Smithco BIG VAC 72-000-A Quick start guide

Product Support: Hwy SS & Poplar Ave; Cameron WI 54822
1-800-891-9435 [e-mail]
Parts & Service
Big Vac
72-000-A
SN: 72198
October 2009

Introduction Service Diagrams Parts Accessories Reference
CONTENTS
Introduction..........................................1-10
Introduction...................................................................................1-4
Introduction..................................................................................1
SafePractices.............................................................................2
PTOSafetyWarnings..................................................................3
Specifications ..............................................................................4
OptionalEquipment .....................................................................4
Service ........................................................................................ 5-11
Maintenance.............................................................................5-6
OverloadingDebrisHopperand VacuumHousingWear ...............7
ServiceChart ...............................................................................8
EndUser’sServiceChart.............................................................9
Adjustments ......................................................................... 10-11
Storage ...................................................................................... 11
Diagrams ................................................................................... 12-13
HydraulicDiagram ................................................................ 12-13
Parts .......................................................................................... 14-31
Big Vac Main ........................................................................ 14-15
ControlPanel........................................................................ 16-17
OilTank ................................................................................ 18-19
BlowerHousing .................................................................... 20-21
VacuumHousingBeltsandTensioners................................. 22-23
Hopper.................................................................................. 24-25
72-151HydraulicValve ......................................................... 26-27
78-416 3BankHydraulicValve ............................................ 28-29
72-048Axle .......................................................................... 30-31
72-202PTOShaft ................................................................. 30-31
Accessories ............................................................................... 32-52
72-001CombinationSweeper-VerticutHead ....................... 32-37
72-002RubberFinger SweeperHead.................................... 38-41
72-005 BrushReelSweeperHeadwith72-006BrushOnly .. 42-45
72-004 Over-The-RoadTowingPackage ............................... 46-48
72-003HandHeldVacuumHose .......................................... 50-52
Reference.................................................................................. 53-54
Decal List .................................................................................. 53
QuickReferenceReplacementParts .........................................54
Warranty ...........................................................InsideBackCover

1
Introduction
Informationneededwhenordering replacementparts:
1. ModelNumberofmachine
2. SerialNumberofmachine
3. NameandPartNumberofpart
4. Quantityofparts
INTRODUCTION
Thankyouforpurchasinga product.
Read this manual and all other manuals pertaining to the Big Vac carefully as they contain safety, operating,
assembly and maintenance instructions. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Keepmanualsinasafeplaceafteroperatorandmaintenancepersonnelhavereadthem.Rightand left sides are
fromthe operator’s seat, facingforward.
All machineshave a Serial Number andModelNumber.Both numbers are needed when ordering
parts. The serial number plate on the Big Vac is located on the front cross member of the frame.
For easy access record your Serial and Model numbers here.

2
Introduction
SAFEPRACTICES
1. It is your responsibility to read this manual and all publications associated with this machine (engine,
accessoriesandattachments).
2. Neverallow anyone to operate or service the machine or itsattachmentswithoutproper training and
instructions.Never allow minors to operate any equipment.
3. Learnthe proper use of the machine, the location and purpose of all the controls and gauges before you
operatethe equipment. Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to accidents.
4. Wear all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect our head, eyes, ears, hands and
feet. Ear and eye protection are required. Operate the machine only in daylight or in good artificial
light.
5. Inspectthe area wheretheequipment will be used.Bewareof overhead obstructionsandunderground
obstacles. Stay alert for hidden hazards.
6. Neveroperate equipment that is not in perfect working order or without decals, guards, shields, or other
protectivedevices in place.
7. Never disconnect or bypass any switch.
8. Carbonmonoxide in the exhaust fumes canbefatal when inhaled, never operate amachinewithout proper
ventilation.
9. Neveruse your handsto search for oil leaks. Hydraulic fluid underpressure can penetrate the skin and
cause serious injury.
10. This machine demands your attention.Topreventlossofcontrolortippingofthevehicle:
A. Use extra caution in backing up the vehicle. Ensure area is clear.
B. Do not stop or start suddenly on any slope.
C. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns. Use caution when changing directions on slopes.
D. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
E. Operateequipmentup and down slopes, never across theface.
11. Beforeleavingoperator’s position foranyreason:
A Disengageall drives.
B. Lowerallattachmentstotheground.
C. Shut engineoffandremovetheignitionkey.
12. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from moving parts. Wait for all movement to stop before you clean,
adjustor service the machine.
13. The rubber fingers, sweeper and vacuum pick up and propel debris and smallobjectsinmachinespath
duringoperation. Keep the area of operation clear of allbystanders.
14. Nevercarry passengers.
15. Use parts and materials supplied by only. Do not modify any function or part.
16. Avoid sharp turns. Watch the tires of the tractor while turning to make sure they do not contact the tongue
of the Big Vac.
17. Shut down power source before attempting to unclog any part of the machine.
18. If reel deck and/or blower began tovibrateabnormally, immediately shut offpower anddeterminethe
cause.
These machines are intended for professional maintenance on golf courses, sports turf, and any other
area maintained turf and related trails, paths and lots. No guaranty as to the suitability for any task is
expressed or implied.

3
Introduction
PTOSAFETYWARNINGS
1. Alwaysdisengage the PTO, shut off engine and remove the keys before leaving the tractor seat.
2. Keep the tractor's master shield in place at all times.
3. Missingor damaged shielding isthe main reason for driveline entanglement. Keep All Guards on and in
goodcondition. Check guards frequently.
4. Never stepacross a rotating powershaft. Always walk around the revolving shaft even ifguardsarein
place.
5. Dress for safety. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry and keep long hair covered or pulled back.
6. Thetractor drawbar should be adjusted to the length specified in the driven machine's manual. This will
helpprevent driveline stress andseparationon uneven terrain and intightturns.
7. APTO shaft may break orseparate during operation if improperly installed or adjusted. Be sure PTOshaft
is installed properly.
8. Neverperform maintenance oradjustmentsuntil both the drivelineand the machinery havestopped
moving.
9. Warnanyone who might come near an operatingPTOaboutthe entanglement hazard.
10. Regularly test driveline guards by spinning or rotating them to ensure the have not become stuck to the
shaft.
11. Alwaysusethe driveline recommended foryourmachine. Never switchdrivelinesamong different ma-
chines.
12. ReducePTO shaft abusebyobserving the following:
a. Avoid tight turns that pinch rotating shafts between the tractor and machine.
b. Keep excessive telescoping to a minimum.
c. Engagepower to the shaftgradually.
d. Avoidover tightening of slip clutchesonPTO driven machines.

4
Introduction
SPECIFICATIONS FORBIGVAC
WEIGHTSANDDIMENSIONS
Length 180"(458 cm)
Width 84"(214cm)
Height 87"(221cm)
Weight 3500lb (1588 kg)
SOUNDLEVEL
AtEar Level 92 dB (Use earprotectionwhile operating)
PTOSHAFT
MaximumRPM 540
TIRES&WHEELS Two 26.5 - 1400 x 12 (18 psi (1.3 bar)) FairwayTypeTurfTires
Castor: 13 x 5 x 6 (20 psi (1.4 bar))
FLUIDCAPACITY
HydraulicFluid 17 gallon (64 liters)
Grade of Hydraulic Fluid SAE 10W-40 API Service SJ or higher Motor Oil
OPTIONALEQUIPMENT
72-001 CombinationVerticutand SweeperHead
72-002 RubberFingerSweeperHead
72-003 25ft Hand Held Vacuum
72-004 Over-the-RoadTowPackage
72-005 NylonBrush SweeperHead
72-245 25/16 Ball Hitch

5
Service
MAINTENANCE
Before servicing or making adjustments to machine, stop engine on tow vehicle and remove
key from ignition.
Use all procedures and parts prescribed by the manufacturer's. Read the engine manual
before operation.
LUBRICATION
Use No. 2 General Purpose Lithium Base Grease and lubricate DAILY. The Big Vac has 19 to 25 grease fit-
tings,depending on what sweeperhead you are using. All bearingsare sealed bearings. Wheninserting
grease, be careful not to ruin the seal, if this happens, replace the bearing at once. Be sure to wipe grease
fittingclean before injecting grease. Give only one or two pumpsof grease at each lubrication.
REF# LOCATION
1 One on all four castor wheels.
2 Four on the front of the blower that go to pillow blocks on blower and PTO shafts.
3 Oneon each mounted bearing forreelshaft.Two forfingerreel. Four for combination head.
4 One on each end of the PTO shaft.
5 One on all four castor wheel mount brackets.
6 One on the jack stand.
7 Oneon each end of roller - Combination head only.

6
Service
MAINTENANCE (CONTINUED)
TIREPRESSURE
Cautionmustbe used when inflating a low tire to recommended pressure. Over inflating cancause tires to
explode. Tires on the machine should be 18 psi (1.3 bar), castor wheels should be 20 psi (1.4 bar). Improper
inflationwill reduce tire life considerably.
WHEELMOUNTINGPROCEDURE
1. Turnmachine offandremovekey.
2. Be sure unit is on a level surface. Unhitch from tow vehicle if possible.
3. Block the opposite wheel then the one you are working on.
4. Loosennuts slightly on wheel to be removed.
5. Jackup machine being careful not to damage underside of machine.
6. Removenuts, removewheel.
7. Place new wheel on hub lining up bolt holes.
8. Torque nuts to 64-74 ft/lb(87-100 Nm) using a cross pattern.Torque again afterfirst 10 hours and every
200hoursthereafter.
9. Lowermachine to ground and remove blocks and jack.
HYDRAULICOIL
1. Use SAE 10W-40API Service SJ or higher motor oil.
2. Forproper warranty, change oil every 500 hoursorannually, which ever isfirstandchangethe filter after
thefirst 20 hours, then at 100 hours, then every 250 hours thereafter.
3. Inspect hydraulic lines for damage or leaks. Never use hands to inspect leaks.
4. Check hydraulic fluid level in tank. Look at the sight gauge on the front left side of the tank. The oil level
should be at 90°C (194°F). If level is low, add SAE 10W-40API Service SJ or higher motor oil.
5. Afterchanging oil and/or filter, operate the machine for a few minutes. Check oil level and for leaks.
6. Always use caution when filling hydraulic oil tank or checking level to keep system free of contaminants.
Checkandservicemorefrequentlywhenoperating in extremely cold, hot or dusty conditions.
7. If natural color of fluid is now black or smells burnt, it is possible that an overheating problem exists.
8. If fluid becomes milky, water contamination may be a problem.
9. Ifeither of the above conditions happen, change oil and filter immediately after fluid is cool and find cause.
Take fluid level readings when system is cold.
10. In extreme temperatures you can use straight weight oil. We recommend SAE 30WAPI Service SJ or
higherwhen hot (above 90°F(33°C))and SAE 10WAPIService SJ or higherwhencold (below 32°F (0°C))
ambient temperature. Use either motor oil or hydraulic oil, but do not mix.
11. Oil being added to the system must be the same as what is already in the tank. Mark tank fill area as to
which type you put in.
VERTICUTREELVALVEHANDLE
If the rubber finger sweeper head is installed on your unit and verticut reel handle is acti-
vated, the hydraulic system may be damaged due to overheating the oil. Remove the
verticut reel valve handle when using the rubber finger sweeper head (72-002).

7
MAINTENANCE (CONTINUED)
HOPPERLIFTSAFETY
The Hopper Lift Safety is used to support the ram on
the hopper bottom in the extended position so you
mayservice or repairthemachineunder the hopper.
When not in use the Hopper Lift Safety can be stored
onthe hopper bedframe.
OVERLOADINGDEBRISHOPPERANDVACUUMHOUSINGWEAR
SMITHCOSWEEPER-VACSAREDESIGNEDTOCARRYTHEFOLLOWINGMAXIMUMLOADS:
Model72-000BigVac 1500 lbs. (608 kg)
PLEASENOTE THEFOLLOWING:
1. Loadsheavier than that will damage the unit.
2. Suchdamage is not covered by warranty.
3. Overloadingis particularly easy when collecting aerifiercores.
4. The hoppers on the Big Vac and V62 are large in order to hold 7 and 4 cubic yards respectively, of thatch,
grassclippings, leaves and trash.
5. They will not hold 7 or 4 cubic yards of aerifier cores.
6. Themaximum depth (in the debris hopper) of aerifier cores is:
Model72-000 BigVac 12 in. (30 cm)
VACUUMHOUSINGWEAR
The Big Vac & V62 are fitted with a wear resistant liner in the vacuum housing. This will provide additional husing
life. Be sure the following points are explained to the user:
1. The vacuum housing and impeller must be cleaned each time the unit is used so the housing liner is
inspecteddaily. OnlySmithco Sweeper-Vacs providea clean out/inspection port foreasy inspection and
cleaning.
2. When bare steel is visible at any point in the housing lining, the lining must be replaced. It is expected the
linerwill wear and be replaced. It is a vast improvement over competitive units with no liners.
3. Replacementof the liner or the vacuum housing due ti wear is normal and is notcovered by warranty.
4. Collectionof aerifier cores causes extreme wear on the liner (and if unchecked, on the housing).
5. Caution users that, while Smithco Sweeper-Vacs do an excellent job collecting cores, the lining (and the
housing) will wear quickly in such use.
RUBBERIZEDBOOT
Therubberized boot between main unit and sweeper head is subject to wearanddamagefrom debris. Unless
defecetive,replacement of this boot is not covered by warranty.

8
Service
SERVICECHART
Before servicing or making adjustments to the machine, stop engine, set park break, block
wheels and remove key from ignition.
Follow all procedures and ONLY use parts prescribed by the manufacturer. Read the engine
manual before maintenance.
C=Check or Clean at specified intervals
R=Replace at specified intervals
* Tire pressure: Machine Tires 18 psi (1.3 bar) Castor Wheels 20 psi (1.4 bar)
† Replace hydraulic filter after the first 20, 100, and every 250 there after.
§ Torque tire nuts after the first 10 hours and every 200 hours there after (64 to 74 ft/lb (87-100 Nm))
¤ Kawasaki change oil after first 8 hours.
£ Change oil every 25 hours when operating under heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
‡ Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present , replace air cleaner parts, if very dirty.
Thesuggested maintenance checklist is not offered as a replacement for the manufacturer’s engine manualbut
asa supplement.Youmustadheretothe guidelines establishedbythe manufacturer for warranty coverage. In
adverseconditions such as dirt, mud or extreme temperatures, maintenance should be more frequent.
Daily As Required 100 Hours 200 Hours 250 Hours 300 Hours 400 Hours Every 500 Hours/Year
ly
¤£ Engine Oil CRRR RRR
Engine Oil Filter RRR
Engine for Leaks and Loose Parts CCCCCC
‡ Air Cleaner (Paper Element) RCC RCR
‡ Air-Cleaner (Foam Element every 25 hours) RCCCRCR
Spark Plugs (Clean and Gap/Replace) RCC CCR
Valve Clearance C
Idle Speed CCC
‡ Cooling System CCCCCC
Belts and Hoses CCC
* Tire Pressure CCCCCC
Visual Inspection of Tires CCCCCC
Fuel Level CC
Fuel Filter RR
Hydraulic Oil CCCCCR
†Hydraulic Oil Filter RR
Hydraulic System for Leaks and Loose Parts CCCCCC
Battery Electrolyte Level CC CCC
Clean Battery Terminals CC
§ Torque Lug Nuts CCC
Lubricate Reel and Blower Shaft Bearings CCCCCC
Lubricate Castor Wheels (Every 25 hrs) CC