BlueBird SC18 - Manual (Page 6)

6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATOR’S TIPS
• To engage reverse gear you may have to push the machine back and forth while pulling the shift
lever.
• Stop before shifting gears.
• Cut going down hill on unlevel ground.
• End cuts by pushing the blade engagement lever forward 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.
• Should I water before cutting?
It is usually not necessary to water before cutting. 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.
OPERATING ON HILLS
WARNING - DO NOT operate on hills exceeding 35% grade to prevent machine from rolling
over.
Please be aware that when operating on hills, you may experience:
• The need to exert greater effort to steer and maintain the balance of the machine.
• Uneven cutting depth, when operating across a hill. The shifted center of gravity may cause the
downhill side of the blade to penetrate to the maximum depth, while the uphill side may not.
With these factors in mind, you may find it more effective to:
• 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.
BEFORE YOU START
• Read and understand this manual.
• Be sure engine oil is at engine manufacturer’s recommended level. (Refer to engine
manufacturer’s manual.)
• Put the sod cutter into neutral before starting.
• Place blade in transport position before starting.
TRANSPORTING
• Push the blade engagement lever forward to raise the blade.
• Select the desired gear (slow-fast-reverse).
• Pull the throttle while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebar.
• To make turns, push down on the handlebar to do “a wheelie,” then turn.
• Load into truck or trailer by driving up ramps in low gear. DO NOT LIFT! This 330lb machine is not
intended to be lifted by hand.