These operations are those in use at the latest revision date of the document. Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction ......................1 Bambi System Drawing ..........................2 Dump Valve Operation ..........................3 Control Head Operation ..........................4 Section 2: Deploying the Bucket ..................... 7 Attaching to the Cargo Hook ........................
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Valve Repair Criteria ..........................32 Section 8: Repairs ........................33 Control Head Repairs ..........................33 Rigging Repairs ............................40 Valve Repair and Replacement ....................... 46 Shell Repairs ............................50 Section 9: Specifications and Parts ..................57 Capacity and Weight Specifications ....................... 57 Parts ................................
SEI Industries Ltd. offers complete parts supply and repair services for the Bambi Bucket. For a repair facility in your area, please contact SEI. For maintenance and repair purposes, parts diagrams and descriptions are provided in this manual.
Section 1: Introduction Dump Valve Operation The Bambi Bucket uses a tubular fabric valve to control the flow of water exiting the bucket. The lower end of the tube has a flange which is attached to a circular opening in the bottom of the bucket.
Section 1: Introduction Control Head Operation The control head regulates the operation of the dump valve by raising and lowering the riser cable. The upper end of the riser is attached to the lower end of the tripline assembly. The upper end of the tripline is attached to the spring reel which winds the tripline onto a cable drum.
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Section 1: Introduction When the bucket is filled with water, the pressure pulls down on the valve, riser and tripline until the upper end of the bullet assembly engages the mechanical catch. The mechanical catch is locked in place by the linkage arms. To dump the valve, an electrical signal is sent to the solenoid which pulls up on the linkage arms and unlocks the catch.
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Section 1: Introduction THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
Section 2: Deploying the Bucket Section 2: Deploying the Bucket Attaching to the Cargo Hook The Bambi Bucket is rigged for a lateral cargo hook. Correct attachment is indicated when the name plate on the control head faces forward in flight. This ensures that the ballast on the Bambi will face forward in flight.
Section 2: Deploying the Bucket Connecting Power The Bambi Bucket requires a 24 VDC power source capable of supplying 5 A. There are four types of suggested wiring installations (see Section 10: Drawings): 1. Pilot control: The control is wired into the pilot’s control column through a relay. 2.
1. Determine the tail rotor length by measuring the distance from the cargo hook to the closest point on the helicopter tail rotor. 2. Determine the bucket overall length from the following chart: Model Overall Length 20’-1” BB2024 6.13 m 15’-10” BB2024S 4.82 m 22’-4”...
Section 2: Deploying the Bucket Instant Deployment System (IDS) The instant deployment system uses a hub and spoke mechanism to automatically expand the mouth of the bucket as soon as the weight of the Bambi Bucket is taken up by the suspension cables.
Section 3: Accessories Section 3: Accessories Accessories are optional. Not included with the Bucket. PowerFill Snorkel PowerFill Snorkel is a system which allows partial or complete bucket fills from a range of previously inaccessible water sources as shallow as 18” (0.46 m) including streams, ponds and low profile dip tanks.
Dispensing can be controlled directly from the controller screen or a remote switch. Reservoir Capacity Gross Weight Bucket Part # Power Model Imp Gal Liters BB2024 BB2024S BB2024L BB2226 BB2732 5 A @ BB2732B3 004339 28 VDC BB2732S BB3137...
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The Sacksafoam Heli-Case can also interface with the Bambi Bucket, allowing the bucket to be actuated using the trigger on the remote control grip. Reservoir Capacity Gross Weight Bucket Part # Power Model Imp Gal Liters BB2024 BB2024S BB2024L BB2226 BB2732 15 A @ BB2732B3 012743 28 VDC BB2732S...
Specifications Gross Weight Bucket Power Pack Model* Part # Type Output Capacity BB2024* BB2226 BB2732* 28.8 BB3137 015989 NiMH 3 AH BB3542 BB420B BB4453 *Applicable to models of the same size denoted with suffix ‘S’, e.g., BB2732S.
Section 4: Making Adjustments Section 4: Making Adjustments Adjusting the Dump Valve Udder Udder refers to the amount that the dump valve bulges out below the bucket shell, when the bucket is full. A properly adjusted dump valve will have a maximum of 2" (50 mm) of udder.
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Section 4: Making Adjustments To adjust a single string: 1. Simply adjust the tension of the string to equal that of adjacent strings. Repeat the knot shown three times for each purse string. To adjust all the strings: 1. Stand the bucket vertically. 2.
Section 5: Packing and Storage Section 5: Packing and Storage Packing the Bucket 1. Collapse the IDS by pushing the hub into the bucket. 2. Grab the control head and pull the suspension lines taut. Tape the lines together in two bunches. 3.
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Section 5: Packing and Storage 5. Gather the suspension lines into a coil and stow inside the bucket. Place the control head outside of the bucket to prevent the possibility of the lines tangling. 6. Avoid any sharp folds along the base of the shell as this protects the shell from delamination which can occur if the Bambi Bucket is stored for a long period of time.
Section 5: Packing and Storage 9. Take the carrying bag and drape it over the bucket. 10. Roll the bucket over and close the bag. Storing the Bucket Prior to storage, wash the bucket with fresh water and dry completely to prevent the growth of mildew and the corrosion of aluminium and steel parts.
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Section 5: Packing and Storage THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
Section 6: Troubleshooting Guide Section 6: Troubleshooting Guide Valve Troubleshooting Leaking Dump Valve 1. Check that the bolts securing the valve and gasket to the shell are equally fastened. There should be approximately 2 threads exposed past each nut. If necessary, butyl rubber sealant can be used to seal stubborn leaks between the shell and the gasket.
Section 6: Troubleshooting Guide 4. Adjust the chain on the tripline so that the valve has approximately 2" (50 mm) of udder hanging below the shell when the bucket is full of water. Too much or too little udder will not allow the valve to seal optimally and may lead to other issues.
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Section 6: Troubleshooting Guide 7. Check that the spring link is resting on the body of the stop bolt and not on the head of the bolt, with the control head sitting vertically. 8. Check for rifling in the trip block and deformation on the top of the bullet.
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Section 6: Troubleshooting Guide Tripline Jams on Returning 1. Pull the tripline completely out. Check that the swaged sleeves at the end of the tripline are not fouling the cast guide lugs on the head and cover. 2. Round the end of the swage sleeves with a file. 3.
Section 7: Repair Assessment Guide Section 7: Repair Assessment Guide Overview of Repair Categories This section is intended to provide the user with information that will allow for the quick repair assessment evaluation of the Bambi Bucket. The repair assessment process is almost identical for all sizes of the Bambi Buckets, with some exceptions for minor bucket design variations between the models.
Section 7: Repair Assessment Guide Control Head Repair Criteria Category 1: Safety Cease operations and repair immediately. • Any visible crack or break on the base plate. • Visibly bent shackles or suspension line bolts. • Missing, broken or loose valve release mechanism parts. •...
Section 7: Repair Assessment Guide Cables Repair Criteria Category 1: Safety Cease operations and repair immediately. • One or more broken suspension cables or end fittings. • Broken deployment cable. Category 2: Operational Repair before next day’s operation or eight hours flight time. If three or more individual suspension cables or the deployment cable have the following defects: •...
Section 7: Repair Assessment Guide IDS Repair Criteria Category 1: Safety Cease operations and repair immediately. • Cracks or breaks across the major section of the IDS hub. • Two or more broken or cracked spoke brackets. • Two or more broken or missing spokes, clevis pins, shell brackets. •...
Section 7: Repair Assessment Guide Bucket Shell Repair Criteria Category 1: Safety Cease operations and repair immediately. • One or more broken top loop knots (M-strap attachment point to the shell). • Gross punctures through shell that cut or severely damage one or more panel strips. •...
Section 8: Repairs Section 8: Repairs Control Head Repairs For proper operation of the control head, avoid the following modifications: • Do not use another type of bearing as a replacement for the ball bearing. • Do not use lock wire as a substitute for the swage blocks on the tripline. •...
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Section 8: Repairs 2. Open the control head by removing the screws, p-clip, and cover. 3. Unwrap the tripline from the spring reel drum to release the spring preload. Do this until there is no tension on the tripline. 4. Remove the nut from the spring reel arbor located on the back of the control head then pull out the spring reel.
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Section 8: Repairs 5. Unwrap the remaining tripline from the spring reel then remove the screw and retainer plate from the back of the spring reel. 6. Pull out the end of the tripline from the cavity then feed it through the large hole to detach it. 7.
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Section 8: Repairs 8. (Tripline) Insert the end of the new tripline up and through the bottom of the tripblock. 9. (Spring Reel) Swap the malfunctioning spring reel with a working one. 10. Feed the end of the tripline into the spring reel drum and through the large hole on the back.
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Section 8: Repairs 12. Check that the washer and torque plate are installed onto the spring reel arbor, then insert it into the control head so that the torque plate is seated between the tabs on the casting. 13. Install the nut onto the spring reel arbor while ensuring that the torque plate is still seated properly on the arbor.
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Section 8: Repairs CAUTION The following procedure will cause the spring to be in tension and can cause injury if it is released prematurely. Overtensioning the spring may result in failure. 15. Preload the spring reel by turning it counterclockwise 5 revolutions.
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Section 8: Repairs 17. Slowly and carefully release the spring reel and allow it to pull the remaining tripline onto the drum and the bullet assembly into the tripblock. 18. Install the cover, p-clip, and screws. NOTICE When retrofitting old spring reel to current spring reel, the front cover may not fit and will require spacers or a new front cover.
Section 8: Repairs Rigging Repairs Suspension Line Replacement A suspension line should be replaced whenever it displays noticeable kinking or fraying. Factory replacement lines come pre-swaged with connection links to make replacing quick and easy. To remove the connecting link between the suspension line and the M-strap, follow these procedures: 1.
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Section 8: Repairs M-Strap Replacement Replace M-straps if they become noticeably worn. M-straps may be repaired, if frayed, by melting the fray with a lighter to stop the fray from spreading. The length of the M-strap is critical to the Bambi Bucket functioning correctly.
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Section 8: Repairs 4. Holding the pliers tight, turn your hand clockwise. Repeat the operation until the knot is loose enough to remove the strap. 5. Complete step ‘a’ or ‘b’ depending on whether the strap is short or long. a.
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Section 8: Repairs 7. Twist the strap loop eye 180 degrees. 8. Rotate the eye to the opposite side. 9. Pull strap end through the eye. 10. Pull strap tight. Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
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Section 8: Repairs 11. The M strap set should now look like this. suspension line attaches to the top of each M-strap set. IDS Replacement Shell Bracket Spoke The IDS can be replaced either as a complete kit or as individual pieces, as required. See Section 9: Specifications and Parts for detailed parts drawings.
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Section 8: Repairs 8. Once the IDS is fully installed, test for fit. You should be able to pull the hub past the midpoint position with a slight effort. If the IDS is either too loose or too tight, it will require adjustment.
Section 8: Repairs Valve Repair and Replacement Dump Valve Replacement (Models 2024-3542) Replacement dump valve assemblies come complete with new purse strings, bolts, nuts, washers and gasket. To replace a valve: 1. Remove the old valve, gasket and all butyl tape. 2.
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Section 8: Repairs Dump Valve Replacement (Model 4453) Replacement dump valve assemblies come complete with new purse strings, bolts, nuts, washers and butyl rubber sealant. To replace a valve: 1. Remove the old valve and all butyl tape. 2. Stand the bucket up with the valve hole on the bottom. 3.
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For the multi coloured string sets, the green strings are placed at the outer ends, the red strings next and the black strings in the middle. The sequence of strings should be GRBBBBBBBBRG. MODEL MARKS BB2024 BB2024S BB2024L BB2226 2 x GREEN...
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Section 8: Repairs 3. Tie the purse string to the metal ring at the mark with a round turn and three half hitches. 4. For multicoloured string sets, find a purse string with a red mark. For single coloured string sets, use another string with a black mark.
Section 8: Repairs Shell Repairs Please read these instructions carefully and follow them exactly to obtain a good repair. Failure to follow these instructions or poor repair workmanship can lead to failed repairs and/or more damage to the bucket. Temporary Repairs with Sealing Clamps Repair clamps are used for an immediate repair to prevent the loss of liquid through large rips or holes.
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Section 8: Repairs 4. Place the top of the clamp over the bolt, then install and tighten the wing nut. NOTICE Leaving the clamp’s string on makes it easier to remove the repair clamp when placing a permanent patch on the bucket. NOTICE Tightening the nut with tools may break the bolt away from the lower clamp.
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Section 8: Repairs NOTICE Try a test repair before attempting to repair the bucket. This will verify your technique without risking damage to the bucket. It is much harder to fix a repair once a failed attempt has been made as the hardened glue is difficult to remove.
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Section 8: Repairs 2. Scrub the damaged area with an abrasive pad dampened with solvent (isopropyl rubbing alcohol is recommended). Scrub vigorously to remove the cured surface. The area should be clean and dry with a dull matte finish. 3. Wipe with a rag, dampened with solvent, to remove any residue from cleaning. Check to see if the area is totally clean and all coated surfaces and edges are dull.
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Aquaseal® urethane adhesive is designed for use on fabrics like the Bambi Bucket shell. The shelf life of this adhesive is about one year. Fresh adhesive can be obtained directly from SEI Industries Ltd. Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
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Section 8: Repairs Hot Air Gun Patching Hot air gun patching is the preferred method because it provides the most durable, permanent repair possible. Tools and materials required: • Patches • Plastic hand-held roller • Hot air gun with wide surface nozzle •...
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Otherwise, the repair is finished. Shell Repair Kits Repair kits contain some of the tools needed to perform repairs on Bambi Bucket shells. Urethane adhesive is not included in this kit. Urethane adhesive can be purchased separately from SEI Industries Ltd. Kit Contents: •...
The operator must also ensure that the bucket selected does not pose a tail rotor strike hazard. Bambi Bucket Capacity Empty Weight Gross Weight Model IMP Gal US Gal Liters BB2024 2130 BB2024S 2130 BB2024L 2130 BB2226 1000 2330 1060...
Section 9: Specifications and Parts Parts Control Head ITEM MODEL PART # DESCRIPTION 005414 HEAD, CONTROL 005248 BASE, HEAD 014883 COVER, HEAD, W/HARDWARE SHACKLE, ANCHOR, SCREW, 3/4”, GAL 001790 005261 YOKE 014900 HARDWARE, YOKE, KIT 014901 HARDWARE, SUSPENSION, KIT Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
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Section 9: Specifications and Parts Control Head (continued) ITEM MODEL PART # DESCRIPTION 013057 TRIPLINE, FLEX 015424 REEL, SPRING, HD 006348 TRIPBLOCK, LINKAGE, ASSY 005220 SOLENOID, W/HARDWARE 002953 TERMINAL, BLOCK 005260 WIRE, LEAD, BAMBI 000982 PLUG, 3 PIN, NEMA 5-15P, IP67 000990 RECEPTACLE, 3 SCKT, NEMA 5-15R, IP67 Bambi Bucket Service Manual –...
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Section 9: Specifications and Parts Suspension ITEM MODEL PART # DESCRIPTION BB2024 007678 BB2024S 007679 BB2024L 007680 BB2226 007679 BB2732B3 BB2732 007680 CABLE, SUSPENSION, SET BB2732S 008855 BB3137 BB3542 007680 BB420B BB4453 BB2024 005547 BB2024S 005548 BB2024L 005549 BB2226 005548...
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Section 9: Specifications and Parts Riser, Ring & Restrainer ITEM MODEL PART # DESCRIPTION BB2024 006110 BB2024S 006114 BB2024L 014918 BB2226 011756 BB2732 006117 BB2732B3 009987 RISER, RING & RESTRAINER BB2732S 006121 BB3137 017179 BB3542 006123 BB420B BB4453 006630 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
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Section 9: Specifications and Parts Bucket Shell ITEM MODEL PART # DESCRIPTION BB2024 BB2024S 005782 BB2024L BB2226 005781 BB2732 BB2732B3 005783 SHELL, BAMBI, ASSY BB2732S BB3137 017175 BB3542 005787 BB420B 005788 BB4453 005791 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
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Section 9: Specifications and Parts Bucket Shell (continued) ITEM MODEL PART # DESCRIPTION BB2024 BB2024S 005469 STRAP, M, LOOP BB2226 BB2732 BB2732B3 BB2732S BB3137 005471 STRAP, M, LOOP BB3542 BB420B BB4453 BB2024 BB2024S 005470 STRAP, M, STRAIGHT BB2226 BB2732 BB2732B3...
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Section 9: Specifications and Parts THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453...
Section 11: Warranty Section 11: Warranty SEI Industries Ltd. (the company) agrees to grant a warranty for a period of one year from the date of purchase of Bambi bucket systems on the following conditions: a) The company’s sole obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at the company’s sole discretion, any product shown to be defective.
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