ryan JR Sodcutter 544844D Building instructions

JR Sodcutter
RJ 100 / 032003
WARNING:Ifincorrectlyusedthismachinecancausesevere
injury. Those who use and maintain this machine should be
trained in its proper use, warned of its dangers and should
read the entire manual before attempting to set up, operate,
adjust or service the machine.
524781-GB (rev.3)
Service and Parts Manual
Models:
544844D JR. SODCUTTER, BRIGGS & STRATTON 12"
544845D JR. SODCUTTER, BRIGGS & STRATTON 18"
544944A JR. SODCUTTER, HONDA 12"
544945A JR. SODCUTTER, HONDA 18"
Operation & Safety Manual: 524780

©2003, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited. All Rights Reserved

GB-1
Jr.
Sodcutter
1-2003-TGTSP
IMPORTANTMESSAGE
Thank you for purchasing this Ryan product. You have purchased a world class product, one of the best
designed and built anywhere.
This machine comes with an Operation and Safety Manual and a separate Parts and Maintenance Manual. The
useful life and good service you receive from this machine depends to a large extent on how well you read and
understandthesemanuals. Treat yourmachineproperly, lubricateandadjust it asinstructed,and itwillgiveyou
many years of reliable service.
Your safe use of this Ryan 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 precautions. 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.
See a Ryan dealer for any service or parts needed. Ryan service ensures that you continue to receive the best
results possible from Ryan’s products. You can trust Ryan replacement parts because they are manufactured
with the same high precision and quality as the original parts.
Ryan designs and builds its equipment to serve many years in a safe and productive manner. 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.
Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products
One Bob Cat Lane
Johnson Creek, WI 53038-0469
TABLE OF CONTENTS FIGURES PAGE
SAFETY ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
LABELS...................................................................................................................................................... 3, 4
CONTROLS ............................................................................................................................................... 5, 6
OPERATION .................................................................................................................................................. 7
SERVICE .................................................................................................................................................. 8-17
STORAGE.................................................................................................................................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................................. 19
SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 20
PARTS SECTION ........................................................................................................................................ 21
DRIVE ASSEMBLY AND SIDE COVER ............. FIGURE 1 ................................................................. 22, 23
GEAR CASE ...................................................... FIGURE 2 ................................................................. 24, 25
SIDE ARMS, PITMAN ARMS, HANDLES .......... FIGURE 3 ................................................................. 26, 27
HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY ................................. FIGURE 4 ................................................................. 28, 29
MOLE BLADE KIT.............................................. FIGURE 5 ................................................................. 30, 31
TRENCHING BLADE ......................................... FIGURE 6 ................................................................. 32, 33

GB-2
Jr.
Sodcutter
MODEL NUMBER: This number appears on
sales literature, technical manuals and price lists.
SERIAL NUMBER: This number appears only
on your mower. It contains the model number
followed consecutively by the serial number. Use
this number when ordering parts or seeking
warrantyinformation.
SAFETY
NOTICE !!!
Unauthorized modifications may present extreme
safety hazards to operators and bystanders and
could also result in product damage.
Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products strongly
warns against, rejects and disclaims any
modifications, add-on accessories or product
alterationsthatare not designed,developed,tested
and approved by Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty
Products Engineering Department. Any Textron
Golf,Turf&SpecialtyProductsproductthatisaltered,
modified or changed in any manner not specifically
authorized after original manufacture–including the
additionof“after-market”accessoriesorcomponent
partsnotspecificallyapprovedbyTextronGolf,Turf
& Specialty Products–will result in the Textron Golf,
Turf & Specialty Products Warranty being voided.
Anyandallliabilityforpersonalinjuryand/orproperty
damagecausedbyanyunauthorizedmodifications,
add-on accessories or products not approved by
Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products will be
considered the responsibility of the individual(s) or
company designing and/or making such changes.
TextronGolf,Turf&SpecialtyProductswillvigorously
pursuefull indemnification andcosts from anyparty
responsibleforsuchunauthorizedpost-manufacture
modifications 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 definitions:
Thesignalwordsbelowareusedtoidentifylevelsof
hazard seriousness. These words appear in this
manualandonthesafetylabelsattachedtoTextron
Golf,Turf & Specialty Products machines.For your
safety and the safety of others, read and follow the
informationgivenwiththesesignalwordsand/orthe
symbol shown above.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous
situationwhich, if not avoided, WILL resultin death
or serious injury.
WARNINGindicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituation
which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTIONindicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituation
which,ifnotavoided,MAYresultinminorormoderate
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.

GB-3
Jr.
Sodcutter LABELS
524538
This decal informs the operator that hearing
protection should be worn if operating the
Jr. Sodcutter for extended periods of time (longer
than four hours).
840697
009034910
This decal instructs the operator to read and
understand the Operation & Safety manual. To
prevent injury, they must be familiar with the
operation of this product and be fully aware of safe
operating procedures.
524541
The top symbol shows fingers or hands being cut or
severed. DO NOT place hands or fingers under Jr.
Sodcutter while operating the unit.
The middle symbol shows toes or feet being cut or
severed. DO NOT place feet or toes under Jr.
Sodcutter while operating the unit.
The lower symbol informs the operator and/or
bystanders to keep a safe distance away from
machinery. If you do not keep hands and feet a safe
distance from the machinery, personal injury could
occur.
524481
The throttle control decal uses the turtle to represent
slower engine speeds, the rabbit represents faster
engine speeds.
840697
The left symbol shows the possible result of working
on the machinery with safety shields removed.
Hands and fingers may become entangled in belts.
DO NOT operate the unit without safety shields in
place.
The middle symbol warns the operator and/or
bystanders to keep hands out of moving
components.
The right symbol instructs the operator to read the
service section of the operators manual. Disable the
engine (disconnect spark plug wire) before
performing any service or maintenance on the unit.
009039290
This decal indicates the unit is certified for use for
the European community.

GB-4
Jr.
Sodcutter
LABELS
524485
This decal shows the direction of lever movement
used to engage the cutter blade of the Jr. Sodcutter.
Movement in the opposite direction will stop the
cutter blade.
524487
This decal shows the operating instructions for the
Jr. Sodcutter.
524480
This decal shows the direction of lever movement
used to engage the drive belt of the Jr. Sodcutter.
Push the lever forward to engage the drive belt.
Pull the lever rearward to disengage the drive belt.
3. ADJUST BLADE TO CUT SOD 3/4 TO 1 INCH THICK.
HARD SOIL OPERATION:
1. TIP BLADE FORWARD BY LOOSENING LOCKING LEVER (BLACK HANDLE RIGHT SIDE "H" FRAME). PUSH "H" FRAME FORWARD AS REQUIRED AND
LOCK LEVER.
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 AND LOCK
IN PLACE.
TO MOVE WITHOUT POWER:
DISENGAGE DRIVE WHEEL SHIFTER LEVER (ON FRONT-RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE) BY ROTATING DOWNWARD.
TO MOVE MACHINE UNDER POWER:
1. DISENGAGE CUTTING BLADE SHIFTER LEVER (ON FRONT-RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE) BY ROTATING DOWNWARD.
2. ENGAGE DRIVE WHEEL SHIFTER LEVER (ON FRONT-RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE) BY ROTATING UPWARD.
3. WITH ENGINE RUNNING, HOLD OPERATOR PRESENT LEVER AGAINST HANDLEBAR AND PUSH CLUTCH LEVER FORWARD TO THE ENGAGED
POSITION.
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.
3. ENGAGE DRIVE WHEELS BY ROTATING SHIFTER LEVER ON FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE UPWARD.
4. ENGAGE CUTTING BLADE BY ROTATING SHIFTER LEVER ON REAR RIGHT SIDE OF MACHINE UPWARD.
2. START ENGINE PER INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE AND SET THROTTLE TO FULL SPEED.
1. MAKE REQUIRED BLADE ADJUSTMENTS AS STATED ABOVE.
6. TO STOP MACHINE, PULL BACK FIRMLY ON CLUTCH LEVER, THIS APPLIES A BRAKE.
7. STOP ENGINE BY MOVING STOP SWITCH TO "OFF" POSITION.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TRANSPORTING MACHINE
BLADE ADJUSTMENTS
4. SET CHOKE AND START ENGINE.
1. FILL FUEL TANK WITH REGULAR GASOLINE.
2. PULL CLUTCH LEVER BACK TO DISENGAGED POSITION.
3. SET THROTTLE TO 1/2 OPEN POSITION AND MOVE STOP SWITCH TO "ON" POSITION.
STARTING ENGINE
SOD CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
524486
This decal shows the direction of lever movement
used to engage the drive wheels of the Jr. Sodcutter.
Movement in the opposite direction will stop the
drive wheels.

GB-5
Jr.
Sodcutter CONTROLS
JR SODCUTTER CONTROLS
Clutch Control Lever - A : Engages or releases
drive belt and applies brake action to drive belt
when pulled FIRMLY to rear.
Throttle Control - B : Speeds up or slows down
engine.
Engine Switch: Turn to "ON" position to start
engine. Turn to "OFF" position to stop engine.
Operator Presence Control - C : With clutch
control engaged, engine will stop if operator
presence lever is not depressed.
Blade Depth Control Lever - D : Raises or lowers
cutting blade.
Blade Angle Locking Lever - E : Adjusts cutting
angle of blade.
Blade Depth Control Locking Lever - F : Locking
lever holds blade depth control in desired
position.
Depth Gauge - G : Allows resetting of blade depth
to the previous cutting height.

GB-6
Jr.
Sodcutter
CONTROLS
JR SODCUTTER CONTROLS
Blade (H) and Wheel (J) Shifter Handles : Engage
or disengage blade for cutting and gears for
driving Sodcutter.
"DISENGAGED" "ENGAGED"
SHIFTER HANDLE
GEAR
CASE GEAR
CASE
SHIFTER
MOVING THE JR SODCUTTER
To move unit without running blade :
1. Place blade shifter handle Hin "disengaged"
position (handle will point straight out from unit).
2. Set engine speed at slow speed.
3. Engage drive shifter handle.
4. Depress operator presence control.
5. Engage operator presence control.
6. Engage clutch control lever.
7. Adjust throttle to desired walking speed.
To move unit without running engine :
1. Put drive shifter handle and clutch control lever
in "Disengaged" position.
To transport the unit :
1. When transporting unit on trailer or truck, shut
fuel valve "OFF" beneath fuel tank.

GB-7
Jr.
Sodcutter OPERATION
PRE-OPERATION CHECK
1. Visually check all moving parts and all fasteners.
If loose or broken, tighten or replace. Check belt
for fraying, wear and proper adjustment (see
SERVICE section).
2. Lubricate all lubrication fittings before each days
use or after every eight hours of operation (see
SERVICE section).
3. Check the engine crankcase oil level with the
engine resting in a level position. Add oil if
necessary.
4. Check the gear case oil level. Add oil if
necessary.
5. Check the air filter. Replace if necessary.
6. Sharpen cutting blade (see SERVICE section).
7. Follow the engine manufacturer's
recommendations for the correct type and
amount of oil. Fill the fuel tank according to the
engine manufacturer's specifications.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly
explosive under certain conditions. Always stop
the engine and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks when refueling. BE SURE to
install fuel cap after refueling.
Do not fill containers in a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Fill containers on
the ground away from the vehicle.
Refuel equipment on the ground. If equipment
must be fueled on a 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.
NEVER start or run the engine inside where
exhaust fumes can collect. Carbon monoxide
present in the exhaust is an odorless and deadly
gas.
DO NOT operate equipment without shields in
place. DO NOT make adjustments or perform
any maintenance while the engine is running.
Before operating, check the area and remove
any object which may present a safety hazard or
damage the equipment.

GB-8
Jr.
Sodcutter
SERVICE
When replacement parts are required, use
genuine RYAN parts or parts with equivalent
characteristics, including type, strength and
material. Failure to do so may result in product
malfunction and possible injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
Carbon monoxide present in the exhaust is an
odorless and deadly gas. Never start or run the
engine inside where exhaust fumes can collect.
Provide enough fresh air to keep fumes from
getting too strong.
When replacing engine, be sure to replace
sound level warning decal (Part No. 524538).
Any warning decal that becomes illegible should
be replaced immediately.
840697
STOP engine and disconnect spark plug wire
before servicing or making adjustments to unit.
The preceding decal shows what could happen
if the engine is not stopped or disabled before
removing safety covers. Hands may become
entangled in moving belts, gears, chains or other
parts.
Use adequate lifting device (i.e., hoist, fork lift,
etc.) to raise unit.
Use adequate supports when unit is raised for
servicing.
Wear protective eye equipment when using
hammers, chisels and punches.
BLADE SHARPENING
1. Hand file bottom blade at 45Oangle until no flat
remains.
2. To keep cutting edge less than 1/16" on 45O
angle, grind milled surface back at 15Oto less
than 1/16".
3. Hand file side blades at 45Ountil no flat remains.
4. To keep cutting edge less than 1/16" on 45O
angle, grind milled surface back at 15Oto less
than 1/16".
THIS
1/16"
Maximum
45
O
15
O
FILE
DIRECTION
SURFACE
SMOOTH
(No Burrs)
BOTTOM BLADE
MILLED
EDGE
FILE
DIRECTION
1/16" MAX
THIS SURFACE SMOOTH
(No Burrs)
FILE
DIRECTION
SIDE BLADE

GB-9
Jr.
Sodcutter SERVICE
DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT
Keep belt free of oil and dirt, and adjusted to
proper tension at all times.
Belt tension is adjusted by loosening four (4)
engine mounting bolts and shifting engine on the
base.
The belt should be taut when the clutch lever is
pushed forward (engaged) and the idler wheel is
1" (25.4 mm) from the engine mount plate.
ENGINE
ENGINE
BOLT
ENGINE
PULLEY
BLOCK
ENGINE
MOUNT PLATE 1" (25.4 mm)
IDLER
PULLEY
BELT DRIVE
PULLEY
DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT
1. Remove shield on left side of unit.
2. Remove nut securing brake band to clutch
control rod.
3. Remove cotter pin on outside of guard support
rod and move brake band over to nut on rod.
4. Loosen two bolts Asecuring belt guide to
provide clearance when removing belt.
5. Install new belt in reverse procedure. Route the
belt as shown.

GB-10
Jr.
Sodcutter
SERVICE
DRIVE CHAIN REMOVAL
1. Raise unit, place on adequate supports and
remove belt guard.
2. Remove four (4) screws securing cover.
3. Remove throttle cable from engine and lay
behind cam case.
4. Remove dipstick from cover.
5. Remove screw, flat washer, nut and bushing
from right lower side of "H" frame.
6. Using a screwdriver, lift cover to break sealant
bond and remove cover.
7. Drain oil out of front cavity on case, and turn
drive wheels until master link is on top of
sprocket.
8. Remove master link and continue rotating drive
wheels until chain is off bottom sprocket.
9. Install new chain in reverse procedure. Clean
mating surfaces on case and cover. Apply 3M
Scotch Grip 847 or an equivalent adhesive to
case cover before installation.
BLADE DRIVE CHAIN REPLACEMENT
NOTE: To prevent small components from falling
down into oil cavities and causing damage
to unit, cover opening with clean rags,
cardboard, etc.
1. Follow steps 1 thru 6 in drive chain removal.
2. Remove bottom screw on bearing cage to drain
oil from rear cavity.
3. Rotate pulley shaft until master link is to front of
top sprocket. Remove master link.
4. Rotate blade drive shaft until chain is free.
5. Install new chain in reverse procedure. Use 3M
Scotch Grip 847 or an equivalent adhesive on
case cover and bearing retainer screw.

GB-11
Jr.
Sodcutter SERVICE
UPPER DRIVE SPROCKET & SHAFT
1. Remove drive chain according to steps 1 thru 6
in drive chain removal section.
2. Remove master link from chain. Chain does not
need to be removed from lower sprocket.
3. Remove drive shifter assembly from gear case.
4. Remove blade and side arms from pivot
brackets for easier access.
5. Remove plugs on both ends of shaft.
6. Remove snap rings Bfrom left bearing.
7. Using a punch and soft hammer (lead, leather,
etc.), drive shaft out left side of unit and remove
large gear.
8. Using a bearing puller or slide hammer, remove
bearing. Shaft is now removable through cam
case cover opening.
9. Dog clutch half is removable from gear by
removing snap ring.
10. Assemble in reverse procedure.
11. After installing blade shifter assembly, adjust
dog clutch to provide .015" (0.39 mm) clearance
between clutch faces, as shown.
12. Apply 3M Scotch Grip adhesive or an equivalent
to gear case cover before installation.
.015
(0.39 mm)

GB-12
Jr.
Sodcutter
SERVICE
DRIVE WHEEL CHAIN SPROCKET SHAFT
1. Follow steps 1 thru 7 in drive chain removal
section.
2. Remove master link and remove chain from top
sprocket.
3. Remove both drive wheels and axle keys.
4. Remove seal in case and snap ring retaining
bearing in case.
5. Install axle nut on end of shaft, opposite the side
of snap ring previously removed.
6. Using a soft hammer (lead, brass, etc.), drive
shaft out of case. Sprocket can now be
removed by lifting up on chain.
7. Top sprocket and chain should be checked for
wear and replaced if necessary.
8. Reassemble in reverse procedure using new
seals and gaskets.
ADJUSTING BLADE ANGLE
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 flat). 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 downward (see
Adjusting Blade Angle above). A short trial run
will indicate which is the best blade angle.

GB-13
Jr.
Sodcutter SERVICE
ADJUSTING DEPTH OF CUT
1. Make a trial run in turf. Set depth to cut
approximately 3/4" of soil.
2. Loosen depth gauge handle. Adjust depth gauge
Gto contact bottom on depth control lever D.
3. Loosen depth control locking lever Eand lower
depth control Duntil it rests on depth gauge G.
4. Tighten depth control locking lever E.
NOTE: Numbers on depth gauge do not necessarily
represent thickness of sod being cut.
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.

GB-14
Jr.
Sodcutter
PULLEY SHAFT
1. Follow steps 1 thru 4 in belt replacement section
and steps 2 thru 6 in drive chain removal
section.
2. Remove blade from unit and remove left side
arm.
3. Remove blade shifter assembly.
4. Turn pulley until master link is on top of
sprocket. Remove chain from top sprocket.
5. Remove belt pulley and key.
6. Remove four (4) bearing cage screws and pull
gears out left side of unit. Dog clutch and
double sprocket will slide off as shaft is
removed.
7. To remove gear and bearing, remove snap ring,
slide gear off shaft and remove key. Remove
bearing snap ring and remove bearing.
8. Assemble in reverse procedure. After blade
shifter assembly is installed, adjust dog clutch to
provide .015" (0.39 mm) clearance between
clutch faces, as shown.
9. Apply 3M Scotch Grip 847 adhesive or
equivalent to gear case cover before installation.
SERVICE
.015
(0.39 mm)

GB-15
Jr.
Sodcutter
BLADE SPROCKET SHAFT
1. Follow steps 1 thru 6 in pulley shaft section.
2. Loosen clamp screw on left pitman arm Cand
remove from shaft.
3. Loosen clamp screw in eccentric assembly D
and remove.
4. Remove two (2) top screws securing the other
side arm assembly. Side arm, shaft and pitman
arm, are now removable by pulling side arm out.
5. Remove eccentric and both bearing cages E.
Put a pan under rear portion of case to catch oil
from case cavity.
6. Push shaft to left of case, lift right end of shaft
out of case with bearings and sprocket intact.
7. To remove sprocket, press bearing from shaft,
and slide sprocket off.
NOTE: End play on shaft must not exceed .005
(.127 mm) clearance and should rotate
freely when bearing cages are tightened.
8. Assemble in reverse procedure. After blade
shifter assembly is installed, adjust dog clutch to
provide .015" (0.39 mm) clearance between
clutch faces, as shown.
9. Apply 3M Scotch Grip 847 adhesive or
equivalent to gear case cover before installation.
SERVICE
.015
(0.39 mm)

GB-16
Jr.
Sodcutter
IDLER GEAR SHAFT
1. Remove belt guards.
2. Follow steps 2 thru 6 in drive chain removal
section.
3. Remove plug from right side of unit.
4. Remove snap ring Cfrom groove by small gear
Bto left end of shaft A.
5. Move small gear Bto left side (from operators
position) of case.
6. Move shaft Aout right side of case until large
gear clears shaft for removal.
7. Remove key from shaft and slide snap rings C
off end of shaft.
8. Small gear Bwill slide off as shaft is removed
from gear case.
SERVICE
LUBRICATION
The gear case is initially filled with 3 1/2 pints
(1.7 L) of EP 140 Gear Lube. Do not add to this
amount unless oil is changed or lost through
leakage. Gear case drain plug D.
On all pressurized lubrication fittings use a good
grade of Lithium Based lubricant.
The Jr. Sodcutter has 6 lubrication fittings.
Lubricate pitman arms (1 each side) and side
arms (1 each side) after every 4 hours of use.
Lubricate side arm pivots (1 each side - top of
unit) after every 8 hours of use.
Check gear case lubricant level using dipstick E
located on top of gear case. Check lube with
dipstick sitting on threads, do not screw in.
9. Assemble in reverse procedure. Apply 3M
Scotch Grip 847 adhesive or equivalent to gear
case cover before installation.

GB-17
Jr.
Sodcutter SERVICE
BRAKE BAND REPLACEMENT AND
ADJUSTMENT
1. Remove belt guard.
2. Remove old brake band from Jr. Sodcutter.
Retain all hardware.
3. Install new brake band with the large loop and
hardware at the lower mounting point (on guard
support rod).
4. Loosen the lock nut and the adjustment screw
on the new brake band. Activate the brake lever
and tighten the adjustment screw until the brake
band is pulled snug against the belt. Tighten the
lock nut on brake adjustment screw. Make a test
run. Stop engine and re-adjust brake band if
necessary.
5. Re-install belt guard using original hardware.
NOTE: Make sure that cotter pin does not interfere
with drive belt.
Routine brake band adjustment is necessary as
the band and belt wear.
If brake band is not correctly attached to clutch
control link, idler arm will rotate backward away
from belt and no drive will occur.
Brake Band Lock Nut
Adjusting Screw
Guard Support Rod

GB-18
Jr.
Sodcutter
STORAGE
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent possible explosion or ignition of
vaporized fuel, do not store equipment with fuel
in tank or carburetor in enclosure with open
flame (for example, a furnace or water heater
pilot light).
Daily Storage
1. Check engine oil level and air filter element
daily.
2. Check oil level in gear case.
3. Close fuel valve at bottom of fuel tank.
4. Clean cutting blade (grass, dirt, etc.).
Extended Storage
Before the equipment is put into storage for
any period exceeding 30 days, the following
steps should be taken:
1. Drain all fuel from fuel tank and lines (use a
hose or fuel line, routed from fuel tank shut-off to
proper container).
2. Start engine and run until all fuel is used from
the carburetor float bowl.
3. While engine is warm, drain the crankcase oil
and replace with the proper weight of oil
corresponding to the season when the
equipment will next be used.
4. Remove the spark plug and squirt a small
quantity of engine oil into the cylinder. Turn the
engine over a few times to distribute the oil.
5. Lubricate all lubrication fittings.
6. Clean and oil cutting blade to prevent rust.
To put equipment into operation after an
extended storage:
1. Fill fuel tank with clean fresh fuel.
2. Check crankcase oil level, and start engine.
3. Check fuel system for fuel leaks.