Operator’s Manual MANUAL NO. 539113456 REV.
©2006 BlueBird International. All Rights Reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Sod Cutter 550A Table of Contents ...................................... 3 Introduction ................................................ 5 Congratulations ..................................... 5 Use ........................................................ 5 Insure your machine .............................. 5 Good service ......................................... 5 Serial number ........................................ 5 Symbols and decals ...................................
WARNING! Failure to follow cautious operating practices can result in serious injury to the operator or other persons. The owner must understand these instructions, and must allow only trained persons who understand these instructions to operate the mower. Each person operating the mower must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any mind altering substance.
INTRODUCTION Congratulations Thank you for purchasing a BlueBird sod cutter. Through your confidence in us, you have chosen an exceptionally high quality product. This manual is a valuable document. It describes your new BlueBird machine. Read the manual carefully before attempting to use the machine. Following the instructions (use, service, maintenance, etc.) can considerably increase the life-span of your machine and even increase its resale value. Please contact your dealer for more information.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WARNING! Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx. Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx. Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk of material damage. of personal injury, particularly if the reader DOES NOT follow the instructions given in the manual. Decals and machine-bound instructions 5 3 6 8 7 4 2 1 Decals that are missing or illegible should be replaced before using the machine. 1. BlueBird logo 5.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS General use WARNING! The sod cutter can be dangerous if used improperly or with out due care and can lead to serious accidents, in the worst cases even fatal accidents. It is very important that the operator read, understand and follow this operator’s manual and understand the instructions before you attempt to use the machine. These safety instructions only address the basics for safe use.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Read, follow and understand all safety instructions before using the machine. Failure to do so may result in injury to yourself or others. • Accident prevention regulations, other general safety regulations, occupational safety rules and traffic regulations must be followed without fail. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. • Engage an authorized BlueBird dealer for all service and repairs not described in this manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Preparations • Make sure that you always have first aid equipment at hand when using the machine. • Make sure nobody else is in the vicinity of the machine when you start the engine, engage the drive or run the machine. • Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and pets. • Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and themselves.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING! Always use approved personal protective equipment (as shown in illustration) when using the machine. Protective clothing and protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of accidents, but wearing proper clothing and the correct equipment will reduce the degree of injury should an accident occur. Ask your dealer about approved protective clothing and approved protective equipment recommended by BlueBird.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Operating • DO NOT use the machine on grades of more than 25%. • DO NOT use the machine if you are tired, if you have consumed alcohol, or if you are taking other drugs or medication that can affect your vision, judgment or coordination. • Never use the machine indoors or in spaces lacking proper ventilation. • Make sure you have a proper foothold when using the machine, particularly when backing. Walk, don’t run. Never work on wet grass. Poor traction may cause you to slip.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble. • Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position, and when making any repairs, adjustments, and inspections. • Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Disengage the power take-off, raise the attachment, shift into neutral, stop the engine.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Movement/Transport • To turn and steer the machine, press down on the handle and turn on the back wheels. • Turn off the engine and allow it to cool at least 2 minutes before transport. • We recommend only loading and unloading in the transport mode on a well secured ramp, do not lift, the unit is too heavy. • Fasten the machine properly in place with approved fasteners, such as tension belts, chains or straps.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Fuel system WARNING! Fuel is highly flammable, Take the following precautions: Safe Handling of Gasoline • To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. • Use only approved gasoline container. • Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Maintenance • Never operate machine in a closed area. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper opertion regularly. • Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine, Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Disengage the drive units, shut off the engine and wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop before making adjustments, performing maintenance or cleaning the machine.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Customer responsibilities • Read and observe the safety rules. • Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your mower. • Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual. • This machine has no brain.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal equipment Consult your BlueBird dealer when selecting protective equipment. Our dealers have a broad assortment of equipment for professionals such as forestry workers and knowledge about occupational environment requirements and protective levels. 1 2 We recommend the following personal protective equipment: 3 1. Ear protection 2. Protective glasses 3. Protective gloves 4 5 4. First aid kit 5.
SET-UP Equipment set-up 1. Remove crate top and sides. 2. Cut banding straps at front and rear of unit. See Figure 1. FIGURE 1 Cutting handle banding. 3. Remove bolts on handle using a 13 mm socket wrench. 4. Remove tape from bolts by handle and remove the bolts from the nylon bushings. See Figure 2 FIGURE 2 Remove handle bolts 5. Align handle to the three holes and replace bolts. Tighten bolts. See Figure 3.
SET-UP 6. Using a 9/16” wrench and socket wrench, remove top bolt and lock nut on the depth of cut handle. Loosen lower bolt. Rotate handle up and replace bolt in lower hole and tighten hardware. See Figure 4. 1 2 FIGURE 4 1. Remove Bolt 2. Loosen but do not remove 7. Place knob into selected depth of cut hole and secure tightly. See Figure 5. FIGURE 5 8. Fill engine and centrifugal clutch case with oil. See engine manual for quantity and viscosity rating. 9. Fill engine with fuel.
CONTROLS Presentation The machine is equipped with a 5.5 hp Honda fourcycle engine. This unit is powered by 4-wheel drive. Main components and operating controls 6 9 3 7 2 8 10 4 13 5 12 1. Handle 7. Engine 2. Centrifugal Clutch 8. Fuel Tank 3. Shift Control Lever 9. Air Filter 4. Blade Engagement Lever 10. Weight 5. Throttle 11. Engine switch 6. Engine Start Cord 12. Knob to set depth of cut 13.
CONTROLS Engine Exterior engine components and controls. 8 1. Throttle 2. Starter 1 3. Starter handle 4. Fuel valve 5. Choke control 7 6. Air filter 7. Spark plug 2 8. Muffler 10 5 6 9. Oil dipstick 4 3 10. Oil drainage 11. Oil level guard 14 12. Engine switch 13. Fuel tank 13 14. Fuel filler cap 12 11 9 Throttle The lever on the engine is normally not used. It is connected to the throttle on the handle.
CONTROLS Starter The starter is of the magnapull type with spring return. To replace the return spring or starter cord, contact an authorized service workshop. Starter handle Misuse of the starter handle can damage the starter. Do not twist the starter cord around your hand. Pull out the handle slowly until the gears mesh. Do not pull out the starter cord completely and do not let go of the starter handle when extended.
CONTROLS Spark plug The engine spark plug is located under the ignition cable boot. When performing service, it is important that the engine cannot start accidentally. For this reason, always remove the ignition cable shoe from the spark plug. To avoid pulling the cable, the cable boot is equipped with a special handle; see the illustration. Type of spark plug, see “Technical data”. Service instructions, see “Maintenance/Electrical system”.
CONTROLS Fuel tank Underneath the tank, there is a fuel filter combined with the fuel valve. The tank volume is .95 Gal. (3.6 liters) Fueling Read the safety instructions before fueling. Keep the fuel and fuel tank clean. Avoid filling the machine with dirty fuel. Make sure the fuel cap is properly tightened and the gasket is not damaged, particularly before washing the machine. Use unleaded gasoline with minimum 86 octane rating. Never use gasoline mixed with two-cycle oil.
CONTROLS Before you start Read this entire manual and understand and follow all instructions and warnings before operating the machine. Operator Tips • • • • • • To engage reverse gear you may need to rock the machine back and forth while pulling the shift lever. Stop before shifting gears. Cut going down hill slopes not across or up slope. End cuts by pushing the blade engagement lever down while still holding the throttle to cut the end of the sod strip as the blade rises.
CONTROLS • Make sure that the work area and blades in particular are free from metallic objects such as wire, nails, etc. that could be thrown out and injure persons in the vicinity and damage the equipment. • Make sure that everyone, including children and animals, are not in the sod cutting area. Debris can be thrown out and injure people and animals. 8011-192chg Using your sod cutter • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 26 Be sure engine oil is at engine manufacturer’s recommended level.
OPERATION Starting the engine Check that all daily maintenance as described in the maintenance schedule has been performed. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the tank. Fuel valve Open the fuel valve. Place the lever all the way to the right. FUEL VALVE 8011-182 Choke control When starting the engine warm, the lever should be in the right position; see the illustration. When starting the engine cold or partially warm, place the lever completely or partly to the left.
OPERATION Starter handle Misuse of the starter handle can damage the starter. DO NOT twist the starter cord around your hand. Pull out the handle slowly until the gears mesh. Then give a sharp pull on the starter handle. DO NOT pull out the starter cord completely and DO NOT let go of the starter handle when extended. Allow starter cord to return gently while holding the starter handle. 8011-127 Throttle Once the engine has started, increase the engine speed with the throttle handle on the handle bars.
OPERATION Operating on hills WARNING! DO NOT operate on hills exceeding 25% grade to prevent machine from rolling over. • • Operate the machine cutting down rather than across hills. You will achieve even cutting depth, and enhance stability. Avoid hill side turns. Back up hills in reverse gear, then cut, going down. Transport • • • • Push the blade engagement lever down to raise the blade. Select the desired gear (low gear or reverse). Pull the throttle while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebar.
MAINTENANCE Maintenance schedule The following is a list of maintenance procedures that MUST be performed on the machine. For those points not described in this manual, visit an authorized service workshop.
MAINTENANCE Replacing the air filter If the engine seems weak, produces black smoke or runs unevenly, the air filter may be clogged. For this reason, it is important to clean and replace the air filter regularly (see the maintenance schedule for the proper service interval). WARNING! WARNING! No adjustments, service or maintenance to be carried out unless: -the engine is stopped, -the ignition cable is removed from the spark plug -the blades are disegaged.
MAINTENANCE Cleaning the sludge reservoir 1. Close the fuel valve. FUEL VALVE 8011-186 2. Unscrew the sludge reservoir (2). Make sure not to misplace the o-ring (1). 3. Clean the reservoir and the o-ring using a cleaning solvent and dry carefully. 4. Put the o-ring in place in its track and replace the sludge reservoir. Tighten it moderately to avoid damaging the threads. 5. Turn the fuel valve to ON and check for leaks. If it leaks, replace the o-ring.
MAINTENANCE Ignition system The engine is equipped with an electronic ignition system. Only the spark plug requires maintenance. For recommended spark plug, see “Technical data”. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Fitting the wrong spark plug type can damage the engine. 1. Remove the ignition cable boot and clean around the spark plug. 2. Remove the spark plug with a 13/16” (21 mm) spark plug socket wrench. 8011-027 3. Check the spark plug.
MAINTENANCE Adjusting the drive belt Adjust weekly. WARNING! Prevent the engine from being started by removing the ignition cable from the spark plug. Checking the Blades In order to attain the best sod cutting, it is important that the blades are well sharpened and not damaged. WARNING! Blades are sharp. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blades with a heavy cloth when handling. Bent or cracked blades or blades with large nicks should be replaced. Check the blade mounts.
MAINTENANCE Blade replacement: WARNING! Blades are sharp. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blades with a heavy cloth when handling. Remove six (6) bolts securing blade to side arms. Install new blade using new hardware provided. Torque hardware to 31 ft/lbs (42 N.m). Belt replacement: • • • Remove top cover. Walk belt off top pulley. Remove and replace belt. Adjust Chain Tension Adjust weekly.
LUBRICATION 1. Oil and adjust chains - weekly 2. Check belt tension - weekly 3. Check blade, especially sides - weekly 4. Pivot points, clean and oil - monthly 5. Check engine RPM (should be 3000 RPM) 6.
LUBRICATION 1. Engine oil The engine should be warm (but not hot) when changing the oil. Warm oil flows out faster and leaves a smaller quantity of old oil inside the engine. 1. Place a suitable vessel underneath the oil drainage screw. Remove the oil dipstick and the oil drainage screw (5) on left side of the engine. WARNING! Engine oil can be very hot if it is drained directly after stopping the machine. Allow the engine to cool somewhat.
TORQUE CHART HEX HEAD CAP SCREWS The torque values shown should be used as a general guideline when specific torque values are not given. U.S. Standard Hardware Shank Size (Diameter in inches, fine or coarse thread) Grade SAE grade 5 SAE grade 8 Flangelock Screw w/ Flangelock Nut ft./lbs Nm ft./lbs Nm ft.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Before servicing unit, engine MUST be off. PROBLEM ANSWER/COMMENT Transmission shaft broke 1. Ensure debris is not caught in the Transmission Chain or wrapped around the transmission output shaft. 2. Ensure the unit has a Skid Pan installed. 3. Contact your servicing dealer. Drive wheels won’t engage 1. 2. 3. 4. Ensure the Drive Chain is on all sprockets. Ensure the Transmission Chain is on all sprockets. Ensure the Chain Idler Spring is attached.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Before servicing unit, engine MUST be off. PROBLEM Blade Replacement ANSWER/COMMENT 1. Replace when worn to 1 1/2” from the cutting edge to the back edge. 2. Sharpen blade from top only. Maintain a flat lower surface. 3. Sharpen sides of blades from outside only. Blade doesn’t move or stops cutting 1. If the operator tries to cut deeper than 2 1/2”, pivoting the machine back on its rear wheels while cutting can cause machine to cut too deeply. 2. Make sure the blade is sharp. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Before servicing unit, engine MUST be off. PROBLEM ANSWER/COMMENT Belt glazed or slipping 1. Limit maximum depth of cut to 2 1/2”. 2. If the Blade Lift Springs are worn they will allow the blade to cut too deeply, which causes the belt to slip. Replace if necessary. 3. Be sure the maximum RPM is not over 3000. 4. Be sure the correct BlueBird belt is being used. If not, replace with a BlueBird belt. 5. Check to see if the Tension Cable is out of the pulley.
STORAGE Winter storage To ready the machine for storage, follow these steps: 1. Clean the machine carefully, particularly the chassis and working equipment. Touch up damage to the paint to prevent rust. At the end of the season, the machine should be readied for storage (or if it will not be in use for longer than 30 days). Fuel allowed to stand for long periods of time (30 days or more) can leave sticky residues that can plug the carburetor and disrupt 2.
TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATIONS: Model SC550A Engine Honda, 4 stroke Cylinder volume 163 cm3 (9.9 cu-in) Power 5.5 hp (3.8 kW) at 2900 RPM Torque (Max) 10.8 N.m at 2500 RPM Idling speed 1250 - 1600 RPM Spark plug BPR6ES (NGK) W20EPR-U (DENSO) Fuel tank volume 0.95 gal. (3.6 L) Tires Semi-pneumatic, 2.75 x 10 x 1 Drive Direct Belt BlueBird #3106 (539003106) Clutch Centrifugal Cutting depth (max) 2.5” Cutting Width 18” Length 60” Width 24” Height 36” Weight 320 lbs.
SERVICE JOURNAL Action Date, stamp, signature Delivery service 1. Break the packaging and make sure the machine has not been damaged in transport. 2. Where applicable, assembly accompanying components. 3. Check that the machine design corresponds to the customer order. 4. Check that the right amount of oil is in the engine and transmission. 5. Check that the working equipment is properly set. 6. Check that the drive pulleys and sprockets are aligned. 7.
SERVICE JOURNAL Action Date, stamp, signature 45
SERVICE JOURNAL Action 46 Date, stamp, signature
P.O.
