1. Introduction
Welcome to your Flowtron Electric Leaf Mulcher & Shredder. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, assembly, and maintenance of your new garden tool. Please read all instructions carefully before use.
The Flowtron LE900 is designed to process wet or dry leaves, grass clippings, thatch, and pine needles, significantly reducing their volume for disposal or composting. Its powerful motor and adjustable settings make it a versatile tool for yard waste management.
2. Important Safety Instructions
Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in serious injury or property damage.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection, hearing protection, and heavy-duty gloves, when operating the mulcher.
- Ensure the power cord is in good condition and avoid operating the unit in wet or damp conditions to prevent electrical shock.
- Keep hands, feet, and loose clothing away from the feeding chute and discharge opening while the unit is running.
- Unplug the unit from the power source before performing any adjustments, cleaning, or maintenance.
- Do not attempt to shred materials other than leaves, grass, or pine needles. Avoid inserting sticks, stones, metal, glass, or other hard objects into the mulcher.
- Operate the mulcher on a stable, level surface to prevent tipping.
- Do not overload the machine. Feed material gradually in small quantities.
- In case of a jam, immediately turn off and unplug the unit before attempting to clear the obstruction. Use a non-metallic tool to clear debris.
- Keep children and pets away from the operating area.
3. Package Contents
Please verify that all components are present in the package:
- Flowtron Electric Leaf Mulcher & Shredder Main Unit
- Metal Stand/Legs
- Hopper (21-inch wide funnel)
- Bungee Cord for Bag Attachment
- Replacement Cutting Lines (36 pieces)
- User Manual
4. Assembly Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble your Flowtron LE900:
- Attach the Stand: Securely attach the metal stand to the main mulcher unit using the provided hardware. Ensure all connections are tight and stable.
- Install the Hopper: Place the wide 21-inch funnel (hopper) onto the top of the main unit. Ensure it is seated correctly and securely.
- Power Connection: Once assembled, the unit is ready to be connected to a standard household electrical outlet.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Before Starting
- Ensure the unit is placed on a stable, level surface.
- Position a collection bag or container beneath the discharge opening. The integrated bungee cord can be used to secure a standard garbage bag for direct collection.
- Verify that the cutting lines are properly installed and free from damage. Replace any worn or damaged lines before operation.
5.2. Starting the Unit
- Plug the unit into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Press the power switch to the "ON" position. The motor will start.
5.3. Feeding Material
- Gradually feed double handfuls of leaves, grass clippings, or pine needles into the wide hopper.
- Avoid forcing material into the unit. Allow the machine to process the material at its own pace.
- Do not insert hands or any tools into the hopper while the unit is running.
5.4. Adjusting Coarseness
The unit features a sliding control lever to adjust the particle size reduction, allowing you to customize the mulch consistency:
- Fine Setting: Ideal for pine needles, producing a very fine mulch with up to a 30:1 reduction ratio.
- Medium Setting: Suitable for dry leaves, providing a balanced shredding.
- Coarse Setting: Recommended for wet leaves, grass, and thatch, resulting in an approximate 8:1 reduction ratio.
Adjust the lever according to the material type and your desired mulch consistency.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your mulcher.
6.1. Cleaning
- Always unplug the unit from the power source before cleaning.
- After each use, clear any remaining debris from the hopper and the shredding chamber.
- Use a brush or compressed air to clean the motor housing and vents.
- Do not use water or liquid cleaners on electrical components.
6.2. Replacing Cutting Lines
- The cutting lines are wear items and will require periodic replacement to maintain shredding efficiency.
- Turn off and unplug the unit before attempting to replace the lines.
- Refer to the detailed instructions provided with your replacement cutting lines for safe and proper installation. (36 replacement lines are included with the unit).
6.3. Storage
- Store the mulcher in a dry, protected area when not in use.
- The unit features a 180-degree rotating hopper for compact storage, minimizing space requirements.
- Utilize the built-in storage compartment for spare cutting lines, gloves, safety glasses, and other small accessories.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Flowtron LE900, refer to this section before contacting customer support.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit does not start | Not plugged in; Power switch off; Circuit breaker tripped | Check power connection; Ensure switch is ON; Reset circuit breaker on unit or household panel |
| Unit jams or stops during operation | Overloaded with material; Hard object inserted; Worn cutting lines | Unplug and clear obstruction; Avoid non-leaf material; Replace cutting lines |
| Material not shredding effectively | Worn cutting lines; Incorrect coarseness setting | Replace cutting lines; Adjust coarseness lever for the type of material being processed |
| Excessive vibration | Unbalanced cutting lines; Loose components | Check and replace cutting lines evenly; Ensure all assembly hardware is tight |
8. Specifications
- Model: LE900
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches
- Item Weight: 17 pounds
- Manufacturer: Flowtron
- Mulch Reduction Ratio: Up to 30:1 (Fine setting)
- Hopper Size: 21 inches (wide)
- Power Source: Electric (Standard household outlet)
- Cord Length: 25.5 inches
9. Warranty and Customer Support
Flowtron products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information or technical assistance, please contact Flowtron customer support directly.
Refer to the official Flowtron website or the product packaging for the most current warranty details and contact information.
Visit the Flowtron Store on Amazon for more products and information.
