Pro Force® Debris Blower

Groundsmaster® 3200 or 3300 Series Traction Unit

Model No. 31916-Serial No. 400000000 and Up

Introduction

The debris blower is mounted to a ride-on machine which is intended to be used by professional, hired operators in commercial applications. It is primarily designed to use wind power to quickly clear large areas of unwanted debris on well-maintained lawns in parks, golf courses, sports fields, and on commercial grounds. Using this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

Visit www.Toro.com for product safety and operation training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the space provided.

Important: With your mobile device, you can scan the QR code on the serial number decal (if equipped) to access warranty, parts, and other product information.

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Figure 1

  1. Model and serial number location

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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Figure 2

Safety-alert symbol

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

Use of this product may cause exposure to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

General Safety

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury.

  • Read and understand the contents of both this Operator’s Manual and the operator’s manual of the traction unit before using this machine. Ensure that everyone using this product knows how to use this machine and the traction unit and understands the warnings.

  • Use your full attention while operating the machine. Do not engage in any activity that causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property damage may occur.

  • Do not put your hands or feet near moving components of the machine.

  • Do not operate the machine without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and working on the machine.

  • Keep children, bystanders, and pets out of the operating area. Never allow children to operate the machine.

  • Always shut off the engine, remove the key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool before adjusting, repairing, cleaning, or storing the machine.

Improperly using or maintaining this machine can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2), which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety instruction. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury or death.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.
decal119-0217

119-0217

  1. Warning—stop the engine; stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.
decal137-3999

137-3999

  1. Warning—read the Operator’s Manual.
  2. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away from the machine.
  3. Warning—wear hearing and eye protection.
  4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hands—shut off the engine; keep hands away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.
decal133-8061

133-8061

decal139-6304

139-6304

  1. Entanglement hazard—read the Operator’s Manual; stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.
decal144-3294

144-3294

  1. Entanglement hazard—read the Operator’s Manual; stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.
decal144-3323

144-3323

  1. Read the Operator’s Manual before performing maintenance.
  2. Grease points
  3. Service every 8 hours

Setup

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

Important: To install and operate the debris blower, the traction unit must be equipped with the Auxiliary Hydraulics Kit (Model 31966) and the Accessory Control Kit (Model 31994).

Removing the Blower from the Crate

Parts needed for this procedure:

Caster2
Bolt4
Flange locknut4

Important: Ensure that the jack stand is installed to stabilize the blower before you unbolt the blower frame from the shipping crate or remove the crate.

  1. Remove the top of the crate (Figure 3).

    g362308

    Figure 3

    1. Top of crate
    2. End of crate
    3. Top of machine
    4. Board under blower housing

  2. Remove the end of the crate which is toward the top of the machine (Figure 3).

  3. Remove the board that is under the blower housing (Figure 3).

  4. Remove the caster wheels from the crate.

  5. Install the caster wheels to the machine with 4 bolts (1/2 x 3-1/2 inch) and 4 flange locknuts (1/2 inch); refer to Figure 4.

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    Figure 4

    1. Bolt (1/2 x 3-1/2 inch)
    2. Caster wheel
    3. Flange locknut (1/2 inch)

  6. Secure a strap to the top end assembly and lift the pallet until the crate and blower is standing up vertically (Figure 5).

    g027060

    Figure 5

    1. Lift strap
    2. Top end assembly

  7. Remove the snapper pin securing the jack-stand tube to the storage tube (Figure 6). Remove the jack assembly from the storage position.

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    Figure 6

    1. Jack stand
    2. Pin
    3. Jack-stand tube
    4. Snapper pin

  8. Remove the strap from the pallet and attach it to the lift loop on the blower (Figure 7).

  9. Lift the blower until the strap is tight.

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    Figure 7

    1. Lift loop

  10. Insert the jack-stand tube into the frame tube, align the holes, and secure it into position with the snapper pin (Figure 8).

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    Figure 8

    1. Frame tube
    2. Snapper pin
    3. Jack stand

  11. Remove the cable tie securing the crank handle to the jack crank.

  12. Crank the jack stand down until the jack pad is level with the castor wheel tires.

  13. Carefully remove the bolts holding the blower to the wood pallet.

  14. Slide the crate away from the blower and lower the blower until the castor wheels and jack stand touch the floor keeping the strap tight (Figure 9).

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    Figure 9

    1. Bolts

  15. Remove the strap from the blower lift loop.

Installing the Mounting Plate to the Debris Blower Frame

Parts needed for this procedure:

Mounting plate assembly1
Bolt (1/2 x 1-1/4 inches) 4
Locknut (1/2 inch) 4

  1. Remove the bolts securing the mounting plate assembly to the crate (Figure 10).

    g350906

    Figure 10

    1. Mounting plate assembly

  2. Install the mounting plate assembly to the debris blower frame with 4 bolts (1/2 x 1-1/4 inch) and 4 locknuts (1/2 inch) and connect the blower driveshaft to the splined shaft on the mounting plate assembly by sliding the quick coupler onto the shaft (Figure 11).

    Note: Use the second lowest set of holes on each side of the mounting plate.

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    Figure 11

    1. Locknuts
    2. Mounting plate assembly
    3. Bolts

  3. Torque the bolts to 92 to 113 N∙m (68 to 82 ft-lb).

  4. Secure the safety chains to the mounting plate assembly.

Preparing the Traction Unit

Important: To install and operate the debris blower, the traction unit must be equipped with the Auxiliary Hydraulics Kit (Model 31966) and the Accessory Control Kit (Model 31994).

  1. Park the traction unit on a level surface.

  2. Disengage the power takeoff and lower the attachments.

  3. Engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all movement to stop.

  4. Remove the front attachment (if equipped) from the lift arms of the traction unit and disconnect the attachment PTO shaft; refer to the traction unit Operator’s Manual.

    Note: Retain the attachment mounting hardware for use in installation.

Mounting the Debris Blower to the Traction Unit

Parts needed for this procedure:

Debris blower assembly 1
U-bolt2
Locknut (3/8 inch)4
Stop plate2
Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3-1/4 inches)4
Locknut (5/16 inch)4

  1. Move the traction unit into position behind the blower so the mounting plate assembly is in alignment with the lift arms of the traction unit.

  2. Lower the lift arms into the mounting assembly as shown in Figure 12, then engage the traction unit parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all movement to stop.

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    Figure 12

    Right side shown

    1. Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3-1/4 inches)
    2. Stop plate
    3. Locknut (5/16 inch)
    4. U-bolt
    5. Locknut (3/8 inch)

  3. Secure the rear of the lift arms to mounting assembly using the provided U-bolts, stop plates, carriage bolts and locknuts (Figure 12).

  4. Secure the front of the lift arms to the mounting assembly using the 2 hex-head bolts and 2 curved washers removed from the attachment in Preparing the Traction Unit as shown in Figure 13.

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    Figure 13

    Right side shown

    1. Shoulder bolt in the front of the lift arm
    2. Curved washer
    3. Hex-head bolt

    If you have previously used the bolts to install the cutting unit: Apply thread-locking compound to the threads of the bolts.

  5. Torque the bolts to the appropriate specification:

    • If you are using the bolts to install the attachment for the first time:

      Torque the bolts to 256 to 313 N∙m (189 to 231 ft-lb).

    • If you have previously used the bolts to install attachment:

      Torque the bolts to 195 to 239 N∙m (144 to 176 ft-lb).

  6. Using the PTO connection hardware removed in Preparing the Traction Unit, secure the traction unit PTO shaft to the splined connecting shaft on the mounting plate assembly as shown in Figure 14.

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    Figure 14

    1. Capscrew
    2. Washer
    3. Locknut

  7. Tighten the PTO connection hardware; refer to your machine’s Operator's Manual for torque specifications.

  8. Connect the driveshaft-cover chains to the areas shown in Figure 15.

    g367855

    Figure 15

    1. Inner-cover chain and connection point
    2. Outer-cover chain and connection point

  9. Raise the blower jack stand higher than the castors.

  10. Remove the dust plugs from the hydraulic couplers and ensure that the couplers are free of any dirt or debris.

  11. Connect the attachment hydraulic hose couplers to the hydraulic couplers on the traction unit rear auxiliary hydraulic power kit.

    Important: Whenever the hydraulic hose couplers are disconnected, make sure the dust plugs are cleaned and then installed to prevent contamination from entering either hydraulic system.

Installing the Jack Stand to the Storage Tube

After you install the blower to the traction unit, remove the jack stand from the frame tube and use the snapper pin to install it to the storage tube (Figure 16). This allows you to oscillate the blower during operation.

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Figure 16

  1. Jack stand
  2. Snapper pin
  3. Storage tube

Installing the Whip Guides

Parts needed for this procedure:

Whip guide2
Whip guide bracket2
U-bolt2
Hex-head bolt (5/16 x 1 inch)4
Flange nut (3/8 inch)4
Flange nut (5/16 inch)4

Use 4 bolts (5/16 x 1 inch), 4 flange nuts (5/16 inch), 2 U-bolts, 4 flange nuts (3/8 inch), and 2 whip guide brackets to install the whip guides to the caster arms (right side shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18).

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Figure 17

  1. Whip guide
  2. Flange nut (3/8 inch)
  3. Whip guide bracket
  4. Flange nut (5/16 inch)
  5. Hex-head bolt (5/16 x 1 inch)
  6. U-bolt
g367853

Figure 18

  1. 2.5 cm (1 inch)

Greasing the Machine

To ensure proper lubricating characteristics, apply grease to the machine before operation; refer to Lubricating the Blower.

Important: Failure to properly grease the machine will result in premature failure of critical parts.

Operation

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

Important: Only engage the PTO at low idle; engaging the PTO at high idle will reduce the life of the clutch.

Important: Do not operate the machine without the fan guard and gear-case guard in place (Figure 19).

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Figure 19

  1. Fan guard
  2. Gear case guard

Operation Safety

Before Operation Safety

  • Never allow children or untrained people to operate or service the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. The owner is responsible for training all operators and mechanics.

  • Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.

  • Always wait for all moving parts to stop and allow the machine to cool before adjusting, repairing, cleaning, or storing the machine. Know how to stop the machine quickly.

  • Keep all guards, safety devices, and decals in place. Repair or replace all safety devices and replace all illegible or missing decals. Do not operate the machine unless they are present and functioning properly.

  • Do not modify this equipment in any manner.

During Operation Safety

  • The owner/operator can prevent and is responsible for accidents that may cause personal injury or property damage.

  • Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long hair and do not wear loose jewelry.

  • Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Use your full attention while operating the machine. Do not engage in any activity that causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property damage may occur.

  • Discharged air has considerable force and could cause injury or loss of footing. Stay away from the blower nozzle when the machine is operating.

  • Keep all bystanders away; shut off the machine when bystanders enter the area, do not direct discharge toward them.

  • Do not carry passengers on the machine and keep bystanders and pets away from the machine during operation.

  • Operate the machine only in good visibility to avoid holes or hidden hazards.

  • Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.

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

  • Never leave a running machine unattended.

  • If the machine ever vibrates abnormally, stop the machine immediately, shut off the engine, remove the key, wait for all moving parts to stop, and inspect for damage. Repair all damage to the machine before resuming operation.

  • Reduce speed when operating on rough, uneven terrain, and near curbs, holes, and other sudden changes in terrain.

Slope Safety

  • Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and rollover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. You are responsible for safe slope operation. Operating the machine on any slope requires extra caution.

  • Review the traction unit specifications to ensure that you do not exceed its slope capabilities.

  • Evaluate the site conditions to determine if the slope is safe for machine operation, including surveying the site. Always use common sense and good judgment when performing this survey.

  • Review the slope instructions, listed below, for operating the machine on slopes. Before you operate the machine, review the site conditions to determine whether you can operate the machine in the conditions on that day and at that site. Changes in the terrain can result in a change in slope operation for the machine.

    • Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or direction. Make turns slowly and gradually.

    • Do not operate a machine under any conditions where traction, steering, or stability is in question.

    • Remove or mark obstructions such as ditches, holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstructions. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.

    • Be aware that operating the machine on wet grass, across slopes, or downhill may cause the machine to lose traction.

    • Use extreme caution when operating the machine near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, water hazards, or other hazards. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or the edge caves in. Establish a safety area between the machine and any hazard.

After Operation Safety

  • Park the machine on a level surface; shut off the engine, remove the key, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool before adjusting, repairing, cleaning, or storing the machine.

  • Only disconnect the machine from the traction unit while on a level surface.

  • Keep all parts of the machine in good working condition and all hardware tightened.

  • Replace all worn, damaged, or missing decals.

Adjusting the Blower Nozzle Height

The blower nozzle can be operated at a height range from 114 to 216 mm (4.5 to 8.5 inches). To adjust the blower nozzle height, position the castor wheel axles in the upper or lower holes of the castor forks and add or remove an equal number of spacers from the castor forks.

  1. Start the engine and raise the blower off the floor so that you can change the castor wheels.

  2. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  3. Position the castor wheel axles in the same holes in both castor forks (Figure 20).

    Note: Use the lower castor fork axle mounting holes to attain a higher blower nozzle height.

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    Figure 20

    1. Tensioning cap
    2. Spacers
    3. Shims
    4. Axle mounting holes
    5. Castor wheel

  4. Remove the tensioning cap from the spindle shaft (Figure 20) and slide the spindle out of the castor arm.

  5. Put the 2 shims (1/8 inch) onto the spindle shaft as they were originally installed.

    Note: These shims are required to achieve a level across the entire width of the blower.

  6. Slide the appropriate number of 1/2-inch spacers onto the spindle shaft to get the desired height; then slide the washer onto the shaft.

  7. Push the castor spindle through the castor arm.

  8. Install the shims (as they were originally installed) and the remaining spacers onto the spindle shaft.

  9. Install the tensioning cap to secure the assembly.

Operating Tips

Warning

Discharged air has considerable force and could cause injury or loss of footing.

  • Stay away from the nozzle opening while the machine is operating.

  • Keep bystanders away from the nozzle opening while the machine is running.

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

  • Be alert, slow down, and use caution when making turns. Look behind and to the side before changing directions.

  • 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.

  • Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e., branches, doorways, electrical wires) before driving under any objects and do not allow them to contact the blower screen.

  • Reduce your speed when making sharp turns or turning on hillsides.

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

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

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

  • Do not take an injury risk. When a person or pet appears unexpectedly in or near the operating area, stop the machine and shut off the engine. 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.

Important: Raise the blower before transporting. If the nozzle is left in the down position during transport, the nozzle may contact the ground, which may damage the nozzle.

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

  • Before cleaning, servicing, or adjusting the machine, do the following:

    • Park the machine on a level surface.

    • Wait for all moving parts to stop.

    • Remove the machine from the traction unit.

    • Lower the jack stand.

    • Allow machine components to cool before performing maintenance.

  • Perform only those maintenance instructions described in this manual. If major repairs are ever needed or you need assistance, contact an authorized Toro distributor.

  • Support the machine with blocks or jack stands when working beneath it.

  • Ensure that all guards are installed securely after maintaining or adjusting the machine.

  • Do not allow untrained personnel to service the machine.

  • Keep all parts in good working condition and all fasteners tightened. Replace all damaged or missing decals.

  • Do not interfere with the intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device. Check their proper operation regularly.

  • If major repairs are ever necessary or assistance is required, contact an authorized Toro distributor.

  • Altering this machine in any manner may affect the operation of the machine, performance, durability, or its use may result in injury or death. Such use could void the product warranty of The Toro® Company.

Lubricating the Blower

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
Every 50 hours
  • Lubricate all grease fittings
    		•

    The debris blower has bearings and bushings that must be lubricated regularly. If the machine is operated under normal conditions, lubricate bearings with No. 2 lithium grease. Lubricate fittings immediately after every washing, regardless of the interval listed.

    The lubrication points are as follows:

    Drive pulley (Figure 21)

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    Figure 21

    Shown with cover removed

    Castor wheel shaft (2) (Figure 22)

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    Figure 22

    Lubricating the Driveshaft

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Grease the driveshaft components
    		•

    The mounting kit drive shaft has bearings and bushings that you must lubricate regularly. If you are operating the machine under normal conditions, lubricate bearings with No. 2 lithium grease. Lubricate fittings immediately after every washing, regardless of the interval listed.

    1. Position the machine and blower on a level surface and lower the blower.

    2. There are 7 grease points; refer to the mount kit service decal or Figure 23.

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      Figure 23

      1. Grease the cross bearing on the machine-side driveshaft section that connects to the drive.
      2. Grease the outer shaft of the machine-side driveshaft section.
      3. Grease the cross bearing on the machine-side driveshaft section that connects flange bearing shaft.
      4. Grease each flange bearing between the 2 main shaft sections.
      5. Grease each guard bushing at either end of the blower driveshaft guards.

    Checking the Gearbox Lubrication

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 50 hours
  • Check the gearbox lubrication
    		•
    Every 150 hours
  • Check the gearbox lubrication
    		•

    Gearbox capacity: 177ml (6 fl oz).

    1. Position the machine and blower on a level surface and lower the blower.

    2. Remove the 5 bolts and washers securing the gear case cover to the blower (Figure 24).

      g362314

      Figure 24

      1. Screw
      2. Gearbox
      3. Cover

    3. Remove the cover to expose the blower gear case (Figure 24).

    4. Remove the check/fill plug from the side of the gearbox (Figure 25).

      g362313

      Figure 25

      1. Check/fill plug
      2. Drain plug

    5. Check the oil level to make sure it is up to the plug hole in the gearbox. If the lubricant level is low, add enough SAE 80-90 weight gear lube to raise the level up to the hole.

    6. Install the check/fill plug to the gearbox.

    7. Install the cover.

    Checking the Nozzle

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Check the nozzle clamp and the nozzle guides
    		•

    Checking the Nozzle Clamp and Adjusting Position

    Warning

    Discharged air has considerable force and could cause injury or loss of footing.

    Park the traction unit on a level surface, disengage the PTO, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before adjusting the position of the blower nozzle.

    1. Check the nozzle clamp (Figure 26) daily to ensure that is tight.

      Note: The nozzle can loosen if it is dragged over obstacles or through low areas in the terrain.

    2. Tighten the clamp fasteners to maintain a gap of 1.3 cm (0.50 inch).

      The nozzle should rotate freely when you move it by hand.

      g023909

      Figure 26

      1. Nozzle clamp
      2. 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) gap

    Cleaning the Nozzle Guides

    Check and remove any grass, dirt or debris buildup around and in between the nozzle guides (Figure 27).

    Keep the nozzle free of debris to prevent the motor from stalling.

    g362316

    Figure 27

    1. Nozzle guides

    Adjusting the Nozzle Belt

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 8 hours
  • Check the condition and the tension of the belt
    		•
    Every 50 hours
  • Check the condition and the tension of the belt
    		•

    Adjust the belt if the belt slips when changing direction of the nozzle.

    1. Press the belt, at the center of the longest span, with 30 N∙m (22 lb) of force (Figure 28).

      Note: The belt should deflect 4.8 mm (0.19 inch).

    2. If the deflection is incorrect, proceed to the next step. If it is correct, continue operation.

      g021636

      Figure 28

      1. Flange nut
      2. Hex nut
      3. Depress belt here

    3. Loosen the hex nut and tighten the flange nut to increase the belt tension (Figure 28).

      Note: Do not over tighten.

    4. Tighten the hex nut to lock the adjustment.

    Storage

    1. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the external parts of the entire blower.

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

    2. Check and tighten all bolts and nuts. Replace any worn parts.

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

    4. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage, or storage area. Use the jack stand to store the blower in the upright position. Do not lay the blower down on the ground.