Bluebird BB550A Programming manual

Operators
And
Parts Manual
MANUAL NO. 109543 REV. 03 (03/18/05)
Models:
BB550A
CL550A

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Operating Instructions for
Cable Layer & Bed Shaper
with supplement for accessories
Introduction ..................................................3
Congratulations .........................................3
Use ............................................................3
Insure your machine..................................3
Good service .............................................3
Serial number ............................................3
Symbols and decals.....................................4
Decals and machine-bound instructions ...4
Location of decals .....................................5
Translation of instructions .........................6
Safety instructions.......................................7
General use ...............................................7
Training ......................................................8
Preparations ..............................................8
Operating...................................................9
Children .....................................................9
Fuel system...............................................9
Movement/Transport................................11
Maintenance ............................................11
Storage ....................................................12
Set-Up .........................................................13
Controls ......................................................14
Steering/LockingHandle ..........................14
HandleLock.............................................14
ThrottleLever...........................................14
Depth Control Setting Plate .....................14
Transport/Engaged Lever ........................15
Choke ......................................................15
Maintenance...............................................17
Maintenanceschedule .............................17
Checking Drive Chain..............................18
Replacing Drive Chain.............................18
Cleaning and Washing.............................19
Lubrication .................................................20
Lubrication schedule................................20
General ....................................................20
Troubleshooting ........................................21
Storage .......................................................22
Winter storage.........................................22
Service ....................................................22
Parts ............................................................23
Frame......................................................24
Engine .....................................................26
Chain Drive..............................................27
Steering ...................................................28
RearAxle .................................................29
Handle .....................................................30
Decals .....................................................32
Accessory - Shaper.................................34
Accessory - Cable Layer .........................35
Service journal...........................................36
Operation....................................................16
Bed Shaping ............................................16
CableLaying ............................................16
©2005 BlueBird International. All Rights Reserved.
Beatrice, NE. Printed U.S.A.

3
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
carefullybefore attempting to use the machine. Followingtheinstructions(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
TheBedBug is used to lay edging material and to shape landscaping beds. Thecable layer is used to
lay invisible fencing and low wattage wiring in trenches in the soil.
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
Before the machine was delivered it underwent inspection and was adjusted by your dealer. When
youneed spareparts orsupportin servicequestions, warrantyissues,etc., pleaseconsult thefollowing
professional:
Serial number
Themachine’s serial number canbefound on the printedplateattached to the chassisof 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 printed on the engine.
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:

4
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
DOES NOT follow the instructions given in the
manual.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a
risk of material damage, particularly if the reader
DOES NOT follow the instructions given in the
manual. Used also when there is a potential for
misuse or misassembly.
Decals and machine-bound instructions
1. Operating instructions
2. Safety graphics
3. DANGER watch your feet
4. Control operations
5. Depth decal
6. Warning for carbon monoxide
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7. Guidelinedecal
8. BedBug decal
9. ModelCL550
10. BlueBirdlogo
11. Oiling decal
9
10
11
8

5
SYMBOLS AND DECALS
Location of decals
4
2
6
3
11
5
10
8
1
7
9
3
1
10
1. Operating instructions
2. Safety graphics
3. DANGER watch your feet
4. Control operations
5. Depth decal
6. Warning for carbon monoxide
7. Guideline decal
8. BedBug Decal
9. ModelCL550
10. BlueBirdlogo
11. Oiling decal

6
Decal 2
Important information
Readandmakesureyouunderstandthe 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 6
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.
Translation of instructions
SYMBOLS AND DECALS

7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
Underno 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
tothe design ofthe machine may absolve
the manufacturer from liability for any
resulting personal injury or property
damage. Modifying the machine without
written approval from the manufacturer
may void the warranty.
General use
The object of this manual is to help you use your
BlueBird machine safely and to give you
information about how to maintain your machine.
Pleasereadthemanual carefullybefore 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
thatcould arise when using the machine.Youcan,
however, prevent accidents by always using
common sense.
To obtain extra copies of the operator’s manual,
please contact your dealer.
• Readthis manual carefully and make sureyou
understand it before using the machine or
performinganymaintenance. Ifthe usercannot
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.
• Accidentprevention regulations, other general
safety regulations, occupational safety rules
andtraffic regulationsmust be followedwithout
fail.
• Allusers shallbe trained inuse of themachine.
The owner is responsible for training users.
• Engage an authorized BlueBird workshop for
all service and repairs not described in this
manual.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Donot 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.
• BlueBirdoriginalsparepartsaredesignedand
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
safelyand learn torecognize the safety decals.
• 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
distancefrom holes orotherirregularities in the
ground. Pay attention to other possible risks.
• Only allow the machine to be used by adults
who are familiar with its use.

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• Never allow children or persons not trained in
theuseof themachinetouseor serviceit. 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.
• Neverleavethemachineunsupervisedwith 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
circulatoryor nerve damage,particularly
inpeople whohave impairedcirculation.
Contact your doctor if you experience
symptoms that could have been caused
by overexposure to vibration. Examples
of common symptoms include
numbness, pain, muscle weakness,
change of skin color or an
uncomfortable feeling of tingling. These
symptomsappear most frequently in the
fingers, hands or wrists.
WARNING!
The engine can become very hot. To
avoid being burned, you must turn off the
engineand wait until all parts have cooled
before touching the engine.
WARNING!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Training
• Read the operating and service instruction
manualcarefully.Be thoroughlyfamiliar withthe
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.
• Neverallow children to operate theequipment.
Never allow adults to operate the equipment
without proper instruction.
• Keepthe area of operation clear ofallpersons,
particularly small children, and pets.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring
toother people,theirproperty, andthemselves.
Preparations
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipmentis to be used and removeall foreign
objects.
• Disengage all clutches before starting the
engine (motor).
• Do not operate the equipment without wearing
adequate outer garments. Wear protective
footwear that will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while
the engine (motor) is running (except where
specifically recommended by the
manufacturer).
• Make sure that you always have first aid
equipment at hand when using the machine.
• Makesure animals and people maintain a safe
distance from the machine.
• Find and locate all fixed objects in the ground,
suchas sprinkler systems,poles,water valves,
bases for washing lines, etc. Be certain to
check for hidden electrical cables or similar in
thesurfaceofthelawn.Alwaysrunthemachine
around these objects. Never intentionally run
the machine over foreign objects.
• Make sure all guard plates and protective
shields are in place and intact when using the
machine.

9
• Makessure noclothing, longhair orjewelry can
catch in moving machine parts.
• Wearapprovedear-protectionwhenrunning the
machine.Ask your dealer about approved ear-
protection.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut
offtheengine andmakecertainallmoving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
andkeepthe wireawayfromtheplug toprevent
accidental starting.
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space
wheredangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect.
• Never operate the machine without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices in place.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by
attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.
• Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the manufacturer of the machine
(such as wheel weights, counterweights, and
thelike.)
• Never operate the BedBug without good
visibilityor light.
• Be careful when trenching in hard ground. The
tines may catch in the ground and propel the
BedBug forward. If this occurs, let go of the
handlebars and do not restrain the machine.
• Useextreme caution when pullingthe machine
towards you.
• Do no change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
• Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from the
tines.
• Never pick up or carry a machine while the
engine is running.
• Do not operate the BedBug while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• 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 on any surface other
than earth, dirt, ground.
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
approvedprotective clothing andapproved
protective equipment recommended by
BlueBird.
WARNING!
Operating
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on
or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay
alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(motor), remove the wire from the spark plug,
thoroughlyinspectthemachineforanydamage,
and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the machine.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Iftheunitshould starttovibrateabnormally,stop
the engine (motor) and check immediately for
thecause.Vibrationisgenerallya warningsign
oftrouble.
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the
operatingposition, before uncloggingthe tines,
andwhenmakingany repairs,adjustments,and
inspections.
• Takeall possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended. Disengage the power
take-off,lower theattachment,stop the engine.

10
• Make sure you have a proper foothold when
using the machine, particularly when backing.
Walk,don’t run. Neverworkon wet grass.Poor
traction may cause you to slip.
• Slowdown andbe especially carefulon slopes.
Make sure to run the machine in the
recommended direction on slopes. Be careful
whenworkingclose tosudden changesin level.
• Smoking, open flames or sparks in the vicinity
ofthe machineare strictly forbidden. Gasoline
is extremely flammable and carelessness in
handling can result in personal injury or fire.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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.
Children
Serious accidents can occur if you fail to be on
guard for children in the vicinity of the machine.
Neverassumethat 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.
Fuel system
• Store fuel in containers specifically designed
for this purpose.
• Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refueling
• Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
removethe capof thefuel tankor addfuel while
theengine is runningor when theengineis hot.
• Donotsmokewhenfillingthegasolinetankand
do not pour gasoline in the vicinity of sparks or
open flame.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source
of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
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.
• Replace all fuel tank and container caps
securely.
• Turn offthe fuel supply for storageortransport.
• Ifleaksarise inthe fuelsystem, theenginemust
not be started until the problem has been
resolved.
Close the fuel valve.
8011-036