Operation - 13
GENERAL OPERATION
Daily Inspection
1.
Always set the parking brake, shut off power
unit engine, remove the ignition key, and ensure
all moving parts have come to a complete stop
before inspecting components, or attempting
any repair or adjustment.
Park machine on a level surface, with the engine
shut off and all fluids cold.
2. Perform a visual inspection of both the power
unit and the sod cutter. Look for loose or miss-
ing hardware, damaged components, or signs
of wear.
3.
Inspect hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fittings, and
fuel lines to ensure tight, leak free connections.
4. Inspect the cutting blade for wear and repair as
required.
5. Refer to the power unit operator’s manual.
Check the power unit’s engine oil, hydraulic oil,
cooling system, tire pressure, and fuel level. Add
fluid or service as required.
6. Test the power unit’s operator safety interlock
system*.
Attaching
1. Drive the power unit slowly forward into the hitch
arms of the sod cutter. Align the lift arms of the
power unit with the sod cutter hitch arms by rais-
ing or lowering the front hitch and complete the
engagement. NOTE: if the sod cutter will not sit
in an upright position, engage the power unit’s
parking brake and manually place the sod cutter
onto the power unit hitch arms.
2.
CAUTION
Cutting blade is sharp. Wear gloves when you are
handling the sod cutter.
Once completely engaged, close the front hitch
locking lever.*
Detaching
1. Park the power unit on a level surface.*
2. Lower the sod cutter to the ground.
3. Disengage the front hitch locking lever.*
4. Slowly back the power unit away from the sod
cutter or remove the sod cutter manually.
Sod Cutter Operation
Before operation, set the sod cutter to the desired
cutting depth and disengage the power unit’s weight
transfer system (if equipped).
Move the power unit and sod cutter into position and
lower the sod cutter to the ground. Apply light down
pressure to the front hitch (do not place in float) and
drive forward slowly to begin cutting sod.
NOTE: depending on ground and type of sod, shal-
lower depths may be more difficult to start the cut.
Work the power unit back and forth to allow the cut-
ting blade to penetrate the root bed.
Keep light down pressure applied to the front hitch and
sod cutter to allow the roller and cutting blade to main-
tain the cutting depth. While making the cutting pass,
adjust the front hitch height as necessary to allow for
uneven ground and changing soil conditions.
If the blade is pushed out of the ground when mak-
ing shallow cuts in dense root networks, change the
roller depth setting for a deeper cut.
Do not make sharp turns with the cutting blade in
the ground.
Setting the Cutting Depth
1.
Loosen the flange nuts on the depth adjustment
clamps (A).
2.
A
B
Rotate the roller until the depth indicator points
to the desired depth on the height adjustment
decal (B).
3.
Tighten the flange nuts to secure the roller at the
chosen cutting depth.
* Refer to power unit operator’s manual for operation of
power unit controls.
