INTRODUCTION Congratulations Thank you for purchasing a BlueBird lawn care product. Through your confi dence 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.
Location of decals BlueBird logo Warning for carbon monoxide Model designation PR18 Open/Close (Seedbox) Model designation PR22 10. Caution graphics Height setting 11. Warning for bagger Seeder Dial 12. Handle folding instructions DANGER watch your feet 13. BlueBird logo Seed application chart...
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SYMBOLS AND DECALS Instructions Decal 8 Decal 7 Seed application chart Warning Values are approximate; quantities of seed depend on Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and certain the speed at which the machine is run. Faster running vehicle components contain or emit chemicals speed results in sparser sowing.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS General use The object of this manual is to help you use your BlueBird machine more safely and to give you information about how to maintain your machine. Please read the manual carefully before attempting to WARNING! use the machine.
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fi t for optimal durability and lifespan. From a safety WARNING! point of view, you should only use BlueBird original The engine can become very hot. To spare parts. avoid being burned, you must turn off •...
• Find and locate all fi xed objects in the ground, equipment recommended by BlueBird. 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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Running • 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.
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. • Collapse the handle if the machine is equipped with a collapsible handle.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Fuel system WARNING! Gasoline and gasoline fumes are poisonous and extremely fl ammable. Be especially careful when handling gasoline, as carelessness can result in personal injury or fi re. • Only store fuel in containers approved for that purpose.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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. •...
The machine is equipped with a 6 hp Subaru four- cycle engine. DT03-1 The 22" dethathcher can be equipped with a catcher. It is available as an accessory at your BlueBird dealer. It can be mounted after purchase. DT02-1 Alternatively, 22" dethatcher can be equipped with a seeder.
CONTROLS Main components and operating instruments DT04-1 Handle Engine 6. Shaft Guard Depth lever 7. Belt shield Knob for collapsible handle Clutch bail...
CONTROLS Engine Refer to your engine manual. Fueling Read the safety instructions before fueling. Keep the fuel and fuel tank clean. Avoid fi lling the machine with dirty fuel. Make sure the fuel cap is properly tightened and the gasket is not damaged, particularly before washing the machine.
CONTROLS Blade versatility Flail blade Thatch is the dense layer of clippings, roots and stems that forms between the soil and the base of the grass. As thatch builds up, it prevents water, air and fertilizer from being absorbed into the soil. This causes shallow root development leading to vulnerability to drought and frost.
OPERATION Before you start IMPORTANT INFORMATION • Mow the lawn ½" shorter than normal. Clear the lawn of any debris. • Allow the lawn to dry. Wet conditions can cause Clearly mark rocks and other fi xed extensive damage to healthy grass. objects.
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. Daily Maintenance interval months/hours before Maintenance starting 1/25 3/50 6/100 12/300 Check the engine oil level...
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MAINTENANCE Cutting unit Checking the drive belt Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug cable. Remove the belt guard (see illustration) on the left side of the machine. Check that the belt is running in the proper track; the pulleys should guide the belt in a straight line.
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MAINTENANCE Wear/Rotation/Replacing fl ail blades After you have used your dethatcher for some time, the blades will begin to wear on the striking edge. When this happens, their dethatching performance will diminish. A new combing edge may be obtained by PR22>3.5"...
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MAINTENANCE Replacing worn fl ail blades Allow the engine to cool. Disconnect the spark plug. Tip the machine forward; see the section ”Two minute rule”. IMPORTANT INFORMATION When tipping the machine forward observe the ”Two minute rule”. 8011-027 Remove and dispose of the spring clips (1) (locking washer type) that hold the blade shaft (2) in place (see the illustration).
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MAINTENANCE Wear/Replacing delta blades the two screws with nuts holding the blade in place. Over time and due to wear, the blades will diminish in length. Once the blades have worn down by about ¾" Turn the new blade until it is properly aligned; see (19 mm), the overall length of the blade at the longest illustration.
MAINTENANCE Two minute rule The machine may be tipped forward to facilitate access for cleaning or service, but no longer than 2 minutes. If the machine is held in this position for too long, the engine can be damaged by gasoline draining into the crankcase.
LUBRICATION Lubrication schedule Check engine oil daily, change every six months or 100 hours. Check and lubricate wheel bearings once a month. Lubricate folding handle points once a week. Lubricate main shaft bearings once a week or every 40 hours. DT04-1 General Stop the engine and remove the ignition cable before attempting to lubricate the machine.
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LUBRICATION 1. Blades Cover the blades with a thin coat of oil to avoid rust. This is particularly important prior to winter storage or if the machine will not be used for a period of longer than 30 days. 2. Handle Lubricate the joints at both sides of the handle with an oil can.
TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Cause Action The engine will not start • User error Fuel valve closed. Open the fuel valve. Choke valve open. Close the choke with cold engine. Engine switch in OFF position. Turn the engine switch to ON. • Fuel system Fuel tank empty.
Service When ordering spare parts, please specify the purchase year, model, type, and serial number. Always use genuine BlueBird spare parts. An annual check-up at an authorized service workshop is a good way to ensure that your machine performs its 8011-131 best the following season.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Assembly – delivery service Rotate the handle and tighten it in place. Fill the engine with the manufacturer-recommended oil. See engine manual. Test the clutch. Make sure that the clutch expansion spring disengages ¼" (6.35 mm) easily. The engine RPM is preset by the manufacturer. Idle speed is 1250–1400 RPM. Maximum engine speed is 3600 RPM.
SERVICE JOURNAL Date, stamp, signature Action Delivery service Break the packaging and make sure the machine has not been damaged in transport. Where applicable, assembly accompanying components. Check that the machine design corresponds to the customer order. Check that the right amount of oil is in the engine and transmission.
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