ryan 544853G Programming manual

OPERATOR'S / PARTS MANUAL
MAN 4167007 Rev. A 08-2011
544853G
HEAVY DUTY SODCUTTER 11HP HONDA 16"
544854G
HEAVY DUTY SODCUTTER 11HP HONDA 18"

1
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
08-2011
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Thank you for purchasing this Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product. You have purchased a world class product,
one of the best designed and built anywhere.
This machine comes with an Operation /Safety/ Parts Manual. The useful life and good service you receive from
this machine depends to a large extent on how well you read and understand this manual. Treat your machine
properly, lubricate and adjust it as instructed, and it will give you many years of reliable service.
Your safe use of this Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product is one of our prime design objectives. Many safety
features are built in, but we also rely on your good sense and care to achieve accident-free operation. For best
protection, study the manual thoroughly. Learn the proper operation of all controls. Observe all safety precau-
tions. Follow all instructions and warnings completely. Do not remove or defeat any safety features. Make sure
those who operate this machine are as well informed and careful in its use as you are.
SeeaRyandealerforanyserviceorpartsneeded. SchillerGroundsCare,Inc.serviceensuresthatyoucontinue
to receive the best results possible from Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. products. You can trust Ryan replacement
parts because they are manufactured with the same high precision and quality as the original parts.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. designs and builds its equipment to serve many years in a safe and productive man-
ner. For longest life, use this machine only as directed in the manual, keep it in good repair and follow safety
warnings and instructions. You'll always be glad you did.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.
One Bob Cat Lane
Johnson Creek, WI 53038-0469
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................ PAGE
SAFETY.........................................................................................................................................................2-6
LABELS.........................................................................................................................................................7,8
SET-UP........................................................................................................................................................9,10
CONTROLS....................................................................................................................................................11
OPERATION..............................................................................................................................................12-15
ADJUSTMENTS........................................................................................................................................16,17
BELT / CHAIN REPLACEMENT................................................................................................................18,19
MAINTENANCE / SERVICE......................................................................................................................20-36
STORAGE......................................................................................................................................................37
TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................................................................38,39
ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................................................. .40
SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................................41
NOTES........................................................................................................................................................................ 42
PARTS SECTION............................................................................................................................................43
CUT-OFF CLUTCH ..............................................FIGURE 1.................................................................... 44,45
GEAR CASE.........................................................FIGURE 2.....................................................................46,47
GEAR CASE (CON'T)..........................................FIGURE 3.....................................................................48,49
ENGINE, MOUNT, & COVERS ............................FIGURE 4.....................................................................50,51
CONTROL HANDLES, PITMAN, & SIDE ARMS .FIGURE 5.....................................................................52,53
BLADE, MOUNTS, ROCKER ARMS & RAM.......FIGURE 6.....................................................................54,55
CUT-OFF CASE, METERING WHEEL ................FIGURE 7.....................................................................56,57
HANDLEBARS.....................................................FIGURE 8.....................................................................58,59
REAR SHEELS ....................................................FIGURE 9.....................................................................60,61
ACCESSORIES (ROLL DIVERTER)...................FIGURE 10....................................................................62,63
ACCESSORIES (SULKY ROLLER)....................FIGURE 11....................................................................64,65

2
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
MODEL NUMBER: This number appears on sales literature, technical manuals and price lists.
SERIAL NUMBER: This number appears only on your unit. It contains the model number followed con-
secutively by the serial number. Use this number when ordering parts or seeking warranty information.
SAFETY
NOTICE !!!
Unauthorized modications may present extreme
safety hazards to operators and bystanders and
could also result in product damage.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. strongly warns against,
rejects and disclaims any modications, add-on
accessories or product alterations that are not
designed,developed,testedandapprovedbySchiller
Grounds Care, Inc. Engineering Department. Any
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product that is altered,
modied or changed in any manner not specically
authorized after original manufacture–including the
additionof“after-market”accessoriesorcomponent
parts not specically approved by Schiller Grounds
Care, Inc. will result in the Schiller Grounds Care,
Inc. Warranty being voided.
Any and all liability for personal injury and/or
property damage caused by any unauthorized
modications, add-on accessories or products not
approved by Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. will be
considered the responsibility of the individual(s) or
company designing and/or making such changes.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. will vigorously pursue
full indemnification and costs from any party
responsibleforsuchunauthorizedpost-manufacture
modications and/or accessories should personal
injury and/or property damage result.
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
Your safety and the safety of others is involved.
Signal word denitions:
The signal words below are used to identify levels
of hazard seriousness. These words appear in this
manualandonthesafetylabelsattachedtoSchiller
Grounds Care, Inc. machines. For your safety and
thesafetyofothers, readandfollowtheinformation
given with these signal words and/or the symbol
shown above.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, COULD result in minor or moderate
injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices or property damage.
CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, MAY result in property damage.

3
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
SAFETY
PREPARING FOR SAFE OPERATION
Operator preparation and training
Read the Operation & Safety
Manual
– If an operator or mechanic
cannot read English, it is
the owner's responsibility
to explain this material to
them. If any portion of this
material is unclear, contact
your factory representative for clarication.
– Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls and safety signs.
Be prepared to stop the engine quickly in an
emergency. Do not operate or allow another
person to operate this machine if there are any
questions about safety.
– All operators and mechanics should be trained.
The owner is responsible for training the users.
– Wear appropriate clothing, including safety
goggles or safety glasses with side shields when
operating. Do not operate barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry
may get tangled in moving parts.
– Wear hearing protection.
– Wear safety glasses.
– Never allow underage children, unskilled
or improperly trained people to operate this
equipment. Local regulations can restrict the age
of the operator.
– Keep warning labels and this operator's manual
legible and intact. Replacement labels and
manuals are available from the factory.
– Do not operate machine while under the
inuence of drugs or alcohol.
– The owner/user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,
other people or property.
SITE PREPARATION AND CIRCUMSTANCES
– Evaluate the terrain to determine how to safely
perform the job. Use only accessories and
attachments approved by the manufacturer.
– Clear the area to be cut of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire or other debris that may be thrown or
get tangled in the sod cutter.
– Be sure the area is clear of pets and people,
especially young children. Never assume they
will remain where you last saw them. Stop the
machine if any enter the area.
– Cut sod only in daylight or in good articial light.
MACHINE PREPARATION
– Check operator presence interlock system and
brake operation. Adjust or repair any problems
before using the machine.
– Do not tamper with or defeat safety devices.
Keep guards, shields and interlock safety devices
in place and in proper working condition. They
are there for your protection.
– Keep all fasteners such as nuts, bolts and pins
well secured.
– Visually inspect the blade and blade bolts for
wear or damage. Replace worn or damaged
blades and bolts.
– Verify that the machine and attachments, if any,
are in good operating condition.
– Do not engage the blade until you are ready to
cut sod.

4
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
SAFETY
OPERATING SAFELY
IN GENERAL
– Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
– Use caution when making turns and crossing
roads and sidewalks. Stop the blade when not
cutting sod.
– Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
– Never leave a machine unattended. Always
turn off blade and stop engine when leaving the
operator position. When leaving the machine be
sure the wheel drive clutch is engaged.
– Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
machine towards you.
STARTING
– Start unit according to instructions in this manual
or on the machine.
– Before attempting to start the engine, make sure
the master clutch is disengaged.
_ When starting the engine, make sure hands and
feet are clear of the blade.
– Do not change engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.
INTERRUPTING OPERATION
- Before leaving the operator's position:
- Park on level ground.
- Disengage the master clutch.
- Shut off the engine.
- Disengage the master clutch and wait until the
blade stops moving then disengage the blade
clutch:
- when not cutting sod;
- for transport;
- when crossing surfaces other than grass.
- Stop the engine, disengage the master clutch
and wait until the blade stops moving:
- before refueling;
- before making blade adjustment .
- Stop the engine, disengage the master clutch,
and disconnect the spark plug wire(s):
- before clearing blockages;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the
machine;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
machine for damage and make repairs before
restarting;
- if the machine begins to vibrate abnormally
shut off machine immediately. Inspect and
make repairs as needed before restarting;
- except for repairs or adjustments as specically
noted, such as for carburetor adjustment,
where the engine must be running. Keep
hands and feet clear of moving parts in these
circumstances.
- Allow the blade to come to a complete stop when
stopping operation to clear blockages, unclog,
inspect the machine, do maintenance or repair.
- Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut-
down and, if the engine is provided with a shut-
off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of
operation.
OPERATING ON SLOPES
USE EXTRA CARE WHEN WORKING ON SLOPES
BE SURE TO EVALUATE THE RISKS INVOLVED
BEFORE OPERATING ON A SLOPE.
- Do not operate on slopes if uneasy or uncertain.
Ultimateresponsibility forsafe operation onslopes
rests with the operator.
- Do not operate on steep slopes.
- Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
- Do not cut sod near drop-offs, ditches or embank-
ments. The machine could suddenly turn over if a
wheel runs over the edge or an edge caves in.
- Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then
turn slowly and downhill when possible.
- Be sure of your footing on slopes.

5
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
SAFETY
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
In general
- Maintain machine according to manufacturer's
schedule and instructions for maximum safety
and best results.
- Park machine on level ground.
- Never allow untrained personnel to service ma-
chine.
- Adjust or repair only after the engine has been
stopped and the blade has stopped moving.
- Replace parts if worn, damaged or faulty.
For best results, always replace with parts
recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not dismantle the machine without releasing
or restraining forces which may cause parts to
move suddenly.
- Provide adequate support, e.g. jack stands for
lifted machine or parts if working beneath it.
- Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
- Clean up spilled oil or fuel thoroughly.
- Replace faulty mufers.
- To reduce re hazards, keep the engine, muf-
er, and fuel storage area free of grass, leaves,
debris buildup or grease.
Blades
The sod cutter blade is sharp
and can cut. Use extra cau-
tion when handling. Remove
obstructions with care. Wrap
the blade or wear gloves.
- Only replace blade. Never
straighten or weld.
- Keep other persons away from blades.
Fuel
- Gasoline and diesel fuels
are ammable; gasoline
vapors are explosive. Use
extra care when handling.
- Store only in containers
specically designed for fuel.
- When refueling or checking fuel level:
- Stop the engine and allow to cool;
- Do not smoke;
- Refuel outdoors only;
- Use a funnel;
- Do not overll;
- If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine until the spill is cleaned up and vapors
have cleared.
Sparks from static electricity can start res or
cause explosions. Flowing fuel can generate static
electricity. To prevent static electricity sparks:
- Keep containers electrically grounded. Do not ll
containers in a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed
with a plastic liner. Fill containers on the ground
away from the vehicle.
- When practical, remove gas powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If equipment must be refueled on the
truck or trailer, refuel from a portable container
rather than a dispenser nozzle.
- Keep the dispenser nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open
device.
- Replace caps on fuel containers and tanks
securely.
WARNING
WARNING
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
- Disconnect spark plug wire(s) before doing any
maintenance.
- Particular care must be taken when adjusting the
carburetorwhiletheengineisrunning. Keephands
and feet clear. Shut off blades.
- Whenworkingunderneathliftedpartsormachines,
make sure adequate support is provided.
- Do not dismantle the machine without releasing or
restraining forces which can cause parts to move
suddenly.
- Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
- Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.

6
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
SAFETY
STORAGE SAFETY
- Stop the engine and allow to cool before storing.
- Drain the fuel tank outdoors only.
- Store fuel in an approved container in a cool, dry place.
- Keep the machine and fuel containers in a locked storage place to prevent tampering and to keep children
from playing with them.
- Do not store the machine or fuel container near heating appliances with an open ame, such as a water
heater, or an appliance with a pilot light.
- Keep gasoline storage area free of grass, leaves and excessive grease to reduce re hazard.
- Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufers and engine to help prevent res.

7
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
LABELS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TRANSPORTING MACHINE
TO MOVE WITHOUT POOWER:
PLACE DRIVE WHEEL SHIFTER LEVER (IN CENTER OF GEAR CASE COVER) IN CENTER “N” (NUETRAL) POSITION.
TO MOVE MACHINE UNDER POWER:
1. DISENGAGE CUTTING BLADE SHIFTER LEVER (ON REAR RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE) BY ROTATING DOWNWARD.
2. SET DRIVE WHEEL SHIFTER LEVER (IN CENTER OF GEAR CASE COVER) TO THE “H” OR HIGH SPEED POSITION.
3. WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, HOLD OPERATOR PRESENT LEVER AGAINST HANDLEBAR AND PUSH CLLUTCH LEVER
FORWARD TO THE ENGAGED POSITION. STARTING ENGINE
1. FILL FUEL TANK WITH REGULAR GASOLINE.
2. PULL CLUTCH LEVER BACK TO DISENGAGED POSITION.
3. SET THROTTLE TO 1/2 OPEN POSITION.
4. SET CHOKE AND START ENGINE. SOD CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. MAKE REQUIRED BLADE ADJUSTMENTS.
2. START ENGINE PER INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE AND SET THROTTLE TO FULL SPEED.
3. ENGAGE DRIVE WHEELS BY PLACING SHIFTER LEVER (IN CENTER OF GEAR CASE COVER) TO “L” OR LOW.
4. ENGAGE CUTTING BLADE BY ROTATING SHIFTER LEVER ON REAR RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE UPWARD.
5. WITH MACHINE TIPPED FORWARD ON FRONT BUMPER AND OPERATOR PRESENT LEVER HELD AGAINST HANDLEBAR, PUSH CLUTCH LEVER FORWARD,
AT THE
SAME TIME LOWER THE MACHINE SO BLADE ENTERS THE GROUND.
6. TO STOP MACHINE, PULL BACK FIRMLY ON CLUTCH LEVER, THIS APPLIES A BRAKE.
7. STOP ENGINE BY MOVING THROTTLE LEVER TO “OFF” POSITION. 524540

8
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
LABELS
4163592 Rotate lever counter clockwise to
engage sodcutter blade drive.
Rotate lever clockwise to disengage
sodcutter blade drive.
GEAR CASE LUBRICATION:
See Operator Manual for proper uid,
checking, and lling procedures.
BLADE ADJUSTMENT
DEPTH OF CUT
1. LOOSEN UPPER RIGHT HAND LOCKING LEVER. TIP MACHINE FORWARD AND MOVE
CENTER DEPTH CONTROL LEVER TO DESIRED DEPTH. LOCK IN POSITION BY ROTATING
LOCKING LEVER CLOCKWISE.
2. LOOSEN DEPTH STOP LOCKING LEVER AT CENTER OF “H” FRAME. RAISE DEPTH STOP
UNTIL IT CONTACTS DEPTH CONTROL LEVER TUBE AND LOCK THERE SO BLADE CAN BE
RETURNED TO SAME POSITION AFTER EACH PASS.
HARD SOIL OPERATION
1. TIP BLADE FORWARD BY LOOSENING LOCKING LEVER (BLACK HANDLE FIGHT SIDE “H”
FRAME). PUSH “H” FRAME FORWARD AS REQUIRED.
2. TIGHTEN LOCKING LEVER AFTER ADJUSTMENT. 524366

9
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL NOTE: Front, rear, right and left
references below are as seen from the operator's
position. NEVER disable the operator presence
control by altering or modifying it in any way.
The HD Sodcutter is very heavy. To prevent serious
injury, use an adequate lifting device (i.e., hoist,
forklift, etc.) to remove from shipping pallet.
1. Cut the banding securing the aerator to the
pallet.
2. Removeanddiscardcabletiessecuringhandlebar
assembly to unit.
3. Using an adequate lifting device, remove HD sod
cutter from shipping pallet.
4. Remove hardware bag and empty content onto a
surface where they with not be misplaced or lost.
5. Remove the two screws and lockwashers from
upper rear of gear case A. Use those screws and
lockwashers to install upper portion of handle.
Secure the lower end of the handle Bwith one 1
1/2-13 x 2" screw and one 1/2-13 insert locknut.
(Figure 1)
6. Rotate the master clutch control to the rear
"Disengaged" position. Connect the clutch control
links together so that the lower link slot bolt L is
1/4" from the left side of the slot. (Figure 4) Tighten
links together and secure using two 5/16-18x1"
serrated ange screws and two serrated ange
nuts C. (Figure 2)
7. Attachmeteringwheelcontrollink. Loosenthejam
nut and turn the connecting screw into the casting
D. Tightenthejamnuttosecure. Theadjusterlinks
should move freely after installation. (Figure 3)
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
SET-UP
FIGURE 4

10
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
8. Remove the air lter cover, air lter, and air lter
base. Move cable clamp to rear position. Route
theconvoluted tubing Ealongthe handle,Connect
the Z-bend F to the throttle lever on the engine.
(Figure 6) Install tubing in clamp on side of gear
case. (Figure 5)
9. Setthrottleto 1/16-1/8" (1.5-3mm)from maximum.
Pull back on the conduit to remove slack while
securing the conduit to the engine with the cable
clamp. Reinstall air lter base, air lter, and air lter
cover.
10. Disconnect red wires M and connect red wire from
operator presence control Nto the red wires you
justdisconnected.(Figure7) Useziptiestotiedown
wire harnes as shown (Figure 10).
11. Attach the cutting blade Hto the side arms G.
Secure with six 5/16-24x1" screws, lockwashers
and nuts.Torque to 25 ft.-lbs. (34N·m) (Figure 8)
NOTE: If sod hold-downs are being used, install
them at this time. Refer to the installation instructions
included with the sod hold-down accessory P/N
535637.
12. Attach the cut-off blade 2 and blade mount 1with
3/8-16x1-1/4" screws and nylon inserts. (6 bolts
and nuts for 18" (457mm) and 4 for 16" (406mm).
(Figure 7)
13. Check engine oil before starting sodcutter.
1
2
FRONT
OF
UNIT
FIGURE 8
FIGURE6
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 5
SET-UP
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10

11
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
CONTROLS
MASTER CLUTCH CONTROL LEVER (A)
Engages / disengages drive belt. Applies brake
to drive belt when pulled FIRMLY to rear.
THROTTLE CONTROL (B)
Controls engine speed. Moving it forward
increases engine speed. Moving the control all
the ay rearward stops the engine.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (C)
With master clutch control engaged, engine will
stop if operator presence lever is not depressed.
METERING WHEEL CONTROL LEVER (D)
Raises /lowers metering wheel to engage/
disengage cut-off mechanism.
BLADE DEPTH CONTROL LEVER (E)
Raises or lowers cutting blade.
BLADE DEPTH CONTROL LOCKING LEVER (F)
Locking lever holds blade depth control in
desired position.
BLADE ANGLE LOCKING LEVER (G)
Locks blades.
DEPTH STOP (H)
Allows resetting of blade depth to the previous
cutting height.
BLADE SHIFTER HANDLES (J)
Engage and disengage blade for cutting and
gears for driving Sodcutter.
WHEEL SHIFTER LEVER (K)
Allows selecting High, Low or Neutral for the
wheel drive.
"DISENGAGED" "ENGAGED"
SHIFTER HANDLE
GEAR
CASE
GEAR
CASE
SHIFTER

12
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
OPERATION
PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST
(OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY)
- Review and follow all safety rules and safety
decal instructions.
- Check that all safety decals are installed and in
good condition. Replace them if damaged.
- Check to make sure all shields and guards are
properly installed and in good condition.
- Check that all hardware is properly installed and
secured.
- Check to be sure engine is free of dirt and
debris. Pay particular attention to the cooling
ns, governor parts and mufer. Clean air intake
screen. Check air cleaner;the air cleaner needs
to be serviced regularly..
Gasoline is extremely
ammable and highly
explosive under certain
conditions. BE SURE
to install fuel cap after
refueling.
Fill fuel tank with good quality, clean, unleaded
regular gasoline to the level recommended by
the engine manufacturer.
TO CHECK ORADD FUEL:
- Use a funnel to avoid spilling.
- Do it outdoors.
- Do not smoke.
- Stop the engine and allow to cool.
- Do not overll.
- Clean up spilled fuel.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Be familiar with the controls, how each functions,
and what each operates.
2.. Check engine oil level. Add oil if necessary,
following the engine manufacturer's
recommendations. Refer to engine manual
included with literature packet.
3. Open the fuel valve under the fuel tank.
4. Fill the fuel tank with the amount and type of fuel
recommended by the engine manufacturer.
5. CHOKE: For cold starts, set the throttle lever to
the half-open position and move the choke to the
ON position. For warm starts set the throttle to
the half-open position and the choke to the OFF
position.
OPERATOR PRESENCE INTERLOCK SYSTEM
To start the engine:
- The master clutch must be disengaged.
To operate the machine:
- The operator must hold down the operator presence lever or engaging the master clutch will kill the
engine.
- Inspect the work area. Remove stones or other
hard objects that might cause damage.
- Check that there are no underground utilities in
the work area.
- Check all lubrication points and grease as
instructed in manual.
- Perform a functional check of the safety interlock
system each time you operate the unit. If it
doesn't work, repair it before using the machine.

13
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
OPERATION
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Pull the recoil starter to start the engine.
2. If the choke is ON when the engine starts,
gradually back it off until the engine runs with no
choke at all.
MOVING OF UNIT
To move unit without running blade:
1. Place blade shifter handle in "disengaged"
position (handle will point straight out from unit)
and raise the metering wheel. See Figure 1.
2. Set engine speed to slow.
3. Select High or Low speed with the shifter handle.
( The machine may need to be rolled back and
forth for the gears to line up to make the shift)
4. Depress operator presence control lever.
5. Engage master clutch control lever.
6. Adjust throttle to desired walking speed.
To move unit without running the engine, move
drive shifter to neutral and master clutch control
lever to the "disengaged" position. Push unit to
move it.
"DISENGAGED" "ENGAGED"
SHIFTER HANDLE
GEAR
CASE
GEAR
CASE
SHIFTER
CUTTING SOD
WARNING: Beware of underground utilities.
Possible electrocution, explosion, service
disruption risk could be present.
Before beginning any work, check with the local
authorities for underground utility location and
depth. Do not operate where there is any risk
of contacting underground utilities. Contacting
buried utilities could result in a service outage.
Contacting buried electrical wires could result in
electrocution. Contacting a buried gas line could
result in an explosion.
1. Move machine to the area where sod is to be cut.
Unlock the rear wheels by turning lock counter-
clockwise. With the engine off and the master
clutch disengaged, stand on the right side of
the machine. Loosen the Blade Depth Control
Locking Lever with your right hand, then use the
handle bar to tip the machine forward and hold
it with your left hand. Lower the Blade Depth
Control Lever with your right hand until it hits the
preset Depth Stop. Tighten the Locking Lever.
2. Start the engine, then select the wheel drive
speed with drive shifter handle and engage the
blade drive with the Blade Drive Shifter Lever.
3. Adjust the throttle to full speed. With the
machine tipped forward, engage the Master
Clutch. The machine will start moving forward
and the blade drive will operate. Lower the
machine into the sod and cut for a short distance.
4. Disengage the master clutch to stop the machine
and check the sod thickness. Adjust the Depth
Stop and blade if necessary. See Adjustment
section.
5. Engage the master clutch to continue cutting. At
the end of each pass lift up on the handle to raise
the blade out of the sod and turn around for the
next pass.
FIGURE 1
WHEEL DRIVE SHIFTER HANDLE

HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
14
SOD CUT-OFF AND METERING WHEEL
OPERATION.
The Ryan Heavy Duty Sodcutter has a cut to length
feature. The factory cut-off length setting is
approximately 6feet (1.83M). See Adjustment
Section to set cut-off length and depth.
The sod cut-off blade can cut or crush.
- Keep hands and feet out from beneath the
machine.
- Stop the engine before performing servicing or
making any adjustments.
- Raise the metering wheel before turning. The
cut-off continues to operate as long as the
metering wheel is on the ground.
NOTES:
- Operate at full engine speed to set cut-off length
and depth. At slower speeds the cut-off may not
work correctly.
- Cut-off length may vary for a setting depending
on sod conditions.
To cut sod to the preset length:
- Lower the metering wheel at the start of the cut.
- As the machine moves forward the metering
wheel rolls along the sod and trips the cut-off
mechanism when it has traveled past the preset
distance.
- When the cut-off mechanism is tripped, the cut-
off blade comes down and cuts the sod strip. It
is normal for the handle to jump slightly when the
cut-off blade cycles.
- Raise the metering wheel before turning the sod
cutter.
NOTE: If the handle jumps excessively when the cut-
off blade cycles, depth may need to be adjusted.
See Adjustment Section.
WALKING RAM AUTO CUT-OFF OR
ROLLING RAM CUT-OFF AND SULKY ROLLER
If the Sulky Roller Accessory (P/N 545505) is to be
used, the sodcutter must be converted from the auto
walking ram cut-off. Use Rolling RamAccessory(P/N
545395) for this conversion. Refer to theAccessories
page.
SULKY ROLLER OPERATION
- Position the machine at the start of the cut.
- Connect the sulky with its hitch pin.
- Lower the blade to start cut.
- At the end of the pass, disengage the master
clutch and disconnect the sulky roller.
- Re-engage the master clutch to run the machine
as it is raised out of the cut and turn around.
- Position the unit in the ground for the next cut.
- Disengage the master again before reconnecting
the sulky for the next pass.
OPERATION

HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
15
ADJUSTING SOD DEPTH OF CUT
3/4" (20mm) is a good general starting depth of cut.
Depth of cut can be varied from there depending on
conditions and what you are trying to accomplish.
1. Make an initial depth setting. Park the machine
on a hard surface. Loosen depth control locking
lever Eand lower the depth control lever Duntil
the blade rests on the surface.
2. Loosen the depth gauge lock Fand set top of
depth gauge G3/4" (20mm) below the top of the
depth crossbar. Tighten the depth gauge lock to
secure the depth gauge setting.
3. Use your left hand to tip the machine forward
while lowering the depth control lever Duntil
the depth control crossbar hit the Depth Stop G.
Tighten the locking lever E to lock in the depth
setting, make a trial run in turf. Check the depth
of cut.
4. Re-adjust the depth gauge G and depth control
lever Dif necessary.
NOTE: Numbers on depth gauge do not necessarily
represent thickness of sod being cut. The
numbers are useful as a reference for
making changes.
CUT-OFF BLADE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
Set sod depth of cut before adjusting cut-off depth.
To adjust cut-off depth:
1. Loosen rear wheels so they can be moved up
and down.
2. Adjust wheels so the cut-off blade will completely
separate the sod without taking more of a cutting
stroke than needed.
3. Make a test run to check both thickness and cut-
off operation. Re-adjust if necessary.
NOTE: The handle will jump slightly at each cut.
Excessive jumping means the cut-off blade
is coming down to far. Correct excessive
jumping by lowering rear wheels.
If sod is not cut completely, raise the rear wheels
slightly to lower cut-off blade.
When cut-off blade is correctly adjusted, the sod
will roll up slightly at each cutting stroke and
there will be a slight penetration into the soil
below the sod without excessive jumping of the
handle.
OPERATION

16
HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTING BLADE ANGLE (PITCH)
1. Loosen blade angle control locking lever Fand
move H-frame forward or backward until blade is
at desired angle of pitch.
2. Tighten blade angle control locking lever F.
SIDE ARM
DRIVE
WHEEL
BLADE
BOTTOM
BLADE
ANGLE
(Pitch)
BLADE ANGLE (PITCH)
Under normal operating conditions, blade angle
is minimal (blade bottom is at). In extremely
hard soil or when cutting with a dull blade, the
blade may want to ride out of the ground. It may
then help to adjust blade angle forward (see
Adjusting Blade Angle below). A short trial run
will indicate what the best blade angle is.
NOTE: Extreme blade angles put extra stress on
the side arms. To reduce stress on the machine,
operate with the attest blade angle that gives
satisfactory results.
ADJUSTING OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL
1. To adjust operator presence cable, pull clutch
control handle Arearward as far as possible.
2. Press operator presence handle (right handlebar)
down as far as possible.
3. Adjust cable until the pivot arm Ccontacts the
arm extending from the operator presence switch
B.
4. Tighten cable clamp to secure cable. Check for
proper operation.

HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
17
ADJUSTMENTS
LENGTH OF CUT (METERING WHEEL)
The length of cut is determined by how far the meter-
ing wheel rolls before it turns the dog wheel to the
point where a dog trips the cut-off mechanism. The
length is adjusted by the number of dogs and the
diameter of the metering wheel.
1. Select desired length of cut from the Length of
Cut Chart. (See below)
2. Use the chart to determine the number of dogs
and dog positions. Set up the unit with the
metering wheel segment slot centered on the
mounting bolts.
3. Install the correct number of dogs at the positions
indicated by the Dog Position Figure
4. Make several cuts.
5. Check the cuts for correct sod lengths. If ne
adjustments need to be made, adjust the
segments (P/N 515534) on the metering wheel.
Segments can be moved out to increase cut
length, or moved in to decrease cut length. Be
sure all segments are adjusted uniformly.
3. Make a test run to check both thickness and cut-
off operation. Re-adjust if necessary.
NOTE: The slot in the metering wheel segments
allows adjustment of up to ±1" per foot (80mm
per meter) from the nominal setting.
Number and Position of
dogs on Dog Wheel PN 515534 Roll Area
Inches Meters Square
Feet Square Meters
1721.8 8.
00
.7
1-5360.9 4.
00
.4
1-4-6240.6 2.
70
.2
1-3-5-7180.5 2.
00
.2
1-2-4-5-6-8120.3 1.
30
.1

HEAVY DUTY
SOD CUTTER
18
BELT / CHAIN REPLACEMENT
CUT-OFF CHAIN REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the shield on the left rear of the unit.
2. Remove master link 2from chain 1and remove
chain.
3. Check both sprockets for excessive wear.
Replace if necessary. To replace sprockets,
remove the four screws and lockwashers from
the face of the sprocket. Remove and replace
the sprocket, then reinstall the hardware.
4. Install new chain and replace shield.
BELT REPLACEMENT AND ADJUSTMENT
1. Remove cut-off chain. See Cut-off chain replacement.
2. Remove front shield.
3. Remove belt from Gear-case pulley, then push clutch lever forward to release belt brake. Remove old belt
and install new one. Check belt tension adjustment.
METERING WHEEL SPROCKET AND CHAIN
REPLACEMENT
1. Remove metering wheel for easier access to
screws in chain guard.
2. Remove chain guard and chain.
3. Remove upper sprocket from shaft. DO NOT
remove washer from behind sprocket.
4. Install new sprocket and attach to shaft. Be
sure key and key-way are aligned so the key
will not be pushed out of the shaft. Install new
chain.
5. Install chain on lower sprocket and install
chain cover and metering wheel.
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT
The belt should be taut when the clutch lever is engaged (pushed forward) and loose enough to slip when
the clutch lever is disengaged (pulled back).
1. To adjust belt tension, loosen the four engine mounting screws and shift the engine position.
BE SURE to keep pulleys aligned.
2. Tighten the engine mounting screws. Check the tension. Re-adjust if necessary.
3. Re-install cut-off chain and both shields.