Active AC 500 Guide

Safety and operation instruction
AC 500

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1. USEOFTHEMANUAL............................................................................pag. 4
2. NOTICES ONTHE MACHINE..................................................................pag. 5
3. TECHNICALDATA.....................................................................................pag. 8
4. LIFTINGANDTRANSPORTATION...........................................................pag. 9
5. MAIN PARTS OF THE MACHINE............................................................pag. 9
6. CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS.......................................................pag. 10
7. ASSEMBLYINSTRUCTIONS FOR THE HANDLEBARS........................pag. 11
8. SAFETY INFORMATION
A) GENERALINSTRUCITONS..............................................................pag.12
B) TRAINING..........................................................................................pag.12
C) PREPARATION.................................................................................pag. 12
D) WORKINGUSE.................................................................................pag.13
E) AFTERWORK...................................................................................pag.14
9. TRANSPORTATIONOFTHEMACHINE.................................................pag.14
10. SAFETYSYSTEMSANDGUARDS.........................................................pag.15
11. OPERATIONSTO BE CARRIED OUTBEFORESWITCHINGON........pag.16
12. STARTING AND DRIVING THE SCARIFIER........................................pag. 17
13. CUTTING TIPS......................................................................................pag. 18
14. CHECKS
A) CABLECONTROL ADJUSTMENT....................................................pag.19
B) BLADE ROTOR BELT ADJUSTMENT..............................................pag. 19
C)CHECKINGAND REPLACINGTHE BLADES...................................pag. 20
D) ROTOR BRAKE................................................................................pag. 21
15. MAINTENANCEAND STORAGE..........................................................pag. 22
16. CLEANINGTHE MACHINE....................................................................pag.22
17. SEASONALLONG-TERM STORAGE PERIODS..................................pag. 23
18. DECOMMISSIONINGANDSCRAPPING................................................pag.23
19. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE......................................................................pag.23
20. WARRANTY..............................................................................................pag.24
21. CE MARKING........................................................................................pag. 24
Enclosure 1. NOTES
Enclosure 2. Declaration of Conformity
- SCARIFIER MANUAL -
CONTENTS

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2. NOTICES ON THE MACHINE
The symbols affixed to the machine serving to warn of danger during its use and
maintenance are as follows:
THE USER MUST READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL PROVIDED
DANGER OF FOREIGN OBJECTS BEING THROWN
OUTWARDS. KEEPA SAFE DISTANCE
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE ENGINE SPARK PLUG.
DANGER OF HAND INJURY. SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE

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DANGER OF CRUSHING. KEEPASAFE DISTANCE
DANGER OF INJURY TO BOTH UPPER AND LOWER LIMBS.
DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET INSIDE THE CUTTING
ELEMENT WHILE IN MOTION
DANGER OF GETTING CAUGHT UP IN ROTATING PARTS.
DO NOT PUT HANDS IN THE ROTATING PARTS
DANGER OF FOREIGN OBJECTS BEING THROWN OUTWARDS.
SAFETY GOGGLES MUST BE WORN

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EAR DO NOTALLOW CHILDREN NEAR THE MACHINE
WHEN IN OPERATION.MUFFS MUST BE WORN
CAUTION: HOT PARTS. DANGER OF BURNS. FIRE HAZARD
Thesymbolsaffixedtothe machineservetowarnofdanger duringitsuseandmaintenance.
It is vitally important to understand the meaning of the danger notices and all messages
shouldbekeptinlegiblecondition.Intheinstance ofwearthesenoticesshouldbe replaced
and use of the machine suspended while without such notices.
The operator is advised to observe the warnings given on the affixed notices.
Consult this page whenever doubts about their meaning arise.

1400X690X1090
AC 500

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4. LIFTING AND TRANSPORTATION
All material is carefully checked by the manufacturer before shipping. The scarifier is
delivered in a wooden crate or cardboard box with the handlebars disassembled.
Upon receipt of the machine make sure that it has not been damaged during transit and
that the packaging has not been tampered or any parts removed. Report any damage or
missing parts immediately to the carrier and the manufacturer with photographic
documentation.
After assembling the handlebars, as per the instructions given in paragraph 7 of this
manual, the machine may be moved on its own wheels.
The manufacturer is not liable for any damage caused by transportation of the machine
after its delivery.
WARNING
Extreme care must be taken during handling to prevent overturning. Avoid steep gradi-
ents to prevent loss of control. Make sure that there are no persons present within the
danger area.
5. MAIN PARTS OF THE MACHINE
The machine consists of the following main parts:
A - BLADE ENGAGEMENT CLUTCH LEVER
B - ACCELERATOR CONTROL LEVER
C/C1 - CUTTING HEIGTHADJUSTMENT LEVER
D - ENGINE
E - FRONT GUARD
Figure 1

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6. CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS
A) BLADE ENGAGEMENT CLUTCH LEVER
This is used to engage and disengage rotary movement of the blade holder rotor.
Lowering the lever engages the clutch and releasing it disengages the clutch.
B) ACCELERATOR CONTROL LEVER
This is used to adjust the number of engine revolutions according to the operations to be
carried out. Hence at switch on the lever will be positioned on the minimumsetting whilst
during work operations it will be positioned as required by use.
C) ) CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
The lever has two positions. In position C1 it raises the front guard to which the wheels
are fixed, permitting the operator to shift the scarifier without the blades touching the
ground.
In position C it permits millimetric adjustment of blade cutting height by turning the knob
(Fig. 1 Ref. C1) clockwise or anticlockwise.
E) FRONT GUARD
The front guard to which the wheels are fixed determines use of the scarifier on the basis
of the position selected (See point C) with the cutting height adjustment lever.
H) FRONT GUARD
The front guard (Fig. 1 Ref. H) opens or closes automatically according to the amount of
grass to be cut. Use of the machine with the guard left open is strictly prohibited.This may
cause the outward projection of objects.
The guard may only be set in the open position during flail replacement operations with
the machine switched off.
I) ON SWITCH
Two-position switch:
(1) for starting the engine
(0) for switching off the engine
Figure 1 bis

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7. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE HANDLEBARS
The scarifier is delivered with the handlebar disassembled (Fig.2 ref A). Remove the
crating or cardboard packaging (this should be disposed of properly, in compliance with
current regulations in force).
To assemble, proceed as follows:
§Raise the handlebar (Fig. 2 ref.A) and fit it into the support (Fig. 2 ref. F) by securing it
using the special rings (Fig. 2 ref. E).
§Fit the screws ( Fig 2 ref. B) in the hole in the handlebar support (Fig 2 ref. F). Position
the washers (Fig. 2 ref. C) on the relative screws ( Fig. 2, ref. B) and tighten the nuts
(Fig. 2 ref.D) firmly.
Figure 2
Before start-up all parts of the machine must be correctly assembled.

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8. SAFETY INFORMATION
Before using the scarifier it is essential that the operator has understood the warnings,
do’sand don’tsand precautionarymeasures givenin thismanual andin the engine manual:
the prevention of injury to the operator, third parties, animals or objects directly depends
on observance of these instructions.
A) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
§Use of the scarifier for purposes other than those envisaged is strictly prohibited.
§Climbing aboard and/or riding on the scarifier is strictly prohibited.
§Tampering with the safety systems and guards is strictly prohibited.
§Modifications to devices/components not envisaged by the manufacturer are strictly
prohibited.
§The electrical parts of the engine must be protected at all times.
B) TRAINING
§Read the Operator’s Manual and the Engine Manual before using the machine.
§Use of the machine by minors under the age of 16 years or by persons without the
necessary psychological and physical capabilities is forbidden.
§Do not use the machine near other persons or within enclosed areas.
§The placing of hands, other parts of the body and clothing in the moving parts of the
machine is prohibited.
§It is forbidden to approach the moving parts.
§Before carrying out any inspection or servicing operations make sure that the engine
has been switched off and the spark plug wire removed.
C) PREPARATION
§Make sure that the working area around the machine is free of obstacles and has
sufficient lighting.
§Before switching on the enginemake surethere areno persons, animalsorvehicles in
the vicinity.
§Before switching on the engine make sure that the blade engagement lever (Fig. 1,
ref. A) is in the disengaged position (released) .
§Before switching on the machine make sure that the screws, fixing elements and
protection devices are in place and that the affixed notices are legible.
§Then: Make sure that the wheel fixing bolts have been tightened fully.
§Secure all blade nuts and fixing bolts (Fig.9, ref. A) to prevent their loss during work
operations. Replace any old or worn blades.
§The rear guard must always be closed while the machine is in use or open only if the
scarifier is equipped with the special basket ( Fig. 3,ref.A and Fig. 4, ref.B).
§When switching on the engine check theposition of the various control levers (see the
section on “Controls and adjustments”).
§Supervise the clothing of personnel operating the machine: a long-sleeved jacket with
close-fitting cuffs, long, close-fitting trousers, heavy-duty footwear, and a protective
cap or helmet should be worn.Avoid wearing loose-tailed clothing, unbuttoned jackets
or torn, undone or partially zipped up items to prevent them from being caught up in
the moving parts.
§Safety goggles and ear protection devices must be worn. Safety gloves must also be
worn during machine operation and maintenance.
§Do notswitch on and operatethe scarifier in enclosedareas since the enginegives off
carbon monoxide fumes which are colourless, odourless, tasteless and extremely
dangerous.

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§Take care when handling fuel. Fuel is highly flammable and its vapours explosive :
-Only use an approved container
-Take care not to remove fuel caps or top up the tank with the engine running.
-Allow the engine to cool before proceeding with fuel-filling operations.
-Do not smoke during this operation.
-Never fill the machine with fuel in an indoor ambient
-It is advisable to use a wide funnel to prevent spillage of fuel on the engine and on
other surfaces of the scarifier
-Ifany fuel is spilleddo not attempttoswitch on theengine;simply movethe machine
away from the area of spillage before switching on.
-After filling up with fuel reposition and screw the fuel tank cap right down.
§Do not rest the scarifier or the fuel container in indoor environmentswith naked flames
D) WORKING USE
§When working keep everyone at a minimum distance of 10 metres from the machine.
§Keep the engine well ventilated and clog-free (materialsand other residue) to prevent
damage to the engine and risk of fire. Clean the cooling fan and fins regularly.
Clean the air filter at the same time as well.
§Drive smoothly, avoiding brusque starts, braking and turns.
§Take care not to touch the silencer when hot.
§When reversing make sure there are no children or animals around. Take care not to
get caught up in the moving parts of the machine.
§If a slipping belt causes abnormal noise, smells or overheating, switch off the engine
immediately and check the machine to prevent the outbreak of fire and damage to the
transmission.
§The rotating blades are extremely dangerous. Keep away from the rotor guard when
the blades are in motion. do not allow anyone to stand either in front of the machine or
in its direction of travel.
§When working in a stony or obstacle-riddled area try to remove as many objects as
possible before commencing cutting.
WARNING
Stones and other objects may be thrown outwards in direction of the operator or of other
persons in the vicinity. Keep at a safe distance from persons, animals and objects.
§If the cutting mechanism accidentally comes into contact with an object (stump or
stone), switch off the engine and carry out the following operations:
-Inspect the damage
-Do not attempt to repair it if unskilled to do so
-Check that no parts have come loose
§Do not use the machine if it does not work properly or is broken: seek authorized
service.
§It is strictly prohibited to leave the scarifier running whilst unsupervised.
§It is strictly prohibited to transport the machine with the engine running. When loading
the machine onto a vehicle, the inclination of the ramps must not exceed 15°.
WARNING
EXERCISE CAUTION WITH GRADIENTS . Danger of machine overturning.

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9. TRANSPORTATION OF THE MACHINE
LOADING AND UNLOADING FROM AVEHICLE
§For transportation it is preferable to use a vehicle with an open bed.
§Choose firm, flat ground.
§Switch off the vehicle’s ignition,pull on the hand brake and block thetyres with chocks
to prevent accidental movement of the vehicle.
§Do not stand in front of the machine
§Firmly hook the loading ramps onto the vehicle bed. Use stable load ramps with a non-
slip surface strong enough to take the weight of the machine. The inclination of the
ramps must not exceed 15°.
Recommended length : at least 31/2times the vehicle bed’s height from the ground.
Recommended width : to be chosen according to the wheel width of the machine
§Proceed with the loading of the machine, manoeuvring it carefully.
§During loading and unloading on the ramps, avoid activating the blade engagement
clutch.
§Align the machine’s front skid with the centre of the loading ramps.
§Takecarewhenthemachinepassesfromtheloadingrampstothevehiclebed,because
a shift in balance occurs.
§Once loaded, block the machinewheels usingchocks and firmlytie the machine to the
vehicle.
§Given its outdoor use, it is advisable not to use the scarifier when it is raining.
§The area next to the engine exhaust may reach a high temperature.
WARNING
Danger of burns.
§Do not go near water fountains or precipices and do not cross narrow bridges during
work operations to prevent the risk of falling.
§Do not work on steep banks with gradients in excess of 10°.
§Work on flat ground for the utmost safety.
E) AFTER USE
§Before moving away from the machine switch off the engine by moving the switch
(Fig.1,ref.I) to the 0 position.
§For greater safety shut off the feed cock (Fig. 5a).

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10. SAFETY AND GUARD SYSTEMS
WARNING
The safety devices must never be tampered with. It is necessary to understand how they
work and safeguard their efficiency and correct operation. In the instance of doubt, prob-
lems or malfunction contact your dealer.
BLADE ROTOR ENGAGEMENT LEVER
When released this lever instantly disengage the transmission connected to it.
In this way it acts as a safety device.
FRONT GUARD
Use of the machine with the front guard incorrectly fitted or damaged is strictly prohibited.
This may cause the outward projection of objects.
REAR GUARD
Use of the machine with the rear guard left open or tampered is strictly prohibited. This
may cause the outward projection of objects.
Use of the rear guard open (Fig. 3 Ref.A) is permissible only when the collection basket
is inserted in the special housing.(Fig.4, ref.B)
Figure 3

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11. OPERATIONSTOBECARRIEDOUTBEFORESWITCHINGON
Position the scarifier outdoors on sufficiently firm, flat soil. Read the instructions provided
by the engine manufacturer in the relative manual and follow them carefully to prevent
situations arising which may endanger either persons or the machine.
Then check:
- the state of the blades by inspecting them;
- that all the screws are tightened, particularly those securing the blades;
- that the guards and safety devices are securely tightened;
- take sure that there are no persons in the vicinity;
Duringoperation donot allowpersonsnearthemachine, especially children.The operator
is responsible for any harm done persons in the working area of the machine.
Oil recommendations
Before switching on the engine check the oil level and top up, if necessary,
while keeping it in a horizontal position. Do not overfill.
Use of a high-grade detergent oil is recommended (refer to the enclosed engine manual).
Fuel recommendations
Use of fresh, clean lead-free petrol is advised.
WARNING
It is advisable to consult the engine manual before swithcing on the machine.
Figure 4

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12. STARTING AND DRIVING THE SCARIFIER
TThe machine can be switched on once all the aforementioned preliminary operations
have been carried out.
§Place the feed cock in the OPEN position (direction shown by the arrow, Fig. 5);
§Bring the choke to the CLOSED position for a cold start (direction shown by the arrow,
Fig. 5a);
§Set the accelerator lever at the minimum position;
§Grip the engine pull lead handle ( fig. 5b ) and pull gently until you feel the "bite", then
pull on the lead sharply to overcome the pressure, prevent kickback and switch on the
engine. Repeat the procedure, if necessary, with the accelerator lever in
INTERMEDIATE position. Once the engine is running, set the accelerator in the
MINIMUM position and gently return the choke to the OPEN position (Fig. 5a);
Cleaning of the machine is recommended after use (see the section “Cleaning the
machine”).
Figure 5 Figure 5a
Figure 5b

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13. CUTTING TIPS
WARNING
Take great care because the blades rotate at very high speed.
14. CHECKS
- Adjustthebeltandcablecontroltension afterthefirstfewworkinghoursto compensate
initial loosening.
- Briefly operate all the machine's components to detect any abnormal noises or
overheating.
- Duringtheinitialrunninginperiodavoidheavy-duty usageto encourageproper settling
of the mechanical parts.
- Never neglect maintenance operations after work and carry out all prescribed checks
regularly.
DRIVING THE MACHINE
WARNING
When using the machine for the first time it is advisable to get the feel of it by executing
manoeuvres on flat ground free of foreign objects. Cut in a straight line .
After switching on the engine following the instructions given in the previous paragraph:
1. Engage the blade rotor clutch control using the special lever ( Fig. 1, ref. A) after
accelerating the engine slightly.
2. To move the machine push it in the direction required.
3. To stop blade movement release the lever in question ( Fig. 1 ref.A);
4. Tostop themachine,gradually slowdownforwardmovement,thenswitch offthe engine
by moving the switch to position 0 (as shown in fig. 1bis, ref. I).
5. To move the machine with the engine switched off set the cutting height adjustment
lever (Fig. 1 ref. C-C1) to position C1 and push in the required direction.
1. Beforecommencingcuttingoperations,readthesafetyinstructionsgivenintheprevious
sections.
2. Before engaging blade movement using the relative lever ( figure 1, ref. A) the rear
guard ( fig. 3, ref.A) must be fully lowered or the special basket must be inserted ( fig.
4, ref.B) to prevent the outward projection of objects.
3. Engage the blade clutch (Fig. 1, ref. A) only after having carried out the machine
switch-on (see “SWITCHING ON”section)
4. Engage the blade clutch (Fig. 1, ref. A) gradually. Overly brusque blade clutch
engagement may stall the engine.

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Figure 6
A) BLADE HOLDER ROTOR CONTROL CABLE (Fig. 6)
To adjustthe cablesplace themachineonflat ground,switchofftheengineand disconnect
the wire from the spark plug.
For correct machine functioning there must be a play of approx. 2-3 mm on the blade
holder rotor control lever. If there is no play, it must be taken up by turning the special
adjustment screw clockwise or anticlockwise (Fig. 6, Ref. B).
If adjustment using the relative screw proves ineffective, the belts must be adjusted. To
perform this operation refer to section 14 B “BLADE ROTOR BELTS” of this manual.
B) BLADE ROTOR BELTS
To adjust the belts place the machine on flat ground, switch off the engine and disconnect
the wire from the spark plug.
-Take off the protective plastic film ( Fig. 7 ref.B) by unscrewing and removing the fixing
screws using the key as shown in fig. 7 ref. A.
-If the belts ( Fig. 8 ref.A) are slack and fail to draw the pulley connected to the blade
rotor (Fig. 8 ref. E) , move the tightener (Fig. 8, ref. D) from the lower hole (hole C) to
the upper hole (hole B) as shown in Fig. 8.
-If adjustment using the relative screw proves ineffective, both belts must be replaced.
Figure 7

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Figure 8
C) CHECKING AND REPLACING THE BLADES
Always check the state of the blades before commencing work. Donot forget to switch the
engine off!
-During work operations if the blades (Fig. 9, ref. C ) strike stones or stumps stop
straightaway and make sure that they have not become bent or broken. Damaged
blades must be replaced.
-If the blades are very worn, cracked or bent, they make snap and project objects
outwards, risking serious accident.
-It requires specific experience and suitable equipment to replace and repair blades.
-Use heavy-duty work gloves to check or replace the blades to avoid risk of injury to
hands.
-As a rule –unless there are only 1 or 2 blades –all the blades must be replaced
simultaneously to avoid creating vibrations.
-The blades wear more quickly on dry, sandy ground. In these conditions they should
be replaced more frequently.
-It is advisable to keep spare blades handy.