Pro Force® Debris Blower

The following instructions are adapted from ANSI standard B71.4-2012.

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Remove the clips securing the battery cover to the battery box (Figure 3).

   

   Figure 3

   1. Battery cover
   2. Battery clip

   Danger

   Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid, which is fatal if consumed and causes severe burns.

   • Do not drink electrolyte and avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Wear safety glasses to shield your eyes and rubber gloves to protect your hands.

   • Fill the battery where clean water is always available for flushing the skin.

2. Attach the positive cable (red cable) to the positive (+) terminal.

   Warning

   Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

3. Attach the negative cable (black cable) to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

4. Coat the terminals and mounting fasteners with petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

5. Install the battery cover and secure with the clips.

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Position the debris blower on a flat, level surface.

2. Insert the hitch tube into the frame brackets (Figure 4). Secure the tube to the frame with 2 bolts (3/8 x 3 inches) and flange nuts (3/8 inch) and torque to 40 N-m (30 ft-lb).

   

   Figure 4

   1. Frame brackets
   2. Hitch tube
   3. Hitch clevis

   Note: The hitch tube can be rotated 180 degrees to accommodate different hitch heights.

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Back the tow vehicle up to the blower.

2. Adjust the blower hitch clevis to the same level as the tow vehicle hitch as follows:

   • Set the hitch tube on a jack stand to keep it parallel to the ground.

   • Remove the bolts and locknuts securing the hitch clevis (Figure 4) to the hitch tube.

   • Raise or lower the hitch clevis to the position approximately level with the tow vehicle hitch.

   • Secure the clevis to the hitch with the bolts and locknuts previously removed and torque to 203 N-m (150 ft-lb). Make sure debris blower frame is parallel with the ground.

3. Adjust the hitch tube length to assure the blower does not contact the tow vehicle when turning as follows:

   • Remove the bolts and nuts securing the hitch tube to the frame brackets (Figure 4).

   • Secure the tube to the frame with the bolts and flange nuts.

4. Connect the blower clevis hitch to the tow vehicle hitch with the hitch pin and clevis (Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5

   1. Hitch pin
   2. Tow vehicle hitch
   3. Clevis

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Remove the rubber bands securing the remote halves together, and remove the back cover.

2. Plug each battery into a terminal cradle observing proper polarity (Figure 6).

   Note: If the batteries are improperly installed, the machine will not be damaged, but it will fail to operate. The cradle is embossed with polarity markings for each terminal.

   

   Figure 6

   1. Screw
   2. Cover
   3. Seal
   4. Steel gasket
   5. Batteries
   6. Handheld remote

3. Ensure that the steel gasket and rubber seal are seated in the channel in the remote and set the back cover in place (Figure 6).

4. Secure the cover with 6 screws (Figure 6) and torque them to 1.5 to 1.7 N-m (13 to 15 in-lb).

Press the Engine Stop button to shut off the engine (Figure 7).

Figure 7

1. LED light
2. Rotate left
3. Decrease engine speed
4. Engine start
5. Rotate right
6. Increase engine speed
7. Engine stop

After completing the starting sequence, press the Engine Start button to start the engine (Figure 7). Refer to Starting the Engine for the starting sequence.

Press the right or left button to rotate the nozzle to the desired direction (Figure 7).

Press the Increase Engine Speed (rabbit) or Decrease Engine Speed (turtle) button to increase or decrease the speed of the engine (Figure 7). Pressing the Increase Engine Speed and Decrease Engine Speed buttons at the same time returns the engine to idle.

The ignition switch (Figure 8), which is used to start and stop the engine, has three positions: OFF, RUN and START. Rotate the key clockwise to START to engage the starter motor. Release the key when the engine starts. The key moves automatically to the RUN position. To shut the engine off, rotate the key counterclockwise to the OFF position.

To start a cold engine, move the choke control lever (Figure 8) to the ON position.

Figure 8

1. Choke control
2. Hour meter
3. Ignition switch

The hour meter (Figure 8) indicates the total hours of machine operation.

The diagnostic light (Figure 9) is located below the hour meter and indicates machine fault codes. After you turn the key to the RUN position, the diagnostic light illuminates for 5 seconds, turns off for 5 seconds, and then flashes 3 times a second until you push a button on the handheld remote. If the light turns on for 5 seconds and then starts blinking 10 times a second (with or without a 5-second pause) there is a fault with the machine; refer to Checking Fault Codes.

Note: If you press a button on the handheld remote when you start the machine, the light does not flash 3 times a second after it turns off for 5 seconds.

Figure 9

1. Diagnostic light

• Fuel tank capacity: 18.9 L (5 US gallons)

• Recommended Fuel

  • For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days old), unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).

  • Ethanol: Fuel with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same. Fuel with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use. Never use fuel that contains more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15 (contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85 (contains up to 85% ethanol). Using unapproved fuel may cause performance problems and/or engine damage which may not be covered under warranty.

  • Do not use fuel containing methanol.

  • Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel containers over the winter unless a fuel stabilizer is used.

  • Do not add oil to fuel.

Important: Do not use fuel additives other than a fuel stabilizer/conditioner. Do not use fuel stabilizers with an alcohol base, such as ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol.

Before you start the engine and use the machine, check the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level.

Check the tire pressure (Figure 11).

The correct tire pressure is 96.5 kPa (14 psi).

Figure 11

Check the torque of the wheel lug nuts initially and after the first 10 hours of operation.

1. Ensure that the blower is attached to the tow vehicle before you start the blower.

2. Move the choke control to the ON position before starting a cold engine.

   Note: A warm or hot engine may not require choking. After the engine starts, move the choke control to the OFF position.

3. Rotate the engine ignition key to the START position (Figure 12).

   Note: If the key was left in the RUN position for an extended time, move the key to the OFF position before proceeding to the starting procedure.

   

   Figure 12

   1. Choke control
   2. Hour meter
   3. Ignition switch

4. Engine Start only becomes energized by pressing the Start button while the Engine Start Enable Condition is active. The Engine Start Enable Condition becomes active only when you have performed the following Engine Start Enable Sequence (Figure 13):

   • Press the START button.

   • Then, press the rotate left button.

   • Then, press the rotate right button.

   • Then, press and hold the START button until the engine starts.

     

     Figure 13

     1. LED light
     2. Rotate left
     3. Decrease engine speed
     4. Engine start
     5. Rotate right
     6. Increase engine speed
     7. Engine stop

   Note: There is a time limit of 3 seconds between each button press. If the next button in the sequence is not pressed within 3 seconds of the last button press, the sequence is aborted and must be started from the beginning.

   Note: If you press any button other than the next appropriate button in the sequence, the sequence is aborted.

   Note: If you do not press the START button within 10 seconds after pressing the ROTATE RIGHT button, or if you press any other button during this period, the Engine Start Enable Condition expires.

   Note: Engine Start Enable Condition persists for 10 seconds after pressing the ROTATE RIGHT button allowing momentary activation of Engine Start by pressing the START button. Pressing the START button does not extend this time period—the maximum length of time that the Start Relay Control can be active is 10 seconds from pressing the ROTATE RIGHT button. After the Engine Start Enable Condition expires, you must perform the Engine Start Enable Sequence again in order to energize the Start Relay Control with the START button. You cannot perform this sequence for 10 seconds after you release the START button.

   Note: If the sequence is aborted or the Engine Start Enable Condition expires, normal functionality of the ROTATE RIGHT and ROTATE LEFT buttons return to control the Chute Motor.

   Important: Do not engage starter for more than 10 seconds at a time. If engine fails to start, allow a 10-second cool-down period between attempts. Failure to follow these instructions can burn out starter motor.

5. After the engine starts, move the choke control to the OFF position. If the engine stalls or hesitates, move the choke back to the ON position for a few seconds, then set the engine speed to the desired setting. Repeat this as required.

1. Decrease the engine speed to 3/4 throttle.

2. Press the STOP button on the remote control.

3. If leaving the machine, rotate the key to the OFF position and remove it from the engine (Figure 12).

The remote control activates (powers up) when you press any button. To conserve battery power, the remote control stays active for approximately 3 seconds before automatically shutting down unless there is button activity within the 3 second limit. When the unit times out and powers down, all remote control LED activity stops (Figure 14). Pressing any button activates the remote control.

Figure 14

1. LED light
2. Rotate left
3. Decrease engine speed
4. Engine start
5. Rotate right
6. Increase engine speed
7. Engine stop

The RF2CAN and TEC2403 controllers revert to Power Save Mode (until a power cycle occurs) if the base unit is inactive for more than 2.5 hours without communication from the remote control. Power Save Mode is a low current state of the base unit. In Power Save Mode, the base unit does not communicate with the remote control, activate outputs, or function as normal.

• When in the time-out mode the engine does not run (or quits running) and the remote control does not control any function.

• To wake the controller in time-out mode, turn the key switch to the OFF position and then turn the key switch to the RUN position.

• To avoid controller time-out during operation, use the remote control to rotate the chute or change the engine speed at least every 2.5 hours.

You can change the direction of the nozzle opening from right to left by pressing the appropriate button on the remote control (Figure 15).

Figure 15

1. LED light
2. Rotate left
3. Decrease engine speed
4. Engine start
5. Rotate right
6. Increase engine speed
7. Engine stop

• Never operate the debris blower when it is not connected to a tow vehicle.

• Practice operating the blower. Blow the same direction the wind is blowing to prevent material from blowing back into the cleared area.

• Be aware of the blower nozzle direction and do not point it at anyone.

• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

• Reduce your speed when making sharp turns and when turning on hillsides

• Before backing up, look to the rear and ensure that no one is behind the machine.

• Do not run the engine in or direct the blower nozzle into a confined area without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and could possibly be deadly.

• Run the engine at full throttle when operating.

• Adjust the nozzle opening so it blows under the debris.

• Use caution when blowing around newly planted sod as the force of the air could disrupt the grass.

• Do not use on highways.

• Stay away from the nozzle opening when the machine is operating. Keep all bystanders away from the nozzle opening and do not direct discharge toward bystanders.

• If the tow vehicle engine stalls or the machine loses headway and cannot make it to the top of a slope, do not turn the machine around. Always back the tow vehicle slowly straight down the slope.

• When a person or pet appears unexpectedly in or near the operating area, stop operation. Careless operation, combined with terrain angles, ricochets, or improperly positioned guards can lead to thrown object injuries. Do not resume operation until the area is cleared.

• Do not exceed 32 km/h (20 mph) when transporting blower.

• Do not touch the engine or muffler while the engine is running or soon after it is stopped. These areas could be hot enough to cause a burn.

Important: Raise the nozzle before transporting the blower. If you leave the nozzle in the down position during transport, it may contact the ground and become damaged.

Note: Change the oil more frequently when the operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SG, SH, SJ or higher)

Crankcase Capacity: w/filter, 2 L (67 oz)

Viscosity: See the table below.

Figure 19

Important: Read the entire procedure before you attempt the association process.

The remote control must establish communications with the base unit before the system can be used. The remote control is associated to the system base unit before leaving the factory. This is done using the associate procedure. In situations where it is necessary to re-establish remote control-to-base unit communications (example: introducing a new or spare remote control to an existing base unit), do the following steps.

Note: Associating the remote control to a different base unit disassociates that remote control from the original base unit.

1. Remove power from the base unit.

2. Stand near the base unit in unobstructed, clear line-of-sight with the remote control in hand.

3. Simultaneously press and hold the ROTATE RIGHT and ROTATE LEFT buttons. The LED will blink about once per second.

4. Continue to hold both buttons until the LED begins blinking about twice per second.

5. Release the buttons.

6. Press and hold the ROTATE LEFT button. The LED will blink about twice per second.

7. Continue holding the ROTATE LEFT button and turn the key start to the RUN position. The LED turns solid if the procedure is successful.

   Note: This could take up to 20 seconds.

8. Release the ROTATE LEFT button.

   The system is ready for use with that particular remote control.

   

   Figure 23

   1. LED light
   2. Rotate left
   3. Decrease engine speed
   4. Engine start
   5. Rotate right
   6. Increase engine speed
   7. Engine stop

Ensure that the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plugs. Use a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plugs and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Install new sparks plugs if necessary.

Type: Champion® RC12YC, Champion® Platinum 3071 or equivalent

Air Gap: 0.76 mm (0.030 inch)

Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.

1. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

2. Allow the machine to cool down.

3. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the filter (Figure 26).

   

   Figure 26

   1. Fuel filter
   2. Hose clamp
   3. Fuel hose

4. Remove the filter from the fuel lines.

5. Install a new filter and move the hose clamps close to the filter (Figure 26).

1. Park the machine on a level surface to ensure that the fuel tanks drain completely.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the hose clamp at the fuel filter and slide it up the fuel line away from the fuel filter (Figure 26).

4. Disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter (Figure 26).

   Note: Allow fuel to drain into a fuel container can or drain pan (Figure 26).

   Note: This is the best time to install a new fuel filter because the fuel tank is empty.

5. Install the fuel line onto the fuel filter. Slide the hose clamp close to the fuel filter to secure the fuel line (Figure 26).

Before each use, check and clean the engine screen and oil cooler. Remove any build up of grass, dirt or other debris from the oil cooler and engine screen (Figure 27).

Figure 27

1. Engine screen
2. Oil cooler

If the belt slips when changing the direction of the nozzle, an adjustment to the belt is required.

1. Loosen the bolts securing the pulley mounting bracket to the blower frame (Figure 30).

2. Position a torque wrench into the pulley mounting bracket (Figure 30).

3. Pivot the pulley mounting bracket away from the nozzle until the torque wrench reads 22.6 to 26.0 N-m (200 to 230 in-lb) (Figure 30).

4. Tighten the mounting bolts.

   

   Figure 30

   1. Mounting bolts
   2. Pulley
   3. Hole for torque wrench
   4. Torque wrench in pulley mounting bracket—2.6 to 26.0 N∙m (200 to 230 in-lb)
   5. Belt

Important: Before welding on the machine, disconnect the controller and the negative cable from the battery to prevent damage to the electrical system.

Fuses

Engine

A 15 A in-line fuse is incorporated into the engine wire harness (Figure 32).

Figure 32

1. Fuse

Receiver

An fuse block is incorporated into the receiver wire harness. It is located behind the receiver on the right side the of control tower (Figure 33).

Figure 33

1. Fuse

1. Turn off the engine, remove the spark plug wire, and remove the key from the ignition.

2. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the external parts of the entire machine, especially the engine. Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the engine cylinder head fins and blower housing.

   Important: You can wash the machine with mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine. Avoid excessive use of water.

3. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air Cleaner.

4. Change the crankcase oil; refer to Changing the Oil.

5. Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire Pressure.

6. Prepare the machine for storage when non-use occurs over 30 days. Prepare machine for storage as follows:

   1. Add a petroleum based stabilizer/conditioner to fuel in the tank. Follow mixing instructions from stabilizer manufacture. Do not use an alcohol based stabilizer (ethanol or methanol).

      Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when mixed with fresh fuel and used at all times.

   2. Run the engine to distribute conditioned fuel through the fuel system (5 minutes).

   3. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and drain the fuel tank; refer to Servicing the Fuel Tank.

   4. Start the engine and run it until it stops.

   5. Choke the engine. Start and run the engine until it does not start.

   6. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle according to local codes.

   Important: Do not store stabilizer/conditioned fuel over 90 days.

7. Remove the spark plug(s) and check its condition; refer to Checking the Spark Plugs. With the spark plug(s) removed from the engine, pour 2 tablespoons of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Now use the starter to crank the engine and distribute the oil inside the cylinder. Install the spark plug(s). Do not install the wire on the spark plug(s).

8. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or replace any part that is damaged or defective.

9. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is available from your Authorized Service Dealer.

10. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage area. Remove the key from the ignition switch and keep it out of reach of children or other unauthorized users. Cover the machine to protect it and keep it clean.

Engine oil, engine and remote control batteries are pollutants to the environment. Dispose of these according to your state and local regulations.