BlueBird SC550A_968999351 - Manual (Page 25)

25
CONTROLS
Before you start
• Review all of the machine’s safety decals.
• Use personal safety equipment. (See
“Protective Equipment” section.)
• Make sure that you are familiar with safety
regulations and shutdown procedures
described previously in the operator’s manual.
• Make sure that all guards are in place and in
good condition.
• Make sure that the blades are in place and in
good condition.
8011-193
• 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.
• Soil conditions will effect cutting depth.
Readjusting the blade depth may be required
as you move from hard soil to soft or moist
soil conditions.
• Do not attempt sharp turns while cutting.
It is usually not necessary to water before cut-
ting. In extreme conditions, such as clay soil that
is very compacted, a simple test as follows will
determine if you need to water before cutting.
Use a garden hand spade, weed tool, or even a
large screwdriver to test the ground’s hardness.
You should be able to push the tool into the
ground 2 to 3 inches with little effort.
If you are unable to do so, then watering may be
advisable. Watering the day before should give
sufficient time for the soil to absorb the moisture.
Use your hand tool to gauge the effectiveness of
your watering. Allow the grass to dry before
cutting to provide adequate traction for sod
cutting.
Operator Tips
Read this entire manual and understand and
follow all instructions and warnings before oper-
ating the machine.
8011-027
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2
3
4
5
1. Ear protection
2. Protective glasses
3. Protective gloves
4. First aid kit
5. Protective boots or steel-toed shoes