Instructions 6

Maintenance and Repair Instructions 8

Cleaning and Storage 8

Specifications 8

Accessories/Replacement Parts 8

Warranty Information 10

Electric Blower-Vacuum

TB190BV

(for Household Use Only)

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

For service call 1-800-828-5500, or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list of authorized service dealers near you. For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.troybilt.com.

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.

DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.

THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S. PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period should be performed only by an authorized and approved service dealer.

Before beginning, locate the unit's model plate. It lists the model and serial numbers of your unit. Refer to the sample plate below and copy the information for future reference.

Copy the model and parent part number here:

Copy the serial number here:

All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Copyright© 2007 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.

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

SAFETY ALERT: 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.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

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.

SYMBOL MEANING

WARNING: 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.

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.

Read the Operator's Manual 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 1-800-828-5500 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 in CANADA

- IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS BLOWER VAC

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

• Do not leave appliance when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
• Do not use on wet surface. Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
• Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended attachments.
• Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped in water, return it to a service center.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run appliance over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
• Turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
• Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, or use in areas where they may be present.
• This appliance is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of Double-Insulated Appliances.
• Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED APPLIANCE

• In a double-insulated appliance, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated appliance, nor should a means for grounding be added to the appliance. Servicing a double-insulated appliance requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated appliance must be identical to the parts they replace.

POLARIZATION SPECIFICATION

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Failure to do so can result in personal injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as damage to the unit.
• Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• 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 the Cleaning and Storage instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.

WHILE OPERATING

• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the switch is in the off position when plugging in the unit.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the motor

immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

• Stop the unit and unplug it for maintenance or repair.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
• Do not force appliance-It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which if was designed.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves.
• Do not set unit on any surface except a clean, hard area while motor 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.
• Do not operate from unstable surfaces like ladders, trees, slopes or rooftops.
• Never use the Blower/Vacuum without the blower/vacuum tube and vacuum bag attached.
• Unplug the Blower/Vacuum before attempting to install or remove the blower/vacuum tube or vacuum bag. The unit must be unplugged, and the impeller blades stopped to avoid contact with the rotating blades.

• 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.

• 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 electric shock and risk of death and/or damage to the blower/ vacuum. To avoid severe damage to the impeller, do not vacuum metal, broken glass, etc.

- 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

- SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

·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.

- WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

WARNING: Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear protection when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.

- KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.

SYMBOL MEANING

DO NOT USE IN THE RAIN

WARNING: Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate your unit in the rain, or in damp or wet conditions. Moisture is a shock hazard.

- BLOWERS - ROTATING IMPELLER BLADES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING: Stop the engine and allow the impeller to stop before opening the vacuum door, installing or changing tubes or bag, or before cleaning or performing any maintenance.

- THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

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.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS

As a blower:

• Cleaning of yards, garages, driveways, porches, patios, around walls, fences, etc.
  As a vacuum:
• Picking up leaves and other light debris

BLOWER ASSEMBLY

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, be sure the unit is off and unplugged before assembling any components.

1. With the unit off and unplugged from the wall, install the blower tube onto the motor housing. Turn the tube clockwise until it locks (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

1. Insert the blower concentrator tube onto the blower tube and turn it clockwise to lock (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

NOTE: The blower tube and concentrator tube must be used at all times when in blower mode to prevent the motor from overheating.

VACUUM ASSEMBLY

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, be sure the unit is off and unplugged before assembling any components.

WARNING: The upper and lower vacuum tubes must be used attached together at all times. To avoid serious personal injury, the unit can not be operated with only one vacuum tube.

1. With the unit off and unplugged, release the vacuum door by carefully inserting a flat head screwdriver into the latch opening (Fig. 3). Twist the tip of the screwdriver gently and pull open the door with your other hand (Figs. 3 and 4).

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

1. Align the arrow on the upper vacuum tube with the arrow on the motor housing (Fig. 5). Note that the flat on the upper vacuum tube faces the vacuum door as you install the tube.

Fig. 5

1. Slide the upper vacuum tube into the motor housing. Turn the tube clockwise until the dot on the tube aligns with the dot on the motor housing (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6

1. Slide the lower vacuum tube into the upper vacuum tube. The arrow on the lower vacuum tube should align with the arrow on the upper vacuum tube (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7

1. Turn the tube clockwise until the dot on the lower vacuum tube aligns with the dot on the upper vacuum tube (Fig. 7).

NOTE: For electric vacuum kits, the shorter end of the vacuum bag elbow tube with the raised ribs should be inserted through the zipper opening (Fig. 8).

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Fig. 8

1. Open the zipper on the large end of the vacuum bag.
2. Insert the vacuum elbow tube through the zipper opening in the vacuum bag (Fig. 8), then through the bag opening in the other end of the bag, until the bag tube opening is seated against the tube flange.
3. Close the zipper on the bag (Fig. 9).

Fig. 9

1. Align the vacuum bag/elbow tube assembly with the grooves on the motor housing (Figs. 10).

Fig. 10

1. Install the vacuum bag/elbow tube assembly onto the motor housing. Turn the assembly clockwise until it locks (Fig. 10).

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use an appropriate extension cord to connect to power.
   WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, this unit has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). The outdoor extension cord used with the unit must also be polarized. The plug on the extension cord will fit into the unit only one way. If the plug doesn't fit fully into the unit, reverse the plug. If it does not fit, use a cord with a correct connection. If the cord does not fit into the power supply outlet, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. DO NOT change the plug on the extension cord or unit in any way.
2. Secure the extension cord to motor housing as shown (Fig. 11).

Fig. 11

1. Since the unit is double-insulated, a 2-wire extension cord (an extension cord without a ground) may be used. A 3-wire extension cord (an extension cord with a ground) that uses a NEMA-type connector (parallel blade, U ground) is recommended. Extension cords are available from your local retailer. Use only round-jacketed extension cords approved for outdoor use and marked "Suitable For Use With Outdoor Use Appliances - Store Indoors While Not In Use".
2. CORD SETS: Make sure your cord set is in good condition, with a cord that is heavy enough to carry the current that your unit will draw. An undersized cord set will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in a loss of power, as well as overheating. The table show below illustrates the correct size to use depending on the cord length and nameplate amperage rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier size line gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. To prevent the cord from disconnecting from the unit, use the cord hook shown in the Operating Instructions.

MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 0-12 AMPS
Cord length (ft.)	25	50	100	150
Wire size (AWG)*	16	16	14	12

• The wire size (AWG) for appliances using 12 to 16 amps is 14 AWG for 25 feet, 12 AWG for 50 feet, and not recommended for 100 or 150 feet.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE BLOWER/VAC

This unit is equipped with an OFF/LOW/HIGH switch (Fig. 12). For

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

low speed operation, slide the switch up to the first click (A). To select high speed, slide the switch up to the second click (B). To turn the unit off, slide the switch all the way down (C).

(A)

(B)

(C)
Fig. 12

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, wear goggles or safety glasses at all times when operating this unit. Wear a face mask or dust mask in dusty locations.

Hold the blower as shown in Figs. 13, 14, or 15 and sweep from side to side with the concentrator tube several inches above the ground or floor. Slowly advance, keeping the accumulated pile of debris in front of you.

Most dry blowing operations are better suited to low speed than high. Of course, you may choose to use either and you'll probably find the high speed better for moving heavier items like large debris or gravel.

Fig. 13

1. Use the blower for trees, shrubs, flower beds and hard-to clean areas. (Fig. 13).

Fig. 14

1. Use the blower around buildings and for other normal cleaning (Fig. 14).
2. Use the blower for walls, overhangs and screens (Fig. 15).

Fig. 15

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, wear goggles or safety glasses at all times when operating this unit. Wear a face mask or dust mask in dusty locations.

WARNING: Turn off and unplug the unit before opening vacuum door or installing or removing vacuum bag to avoid personal injury from the impeller.

SHOULDER STRAP ADJUSTMENTS

1. With the unit turned off, hold the unit in your left hand in an upright position. Support the lower vacuum tube on the ground (Fig. 16).

Fig. 16

1. Place the vacuum bag strap over your head and onto your left shoulder.
2. Extend your right arm toward the rear of the vacuum bag. Adjust the vacuum bag strap until the vacuum bag/shoulder strap seam lies between your thumb and index finger.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make sure the vacuum bag strap is adjusted to allow a free flow of air from the vacuum bag elbow tube (Fig. 19). If the bag is kinked, the unit will not operate properly.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, do not wear loose fitting clothing or articles such as scarves, strings, chains, ties, etc., because they could get drawn into the air intake. Also make sure long hair does not get drawn into the air intake. Long hair must be pulled back and secured off shoulders and neck.

Hold the vacuum, tilting the suction tube slightly, and use a sweeping action to collect light debris (Fig. 16). The debris will flow into the vacuum bag. Things such as small leaves and small twigs will be mulched as they pass through the fan housing, allowing the vacuum bag to hold a lot of debris.

When the bag is full, suction will noticeably decrease. Turn off and unplug the unit before you empty the bag. Disconnect the bag from the unit. Unzip the bag and empty the contents before continuing.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, never disconnect the vacuum bag without first turning off and unplugging the unit.

WARNING: As a vacuum, the unit is designed to pick up dry material such as leaves, grass, small twigs and bits of paper. To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to vacuum wet debris and/or standing water as this may result in damage to the Blower/ Vacuum and possible electric shock. To avoid severe damage to the impeller, do not vacuum metal, broken glass, etc.

WARNING: When the upper and lower vacuum tubes are removed, make sure the vacuum door is snapped closed before plugging in the unit, to avoid injury from the impeller.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, be sure the unit is off and unplugged before cleaning or performing any maintenance on it.

CLEARING A BLOCKED IMPELLER

1. Push the switch to the OFF position and disconnect the Blower/Vacuum from the power source and wait for the impeller to stop.

2. Remove the vacuum tubes by reversing the instructions on page 5 (Figs. 5, 6 and 7). The vacuum bag can also be removed by referring to pages 8 and 9 of the Operator's Manual.

3. Carefully remove material blocking the impeller. Inspect the blades to assure no damage has occurred. Rotate the blades by hand to assure the blockage is completely cleared.

4. Replace the vacuum bag and vacuum tubes.
5. Reconnect to power source and resume use.

CLEANING THE UNIT

1. Push the switch to the OFF position and disconnect the Blower/Vacuum from the power source.
2. Use a small brush or the air discharge of a vacuum cleaner brush to keep the air vents free of obstructions.
3. Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic housing or plastic components. Those parts can be damaged by certain household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and by solvents such as kerosene. Moisture can also cause a shock hazard. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.

CLEANING THE VACUUM BAG

1. Empty the bag after each use to avoid deterioration and obstructing air flow, which will reduce the performance of the vacuum.
2. Wearing eye protection and a dust mask, clean the bag as needed. Turn the bag inside out after initial emptying and vigorously shake out dust and debris.
3. Wash the bag once a year or more often if needed as follows: a. Remove the vacuum bag elbow tube (Reverse the procedure shown in Fig. 10.)
   b. Turn bag inside out.
   c. Hang up.
   d. Hose down thoroughly.
   e. Hang to dry.
   f. Reinstall vacuum bag elbow tube (Fig. 10).

INSPECTION OF EXTENSION CORDS

Inspect all extension cords periodically. Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in the insulation. Also inspect the connectors for damage. Replace the cords if any defects or damage appear.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store the unit indoors, away from moisture and harmful substances such as fertilizers and solvents. Store in a dry and high or locked-up place, out of the reach of children.

ACCESSORIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS

Vacuum Bag Assembly .791-180464
Upper Vacuum Tube. 791-180466
Lower Vacuum Tube. 791-180467
Blower Tube .791-180468
Blower Concentrator Tube .791-181947

SPECIFICATIONS

Motor Amperage 12Amps
Maximum Blower Velocity 180 mph (290 kmh)
Maximum Blower Air Output 375 cfm (10.6 cmm)
7.2 lb (3.3 kg)
Vacuum Bag Capacity. 1.5 bushels (45 L)

MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

TROY-BILT®

The limited warranty set forth below is given by Troy-Bilt LLC ("Troy-Bilt") with respect with new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.

Troy-Bilt warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in material or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator's Manual furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water or damage because of other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use of any accessory or attachment not approved by Troy-Bilt for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage.

This warranty is limited to ninety (90) days from the date of original retail purchase for any Troy-Bilt product that is used for rental or commercial purposes, or any other income-producing purpose.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER. To locate the dealer in your area, please check for a listing in the Yellow Pages or contact the Customer Service Department of Troy-Bilt by calling 1-800-828-5500 or writing to P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland OH 44136-0019 or if in Canada call 1-800-668-1238. No product returned directly to the factory will be accepted unless prior written permission has been extended by the Customer Service Department of Troy-Bilt.

This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases:

A. Tune-ups - Spark Plugs, Carburetor Adjustments, Filters
B. Wear items - Bump Knobs, Outer Spools, Cutting Line, Inner Reels, Starter Pulley, Starter Ropes, Drive Belts
C. Troy-Bilt does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States of America, its possessions and territories, except those sold through Troy-Bilt's authorized channels of export distribution.

Troy-Bilt reserves the right to change or improve the design of any Troy-Bilt product without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously manufactured.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other express warranty or guaranty, whether written or oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product shall bind Troy-Bilt. During the period of the Warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above. (Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.)

The provisions as set forth in this Warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sales. Troy-Bilt shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or damages including, without limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services, for transportation or for related expenses, or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product. (Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.)

In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of the safety features of the product shall void this Warranty. You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others and their property arising out of the use or misuse or inability to use the product.

This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser, original lessee or the person for whom it was purchased as a gift.

How State Law Relates to this Warranty: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

To locate your nearest service dealer dial 1-800-828-5500 in the United States or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada.

Troy-Bilt LLC

P.O.Box 361131

Cleveland, OH 44136-0019

TROY-BILT®