Schiller Grounds Care Ryan 554870 Guide

OP / PARTS MANUAL
MAN 4170071 Rev. A 01-2015
554870
REN-O-THIN V BRIGGS & STRATTON
W/ FLAIL BLADE
554871
REN-O-THIN V HONDA
W/ FLAIL BLADE
554872
REN-O-THIN V BRIGGS & STRATTON
W/ SPRING TINE
554873
REN-O-THIN V HONDA
W/ SPRING TINE
554874
REN-O-THIN V BRIGGS & STRATTON
W/ FIXED BLADE
554875
REN-O-THIN V HONDA
W/ FIXED BLADE

CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
Diesel engine exhaust and some
of its constituents are known to the
State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive
harm.
Californie Proposition 65 Avertissement
Les échappements des moteurs diesel et
certains de leurs composés sont recon-
nus par l’Etat de Californie pour être
cancérigènes, provoquer des défauts con-
génitaux etd’autresdangersenmatièrede
reproduction.
ADVERTENCIA
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
containschemicalsknowntotheState
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
California Advertencia
de la Proposicion 65
ElestadodeCaliforniahacesaberque
los gases de escape de los motores
diesel y algunos de sus componen-
tes producen cáncer, defectos de
nacimientoyotrosdañosenelproceso
de reproducción humana.
L’
é mission du moteur de ce mat é riel
contient des produits chimiques que
l’Etat de Californie consid è re ê tre
canc é rig è nes,provoquerdesd é fauts
cong é nitaux et d’autres dangers en
mati è re de reproduction.
El estado de California hace saber
quelosgasesdeescapedeestepro-
ducto contienen productos quÍmicos
que producen cáncer, defectos de
nacimientoyotrosdañosenelproceso
de reproducción humana.
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
Battery posts, terminals, wiring
insulation, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.

1
REN-O-THIN
01-2015
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 a Technical Manual containing safety, operation, parts, maintenance and service
information. 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.
See a Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. dealer for any service or parts needed. Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. service
ensures that you continue to receive the best results possible from Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. products. You
can trust Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. 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
CONTROLS......................................................................................................................................................9
SET-UP...........................................................................................................................................................10
OPERATION..............................................................................................................................................10-12
ADJUSTMENTS.............................................................................................................................................13
MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................................14
BLADE/ SPRING REPLACEMENT...........................................................................................................15-17
STORAGE......................................................................................................................................................18
SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................................................19
SEED BOX ACCESSORY INSTALLATION....................................................................................................20
PARTS SECTION...........................................................................................................................................21
WHEELAND CHASSIS GROUP..................................FIGURE 1...........................................................22, 23
ENGINE AND GUARD GROUP ..................................FIGURE 2...........................................................24, 25
HANDLE GROUP.........................................................FIGURE 3...........................................................26, 27
FLAIL BLADE REEL ....................................................FIGURE 4...........................................................28, 29
FIXED BLADE REEL ..................................................FIGURE 5...........................................................30, 31
SPRING TINE REEL ..................................................FIGURE 6...........................................................32, 33
SEED BOX ASSY (OPTIONAL) ..................................FIGURE 7...........................................................34, 35

2
REN-O-THIN
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
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,read andfollowtheinformation
given with these signal words and/or the symbol
shown above.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,WILLresult in death
or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTIONindicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituation
which,ifnotavoided,MAY resultinminorormoderate
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
REN-O-THIN SAFETY
SITE PREPARATION AND CIRCUMSTANCES
– Evaluate the terrain to determine how to safely
perform the job. Only use accessories and
attachments approved by the manufacturer.
– Clear the area to be dethatched of objects such
as rocks, toys, wire or other debris that may be
picked up or thrown by the dethatcher.
– 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.
– Operate only in daylight or in good articial light.
– Do not operate on wet grass.
PREPARING FOR SAFE OPERATION
Operator preparation and training
Read the Operation & Safety
Manual
– If an operator or mechanic cannot read, 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 long
trousers, substantial shoes and safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields when operating
dethatcher. Wear substantial footwear. Do not
operate barefoot or wearing open sandals. Long
hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in
moving parts.
– Wear appropriate hearing protection.
– Never allow 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, alcohol or any other condition
of impairment.
– The owner/user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,
other people or property.
DANGER
All rotary blades are potentially dangerous. They
can amputate hands and feet and throw objects.
Failure to follow these safety and operating in-
structions could result in injury.

4
REN-O-THIN
SAFETY
MACHINE PREPARATION
– Check blade clutch operation. Adjust or have any
problems repaired before using.
– Do not tamper with or defeat safety devices.
Keep guards, shields and interlock safety devices
in place and in proper working condition. They
are for your protection.
– Keep all fasteners such as nuts, bolts and pins
well secured.
– Visually inspect blades, blade bolts and the reel
assembly for wear or damage. Replace worn or
damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve
balance.
– Verify that machine and attachments, if any, are
in good operating condition.
– Do not engage blades until ready to dethatch.
OPERATING SAFELY
In General
– Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
– Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades
when not dethatching.
– Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
– Never leave a machine unattended. Always turn
off blades and stop engine before leaving the
operator position.
– Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
– Walk, never run.
–Exerciseextremecautionwhen changingdirection
on slopes.
– Do not operate on excessively steep slopes.
– Work across slopes with walk behind machines.
–Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
dethatcher towards you. Be sure the area behind
is clear.
–Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully
according to instructions and with feet well away
from the blades.
–Neverpickuporcarrythemachinewhiletheengine
is running.
– Do not start the cutting blades until you are ready
to start dethatching.
– Obey safety instructions. Failure to do so may
cause injury to yourself or others.
STARTING
– Start only according to instructions in this manual
or on the machine.
– Before attempting to start the engine, make sure
the blade clutch is disengaged.
_ When starting the engine, make sure hands and
feet are clear of the blades.
_ Do not tilt the machine when starting.
– Do not change engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.

5
REN-O-THIN SAFETY
INTERRUPTING OPERATION
- Before leaving the operator's position:
- Park on level ground.
- Disengage the blades.
- Shut off the engine.
- Disengage the blades and wait until the blades
quit rotating:
- when not dethatching;
- for transport;
- when crossing surfaces other than grass.
- Stop the engine, disengage the blades and wait
until the blades quit rotating:
- before refueling;
- before making height adjustment .
- Stop the engine, disengage the blades, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s):
- before clearing blockages or unclogging;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the
machine;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
machine for damage and have repairs made
before restarting;
- if the machine begins to vibrate abnormally:
shut off machine immediately. Inspect
and have repairs made 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 blades 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
mowing.
MANUEVERING SAFELY
In General
Operating on Slopes
USE EXTRA CARE WHEN WORKING ON SLOPES
BEFORE OPERATING ON A SLOPE, EVALUATE
THE RISKS INVOLVED.
- Withwalkbehindmachines,operateacrossslopes,
not up and down. With ride-on machines, operate
up and down slopes, not across, except zero turn
machines.
- Bealerttodipsandriseswhich changethegeneral
slope. Watchforholes,rocksandrootsintheterrain
and other hidden hazards. Keep away from drop
offs. Avoid ground conditions which will cause the
machine to slide.
- If the operator is uncomfortable or unsure of the
machinesstability,operationontheseslopesshould
cease immediately.
- The ultimate responsibility for safe operation on
slopes, rests with the operator.
- Use lower speeds and exercise extreme caution
on slopes and especially in sharp turns to prevent
tippingandloss ofcontrol. Useextracaution when
changing direction on slopes.

6
REN-O-THIN
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE 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.
- Guards should only be removed by a qualied
technician for maintenance or service. Replace
guards when work is complete.
- Adjust or repair only after the engine has been
stopped and the blades have quit rotating.
- Disconnect spark plug wire(s) before making any
repairs.
- 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. jackstands for
lifted machine or parts if working beneath.
- 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.
- Particular care must be taken when adjusting
the carburetor while the engine is running. Keep
hands and feet clear. Shut off PTO.
- Whenworkingunderneathliftedpartsormachines,
make sure adequate support is provided.
- Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
- Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
- Use only replacement parts supplied by original
manufacturer.
- Stop the engine and allow to cool before storing
- 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 petrol (gasoline) storage area free of grass,
leaves and excessive grease to reduce re haz-
ard.
Blades
- Only replace blades. Never
straighten or weld them.
- Keep other persons away
from blades.
Fuel
- Gasoline and diesel fuels
are ammable; gasoline
vapors are explosive. Use
extra care when handling.
- Drain the fuel tank out-
doors only.
- 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.
- Replace caps on fuel containers and tanks
securely.
Sparks from static electricity can start res or cause
explosions. Flowing fuel can generate static electric-
ity. To prevent static electricity sparks:
- Keep fuel 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 petrol (gasoline) pow-
ered 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 por-
table 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.
WARNING
WARNING
SAFETY
- Keep the machine and fuel containers in a locked
storage place to prevent tampering and to keep
children from playing with them.

7
REN-O-THIN LABELS
BEFORE STARTING:
- Read and understand Operator Manual and labels.
- Wear hearing and eye protection.
- Replace labels and Operator Manual if lost or damaged.
MOVE FORWARD
TO LOWER REEL
PULL BACK
TO RAISE REEL
RELEASE BAIL
TO DISENGAGE REEL
PULL BAIL TOWARD
HANDLE TO ENGAGE REEL
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH:
- Remove objects that could be thrown.
- Do not allow children or untrained persons to operate.
- Do not operate unless guards and shields are in place
and working.
- Do not operate when children or others are around.
- Reel continues to rotate for a few seconds after bail is
released.
4171070
4171071
- Lea y entienda el manual del operador y las etiquetas.
- Pide que alguien lea y explique el manual y las
etiquetas a usted si usted no lee Inglés.
- Use protección ocular y auditiva.
- No haga funcionar sin los protectores en su lugar.
- Mantenga las manos, pies y ropa alejandos de las
piezas móviles.
- Pare el motor antes de dar servicio.
- La gente a más durante la operación.
ROTATING BLADES
-Keep hands and feet clear.
-Stop engine, let blades stop.
-Remove spark plug wire
before accessing blades.
-Do not operate without drag
shield in place.
THROWN OBJECTS
-Keep area clear of people
and pets.
-Remove objects blades
may strike or throw.
-Stop blades to cross gravel
or paved areas.
4171072
- ROTATING PA RTS.
- DO NOT OPERATE WITH
COVER REMOVED 2000577

8
REN-O-THIN
10
0
20
30
4171830
OPTIONAL SEEDER LABELS
SEED APPLICATION CHART
THESE SETTINGS ARE APPROXIMATE GUIDELINES. SEEDING RATES
ARE SPEED DEPENDANT. FASTER SPEED DELIVERS LESS SEED.
LAWN PREPARATION:
MOW LAWN TO 1 TO 2 INCH HEIGHT.
DO NOT WATER PRIOR TO
SEEDING. POWER RAKE TO
DETHATCH LAWN AND REMOVE
THATCH IN EXCESS OF 1/2 INCH.
AERATE LAWN WITH CORE TYPE
AERATOR. FERTILIZE LAWN WITH
BROADCAST SPREADER.
SEEDING
RECOMMENDATIONS:
FOR BEST RESULTS, OVERSEED IN
TWO PASSES OF 1/2 APPLICATION
RATE AT RIGHT ANGLES IN A
CRISSCROSS PATTERN. WATER
HEAVILY IMMEDIATELY THEN
LIGHTLY FOR 10 TO 14 DAYS
KEEPING SOIL MOIST. AFTER
GERMINATION, WATER LESS OFTEN
TO PROMOTE ROOT GROWTH.
RATE LBS./
SEED TYPE 1000 SQ. FT. SETTING
BENT GRASS 0.5 20
1.0 23
1.5 24
BERMUDA 2.0 17
2.75 19
BLUEGRASS 2.13 15
4.28 18
FESCUE 2.85 22
(CREEPING) 3.5 25
4.98 27
6.05 28
7.0 30
RATE LBS./
SEED TYPE 1000 SQ. FT. SETTING
FESCUE 3.56 23
(TALL ) 4.98 25
6.07 27
7.83 30
RYEGRASS 1.4 16
2.18 18
2.85 20
4.6 22
5.0 25
7.0 27
10 30
C100138

9
REN-O-THIN CONTROLS
FUEL SHUT OFF (A)
Move to the “OFF” position to shut off the fuel
whenever transporting the machine by trailer, truck
or during storage. Move to the “ON” position before
starting the engine.
SWITCH (B)
NOTE: B & S Engines A and B are combined.
Move to the “OFF” position to stop the engine.
Move to the “ON” position before starting engine.
CHOKE (C)
Move to the “CHOKE” position to apply the choke.
Move to the “RUN” position to remove the choke.
THROTTLE (D)
Controls engine speed.
BLADE CLUTCH CONTROL (E)
Move the bail towards the handle to engage the
blades. Release the bail to disengage.
LIFT CONTROL (F)
Pull the handle back to raise the reel into the
transport position. Push forward to lower to the
working postion. (Shown in work position).
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT (G)
Turn the height adjustment knob to raise or lower
the reel to the position desired.
FOLDING HANDLE(H)
Raise the handle locks (L) and latch on the handle
to fold the handle. Raise the handle and drop the
locks (L) over the handle bracket to secure in the
operating position
SEED CONTROL -OPTIONAL(J)
Push the lever forward to open the seed gate, pull
back to close the seed gate. Use the knob to adjust
the stop for the desired seed ow.
.
Briggs & Stratton
Honda

10
REN-O-THIN
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS/OPERATION
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Banding is under tension and may snap back when
cut. Wear eye protection and stay clear when
cutting banding.
1. Cut banding securing the machine to the pallet. Cut
cable ties on the handle lock on the handles.
2. Lift the handle to the operating position. Secure in
place by moving the handle locks down over the
handle supports.
WARNING 3. Roll the machine off the pallet onto a smooth, level
surface.
4. Check the oil level in the engine, add if necessary.
5. Check the height of the tines. Adjust if necessary.
6. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh unleaded gasoline.
E10 is acceptable. DO NOT use E15 or E85.
Refer to the engine manufacturer's operator manual.
Read the operator manual before use.
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 if damaged.
- Check to make sure all shields and guards are
properly installed and in good condition. Be sure
the discharge shield is installed.
- 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; service if necessary.
- Visually check for loose or damaged parts and
fasteners. Repair or replace as needed before
unit is placed into operation.
To prevent injury due to rotating blades, never
place hands or feet beneath the equipment at any
time.
To prevent injury from thrown blades, never
operate equipment with reel blades or springs
that are cracked, badly bent, missing, or in any
abnormal condition.
FUELING
- When refueling or checking fuel level:
- Fill fuel tank with good quality, clean, unleaded
gasoline. E10 is acceptable. DO NOT use E15
or E85.
- 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 en-
gine until the spill is cleaned up and vapors have
cleared.
- Check the reel for bent or broken blades/springs;
replace as necessary.
- Inspect area and remove stones, branches or
other hard objects that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
- Clean area around oil ll dipstick. Remove
dipstick and check to be sure oil is in operating
range (between marks on dipstick). Add oil
if necessary but DO NOT OVERFILL. Install
dipstick assembly rmly until cap bottoms out on
tube. Dipstick assembly must always be secured
into ll tube when engine is running.

11
REN-O-THIN OPERATION
DO NOT operate this equipment until you have
thoroughly read and understand the operation
section of this manual.
DO NOT operate equipment without all shields in
place.
DO NOT make adjustments or perform any
maintenance while the engine is running.
NEVER start or run the engine inside where
exhaust fumes can collect. Carbon monoxide
present in the exhaust is an odorless and deadly
gas.
Gasoline is extremely ammable and highly
explosive under certain conditions. Always stop
the engine and do not smoke or allow open ames
or sparks when refueling. BE SURE to install fuel
cap after refueling.
To prevent injuries from thrown blades/springs,
NEVER operate the unit with reel blades that are
missing, cracked, badly bent or in any springs of
abnormal condition.
Before operating, check the area and remove
any object which may present a safety hazard or
damage the equipment.
To prevent injury from rotating blades/springs,
NEVER place hands or feet beneath the unit.
This unit is not self propelled by a mechanical
drive system. However, under some conditions
the reel rotation may cause the unit to move under
its own power.
Engage the reel ONLY when you are in the
proper operator's position behind the handle.
The clutch bail is designed to be held by the
operator to keep the reel belt engaged ONLY
during use. DO NOT clamp or fasten the
bail to the handle. If the reel is allowed to
rotate while the operator is not in the proper
operating position, the unit may move on its
own. This will create an unsafe situation in
which the operator and/or bystanders may be
injured.
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.
REELS AND SUGGESTED USES
Flail Blade Reel, Model Nos. 554870, 554871
1/8" (3 mm) ail blades for thatch control and
breaking up soil cores after aerating. This reel is
NOT RECOMMENDED for ne lawns and turf,
such as golf course greens.
Spring Tine Reel, Model Nos. 554872, 554873
.109 diameter spring tines for thatch control.
This reel is suggested for use where sprinkler
heads or other objects may be damaged
by ail or xed blades. This reel is NOT
RECOMMENDED for ne lawns and turf, such
as gold course greens.
Fixed Blade Reel, Model Nos. 554874, 554875
1/8" (3 mm) 2" (51 mm) blade spacing is
excellent for general dethatching, renovating
and breaking up cores. It is also best for cutting
grooves for seeding.

12
REN-O-THIN
OPERATION
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn fuel shut-off valve Ato "ON" position.
2. Push stop switch Bto "ON" position.
3. Move manual choke control lever Cto "CHOKE"
position.
4. Move engine throttle control lever Dto "FAST"
position.
5. Grasp starter grip and pull slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull cord rapidly to start engine.
Repeat if necessary with choke opened slightly.
6. After engine starts, move choke Cto "RUN"
position.
7. Adjust throttle control Don engine as required.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. When you are ready to stop, release the control
bail and wait for the tines to stop.
2. Switch the engine off. Move the lift lever to the
transport position.
OPERATING TIPS
1. Start the unit in motion BEFORE engaging the reel to prevent unnecessary damage to the turf and to
avoid bogging down the engine. Disengage the reel before stopping forward motion.
2. Make all passes across the turf at a uniform speed.
3. Disengage the reel at the end of each pass and before slowing or stopping to make a turn. This prevents
turf damage while turning the unit.
4. If the engine bogs down while going through a thick patch of turf, push down on the handle just enough to
raise the reel and allow the engine to return to normal speed.
NOTE: Never cross hard objects or surfaces (such as sidewalks, driveways, stepping stones, etc.) with the
reel engaged. Severe blade damage may occur.
HONDA ENGINE SHOWN
BRIGGS ENGINE A & B are combined.

13
REN-O-THIN
BLADE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
To adjust blade height:
1. Lower the blades to the operating position by
moving the lift lever forward.
2. Turn the adjusting knob to raise or lower the front
wheels . Make the initial adjustment on a hard
level surface.
3. Set ail blades or spring tines to 1/8” (3mm)
above the surface initially. Test this setting on a
small area, then, adjust to conditions as required.
Each mark on the adjustment label equals 1/8”
(3mm).
OR
Set xed blades 1/8” above the surface for
dethatching or verticutting, 1/8” (3mm) below the
surface for seeding. Test the setting on a small
area and adjust to conditions as required.
If the desired position cannot be obtained
with the front wheels , the rear wheels may be
remounted. The top set of holes lowers the
blades, the bottom set raises the blades.
ADJUSTMENTS

14
REN-O-THIN
MAINTENANCE
When replacement parts are required, use genuine Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. 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.
BELT REPLACEMENT
Belt tension is maintained by a spring loaded idler, controlled by the clutch bail. No belt tension
adjustment is necessary when proper belts are used.
1. Remove belt guard and old belt from unit.
2. Install the new belt and reinstall belt guard.
LUBRICATION
- Change engine oil after the rst 5 hours of operation, then per the engine manufacturers schedule. See
engine manual for change interval and oil type.
- Check the air cleaner daily. Clean or replace accoring to the engine manufacturers instructions. See
engine manual.
- The reel and idler pulley bearings are factory sealed and require no lubrication. Wheel bearings A and
Pivot idler B have grease ttings and require lubrication with a standard lithium based grease every 25
hours of use.
A
B

15
REN-O-THIN BLADE / SPRING REPLACEMENT
BLADE/SPRING REPLACEMENT
Reel Remove/Replace
1. Remove belt cover and belt.
2. Remove the bolts from the bearing angettes
on each end of the reel shaft and drop the reel
assembly out of the machine.
3. See instructions for each reel type.
To install a reel assembly:
1. Install the bearing on the pulley end of the reel
with the lock collar to the inside with angettes on
each side of the bearing. Rotate the lock collar
to set it and secure it with the setscrew. Install
the pulley up against the bearing.
2. Install the bearing on the other end of the reel
assembly, again with the lock collar to the inside
and with angettes on each side of the bearing.
Leave the lock collar loose.
3. Secure the bearing angettes to the machine
frame with carriage bolts. The bolt heads should
be on the inside with the nuts on the outside.
4. Lock the bearing collar left loose in step 5 and
tighten the set screw.
5. Install the belt and belt cover
Fixed Blade Reels
1. Remove reel assembly from machine.
2. Remove bearing from end opposite the pulley.
3. Hold the pulley hub to keep it from turning and
remove the shaft nut. Remove the blades and
spacers from the shaft and replace or rearrange
as required.Note: blades worn on one face may
be reversed to use the fresh edge.
Note: When reassembling the reel it is important
to start and end with a spacer. DO NOT assemble
with a blade next to the shaft nut at either end. Fixed
blades must be placed on the shaft in a pattern
60°off center from the previous blade.
4. Re-install the shaft nut and tighten securely to
keep the blades from coming loose.
820484
WASHER
SHAFT NUT
Start Spacer
64163-113
WASHER
END SPACER
END SPACER
SHAFT NUT
64163-113
WASHER
5. Re-install the reel bearing and angettes on the
shaft with the lock collar to the inside. Leave the
lock collar loose.
6. Replace the reel assembly in the machine. See
Reel Remove/Replace

16
REN-O-THIN
FLAIL BLADE REELS
NOTE: Work on only one of the six blade shaft assemblies at a time.
1. Remove reel assembly from machine.
2. Remove the cotter pin from one of the blade shafts and pull the shaft out.
3. Replace the blades and any other worn parts. Reassemble in the proper order while sliding the shaft
back into place. Secure the shaft with a new cotter pin.
NOTE: blades worn on one face may be reversed to use the fresh edge.
4. Repeat for the remaining shafts.
5. Replace blades in sets to maintain balance.
6. Replace the reel assembly in the machine. See Reel Remove/Replace
BLADE / SPRING REPLACEMENT

17
REN-O-THIN
SPRING TINE REELS
1. Remove reel assembly from machine.
2. Remove the cotter pin from one of the spring tine shafts. Pull the shaft out. Replace the shaft if worn.
3. Install spring tines as the shaft is slid back into place. Secure with a new cotter pin.
4. Repeat for the remaining shafts.
5. Replace spring tines in sets to maintain balance.
6. Replace the reel assembly in the machine. See Reel Remove/Replace
COTTER PIN
PULLEY END
BLADE / SPRING REPLACEMENT

18
REN-O-THIN
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 ame
(for example, a furnace or water heater pilot
light).
After daily usage of unit.
1. Wash the unit with water after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Check the reel blades for damage. Replace any
cracked, broken, bent or worn blades.
3. Check the engine oil level and inspect the air
cleaner for excessive dirt or any obstructions.
4. Service engine according to engine
manufacturer's recommendations. Refer to
engine manual for all recommendations.
EXTENDED STORAGE
Before the equipment is put into storage for any
period exceeding 30 days:
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 oat bowl.
3. While engine is warm, drain the crankcase
oil and rell 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 ttings.
6. Clean and oil cutting blades 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.
4. Check for loose parts and tighten.
5. Check for cracked or broken blades and replace.