bannerman BLT 14 User manual

BLT 14, BLT 15
Lawn Thatcher
&BGT 27
Greens Thatcher
PARTS AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
Last Updated August, 2012

Operating Instructions
BLT-14, BLT-15, BGT-27
BEFORE OPERATION:
1. Read this manual – Become completely familiar with the controls and operation before
actual use of the Dethatcher.
2. Read the engine manual – Proper care and operation will prolong life of the engine
3. Check the engine oil level and fill the tank with clean, fresh gasoline – The use of old or
stale gasoline will result in gum deposits, clogging the fuel system and carburetor.
NOTE: Due to recently higher concentrations of ethanol in “regular” fuel, it may be
advised to utilize the “middle” grade fuel to avoid any carburetor issues.
4. Before attempting to operate the unit, place it on a flat surface and make certain the
tips of the blades clear that surface by at least ½”.
5. The cutting reel is coupled directly to the engine by a V-Belt and starts rotating when
the engine is started (KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY). Therefore, the unit must be in
transport position when starting the engine.
6. The throttle control lever controls the speed of the engine and therefore, the speed of
the blades.
7. To start the engine;
i. Ensure the gas tank is fueled.
ii. Advance throttle control to the middle position.
iii. Advance the choke lever to choke position, and hold the bail handle up.
iv. Pull starter rope rapidly.(Repeat if necessary with choke slightly open)
v. When engine starts, push choke lever to run position and place the throttle
control lever in desired running speed.
8. To stop the engine, release the bail handle.
NOTE: Proper engine operating and maintenance instructions have been provided with
this unit by the engine manufacturer. It is important to read and maintain this
manual. Warranty on this engine and engine accessories are provided by the
engine manufacturer.

Cutting Tips
All grasses, such as blue grass, bent grass, Bermuda grass, fescue grass
and zoysia grass need dethatching. The dethatcher is a special purpose
machine that is used periodically for thatch removal. It should not be
used instead of a lawn mower. Deep thatching should only be done in
spring and fall when grass is growing vigorously. Blades are set just
above ground level to remove thatch. Light thatching can be done any
time. Blades are set about half-way between the mowing height of cut
and ground level. Spacing between blades is 1-3/8” on BLT-14 & 15
models, good for all grasses on lawns. The only time to use closer spacing
is for light thatching of bent grass lawns. Blades can then be set 5/8”
apart, as with the BGT-27 model. Thatch no more than three times over,
each time in a different direction. Thatching at 30 degree angles is a good
procedure. Adjust the unit so that the thatch is removed a little at the
time. The dethatcher can also be used as a renovation tool. To do this,
set the blades to ground level and thatch in different directions, fertilize,
seed and water.
Adjustments
Adjustment Rod (BGT-27)
Never make any adjustments or repairs
while the engine is running. Making sure
that the ignition switch is in the “OFF”
position.
Depth control for the unit is provided by
loosening the wing nut located on the
right hand side (**both sides for BGT-27
model) of the main chassis and by
adjusting the threaded rod up or down.
CUTTING REEL ADJUSTMENT - First ensure engine is stopped, and then
set depth adjustment so that the blades are just ‘tickling’ the grass. The
depth adjustment threaded rod will lock with the wing nut in position until
changed by the operator. After the machine is running, increase engine
speed by advancing the throttle control lever, and move machine forward
for trial run. If sufficient grass and thatch is not being removed, make
further adjustments and set blades a little deeper. Repeat this process
until the desired amount of material is being removed.
DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT - Due to normal “wearing in”, the drive belt
may start to slip under load. To correct this, loosen engine mounting bolts
and slide engine toward rear of the unit. Re-tighten the engine mounting
bolts.

BLADE REPLACEMENT
i. Removing The Shaft
First remove belt cover from engine, then loosen (4) mounting bolts on
base of engine. Tension on drive belt is removed by moving engine
forward on deck. Remove V-belt. The pulley on the blade shaft is a taper
lock type. Remove the (3) screws from the outer pulley’s blind holes and
thread them into the tapped holes. Tighten these screws evenly ¼ turn at
a time, until the outer pulley comes away from the inner piece. Remove
the (2) bolts holding each bearing and the shaft can be removed from the
deck.
ii. Removing The Blades Spiral Blade Pattern (BLT-15)
The bearings are an eccentric locking type.
Loosen the set screw first, then use a punch
in the hole of the collar to twist it to unlock.
If the collar does not move in the first few
hits, try going to the way. Once the bearing
is removed, loosen the (2) lock nuts at the
end of the shaft, and remove the shaft
collar.
The blades and spaces will slide easily off of
the shaft. When re-installing the blades,
place each successive blade 1/8 of a turn
(one notch) in the same direction to
produce
a spiral effect. The BLT-14 & BLT-15 use (2)
spacers between each blade, the BGT-27
model uses (1) spacer between each blade.
Re-install the collar and nuts, and reverse
procedure.
** SEE ENGINE MANUAL FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING
SERVICE OF THE ENGINE

After Season
When the season has come to an end, check machine thoroughly for
parts that may need replacing. In the event that parts are needed, place
an order with your dealer in the fall or winter to avoid any delays caused
by the usual spring rush. When placing a parts order, please specify the
model number of the unit, not the engine. See serial plate (located on the
deck) for this information.
While the engine is still warm after its last use, drain oil from crankcase
and refill with fresh oil (this will help)
Before storing unit, remove all fuel from gas tank to prevent gum
deposits forming on essential parts such as the carburetor, fuel line and
tank. Remove spark plug, pour (1) ounce of S.A.E 20 oil into cylinder and
crank slowly to spread oil. Replace spark plug. Refer to engine manual for
proper engine storage.
Lubricate wheel bearings and all moveable linkages. You may lightly oil
the edge of the cutting blades to prevent any rust from occurring.
Store your unit in a clean dry place. With the proper care outlined above,
your machine will give you prolonged service.
**NEVER STORE A MACHINE WITH GASOLINE IN THE TANK, INSIDE A
BUILDING WHERE FUMES MAY REACH AN OPEN FLAME OR COULD BE EXPOSED
TO A SPARK. ALLOW ENGINE TIME TO COOL BEFORE STORING IN ANY
ENCLOSURE.

Warranty
Bannerman Ltd warranties all BLT-14/15 & BGT-27 dethatchers, when applied and
installed, to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
for a period of 1 year from date of use. This warranty does not guarantee a particular
service life of the products. Service life will vary with application, operating environment,
level of maintenance and other factors beyond our control.
Bannerman Ltd’s sole responsibilities for the BLT-14/15 & BGT-27 dethatcher or parts
determined to be defective and covered by this warranty is limited to repairing the product
or part. **An allowance is to be applied to the labour cost for removal and replacement.**
Prior authorization from Bannerman Ltd must be obtained before replacing or returning
any part(s), or incurring any cost of labour. No charges for expense incurred in parts, labour
or transportation by unauthorized persons will be allowed under this warranty. Bannerman
Ltd reserves the right of any part or Bannerman assembly (with transportation charges
prepaid) claimed to be covered under this warranty.
Bannerman Ltd shall not be liable, in event, for proximate, incidental, consequential,
special or other damages. This includes, but is not limited to, damages for loss of
production, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or injury to persons arising out of any breach
in this warranty.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY EXTENDING BEYOND THAT SET FORTH
ABOVE
GORDON BANNERMAN LIMITED
41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale, M9W, 5A3
Ontario, Canada
CONTACT US:
CAN 1-800-325-4871
USA 1-800-556-2696
[email protected]

Item No. Part No. Part Description Qty.
1 03001 Handle Assembly - Upper 1
2 02066 Nut, Nylon Insert - 1/2"-20 3
3 03007 Washer, Flat - 1/4" 3
4 03008 Handle Assembly - Lower 1
5 03203 Guard - Toe 1
6 03202 Knob 1
7 03201 Adjusting Rod 1
8 03014 Pin, Cotter - 1/8" X 3/4" 1
9 03072 Adjusting Rod Pivot Block 1
10 03016 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 3/8" - 16 X 1 4
11 03013 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 1/4" - 20 X 3/4" 3
12 03018 Backing Strip 1
13 03019 Guard - Rear Deflector 1
14 03063 Axle - Rear 1
15 08065 Wheel - Rear (Pneumatic)(1992) 2
03021 Wheel - Rear (10 X 1.75)(1992) 2
16 03022 Nut, Nylon Insert - 3/8 - 16 10
17 03024 Nut, Nylon Insert - 1/2" - 13 3
18 02004 Nut, Nylon Insert - 5/16" - 18 9
19 03026 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 3/8" - 16 X 1-1/4" 4
20 03027 Hood Assembly 1
21 03028 Bearing, Flange - Right Hand 1
22 03029 Bearing, Flange - Left Hand 1
23 03030 Engine Mounting Bar 2
24 03031 Nut, Wing - 1/2" - 13 1
25 03032 Washer, Flat - 1/2" 6
26 03074 Adjusting Rod Pivot Block 1
27 02013 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 5/16" - 18 X 3/4 4
28 03038 Nut - Special 2
29 03039 Collar 1
30 03040 Cutter Blade 1/16" or 1.60mm Thick (BLT-15) 15
03041 Cutter Blade 1/32" or 0.80mm Thick (BGT-27) 27
03130 Cutter Blade 1/8" or 3.18mm Thick (BLT-14) 14
31 03042 Spacer, Blade (BLT-14-15) 28
03042 Spacer, Blade (BGT-27) 26
32 03044 Shaft, Blade 1
33 03045 Key, Square - 3/16" 2
34 02029 Bolt, Shoulder 2
35 02027 Wheel, Front(8 X 1.75) 2
36
37 02024 Washer, Flat - 3/8 SAE 4
38 03200 Front Suspension Assembly 1
39 03055 Pully, Blade 1
40 02003 Washer, Lock - 5/16 4
41 03057 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 5/16" - 18 X 1-1/2" 4
42 03058 Pully, Engine - 3/4" Bore 1
43 03059 Belt - 3V300 1
44
45
BLT-14/15 & BGT-27

Item No. Part No. Part Description Qty.
46 02002 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 5/16" - 18 X 1 4
47 03068 Guard, Belt 1
48 02007 Screw, Hex Head Cap - 5/16" - 18 X 2-1/4" 2
49 02005 Washer, Flat 5/16 SAE 4
50 03066 Spacer, Belt Guard (BLT14/15) 4
03066 Spacer, Belt Guard - Long (BGT-27) 1
51 03067 Spacer, Belt Guard - Short (BGT-27) 1
52 03098 Drip Rod 1
53 03099 Plunger Bracket 1
54 03093 Wire Shorting - 42" 2
55 03088 Conduit - 39" 1
56 03089 Plunger Bracket 1
57 03064 Bolt, Eye 1
58 08078 Nut, Running 5/16 - 18 1
59 02064 Zip Ties 3
60 11232 Screw, Self Drill 1
61 491-048 Screw, Self Tapping 4
62 03208 Guard, Rubber Finger 4
63 15112 Grip 1
64 02082 Grip - Upper Hander 2