BlueBird SC550A-968999351 User Manual
Operator ’s Manual
MANUAL NO. 5391 13456 REV. IR (01/16/06)
Model:
SC550A/968999351
©2006 BlueBird International.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed Beatrice, Nebraska
2
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 ................................... 6
Safety instructions..................................... 7
General use ...........................................7
Preparation ............................................9
Operation............................................... 11
Movement/Transport..............................13
Storage ..................................................13
Children ................................................. 13
Fuel System .......................................... 14
Maintenance .......................................... 15
Customer Responsibility .......................16
Protective Equipment ............................... 17
Personal Equipment ..............................17
Set-Up ......................................................... 18
Equipment set-up .................................. 18
Controls ...................................................... 20
Presentation .......................................... 20
Main Components and
Operating Instructions ........................... 20
Engine ................................................... 21
Cutting Unit ............................................21
Operation....................................................27
Starting the Engine................................. 27
Operating on Hills .................................. 29
Transport ...............................................29
Maintenance............................................... 30
Maintenance Schedule ...........................30
Replacing the Air Filter............................ 31
Cleaning the Sludge Reservoir............... 32
Ignition System....................................... 33
Adjusting the Drive Belt .......................... 34
Blade Wear ............................................ 34
Blade Replacement................................ 35
Chain T ension Adjust ..............................35
Chain Replacement................................ 35
Two Minute Rule..................................... 35
Cleaning & Washing...............................35
Lubrication ................................................. 36
Lubrication Schedule.............................. 36
Lubricating the Chains............................ 38
Torque Chart .............................................. 38
Troubleshooting ........................................ 39
Storage ....................................................... 42
Winter Storage ....................................... 42
Service ................................................... 42
Technical Data ............................................ 43
Service Journal .......................................... 44
Delivery Service ..................................... 44
After the First 20 Hours .......................... 44
3
WARNING!
Fail ure to follow caut ious o peratin g pract ic es can result in serio us inju ry to the
operator or other pers on s. The owner must understand these instructions, and must
allow only trained persons who understand these instructions to operate the mower.
Each person operat ing the mow er mu st be of sound mind and body and must not be
under the influence of any mind al terin g substance.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust , some of its consti tuents , and certai n veh icle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of Californi a to cause ca n ce r and bi r th def ects
or other repr oductive h arm.
4
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.
If you sell your BlueBird machine, make sure to give the operator’s manual to the new owner.
Use
The sod cutter is used to remove the top layer of sod in a 18” wide strip.
Insure your machine
Contact your insurance company to check on insurance coverage for your new machine. You
should have all-inclusive insurance for liability , fire, damage and theft.
Good service
BlueBird’s products are sold all over the world and only in specialized retail trade with complete
service. This ensures that you as a customer receive only the best support and service. Before the
machine was delivered it underwent inspection and was adjusted by your dealer. When you need
spare parts or support in service questions, guarantee issues, etc., please consult the following
professional:
This Operator’s Manual belongs to machine with
serial number:
Engine number:
Serial number
The serial number can be found on the printed plate attached to the frame on the back panel under
shifter bracket. The plate includes the following information:
• The machine’s type designation (MODEL).
• The machine’s serial number (S/N).
Please state the type designation and serial number when ordering spare parts.
The engine’s serial number is punched in the crankcase under the oil level guard.
The engine type is specified on the crankcase to the right of the oil level guard but also appears on
the decal on the starter .
Please state these when ordering spare engine parts.
5
SYMBOLS AND DECALS
WARNING!
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
IMPORT ANT INFORMA TION
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk
of personal injury, p articularly if the reader DOES
NOT follow the instructions given in the manual.
Decals and machine-bound instructions
6
7
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk
of material damage.
5
3
8
4
2
Decals that are missing or illegible should be replaced before using the machine.
1. BlueBird logo
2. BlueBird logo
3. Severing Foot Warning
4. Exhaust warnings
5. Maxium RPM
6. Depth of cut
7. Shift decal
8. Operation
1
6
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.
WARNING!
This symbol means that important safety
instructions need to be emphasized. It
concerns your safety.
These safety instructions only address the basics
for safe use. It would be impossible in the safety
instructions to describe all possible risk situations
that could arise when using the machine. Y ou can,
however, prevent accidents by always using
common sense.
To obtain extra copies of the operator’s manual,
please contact your dealer .
Read the operating and service instruction manual
carefully . Be throroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment. Know how
to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly .
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not use the machine until you have
read the operator’s manual carefully and
understand and follow the instructions
given. Failure to follow these safety
instructions could result in serious injury
or death. All maintenance work or
adjustments not described in this manual
must be performed by an authorized
BlueBird service workshop.
The object of this manual is to help you use your
BlueBird machine safely and to give you information
about how to maintain your machine. Please read
the manual carefully before attempting to use the
machine.
If after reading the operator’s manual you are still
unsure about the safety risks associated with use
of the machine, you should not use the machine.
Please contact your dealer for more information.
WARNING!
Under no circumstances may the original
design of the machine be modified
without written approval from the
manufacturer. Such modifications not
only affect the performance and
durability of the machine but may even
pose a safety risk for users and those in
the vicinity. Unauthorized modifications
to the design of the machine may
absolve the manufacturer from liability
for any resulting personal injury or
property damage. Modifying the machine
without written approval from the
manufacturer will void the warranty.
7
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.
• BlueBird original spare parts are designed and
specified to maintain high quality and correct fit
for optimal durability and life-span. From a
safety point of view, you should only use
BlueBird original spare parts.
• Only use the machine for removing sod. It is
not intended for any other use.
WARNING!
The engine can become very hot. To
avoid being burned, you must turn off the
engine and wait until all parts have
cooled before touching the engine.
WARNING!
Overexposure to vibration may lead to
circulatory or nerve damage, particularly
in people who have impaired circulation.
Contact your doctor if you experience
symptoms that could have been caused
by overexposure to vibration. Examples
of common symptoms include numbness,
pain, muscle weakness, change of skin
color or an uncomfortable feeling of
tingling. These symptoms appear most
frequently in the fingers, hands or wrists.
• Check that the machine is in serviceable
condition prior to use; see the chapter
”Maintenance/Maintenance schedule”.
• Only use the machine in daylight or in other welllit conditions. Keep the machine a safe distance
from holes or other irregularities in the ground.
Pay attention to other possible risks.
• People and animals can distract you, causing
you to lose control of the machine. For this
reason, you should always concentrate and
focus on the task at hand.
• Never leave the machine unsupervised with the
engine running.
• The machine is tested and approved only with
the equipment originally provided or
recommended by the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Never use a sod cutter that is damaged
or incorrectly adjusted. Never use the sod
cutter if any component is missing or if it
is not properly assembled. If you find
yourself in a situation where you are not
sure what to do, always seek expert
assistance. DO NOT try to resolve any
problem you are not qualified to repair.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
considered to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive system
damage. The engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, which is a odorless,
colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use
the machine in enclosed spaces.
8
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.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all foreign
objects.
• Find and locate all fixed objects in the ground,
such as sprinkler systems, poles, water valves,
bases for washing lines, etc. Be certain to
check for hidden electrical cables or similar in
the surface of the lawn. Always run the machine
around these objects. Never intentionally run
the machine over foreign objects.
• Check that the throttle grip and all guards are
fitted and functioning. DO NOT use the machine
if it is not working properly .
• Makes sure no clothing, long hair or jewelry can
catch in moving machine parts.
8011-198
Clear the work area before beginning work.
• Check that all safety decals are in place.
• Do not operate the equipment without wearing
adequate outer garments. Wear protective
footwear that will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while
the engine (motor) is running (except where
specifically recommended by the
manufacturer).
• Shift into neutral before starting the engine
(motor).
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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.
• Make sure that you have first aid equipment
close at hand when using the machine.
• Never use the machine when barefoot. Always
wear protective shoes or boots, preferably with
steel toecaps.
• Always wear approved protective glasses or
full visor when assembling or cutting sod.
• Always wear gloves when handling the blades.
• Never wear loose clothing that can get caught
in moving parts.
• Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
8011-670
Use appropriate equipment.
1. Ear protection
2. Protective glasses
3. Protective gloves
4. First aid kit
5. Protective boots or steel-toed shoes
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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.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under moving
or rotating parts.
• Smoking, open flames or sparks in the vicinity
of the machine are strictly forbidden. Gasoline
is extremely flammable and carelessness in
handling can result in personal injury or fire.
• Never refuel the machine in a building or
enclosed trailer.
• Never use a machine with a defective muffler.
• This machine was designed for sod cutting only .
It is not intended for any other use.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(motor), remove the wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage,
and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the machine.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on
or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay
alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
8011-091
Make sure you keep your hands and feet away from moving
parts.
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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.
• T ake all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended. Disengage the power
take-off, raise the attachment, shift into neutral,
stop the engine.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspection, shut
off the engine and make certain all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
and keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting.
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes
can collect.
• Never operate the machine without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices in place.
• Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully
according to instructions and with feet well
away from the cutting blade.
• Do not operate the sod cutter while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep all bystanders (including children) and
pets out of the sod cutting area. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw
them.
• Keep children in the watchful care of a
responsible adult other than the operator .
• Do not overload the machine capacity by
attempting to cut too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
• Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the manufacturer of the machine
(such as wheel weight, counterweights, and
the like).
• Never operate the sod cutter without good
visibility or light.
• Be careful when cutting in hard ground. If you
loose control, let go of the handles and do not
restrain the machine.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
the machine towards you.
• Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine.
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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. Always check that you are in
compliance with applicable traffic regulations
before transporting the machine.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for
safe loading, unloading, transport, and storage
of machine.
Storage
• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel
tank inside a building where ignition sources
are present, such as hot water and space
heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Store the machine with the fuel valve closed.
• Store the machine in a locked space away from
children and adults untrained in use of the
machine.
• Always refer to the operator’s manual for
important details if the sod cutter is to be stored
for an extended period.
Children
Serious accidents can occur if you fail to be on
guard for children in the vicinity of the machine.
Never assume that children will stay put where you
last saw them.
• Keep children away from the machine.
• Keep children away from the sod cutting area
and under close supervision by another adult.
• Keep an eye out and shut off the machine if
children enter the work area.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Be particularly careful near corners, bushes,
trees or other objects that block your view .
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Fuel system
W ARNING!
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. Allow engine to cool at least
two (2) minutes before refueling.
• Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
• If leaks arise in the fuel system, the
engine must not be started until the
problem has been resolved.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot
light such as on a water heater or other
appliances.
• Before you begin refueling, minimize the
risk of static electricity by touching a metal
surface.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always
place containers on the ground away from
your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the
truck or tailer and refuel it on the ground. If
this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment with a portable container , rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at all
times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
1
8011-186
Close the fuel valve.
1. Fuel V alve
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately .
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
14
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.
• Disconnect the spark plug cable before
beginning repair work.
• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories
in safe working condition. Maintain or replace
safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
8011-027
Remove the spark plug cable.
WARNING!
• Blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Never allow persons not trained in the use of
the machine to perform service on it.
• Always park the machine on even ground before
performing maintenance or making
adjustments.
• Do not disassemble the engine. This can
invalidate your engine warranty. Contact your
dealer if you have any questions regarding
service or guarantee matters. Follow all
maintenance instructions.
• Do not change the setting of governors and
avoid running the engine over 3000 RPM. If you
run the engine faster than this, you risk
damaging the machine components.
• Do not modify safety equipment. Check
regularly to be sure it works properly. The
machine must not be run with defective or
unmounted protective plates, protective
cowlings, safety switches, or other portective
devices.
• The muffler is designed to maintain sound levels
at an approved level and keep direct exhaust
away from the user. Exhaust gases from the
engine are extremely hot and may contain
sparks that can cause fires or burn the user.
• Never use a machine with a defective muffler .
Wait until all moving parts are
completely still before performing
maintenance on the machine.
Turn off the engine and remove the
spark plug cable.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine
to cool before storing.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this
outdoors.
• The machine is tested and approved only with
the equipment originally provided or
recommended by the manufacturer. Only use
approved repair parts for the machine.
• Regularly clean machine and underside, avoid
spraying engine and electrical components
with water .
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