Bluebird PR18S6FA User manual

Operators Manual
PR18S6FA / 968999678
PR22S6FA / 968999680
S22S6DA / 968999681

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Operating Instructions
Lawn Dethatcher
with supplement for accessories
©2007 BlueBird. All Rights Reserved.
Beatrice, NE. Printed in U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION......................................................4
USE ....................................................................4
INSURE YOUR MACHINE .................................4
GOOD SERVICE................................................4
SERIAL NUMBER...............................................4
SYMBOLS AND DECALS ........................................5
LOCATION OF DECALS ....................................6
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS........................................8
GENERAL USE ..................................................8
PREPARATIONS..............................................10
RUNNING.........................................................11
MOVEMENT/TRANSPORT..............................12
STORAGE........................................................12
CHILDREN .......................................................12
FUEL SYSTEM.................................................13
MAINTENANCE................................................14
MODELS.................................................................15
CONTROLS............................................................16
MAIN COMPONENTS......................................16
ENGINE............................................................17
CUTTING UNIT ................................................17
BLADE VERSATILITY ......................................18
OPERATION...........................................................19
BEFORE YOU START......................................19
STARTING........................................................19
FINISHING........................................................19
MAINTENANCE................................................20
TWO MINUTE RULE........................................25
CLEANING AND WASHING.............................25
LUBRICATION..................................................26
LUBRICATION SCHEDULE .............................26
GENERAL.........................................................26
TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................28
STORAGE..............................................................29
WINTER STORAGE.........................................29
SERVICE................................................................29
TECHNICAL DATA.................................................30
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ................................33
SERVICE JOURNAL..............................................34

4
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations
Thank you for purchasing a BlueBird lawn care product. Through your confidence 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. Following the instructions (use, service, maintenance, etc.) can considerably
increase the lifespan of your machine and even increase its resale value. Please contact your dealer for more
information.
If you sell your BlueBird machine, make sure to give the operator’s manual to the new owner.
Use
The dethatcher is used to remove the layer of thatch and surface-treat lawns, i.e. power-raking, de-mossing and
collecting thatch in the form of old grass or moss. With an attachment, it can even be used for seeding, both in
initial sowing or overseeding.
Insure your machine
Contact your insurance company to check on insurance coverage for your new machine. You should have all-
inclusive insurance for liability, fire, damage and theft.
Good service
BlueBird’s products are sold all over the world and only in specialized retail trade with complete service. This
ensures that you as a customer get only the best support and service. Before the machine was delivered it
underwent inspection and was adjusted by your dealer. When you need spare parts or support in service
questions, guarantee issues, etc., please consult the following professional:
Serial number
The machine’s serial number can be found on the printed plate attached to the rear side panel of the machine.
The plate includes the following information:
• The machine’s type designation (MODEL).
• The machine’s serial number (S/N).
Please state the type designation and serial number when ordering spare parts.
The engine’s serial number is punched in the crankcase above the oil drainage screw.
The engine type is specified on the crankcase under the air filter but also appears on the decal on the starter.
Please state engine serial number and type when ordering replacement engine parts.
This Operator’s Manual belongs to machine with
serial number: Engine
number:

5
WARNING!
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a
risk of personal injury, particularly if the reader
should neglect to follow instructions given in the
manual.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a
risk of material damage, particularly if the reader
should neglect to follow instructions given in the
manual.
Used also when there is a potential for misuse or
misassembly.
Decals
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
1. BlueBird logo
2. Model designation PR18
3. Model designation PR22
4. Height setting
5. Seeder Dial
6. DANGER watch your feet
7. Seed application chart
8. Warning for carbon monoxide
9. Open/Close (Seedbox)
10. Caution graphics
11. Warning for bagger
12. Handle folding instructions
13. BlueBird logo
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.

6
SYMBOLS AND DECALS
Location of decals
1
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
2,
4
66
1. BlueBird logo
2. Model designation PR18
3. Model designation PR22
4. Height setting
5. Seeder Dial
6. DANGER watch your feet
7. Seed application chart
8. Warning for carbon monoxide
9. Open/Close (Seedbox)
10. Caution graphics
11. Warning for bagger
12. Handle folding instructions
13. BlueBird logo

7
SYMBOLS AND DECALS
Decal 10
Important information
Read and make sure you understand the Operator’s
Manual before use or maintenance.
To obtain a replacement manual, please contact your
dealer.
Observe all safety instructions; otherwise you may
injure yourself or others around you.
Make sure that the machine is in serviceable condition
prior to use.
Make sure that all protective devices are in place when
the machine is in use.
Stop the engine and wait until all machine movement
comes to a standstill before service, adjustment or
cleaning.
Do not run the engine in poorly ventilated spaces.
Make sure nobody is in the vicinity of the machine
before starting and during use.
Avoid slopes that are too steep to use the machine
safely.
Clear any debris from the lawn prior to use.
Decal 8
Warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
considered by the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The
engine emits carbon monoxide, which is a colorless,
poisonous gas. Do not use the machine in enclosed
spaces.
Instructions
Decal 7
Seed application chart
Values are approximate; quantities of seed depend on
the speed at which the machine is run. Faster running
speed results in sparser sowing.
Preparing the lawn
• Cut the grass to approximately 1-1.5 cm (½")
shorter than normal.
• Do not water before sowing.
• Remove the layer of old grass cuttings (thatch).
• Aerate the lawn with a ground aerator of the coring
type.
• Fertilize the lawn.
Seed application recommendations
• For best results, sow in two directions with a 45°
angle between.
• Water generously immediately afterward and
continue watering moderately for 10–14 days to
keep the soil moist.
• After germination, water sporadically to encourage
root growth.

8
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read this manual carefully before starting the machine.
WARNING!
Under no circumstances may the original
design of the machine be modified without
written approval from the manufacturer.
Such modifications not only affect the
performance and durability of the machine
but may even pose a safety risk for users
and those in the vicinity. Unauthorized
modifications to the design of the machine
may absolve the manufacturer from liability
for any resulting personal injury or property
damage. Modifying the machine without
written approvalfrom the manufacturer may
void the guarantee.
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
use the machine.
If after reading the operator’s manual you are still
unsure about the safety risks associated with use of
the machine, you should not use the machine. Please
contact your dealer for more information.
These safety instructions only address the basics
for safe use. It would be impossible in the safety
instructions to describe all possible risk situations
that could arise when using the machine. You can,
however, prevent accidents by always using common
sense.
To obtain extra copies of the operator’s manual, please
contact your dealer.
• Read this manual carefully and make sure
you understand it before using the machine or
performing any maintenance. If the user cannot
read this manual, it is the responsibility of the
machine owner to explain the contents to the user.
• Follow all safety instructions. Failure to do so may
result in injury to yourself or others.
• Accident prevention regulations, other general
safety regulations, occupational safety rules and
traffic regulations must be followed without fail.
• All users shall be trained in use of the machine.
The owner is responsible for training users.
• Engage an authorized BlueBird workshop for all
service and repairs not described in this manual.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not use the machine until you have
read the operator’s manual carefully
and understand the instructions given.
All maintenance work or adjustments
not described in this manual must be
performed by an authorized BlueBird
service workshop.
8011-040

9
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• BlueBird original spare parts are designed and
specified to maintain high quality and correct fit
for optimal durability and lifespan. From a safety
point of view, you should only use BlueBird original
spare parts.
• Check that all safety decals are in place. See the
chapter ”Symbols and decals”.
• Learn how to use the machine and its controls
safely and learn to recognize the safety decals.
• Only use the machine for sowing and dethatching
lawns. It is not intended for any other use.
• Check that the machine is in serviceable condition
prior to use; see the chapter ”Maintenance/
Maintenance schedule”.
• Only use the machine in daylight or in other well-lit
conditions. Keep the machine a safe distance from
holes or other irregularities in the ground. Pay
attention to other possible risks.
• Only allow the machine to be used by adults who
are familiar with its use.
• Never allow children or persons not trained in the
use of the machine to use or service it. Local laws
may regulate the age of the user.
• People and animals can distract you causing you
to lose control of the machine. For this reason, you
should always concentrate and focus on the task
at hand.
• Never leave the machine unsupervised with the
engine running.
• Make sure that other people are nearby when you
are using the machine so that you can call for help
should an emergency arise.
• The machine is tested and approved only with the
equipment originally provided or recommended by
the manufacturer.
Overexposure to vibration may lead to
circulatory or nerve damage, particularly
in people who have impaired circulation.
Contact your doctor if you experience
symptoms that could have been caused
by overexposure to vibration. Examples
of commonsymptoms include numbness,
pain, muscle weakness, change of
skin color or an uncomfortable feeling
of tingling. These symptoms appear
most frequently in the fingers, hands or
wrists.
WARNING!
The engine can become very hot. To
avoid being burned, you must turn off
the engine and wait until all parts have
cooled before touching the engine.
WARNING!

10
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Preparations
• Make sure that you always have first aid
equipment at hand when using the machine.
• Make sure nobody else is in the vicinity of the
machine when you start the engine, engage the
drive or run the machine.
• Make sure animals and people maintain a safe
distance from the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as stones, toys,
steel wire, etc. that could become caught in
moving machine parts and thrown out.
• Find and locate all fixed objects in the ground,
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. Always run the machine around these
objects. Never intentionally run the machine over
foreign objects.
• Make sure all guard plates and protective cowlings
are in place and intact when using the machine.
• Makes sure no clothing, long hair or jewelry can
catch in moving machine parts.
• Never use the machine when barefoot. Always
wear protective shoes or protective boots with
anti-slip and preferably with steel toes.
• Wear approved ear-protection when running the
machine. Ask your dealer about approved ear-
protection.
WARNING!
Always use approved protective clothing
and approved protective equipment
when using the machine. Protective
clothing and protective equipment
cannot eliminate the risk of accidents,
but wearing proper clothing and the
correct equipment will reduce the degree
of injury should an accident occur. Ask
your dealer about approved protective
clothing and approved protective
equipment recommended by BlueBird.
8011-198
8011-670

11
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.
• Do not use the machine if you are tired, if you
have consumed alcohol, or if you are taking other
drugs or medication that can affect your vision,
judgment or co-ordination.
• Never use the machine indoors or in spaces
lacking proper ventilation.
• Do not use the machine on any surface other than
grass.
• Make sure you have a proper foothold when using
the machine, particularly when backing. Walk,
don’t run. Never work on wet grass. Poor traction
may cause you to slip.
• Keep your hands and feet away from moving
parts.
• Keep your hands and feet away from the work
tools.
• Slow down and be especially careful on
slopes. Make sure to run the machine in the
recommended direction on slopes. Be careful
when working close to sudden changes in level.
• Smoking, open flames or sparks in the vicinity of
the machine are strictly forbidden. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and carelessness in handling
can result in personal injury or fire.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you run over or
into anything. If necessary, make repairs before
beginning again.
• Whatever happens, you should always park the
machine on even ground, disengage the drive,
turn off the engine and wait until all moving parts
have stopped before leaving the operating position
behind the machine.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.
Smoking near the machine is strictly prohibited.
The engine exhaust is poisonous. Never run the engine
indoors.
8011-041-1
8011-091
8011-289-1
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents
and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals considered to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. The engine emits carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless, poisonous gas. Do
not use the machine in enclosed spaces.

12
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Children
Serious accidents can occur if you fail to be on guard
for children in the vicinity of the machine.
Never assume that children will stay put where you last
saw them.
• Keep children away from the machine.
• Keep children away from the work area and under
close supervision by another adult.
• Keep an eye out and shut off the machine if
children enter the work area.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Be particularly careful near corners, bushes, trees
or other objects that block your view. Keep children away from the work area.
Keep children away from the machine.
We recommend having two people to lift the machine.
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.
• Be careful and use safe lifting and moving
techniques when loading/unloading the machine.
• We recommend having two people to lift the
machine.
• Fasten the machine properly in place with
approved fasteners, such as tension belts, chains
or rope. Always check that you are in compliance
with applicable traffic regulations before
transporting the machine.
Storage
• Allow the engine to cool before storing the
machine. Never store the machine near a open
flame.
• Store the machine with the fuel valve closed.
• Store the machine and fuel in such a way that
there is no risk that leaking fuel or fumes can
come in contact with flames or sparks from
electrical machines, electric engines, relays,
switches, boilers or similar.
• Store the machine in a locked space away
from children and adults untrained in use of the
machine.
8011-090
8011-038-1
8011-039-1

13
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
Fuel system
Close the fuel valve.
• Only store fuel in containers approved for that
purpose.
• Never remove the fuel cap and fill the fuel tank
when the engine is running.
• Always stop the engine when refueling.
• Do not smoke when filling the gasoline tank and
do not pour gasoline in the vicinity of sparks or
open flame.
• Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
WARNING!
Gasoline and gasoline fumes are
poisonous and extremely flammable.
Be especially careful when handling
gasoline, as carelessness can result in
personal injury or fire.
• Before starting the machine after refueling, it
should be moved at least 10 feet (3 M) from the
location where it was filled.
• Turn off the fuel supply for storage or transport.
• If leaks arise in the fuel system, the engine
must not be started until the problem has been
resolved.
Fueling always poses an element of risk.
• Check the fuel level before each use and leave
space for the fuel to expand, because the heat
from the engine and the sun can otherwise cause
the fuel to expand and overflow.
• Avoid overfilling. If you spill gasoline on the
machine, wipe up the spill and wait until it has
evaporated before starting the engine. If you spill
gasoline on your clothing, change your clothing.
8011-037-1
8011-019

14
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Disconnect the spark plug cable before repair work.
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.
• Disconnect the spark plug cable before beginning
repair work.
• Keep all components in serviceable condition and
make sure all nuts, bolts, etc. are tight. Replace
worn or damaged decals.
• Be careful when checking work tools. Use gloves
when performing maintenance work.
• Never allow persons not trained in the use of the
machine to perform service on it.
• Always park the machine on even ground before
performing maintenance or making adjustments.
• Do not disassemble the engine. This can
invalidate your guarantee. Contact your dealer
if you have any questions regarding service
or guarantee matters. Follow all maintenance
instructions.
• Do not change the setting of governors and avoid
running the engine with overly high RPMs. If you
run the engine too fast, you risk damaging the
machine components.
• Do not modify safety equipment. Check regularly
to be sure it works properly. The machine must
not be run with defective or disassembled safety
equipment.
• The muffler is designed to maintain sound levels
at an approved level and keep direct exhaust
away from the user. Exhaust gases from the
engine are extremely hot and may contain sparks
that can cause fires or burn the user.
• Never use a machine with a defective muffler.
• Reduce the risk of fire by removing grass, leaves
and other debris that may have caught in the
machine. Keep the machine clean.
WARNING!
Wait until all moving parts are completely
still before performing maintenance on
the machine.
Turn off the engine and remove the spark
plug cable.
8011-027
8011-121-1

15
MODELS
Congratulations on your choice of an exceptionally
high quality product. This operator’s manual describes
the BlueBird dethatcher. The machine is available in
18" and 22" widths.
The machine is equipped with a 6 hp Subaru four-
cycle engine.
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.
Alternatively, 22" dethatcher can be equipped with a
seeder. It is available as an accessory at your BlueBird
dealer. It can be mounted after purchase.
It is not possible to use a catcher and seeder
simultaneously.
DT22RF-1
DT03-1
DT02-1

16
CONTROLS
Main components and operating instruments
1. Engine
2. Depth lever
3. Knob for collapsible handle
4. Clutch bail
5. Handle
6. Shaft Guard
7. Belt shield
DT04-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
7

17
Cutting unit
Depth lever
Use the depth lever to raise and lower the blades
between working and transport position. When the
lever is up, the blades are in working position. Blades
should penetrate the soil to a depth of 1/8" to ¼" with a
maximum penetration of ½".
Clutch
The clutch tightens the drive belt and engages the
drive for the blades. When the clutch lever is pressed
against the handle, the blades begin to rotate. Hold the
clutch tightly when working so that the belt does not
slip.
DT03-1
DT08
Fueling
Read the safety instructions before fueling.
Keep the fuel and fuel tank clean. Avoid filling the
machine with dirty fuel. Make sure the fuel cap is
properly tightened and the gasket is not damaged,
particularly before washing the machine.
Use unleaded gasoline with minimum 86 octane rating.
Never use gasoline mixed with two-cycle oil. For
ethanol and methanol fuel, the following applies:
Maximum allowable ethanol 10% (volume).
Maximum allowable methanol 5% (volume).
Maximum allowable MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
15% (volume).
If the engine ”bolts” at normal load it can be damaged.
Change the fuel. If this does not help, contact an
authorized service workshop.
Do not fill the tank completely; leave space for the fuel
to expand as it warms up.
8011-019
CONTROLS
Engine
Refer to your engine manual.
WARNING!
Gasoline is highly flammable. Observe
caution and fill the tank outdoors.
(See the safety instructions.)

18
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. Excessive thatch also creates an ideal
environment for insects and lawn diseases. Power-
raking with flail blades removes this thatch layer and
restores your lawn to good health. Flail blades offer the
most aggressive dethatching of all the blades offered.
Delta blade
Delta blades were created primarily for overseeding
existing lawn. They effectively incorporate grass
seed into the soil. This is an easy, reliable method
for rejuvenating poor lawns. The delta blade is also
useful as a vertical mower for cutting running stem
grasses and opening up the soil to oxygen, water,
nutrients and other chemicals. Delta blades are
also beneficial on slopes, terraces and in high clay
content soils where water runoff is a problem. Blades
should penetrate the soil to a depth of 1/8" to ¼" with a
maximum penetration of ½".
Spring tine
Ideal for the established lawn that is not in need of a
complete renovation but requires dethatching (dry-
spots, fungus, etc.). Spring tines are designed to
pluck dead grass and thatch out of the lawn without
tearing or damaging existing root structure. With the
flexible tines, the lawn is combed only .19 inches
(0.5 cm) above the soil, so it cannot penetrate the
root structure. Spring tines provide less aggressive
dethatching than flail blades. Tines should not
penetrate the soil.
Setting blade height
The blades are raised and lowered using a depth lever
on the right side of the machine. Push in and move
lever to the correct height. Higher numbers increase
the blade depth.
DT03-1

19
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Clear the lawn of any debris.
Clearly mark rocks and other fixed
objects.
Be especially sure to check for hidden
electrical cables or similar in the
surface of the lawn.
OPERATION
Before you start
• Mow the lawn ½" shorter than normal.
• Allow the lawn to dry. Wet conditions can cause
extensive damage to healthy grass.
Finishing
• Remove all extracted thatch from the grass and
compost/dispose of properly.
• Other methods for improving your lawn may
include aeration and fertilization.
DT06
Starting
•Set the transport lever in working position.
• To engage the clutch in heavy thatch, bear down
on the handle and raise the front wheels slightly.
Hold the clutch engaged against the handle and
carefully lower the machine into the turf.
• Do a small test area at a slow walking pace.
• If the engine speed drops excessively, the
depth setting is too deep. Turn the depth knob
clockwise.
• If the machine pulls forward and bucks roughly,
the depth setting is too deep. Check for stones
or fixed objects in the lawn. Then turn the depth
knob clockwise.
FLAIL BLADES OR SPRING TINES:
• Flail Blades or Spring Tines: Set blade or
tine depth so that the blades or tines just touch
on a flat surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Blades should never contact soil.
•
Delta Blades: Set blades to penetrate the
soil to a depth of 1/8" to ¼" with a maximum
penetration of ½".
• Lawns with deep thatch exceeding .78 inches (2
cm) may be best dethatched in two treatments
(spring and fall) to avoid major shock to an older
lawn.
DT03-1

20
Check the engine oil level
Replace engine oil 1)
Check the air filter
Clean the air filter 2)
Replace air filter cartridge 2)
Clean sludge reservoir for fuel system
Check and clean the spark plug
Replace the spark plug
Check idle speed
Check and adjust play in valves 4)
Clean fuel tank 4)
Check, replace fuel lines as necessary 4, 5)
Check clutch and clutch cable
Check flail blade lock washers
Check decals and warning signs
Check the seed holes for the seeder
Check wear and tension on the belts
Check blade wear and condition
Check the chassis, bolts and set screws
Check the seed control lever for the seeder
Check the wire mountings on the seeder
Lubrication; see the Lubrication schedule
MAINTENANCE
3/50 6/1001/25
Maintenance Daily
before
starting
Maintenance interval months/hours
WARNING!
No service operations may be performed on the engine or unit unless:
• The engine is stopped.
• The ignition cable has been removed from the spark plug.
• The machine is securely parked where it will not tip or begin rolling.
= Described in this manual.
= Not described in this manual.
1) First change after 20 hours.2) In dusty conditions maintenance is required at shorter intervals. 3) With daily use, the machine shall be
lubricated twice weekly. 4) Performed by authorized service workshop. 5) Performed every second year.
12/300
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.