Pro Force® Debris Blower

• 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.

• Failure to abide by the safety precautions may result in equipment failure, loss of authority to operate the equipment, and personal injury.

• Use and maintain the proper wiring. Follow the equipment manufacturer instructions. Improper, loose, and frayed wiring can cause system failure, equipment damage, and intermittent operation.

• Changes or modifications made to the machine that are not expressly approved by the manufacturer will void the warranty

• The machine owner and operators must abide by all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning machine installation and operation. Failure to comply could result in penalties and could void the user’s authority to operate the machine.

• Ensure that the machinery and surrounding area is clear before operating. Do not activate the remote control system until you are certain that it is safe to do so.

• You can remove the power from the RF2CAN and TEC2403 controllers by removing the source power from the circuit.

• Use a damp cloth to keep the remote clean. Remove mud, concrete, and dirt after operation to prevent obstructing or clogging the buttons, levers, wiring, and switches.

• Do not allow liquid to enter the remote control or base-unit enclosures. Do not use high-pressure equipment to clean the remote control or base unit.

• Disconnect the RF2CAN and TEC2403 controllers before welding on the machine. Failure to disconnect the controllers may result in destruction of or damage to the controllers.

• Operate and store the machine only within the specified operation and storage temperatures.

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 blower nozzle or change the engine speed at least every 2.5 hours.

You can change the direction of the blower nozzle 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

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

• Run the engine at full throttle when operating.

• Adjust the blower 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.

Important: Raise the blower nozzle before transporting the blower. If you leave the blower 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

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)

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 25).

Figure 25

1. Engine screen
2. Oil cooler

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).

The handheld remote is powered by 4 AAA batteries. When installing batteries, be sure to observe proper polarity as marked on the inside of the compartment to avoid damaging the unit. To replace or install batteries in the remote control:

1. Remove the 6 screws from the back of the remote and remove the cover (Figure 27).

   Note: If possible, leave the rubber seal and steel gasket in the channel when removing the cover and batteries.

   

   Figure 27

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

2. Remove the discharged batteries and properly dispose in accordance with local regulations.

3. Plug each fresh battery into a terminal cradle observing proper polarity.

   Note: If the batteries are improperly installed, the machine will not be damaged but will fail to operate.

4. If you accidentally removed the rubber seal and the steel gasket, replace them carefully into the channel in the handheld remote.

5. Replace the cover and secure it with the 6 screws removed previously (Figure 27) and torque them to 1.5 to 1.7 N∙m (13 to 15 in-lb).

Engine

A 15 A in-line fuse is incorporated into the engine wire harness (Figure 28).

Figure 28

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 29).

Figure 29

1. Fuse

Check the tire pressure frequently to ensure proper inflation (241 kPa (35 psi). If the tires are not inflated to the correct pressure, the tires will wear prematurely.

Operating accidents can damage a tire or rim, so inspect the tire condition after an accident.

The DOT tire information is located on the side of each tire. This information gives load and speed ratings. Replacement tires should have the same or better ratings.

is an example of tire wear caused by under inflation.

Figure 30

1. Example of tire wear caused by underinflation

is an example of tire wear caused by over inflation.

Figure 31

1. Example of tire wear caused by overinflation

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

1. Loosen the bolts securing the pulley mounting bracket to the blower frame (Figure 32).

2. Position a torque wrench into the pulley mounting bracket (Figure 32).

3. Pivot the pulley mounting bracket away from the blower nozzle until the torque wrench reads 22.6 to 26.0 N∙m (200 to 230 in-lb) (Figure 32).

4. Tighten the mounting bolts.

   

   Figure 32

   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: 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 or changing the signal frequency due to local interference issues), do the following steps.

Only a Pro Force remote control can be associated to a Pro Force base unit. Associating a Pro Force remote control to a different Pro Force base unit disassociates that remote control from the original base unit.

Note: Local interference may disassociate the wireless remote from the base unit during operation. Since the base unit selects the best of numerous signal frequencies during the association process, move the machine to the area of signal disruption or disassociation and perform the association procedure for best results.

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 35

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