Bluebird H424 User manual

Operator Manual
Aerator
Models
H424 / 968999392 H530A / 968999393
H742 / 968999394 S530B / 968999683
Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure
you understand the instructions before using the machine.

©2009 HTC. All rights reserved.
Beatrice, NE. Printed in U.S.A.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

Contents
INTRODUCTION ......................................................4
Use .....................................................................4
Good Service .....................................................4
Serial Number ....................................................4
SYMBOLS AND DECALS .........................................5
SAFETY ....................................................................7
General Information ...........................................7
Safety Procedures ..............................................7
General Use .......................................................8
Preparations .......................................................9
Operating .........................................................10
Movement/Transport ........................................11
Storage ............................................................11
Children ............................................................11
Fuel System .....................................................12
Maintenance ....................................................13
ASSEMBLY .............................................................14
Models 424 and 530 Handles ..........................14
Model 742 Handle ...........................................15
Clutch and Throttle Cables ..............................16
OPERATION ...........................................................17
Aeration Tips ....................................................17
Before You Start ...............................................17
Rear Wheel Adjustment ...................................18
Turning And Maneuvering ................................18
Operating On Slopes .......................................19
Aerating ...........................................................20
Transporting .....................................................21
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE .............................22
Cleaning ...........................................................22
Two Minute Rule ...............................................22
Drive Train ........................................................23
Engine ..............................................................23
Clutch Cable ...................................................24
Throttle Cable ..................................................24
Chain ...............................................................26
Removal and Replacement .............................26
Adjusting Tension .............................................26
Tines ................................................................27
Tine Wear .........................................................27
Tine Replacement ............................................27
Handle .............................................................28
Wheels .............................................................29
Drive Wheel Shaft ...........................................29
Rear Wheels .....................................................30
TECHNICAL DATA .................................................31
Torque Specications .......................................35
WARRANTY ............................................................36

4 - BLUEBIRD
Congratulations
Thank you for purchasing a BlueBird lawn care
product. Through your condence 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, for example, power-
raking, de-mossing and collecting thatch in the form
of old grass or moss. With an attachment, it can
also 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, re, damage
and theft.
Good Service
BlueBird’s products are available only in specialized
retail trades 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:
This Operator’s Manual belongs to machine
with serial number:
Engine
number:
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 into the
crankcase above the oil drainage screw.
The engine type is specied on the crankcase under
the air lter but also appears on the decal on the
starter.
Please state engine serial number and type when
ordering replacement engine parts.
IntRoDUCtIon

BLUEBIRD-5
530 Models 424 & 742 Models
1
4
3
2
1
2
2
540200122
WARNING!
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
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
DANGER watch your feet1.
Warning for carbon monoxide2.
Chain tension3.
Safety warnings4.
Barbells5.
Removable wheel6.
Controls7.
1
2
3
4
3
5
6
7
sYMBoLs AnD DeCALs

6 - BLUEBIRD
DANGER watch your feet1.
Warning for carbon monoxide2.
Chain tension3.
Safety warnings4.
Barbells5.
Removable wheel6.
Controls7.
6
1
4
5
2
7
3
sYMBoLs AnD DeCALs

BLUEBIRD-7
Safety Procedures
DO:
Read all maintenance and service instructions •
before attempting work.
Read engine manufacturer’s operating and •
maintenance instructions.
Remove spark plug wire before commencing •
service.
Inspect lawn to be aerated and remove rocks, •
wire, string and other objects that might present a
hazard before starting.
Identify and mark all ground objects to be •
avoided, such as sprinkler heads, stakes, water
valves, clothes line anchors, etc.
Use machine for lawn aeration only.•
Keep unsupervised children away from the •
equipment.
Adopt safe lifting and moving techniques when •
loading/unloading and moving the equipment.
Make sure all decals are in place.•
DO NOT:
Do not run engine while servicing.•
Do not use on any surface other than grass.•
Do not operate on slopes exceeding 35% grade.•
Do not place hands or feet near moving or •
rotating parts.
Do not lift alone.•
Do not run engine in an unventilated space.•
Do not run engine while servicing. Remove spark •
plug wire before commencing service.
Do not smoke or allow open ames or sparks near •
unit, and always stop the engine when refueling
Do not remove guards when operating.•
Do not modify this equipment.•
Do not use this equipment for purposes other than •
lawn aeration.
General Information
This manual will assist you in the safe operation and
proper maintenance of your BlueBird equipment.
Read it thoroughly before attempting to operate the
machine. Call your dealer or BlueBird if additional
information is required.
This equipment should not be modied without the
manufacturer’s prior written authorization. Doing so
may not only affect the equipment’s performance
and durability, but also create safety hazards for the
operator and the surroundings. Warranty will be void
if changes are made to the equipment without the
manufacturer’s prior written authorization.
sAFetY

8 - BLUEBIRD
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. 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.
For a replacement copy of the operator’s manual,
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
trafc 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.
BlueBird original spare parts are designed and •
specied to maintain high quality and correct t
for optimal durability and lifespan.
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 aerating lawns. It is not •
intended for any other use.
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.
WARNING!
Under no circumstances may the original
design of the machine be modied without
written approval from the manufacturer.
Such modications 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
modications 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 approval from the manufacturer may
void the guarantee.
WARNING!
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
common symptoms include numbness, pain,
muscle weakness, change of skin color or
an uncomfortable feeling of tingling. These
symptoms appear most frequently in the
ngers, hands or wrists.
8060-055
Read this manual carefully before starting the machine.
sAFetY

BLUEBIRD-9
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 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,
always concentrate and focus on the task at hand.
Make sure animals and people maintain a safe
distance from the machine.
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.
Preparations
Have rst aid equipment at hand when using the •
machine.
Make sure no one else is in the vicinity of the •
machine when starting the engine, engaging the
drive or running the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, •
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blades.
Locate xed objects in the ground, such as •
sprinkler systems, poles, water valves, bases for
washing lines. Check for hidden electrical cables
or similar in the surface of the lawn. Run the
machine 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.
Make 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!
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!
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-aRunning
sAFetY

10 - BLUEBIRD
Operating
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 ames or sparks in the vicinity •
of the machine are strictly forbidden. Gasoline
is extremely ammable and carelessness in
handling can result in personal injury or re.
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.
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.
8060-054
The engine exhaust is poisonous. Never run the engine
indoors.
8011-091
Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.
8060-056
Smoking near the machine is strictly prohibited.
sAFetY