Operator Manual Aerator H424 / 968999392 H742 / 968999394 Models H530A / 968999393 S530B / 968999683 Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine.
WARNING Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. ©2009 HTC. All rights reserved. Beatrice, NE. Printed in U.S.A.
Contents INTRODUCTION.......................................................4 Use......................................................................4 Good Service......................................................4 Serial Number.....................................................4 SYMBOLS AND DECALS..........................................5 SAFETY.....................................................................7 General Information............................................7 Safety Procedures..
INTRODUCTION Congratulations Insure Your Machine Thank you for purchasing a BlueBird lawn care product. 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 lifespan of your machine and even increase its resale value.
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 of personal injury, particularly if the reader should neglect to follow instructions given in the manual. Decals Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk of material damage, particularly if the reader should neglect to follow instructions given in the manual. Used also when there is a potential for misuse or misassembly.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS 7 3 1 4 5 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 6 - BLUEBIRD DANGER watch your feet Warning for carbon monoxide Chain tension Safety warnings 5. Barbells 6. Removable wheel 7.
SAFETY General Information Safety Procedures This manual will assist you in the safe operation and proper maintenance of your BlueBird equipment. Read it thoroughly before attempting to operate the machine. Call your dealer or BlueBird if additional information is required. This equipment should not be modified without the manufacturer’s prior written authorization.
SAFETY General Use 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. These safety instructions only address the basics for safe use.
SAFETY • • • • • • • • 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 well-lit conditions. Keep the machine a safe distance from holes or other irregularities in the ground. Pay attention to other possible risks. Only allow the machine to be used by adults who are familiar with its use. Never allow children or persons not trained in the use of the machine to use it.
SAFETY Operating • • • • • • • • • • • Do not use the machine on grades of more than 20°. We recommend working across slopes rather than up and down. This will yield a more even result. Do not leave the machine standing on a slope unattended. 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 co-ordination. Never use the machine indoors or in spaces lacking proper ventilation.
SAFETY 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. Collapse the handle if the machine is equipped with a collapsible handle. Be careful and use safe lifting and moving techniques when loading/unloading the machine. We recommend having two people to lift the machine.
SAFETY Fuel System WARNING! Gasoline and gasoline fumes are poisonous and extremely flammable. Be especially careful when handling gasoline, as carelessness can result in personal injury or fire. • • • • • • • • Only store fuel in containers approved for that purpose. Never remove the fuel cap and fill the fuel tank when the engine is running. Always stop the engine when refueling. Do not smoke when filling the gasoline tank and do not pour gasoline in the vicinity of sparks or open flame.
SAFETY Maintenance • • • • • • • • • • • • • Never make adjustments with the engine running. 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 all components in serviceable condition and make sure all nuts, bolts, etc. are tight. Replace worn or damaged decals. Be careful when checking work tools.
ASSEMBLY CAUTION! Use protective glasses when removing unit from crate. Models 424 and 530 Handles 1. The aerator is shipped with the handle folded. Rotate handle into upright position and lock, using the cam lock lever or link lock (dependent on model). 8060-001 Locking cam for handle 8060-001 Locking link for handle 2. Cam Lock - Connect the top of control rod to rear wheel control handle with the fasteners located on the rear wheel control handle, using the back holes.
ASSEMBLY Model 742 Handle 3. The aerator is shipped with the handle detached. Mount the handle using two ½" wrenches. a. Slide handle onto handle mounting brackets. b. Insert and tighten fasteners, which are located on handle mounting brackets. 8060-033 Attaching non-folding handle 4. Connect top of control rod to rear wheel control handle with fasteners located on rear wheel control handle using the upper hole on the control rod. 8060-033 Connect upper control rod 5.
ASSEMBLY Clutch and Throttle Cables 6. Run the clutch cable through the guide hole in the handle bracket support bar located at the rear of the deck. 7. Attach the end of the cable to the S hook located on the belt ider pulley. CAUTION! Be certain that the clutch cable is properly routed. 8. 742 Honda Engines Only - The throttle cable has been installed by the factory, however the throttle spring needs to be connected to throttle/clutch control lever.
OPERATION Aeration Tips Watering Before Aerating The best aerating condition is soft, moist ground. If unsure of the ground conditions, as in soil with high clay content, test to determine whether it is necessary to water before aerating. Push a garden hand spade or large screw driver into ground. The tool should drive in 2-3 inches with little effort. If unable to do so, watering the lawn a day before aerating is necessary.
operation Rear Wheel Adjustment The rear wheel depth/stability control knob allows adjustment for better stability and maneuverability when the knob is turned in a clockwise rotation Adjustments for depth are made by turning the knob counterclockwise. This adjustment determines the length of the cores pulled by: • Adjusting the rear wheels to a desired level to control the penetration of the tines to within a fraction of an inch.
operation Operating On Slopes This unit is not designed to be used on steep slopes. Be aware that when operating on slopes the tilt of the aerator will cause the machine’s center of gravity to shift to the downhill side of the machine. Under these circumstances you may experience: • the need to exert a greater effort to steer and maintain the balance of the machine. • uneven tine penetration, when operating across a slope.
operation Aerating 1. Start engine and adjust throttle setting to provide comfortable walking speed and maintain control of the equipment at all times. 2. Adjust depth control knob to desired depth. Coring depth decreases by turning the knob clockwise. NOTE: raising rear wheels all the way up to obtain maximum coring depth reduces the unit’s stability but increases length of core. 8060-008 Adjust depth control knob 3.
operation Transporting Model 424 The BlueBird 424 Aerator has three convenient features to assist in transporting the unit in a pickup truck, van and even in some car trunks—removable weights, a folding handle and convenient lifting handles on the sides of the machine. The features are provided for optional use and can be of great benefit when required. CAUTION! DO NOT lift aerator with weights installed. 8011-062-1 Removable Weights • Unlatch weight locks.
mAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Cleaning Two Minute Rule Regular cleaning, washing and lubricating will prolong the service of the machine. NOTE: Use care with power washers to avoid damage to warning decals, operator instruction labels, bearings, chains and engine. Limit direct spray on these items. DO NOT EXCEED 1000 PSI WATER PRESSURE FOR CLEANING Aerators may be tipped on the engine guard for cleaning and access for no more than 2 minutes.
mAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Drive Train Engine - removal and replacement 1. Remove weights for access. 2. Remove drive guard. 3. Remove V-Belt. 4. Remove engine bolts. 5. Lift engine from unit. NOTE: Model 742 aerators equipped with optional Honda engines have two (2) pairs of shim plates under the engine. 6. Remove and retain V‑pulley and key. 7. Replacement procedure opposite of removal. 8. Adjust drive belt and align V‑pulley, see following section. Drive Belt Replacement and Adjustment 1.
mAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Clutch Cable Removal and Replacement 1. Turn off engine and remove old clutch cable. 2. Route new cable through the hole at the rear of housing. 3. Attach clutch cable to the bracket on the spring on the idler assembly, then connect opposite end of cable to the S hook. 4. Adjust cable to obtain ¾" to 1¼" extension of the clutch spring when clutch is engaged. 8060-002 Route clutch cable through guides Throttle Cable Removal and Replacement 1.
mAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Throttle Cable Model 742 (Honda Engine Only) Adjustment 1. Start engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. 2. Adjust the throttle cable at the adjuster bracket by turning the adjuster nut. Tightening will increase engine speed, loosening will reduce engine speed. NOTE: A properly adjusted throttle will slightly increase engine speed as the clutch engages. • • As the cable length increases between the cable screw and adjuster nut the engine speed decreases.
mAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Chain Removal and Replacement 1. Turn off engine. 2. Remove the drive guard. 3. Loosen chain idler adjustment bolt and lock nut. 4. Remove master link and remove chain. 5. Inspect and align sprockets. Check set screws. (Double set screws for wheel and rotor sprocket.) 6. Install new chain from top (drive sprocket side) as illustrated. NOTE: Chain is most easily connected just behind the front drive wheel sprocket. 7.
mAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Tines Tine Wear After the BlueBird Aerator has been used for sometime, the tines will wear. When this happens aerating performance diminishes. Inspect tines using the drawing, replace when at minimum length or before. (Tines are 5" when new.) Tine Replacement 1. Turn off engine and remove weights. 2. Fold handle on the 424 and 530 Models. 3. Place on workbench (Model 424 only) and chock wheels. Note direction of tine bolt.
Maintenance and Service Free‑Wheeling Tine Assembly Removal and Replacement Complete steps 1 through 12 in previous section, then proceed with the following: 1. After the bearing is off the rotor, unlock the inner bearing that secures the tine assembly. 2. Remove outer free‑wheeling tine assembly. 3. Place the new rotor assembly beside the old assembly to have a pattern to follow indicating the correct direction for the new tine installation.
Maintenance and Service Wheels Turn off engine and empty all fuel from the fuel tank Remove weights and drive guard. Loosen the lock nut on adjustment screw to loosen the chain. Remove master link and chain. Tip the front end up to let the aerator rest on its handle. The front wheel will be approximately one foot off the ground. 1. Remove the four wheel shaft bearing bolts (4 on the 424 and 530 and 6 on the 742). IMPORTANT INFORMATION Excessive adjustment of the lock nut will damage the cam rod.
Maintenance and Service Rear Wheels Removal and Replacement Models 424 and 530 1. Make sure unit is on level ground and engine is turned off. 2. Lower the rear wheel control handle to let the aerator rest on the tines. 3. Turn the rear wheel depth/stability control knob to adjust the rear wheels for minimum depth clockwise (more stability). 4. Remove the axle nut. Pull the axle bolt, then the wheel from the wheel carriage. 5.
TECHNICAL DATA Power Unit H424 Engine Manufacturer Honda Type GX120K1HX2 Power 4 hp* / 2.98kW Clutch Belt Tensioner Primary Drive V-Belt Secondary Drive Permalube Chain Gear Reduction 6:1 Wheels Bearings Front - ¾" (1.9 cm) sealed ball bearings with stamping kit Rear - ¾" (1.9 cm) roller bearing Rear Tires 8" x 2" (20 cm x 5 cm) solid rubber Front Tire 10" x 6" (25 cm x 15 cm) semi-pneumatic Aeration Tines ¾" (1.9 cm) open spoon tine, 24 per unit Aeration Width 17½" (44.
TECHNICAL DATA Power Unit H530A Engine Manufacturer Honda Type GX120K1HX2 Power 4 hp* / 2.98kW Clutch Belt Tensioner Primary Drive V-Belt Secondary Drive Permalube Chain Gear Reduction 6:1 Wheels Bearings Front - ¾" (1.9 cm) sealed ball bearings with stamping kit Rear - ¾" (1.9 cm) roller bearing Rear Tires 8" x 2" (20 cm x 5 cm) solid rubber Front Tire 10" x 6" (25 cm x 15 cm) semi-pneumatic Aeration Tines ¾" (1.9 cm) open spoon tine, 30 per unit Aeration Width 19" (48.
TECHNICAL DATA Power Unit S530B Engine Manufacturer Subaru Type EH12-2 Power 4 hp* / 2.98kW Clutch Belt Tensioner Primary Drive V-Belt Secondary Drive Permalube Chain Gear Reduction 6:1 Wheels Bearings Front - ¾" (1.9 cm) sealed ball bearings with stamping kit Rear - ¾" (1.9 cm) roller bearing Rear Tires 8" x 2" (20 cm x 5 cm) solid rubber Front Tire 10" x 6" (25 cm x 15 cm) semi-pneumatic Aeration Tines ¾" (1.9 cm) open spoon tine, 30 per unit Aeration Width 19" (48.
TECHNICAL DATA Power Unit H742 Engine Manufacturer Honda Type GX120K1HX2 Power 4 hp* / 2.98kW Clutch Belt Tensioner Primary Drive V-Belt Secondary Drive Permalube Chain Gear Reduction 6:1 Wheels Bearings Front - ¾" (1.9 cm) sealed ball bearings with stamping kit Rear - ¾" (1.9 cm) roller bearing Rear Tires 8" x 2" (20 cm x 5 cm) solid rubber Front Tire 10" x 6" (25 cm x 15 cm) semi-pneumatic Aeration Tines ¾" (1.9 cm) open spoon tine, 42 per unit Aeration Width 25.5" (64.
TECHNICAL DATA Torque Specifications 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 ft./lbs Nm ft./lbs Nm ¼ 9 12 13 18 ft.
P/N 115 131127R1 10/2009
