GRADEN GBS 1200 User manual

Table of Contents
1. Specifications
1.1 Specifications
1.2 Statement of Machine Use
1.3 Serial Number Plate
2. To the Owner
2.1 Preliminary instructions
2.2 Warning symbols
2.3 Servicing the GBS 1200 Verticutter
3. Safety Information
3.1 General rules
3.2 Training
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
3.4 Preparation
3.5 Operational Safety
3.6 Maintenance Safety
4. Assembly Instructions
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Preliminary checks
5.2 Set up
5.3 Transporting (traversing) the Verticutter
5.4 Verticutting
5.5 Shut down
6. Maintenance Operations
6.1 Adjustments and settings
6.2 Replacements
6.2.1 Blade replacement
6.2.2 Belt replacement
6.3 Gearbox & P.T.O. Shaft
6.4 Maintenance schedule
7. Warranty
8. Parts & Illustrations
8.1 Diagrams
8.2 Warning/Compliance Decals

1.1 Specifications
Model Graden GBS 1200 Offset Verticutter
P.T.O. Horsepower 20 - 35 h.p.
Drive PTO shaft drive from tractor to gearbox
Belt drive to rotor shaft
Gearbox Comer T27A Gearbox
Gearbox oil Gear Oil SAE 80W90
Cutting Reel 1 Fixed - 39 blades (standard)
Cutting width 1220mm (48 inches)
Cutting depth (nominal) 0-45mm
Blades
Standard :
Optional :
Optional :
Tungsten carbide tipped - spring steel
210mm x 2mm tip Part No. 0232
210mm x 3mm tip Part No. 0217
210mm x 1mm tip Part No. 1122
Blade tip speed
1250m/min (standard blades at normal PTO
speed of 540 rpm )
Weight 240 kg (approx.)
Height 1000 mm
Overall Width 1540 mm
Tyres 4.10/3.50 - 4 Slick Pattern (4 per machine)
Tyre pressure 140 kPa / 20 psi (50 psi maximum)
Rotor belts AX40 Dayco Gold Label (6 per machine)

1.2 Statement of Machine Use
The Graden GBS 1200 Verticutter/Scarifier’s main use is as a
verticutting/scarifying/de-thatching tool on areas such as tennis courts,
bowling greens, cricket wickets, golf courses and other sporting fields.
It is not for use on turf areas where rocks and other hard foreign bodies
may be present. The use of this machine in turf profiles of this nature will
likely cause premature wear or shattering of the blades and blade tips
and could result in rocks being projected at dangerous speeds, resulting
in potential injury to the operator or damage to the machinery.
This machine is not for use in anything other than the soil profiles typically
to be found on the sporting fields mentioned above. Any use of this
machine in any other type of surface or for any other purpose may void
the warranty.
Please contact Graden Industries if you are unsure about your application
complying with the intended use of this machine.
1.3 Serial Number Plate
The serial number plate layout is shown below. The serial number is
comprised of four sections. The first section is the model number, the
second section is the mass of the machine, the third section is the serial
number and the fourth section is the year of manufacture of the machine,
as indicated below;

2. To the Owner
Read this manual before operating the GBS 1200 Verticutter
2.1 Preliminary Instructions
It is important that the owner completely familiarises themselves with
the contents of this manual
Keep this manual at hand as a ready reference for anybody using the
Graden GBS 1200 Verticutter
The designed and tested safety features of this machine are
dependent on it being operated within the limitations described in this
manual
2.2 Warning Symbols
Throughout this manual the following symbols are used to indicate
important safety issues. When either or both of these symbols are present
the operator must be aware that there is the potential to damage
equipment and/or incur serious personal injury.
WARNING 
This signal denotes a potential equipment hazard :
failing to follow the instructions or procedures may
result in equipment malfunction or damage.
DANGER 
This signal denotes a serious personal safety hazard :
failing to follow the instructions or procedures may
result in serious, or even fatal, injury.

2.3 Servicing the GBS 1200 Verticutter
The Graden GBS 1200 Verticutter has been carefully engineered and
manufactured to provide safe, dependable and effective service.
As with all mechanical equipment it requires routine cleaning and
maintenance.
Your authorised Graden representative has access to tools, genuine
spares and equipment to service any and all of your requirements.
Use only genuine Graden parts ; substitute parts will void the warranty and
may not meet the safety and performance standards required for safe
and effective operation of the GBS 1200 Verticutter.
Please record the model and serial numbers of the GBS 1200 Verticutter in
the space provided below and quote this information when ordering parts
or communicating with Graden Industries or its’ approved representatives.
Model Number :
Serial Number :
Date Purchased :

3. Safety Information
This manual is provided to help you operate and maintain the GBS 1200
Verticutter. Please read it carefully.
It has been compiled from extensive field experience and engineering
data.
In some aspects it is generalised because it is impossible to cover all
operating scenarios. However, combining the information provided in this
manual with your own increasing experience and knowledge with the
GBS 1200 Verticutter will enable you to develop procedures suitable for
your individual needs.
The GBS 1200 Verticutter, like most modern machinery, is constantly
undergoing development on the basis of experience and market needs.
At the time of printing, material in this manual was current but may vary
due to the aforementioned ongoing development.
Graden Industries reserve the right to change the machinery
specifications without notice.
3.1 General Rules
Direction on the machine (right or left) is determined from standing
behind the machine and facing in the direction of forward travel
When viewed from the right side the blades rotate anti-clockwise
(counter rotating to the forward rotation of the tractor wheels)
This is a precision piece of machinery with high speed cutting blades
DANGER 
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts
of the GBS 1200 Verticutter, especially the
Tungsten Carbide tipped blades
Do not allow children to operate the machine or be near it during its’
operation.

Never allow anyone to ride on the GBS 1200 verticutter at any time.
Only people who are very familiar with the rules of safe operation
should be allowed to use this machine
Only use the machine during daylight or in good artificial light
For clarity, some illustrations in this manual show the GBS 1200
Verticutter with safety guards removed. This is not a normal situation.
DANGER 
Never operate the GBS 1200 Verticutter with
any of the covers or safety guards
removed or not properly secured.
3.2 Training
WARNING 
Read this manual completely before
beginning how to learn to use the
GBS 1200 Verticutter
Do not allow anybody to operate the machine without instruction
Know your controls and how to stop the machine and shut down the
tractor quickly in an emergency
To maintain control and reduce the possibility of upset, damage or
collision, operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and
excessive speed.

The tractor has its’ own set of safety and operating rules. These must be
complied with.
DANGER 
Read any manuals supplied with the tractor and know
how to stop it and shut down all actions in an emergency.
If the tractor is fitted with a Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS), do
not exceed the ROPS weight certification and always wear your seat
belt.
Be aware of the hazards associated with the tractor engine :
The fuel used (Petrol, diesel, etc.) is highly flammable so only use
an appropriate container
Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel while the engine is running
or still hot
Never add fuel indoors and wipe up any spillages
Never run the engine in an enclosed area because exhaust gases
are toxic
DANGER 
The engine uses highly flammable petroleum
fuel and produces toxic exhaust gases.
Only add fuel to, or run, the engine in the
open - never indoors.

3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Clothing should be reasonably snug fitting and not free flowing so as to
avoid the risk of entanglement in moving parts.
Wear sturdy footwear, preferably steel capped safety shoes or boots
Use appropriate PPE for eyes, ears and hands
DANGER 
Never wear sandals, sneakers or have
bare feet when operating the tractor.
3.4 Preparation
Ensure all safety warnings and decals are in place and legible (on both
the GBS 1200 Verticutter and the tractor).
Ensure that the GBS 1200 Verticutter is correctly mounted on the tractor
and that the machine is properly adjusted.
Remove any accumulated debris that might represent a fire hazard.
Ensure that the blades are in a serviceable condition and that the rotor
shaft mounting bolts are secure.
Perform any appropriate scheduled maintenance before operating
the machine.
3.5 Operational Safety
Always disengage the P.T.O before attempting to start the tractor.
Always raise the GBS 1200 Verticutter clear of the turf before
attempting to engage the P.T.O.

Always raise the GBS 1200 Verticutter clear of the ground and
disengage the P.T.O when crossing gravel, walkways, roads, etc.. or
indeed any ground which you do not wish to verticut.
Be very careful and maintain minimum ground speed when operating
over rough ground, around trees, ditches, fences or on sloping ground.
WARNING 
Stay alert for holes, ditches or obstacles that
might obstruct the unit or cause it to tip over.
Never allow anybody in front or behind the tractor and GBS 1200
Verticutter while operating. Before reversing, disengage the P.T.O. then
lift the verticutter clear of the ground and ensure that the area behind
you is clear.
DANGER 
Always raise the GBS 1200, disengage the P.T.O.,
stop the tractor engine and remove the key in
any of the following situations :
leaving the machine unattended
attempting to unclog or clear the blades
making any repairs or adjustments
inspecting the unit for damage after striking
any foreign object
Always repair any damage before recommencing operation.
3.6 Maintenance Safety
Maintenance on the GBS 1200 Verticutter is best carried out with the
machine raised to the maximum height via the adjusting levers at the

back of the machine.
Alternatively, maintenance can be carried out with the unit mounted on
the tractor , so long as it is securely blocked up on jack stands. Do not rely
on the tractor hydraulics to maintain the unit at a safe working height.
DANGER 
Raise the GBS 1200 clear of turf or surface,
disengage the P.T.O., turn off the engine, set the
park brake and remove the key before carrying
out any maintenance or servicing.
Never allow anybody near the tractor controls while adjustments,
maintenance or servicing are being performed.
Keep both the GBS 1200 and the tractor (especially around the
engine) free of any debris
Remove debris from underneath the GBS 1200 Verticutter after each
use.
Verify that all warning labels and decals are present, visible and
legible.
Periodically check that all bolts, fasteners and catches are secure and
in safe operating condition.
After any maintenance or servicing, ensure that all guards and safety
devices are correctly installed and secure before operating the GBS
1200 Verticutter.
DANGER 
Frequently check the rotor blades. Verify that
they are in good condition.
Ensure that the blades are firmly held and there
is no slack due to damaged or worn spacers.

4. Assembly Instructions
Your Verticutter has been manufactured, assembled and tested at
Graden Industries before being shipped.
Depending on your local distributor, your Verticutter will have been
partially disassembled prior to dispatch. Your machine is most likely to be
received in the following condition :
Left & right hand uprights removed
Crossbar removed
Wheel assemblies removed and scrapers fitted for transit
Oil added to gearbox (gear oil SAE 80W90)
P.T.O shaft disconnected
As appropriate, please carry out the following assembly instructions.
Tools required : Circlip pliers
½ inch AF spanner (2 off)
9/16 inch AF spanner (2 off)
¾ inch AF spanner (2 off)
1 ¼ inch AF spanner
Steps
1. Remove all packaging material
2. Re-attach wheels/scrapers
Remove the scrapers (1000) which are fitted for transit. Remove the
circlips (5067) from the axles, and the first washer, then slide the wheel
assemblies onto the axles. Replace the washer and circlip.
Note : Fit the front left wheel first, as this must be fitted before the other
wheels. After this wheel is on, adjust the height screws (0986) to allow you
to fit the remaining wheels easier. Re-fit the scrapers (1000) as indicated in
the Gearbox & Wheel Arm Diagram.
3. Left & Right Hand Uprights and Crossbar
Attach the left and right hand upright plates (0914 & 0915) as shown on
the diagrams, but leave the bolts loose. Bolt the crossbar (0983) to the top
of the uprights as indicated in the diagrams. Tighten the bolts up on the
crossbar, then on the Uprights.
4. Bottom Links
Fit the bottom links (5285) to the uprights as shown in the cover diagram.

5. Operating Instructions
DANGER 
Do not operate the Verticutter until you
have completely read this manual.
5.1 Preliminary Checks
1. Clear any debris from above and underneath the machine
2. Ensure scheduled maintenance activities have been
completed.
3. Inspect belts for condition and correct tension.
4. Inspect blades for wear or damage.
5. Ensure all guards and covers are firmly fixed in place
5.2 Set Up
1. Ensure that the GBS 1200 is on firm, level surface
2. The cutting depth is set via the two adjusting screws (0986) at the
back of the machine. Set your required depth by turning these
screws simultaneously, clockwise for lesser depth or anti-
clockwise for greater depth. Before mounting onto the tractor
you could set your depth by placing all four of the machines
wheels on timbers or bricks so the blades can safely be lowered
below the tyre level i.e. so they would be travelling into the
ground when the machine is resting on the four wheels. As long
as the four wheels are raised at the same height, you will be able
to check your depth of cut.
3. When the desired depth has been reached turn the locking
levers (0970) on both adjusting screws around until they lock
onto the trailing arm assembly (0965).
4. Position the tractor in front of the GBS 1200 and lower the tractor
3-point hitch.
5. Attach the lower tractor arms to the bottom links, secure with
3/8” lynch pins and connect the upper tractor arm.
6. Adjust the tractor sway bars so that there is no side-to-side
motion.
7. Raise the GBS 1200 off the ground and verify that the unit is level.
8. Attach the P.T.O shaft to the GBS 1200 and then to the tractor,
ensuring that both locking pins pop up.
9. Secure the P.T.O guard retaining chains at both ends.

DANGER 
The P.T.O retaining chains must be connected
to prevent the outer guard from rotating with
the P.T.O shaft
5.3 Transporting (Traversing) the GBS 1200 Verticutter
1. Raise the GBS 1200 clear of the turf (ground).
2. Disengage the P.T.O
3. Drive smoothly to your next destination. Avoid excess speed,
especially over rough or uneven ground.
5.4 Verticutting
1. Set the depth of cut via the 2 height adjustment screws (0986), as
described in 5.2, at the approximate desired depth. Normal range
of cut (with standard 210mm blades) is 0mm to 45 mm deep.
2. Start the tractor, raise the Verticutter clear of the turf and with the
engine at idle gently engage the P.T.O
3. Set the P.T.O. speed to 540 rpm – maximum revs.
4. Gently lower the GBS 1200 to the ground and allow the rotating
blades to pull themselves into the turf.
5. Make a test cut on level ground of a few metres and check that the
Verticutter is cutting to a consistent depth across the full width of
the cut.
6. Adjust the height adjustment screws (0986) at the rear of the
machine if the blade depth is not even across the machine.
7. Repeat the short test cut and verify that the cut is even across the
Verticutter and that the depth of cut is satisfactory.
8. Forward speed will be determined by such variables as: depth of
cut, soil hardness, soil texture, moisture content of soil, degree of
thatch, smoothness of ground, etc. If you are only lightly
dethatching then a forward operating speed of 5 - 10 kmh should
be achievable. Deeper cutting requires slower operation.
Experience will establish your optimal operating speeds at different
cutting depths.
9. In general, you should start with the tractor gear set to Low 2. From
this setting you can work out if you can operate at a higher gear, all
the way up to High 1 for light de-thatching.
10.Steer the tractor in a straight line while the blades are cutting.
Trying to change direction while the blades are in the turf may lead
to a furrowing/scalping action and can put undue stress on the

machine, in particular the blades.
11. At the end of a pass :
raise the blades clear of the turf
turn the tractor around to make your next run
gently lower the blades into the ground
drive forward, maintaining an even forward speed
12.When travelling from area to area raise the blades and disengage
the P.T.O. Always drive smoothly to avoid unnecessarily bouncing
the machine around.
WARNING 
Never change direction while the blades are
still in the turf ; damage to the turf and the
machine can result
5.5 Shut Down
1. Raise blades out of turf.
2. Disengage P.T.O.
3. Traverse machine to storage/maintenance area.
4. Generally clean the GBS 1200 Verticutter, making sure that there
is no accumulated debris around the blades and P.T.O.
5. When finished you can put the machine on boards or bricks so
the machine can be left at the operating depth without
screwing out the adjustment levers, this is suggested if the
machine is to be used again in a short while at the same depth
of cut.
6. If the machine is to be stored away then you will probably want
to turn the adjustment screws clockwise to raise the machine to
its full height. This will enable the machine to be pushed around
on its four wheels.
7. Disconnect the P.T.O and demount from the tractor.

6. Maintenance Operations
The performance of certain maintenance, adjustment or repair operations
will be determined by the owner’s facilities.
Work can be carried out with the machine supported on its own wheels
or, alternatively, with the machine still attached to the tractor.
WARNING 
If the GBS 1200 is left on the tractor, under no
circumstances rely on the tractor hydraulics.
Securely block up the machine with jack
stands before attempting any maintenance.
DANGER 
Raise the GBS 1200 clear of turf or surface,
disengage the P.T.O., turn off the engine, set the
park brake and remove the key before carrying
out any maintenance or servicing.
6.1 Adjustments and Settings
The P.T.O. from the tractor drives the gearbox, which in turn drives the
blade reel via two sets of drive belts.
1. Remove the side belt covers (0984 & 0985).
2. Adjust the tension by loosening the lock nut on the idler adjuster
(0424) and screwing the adjusting nut on the end. Re-tighten the
lock nut when correct tension is achieved.
3. Note : The recommended tension is 1.0 - 1.5 Kgf (2.2 - 3.3 lbf) to give
a deflection of 6mm (1/4 in.) in one of the belts at the mid point
between the two pulley centres. This force is approximately the
maximum that can comfortably be applied using just the index
finger on one belt.
4. Re-fit the belt covers.

6.2 Replacements
These operations are best carried out with the Verticutter mounted to the
tractor, but with the P.T.O. Shaft disconnected.
DANGER 
If any maintenance operations are carried out
with the Verticutter mounted on the tractor,
ensure that the unit is supported on jack stands
Do not rely on the tractor hydraulics
Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and
remove the key before proceeding.
6.2.1 Blade replacement
1. Remove both side belt guards (0984 & 0985)
2. Slacken idler arm adjuster (0424) to remove tension on belts
3. Remove belts (5164) from rotor shaft pulley (5128)
4. Undo the bolts holding the bearing housings (5025) at each end of
the blade reel.
5. Drop the blade reel out of the machine, being careful not to
damage the blades.
6. Lift the machine clear of the blade reel.
7. Remove the pulley (5128 & 5129), key (0436) and bearing (5025)
from one end of the reel, then undo the nyloc nut (5089) and
remove the rotor shaft washer (0039) from that end.
8. To undo one nyloc nut you will need to secure the nyloc nut at the
other end.
9. Once the nut and rotor shaft washer have been removed you can
remove blades (0232) and spacers (0972) from the shaft (0976).
10.Replace blades and spacers as required, ensuring that they go
back on the shaft in the same direction and configuration (i.e
counter rotating to direction of forward travel and successive
blades offset one face on the rotor shaft).
11.Refit the rotor shaft washer and nyloc nut when blades are
replaced and tighten nut back up.
12.Loosely re-fit the bearing (5025) on the end of the rotor shaft (0976)

and re-position the reel under the Verticutter.
13. Securely bolt the blade reel in place.
14.Tighten the bearing (5025) back onto the shaft (0976) and refit the
lower pulley (5128), checking the alignment with the top pulley
(5140) to keep the drive belts (5164) in line.
15.Re-fit the and Re-tension the drive belts as per 6.1
16. Re-fit belt covers.
6.2.2 Belt Replacement
Note :Most of the stretch that belts experience takes place in the first few
hours under load conditions after they have been first installed. After fitting
new belts it is advisable that the tension be checked regularly in the first
few hours of operation and re-tensioned as required.
Drive belts
1. Remove belt covers (0984 & 0985).
2. Slacken idler arm adjuster (0424) to remove all tension on the drive
belts (5164).
3. Remove belts from the pulleys (5128 & 5140).
4. Fit new belts.
5. Adjust tension on the idler arm adjuster as per 6.1
6. Re-fit belt covers.
6.3 Gearbox & P.T.O. Shaft
The gearbox (5134) should not require servicing. Annual checking of the
oil level and oil quality should be all that is required. If topping up is
required then use Gear Oil SAE 80W90.
The P.T.O. Shaft comes with its own set of instructions included with this
manual. Follow all maintenance procedures as outlined in these
instructions to maintain your P.T.O. Shaft in good condition.