CLASSEN SC-12-5.5 Sod Cutter User Manual

CLASSEN SC-12-5.5 Sod Cutter

See Parts Manual for service parts call out.

NOTICE !!!
Unauthorized modifications 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 modifications, add-on accessories or product alterations that are not de-signed, developed, tested and approved by Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. Engineering Department. Any Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product that is altered, modified or changed in any manner not specifically authorized after original manufacture–including the addition of “after-market” accessories or component parts not specifically 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 modifications, add-on accessories or products not approved by Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. will be considered the responsibility of the individual(s) or company design-ing and/or making such changes. Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. will vigorously pursue full indemnification and costs from any party responsible for such unauthorized post-manufacture modifications and/or accessories should personal injury and/or property damage result.

MODEL NUMBER: This number appears on sales literature, technical manuals and price lists.

SERIAL NUMBER: This number appears only on your machine. It contains the model number followed consecutively by the serial number. Use this number when ordering parts or seek-ing warranty information.

This symbol means:

ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!

Your safety and the safety of others is involved.

Signal word definitions:
The signal words below are used to identify levels of hazard seriousness. These words appear in this manual and on the safety labels attached to Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. ma-chines. For your safety and the safety of others, read and follow the information 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.

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.

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.

WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SAFETY

Machin e Preparation

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 mate- rial is unclear, contact your factory representative for clarification.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equip-ment, operator controls and safety signs. Be prepared to stop the engine quickly in an emergency. Do not op-erate 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 mov-ing 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 leg-ible and intact. Replacement labels and manuals are available from the factory.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence 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 per-form the job. Only use 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.
• Identify and mark objects to be avoided such as sprin-kler heads, stakes, water valves, etc.
• Be sure the area is clear of pets and people, espe-cially 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 artificial light.

Machine Preparation

• 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 blade and blade bolts for wear or damage. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts.
• Verify that machine and attachments, if any, are in good operating condition.
• Do not engage blade until ready to cut sod.

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 blade when not cutting sod.
• Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where dan-gerous 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 ma-chine towards you.

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 stor-age place to prevent tampering and to keep children from playing with them.
• Do not store the machine or fuel container near heat-ing appliances with an open flame, 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 fire hazard.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, muf-flers and engine to help prevent fires.

Storage Safety

• Start 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.

Operating On Slopes

Use Extra Care When Working On Slopes

• Do not operate on slopes if uneasy or uncertain. Ulti-mate responsibility for safe operation on slopes 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.

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 specifically 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.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

In general

• Maintain machine according to manufacturer’s sched-ule and instructions for maximum safety and best results.
• Park machine on level ground.
• Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.
• Guards should only be removed by qualified mainte-nance technician for maintenance/service. Replace when work is complete.
• Adjust or repair only after the engine has been stopped and the blade has stopped moving.
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) before doing any main-tenance.
• 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.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Clean up spilled oil or fuel thoroughly.
• Replace faulty mufflers.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine, muffler, and fuel storage area free of grass, leaves, debris buildup or grease.

Blades
The sod cutter blade is sharp and can cut. Use extra caution 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

• Petrol (gasoline) and diesel fuels are flammable; petrol (gasoline) vapors are explosive. Use extra care when handling.
• Store only in containers specifically 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 overfill;
• 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 fires or cause explo-sions. Flowing fuel can generate static electricity. To prevent static electricity sparks:

• Keep fuel containers electrically grounded. 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.
• When practical, remove petrol (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.

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 flame, such as a water heater, or an appliance with a pilot light.
• Keep gasoline (petrol) storage area free of grass, leaves and excessive grease to reduce fire hazard.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufflers and engine to help prevent fires.

WARNING
Operation of This Equipment May Create Sparks That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation. A Spark Arrestor May be Required. The Operator Should Contact Local Fire Agencies For Laws or Regulations Relating to Fire Prevention Requirements.

• This label meets California 4442.6

WARNING

• ROTATING PARTS.
• DO NOT OPERATE WITH COVER REMOVED

WARNING

• MOVING BLADE CAN CUT
• KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS
• STOP ENGINE BEFORE SERVICING

TO CHECK OR ADD FUEL:

• Do it outdoors.
• Stop engine. Allow to cool.
• Do not smoke.
• Clean up spilled fuel.
• Do not overfill.
• Fill to one inch below the bottom of the filler neck.

LUBRICATE THE CHAIN DAILY, CHECK TENSION AND ADJUST WHEN NEEDED.

MAINTENANCE / STORAGE

Storage Instructions

WARNING
To prevent possible explosion or ignition of vaporized fuel, do not store equipment with fuel in tank or carburetor in an 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 the fuel valve at the bottom of the fuel tank.
4. Clean cutting blade (grass, dirt, etc.).

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 the engine and run until all fuel is used from the carburetor float bowl.
3. While the engine is warm, check the transmission oil and refill 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 the cutting blade to prevent rust.

To put equipment into operation after an extended storage:

1. Fill the fuel tank with clean fresh fuel.
2. Check the crankcase oil level, and start the engine.
3. Check the fuel system for fuel leaks.

INTRODUCTION

Thank You
Thank you for purchasing the Classen Model SCHV-24, SCHV-20, SCHV-18, SCHV-16, or SCHV-12 sod cutter.

Read This Manual
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate sod cutter correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage. This manual should be considered a permanent part of your sod cutter and should remain with it if you sell it.

Warranty

Refer to the back page.

Measurements
U.S. units of measure are used in this manual.

Serial Numbers
Write frame and engine serial numbers, plus model numbers in the “Owners Record” section below. Your dealer needs these numbers when you order parts. The serial number is located on a sticker on the center section of the frame.

Directions
“Right Hand” and “Left Hand” sides of the sod cutter are determined by facing the back of the sod cutter as you would operate the machine.

OWNER’S RECORD

• Date Purchased
• Sod Cutter Model Number
• Sod Cutter Serial Number
• Engine Model Number
• Engine Serial Number

PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST
Check the following before you deliver the sod cutter to the customer.

1. Guards and shields fastened in place.
2. Decals are fastened and legible.
3. Tire pressure.
4. The gas lever on engine is turned on.
5. All eight lubrication points were greased.
6. 2:1 gearbox oil level.
7. Engine oil level.
8. Air cleaner.
9. Touch-up scratches.
10. Chain tight.
11. Engine belt tight.
12. Levers working properly.
13. All controls.
14. Add fuel, start the engine, and test run.

DATE SET UP

DELIVERY CHECKLIST
Review the operator’s manual with the customer. Explain the following:

1. Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. warranty.
2. Safe operation and service.
3. How to use controls.
4. Operating the machine correctly.
5. Transporting the sod cutter.
6. Correct fuel and lubricants.
7. Daily and periodic inspections.
8. Changing oil after the break-in period.
9. Servicing the sod cutter regularly and correctly.
10. Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. parts and service.
11. Give the customer the operator’s manual and encourage customer to read it.

DATE DELIVERED __/__/__

SIGNATURE __

OPERATION

PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST (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.
• Check that all hardware is properly installed and secured.
• Check to be sure the engine is free of dirt and debris. Pay particular attention to the cooling fins, governor parts and muffler. Clean air intake screen. Check air cleaner; service is necessary.
• Inspect area. Remove stones or other hard objects that might cause damage.
• Check that there are no underground utilities in work area.
• Check all lubrication points and grease as instructed in the manual.
• Perform a functional check of the safety interlock system each time you operate the unit. If it doesn’t work, repair before using the machine.

WARNING
ALL GUARDS MUST BE IN PLACE WHILE THE MACHINE IS IN OPERATION.

WARNING
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS.

READ SAFETY SIGNS
Carefully read and follow caution stickers.

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 the engine manual supplied with the machine.
3. Check Hydro gear oil, add 20W50 oil if necessary.
4. Open the fuel valve.
5. Fill the fuel tank with the amount and type of fuel recommended by the engine manufacturer.

WARNING

Petrol (gasoline) is extremely flammable 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 or Add Fuel

• Use a funnel to avoid spilling.
• Do it outdoors.
• Do not smoke.
• Stop the engine; allow it to cool.
• Do not overfill.
• Clean up spilled fuel.

SAFETY

Operate Safely
Carefully read this manual and operate the sod cutter correctly.

Protect Children
Keep children and pets out of the area where you are cutting sod.

Avoid Tipping
Make sure you do not get too close to sharp drop-offs to avoid tipping the sod cutter over.

Operate Safely On Slopes
You may cut sod any direction on slopes, however, make sure you do this carefully. Cutting on slopes can be dangerous. To avoid any accidents, make sure to leave yourself room to correct the problem if one arises. Always park your sod cutter on level ground.

Practice Safe Maintenance
Keep all machine parts in good condition and fastened in place. Fix damages immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Whenever you work on the sod cutter, disconnect the spark plug wire.

Start Engine Safely
Make sure hands and feet are out of the way of moving parts when starting the engine.

WARNING
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. 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. Replace any warning decal that becomes illegible immediately.

ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES

NOTICE: There are two locations on this engine that require oil, both the crankcase and the transmission (gearbox). Running the engine or gearbox with a low oil level can cause engine damage. Refer to the engine manual for complete engine information and recommendations.

Engine Oil Level Check

1. BEFORE CHECKING ENGINE:
   • Make certain the engine is level
   • The engine switch is in the OFF position
   • the sod cutter blade is NOT engaged
   • The drive wheels are disengaged.
2. Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick.
4. If the oil level is low, fill to the edge of the oil filler hole with the recommended oil. SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. Refer to engine oil recommendations in engine manual for other viscosities and information.
5. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Transmission Oil Level Check

1. Check the transmission oil level with the engine stopped and in a level position.
2. Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler hole. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick.
4. If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Use the same oil that is recommended for the engine, SAE 10W-30.
5. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Starting Engine

1. Turn fuel cock to the “open” position.
2. Turn choke on (closed).
3. Turn ignition switch to “on”.
4. Pull recoil starter rope until engine starts.
5. After engine is warm, turn off choke (open).
6. Allow engine to run for one minute before cutting sod.
7. Check engine rpm setting before operating. DO NOT exceed 3600 rpm.

Stopping Engine

1. Release finger throttle control.
2. Turn off the ignition switch.

OPERATING THE SOD CUTTER

Preparation

1. Police lawn area for obstacles and debris (i.e. sprinklers, hoses, toys, etc.). Remove all items.
2. Make sure underground sprinkler heads and other hidden obstacles are marked to prevent damage.
3. Mark other areas where sod cutting will be a problem or too risky (i.e. mud, tree roots, steep hills).

Operating

1. Start the engine. CAUTION: To avoid injury, do not place your feet or other body parts under the blade while starting the engine.
2. Select the correct cutting depth desired up to 2 1/2 inches. Loosen the tee handle from the depth gauge plate, located under the height adjustment bar, (#3 on illustration), and put it to the correct height setting. Tighten the tee handle.
3. Push the wheel drive transport handle (#5 on illustration) and the cutter blade speed handle (#4 in illustration) to the desired speed, toward the engine.
4. Raise the main handle upward so the front nose of the sod cutter rests on the ground.
5. Loosen the 1/2” handle nut (#2 on illustration) and lower the height adjustment bar to rest on the depth gauge. Now tighten the 1/2” handle nut securely so it will not loosen with the vibration of the machine.
6. Go to the back of the machine and lower the handle until the cutting blade rests on the ground. You are now ready to cut sod.
7. Turn the throttle to the desired operating speed by pulling the finger throttle control (#6 in illustration) toward you. Maximum engine rpm is recommended for smooth operation.
8. After cutting a short distance, stop the machine by letting the finger throttle control go back to its original position. Check the thickness of the cut and adjust if necessary.
9. At the end of each cutting pass, lift up on the handlebar to clear the cutting blade from the sod. Retard the throttle control and turn the machine around into the position for the next cut.
10. When finished cutting sod, reverse steps 6 through 3, leaving the wheel drive handle on for transportation.

WARNING
BLADE SHARPENING – Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when sharpening blades. Use correct tools for sharpening or when servicing the machine.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

To keep the sod cutter in good operating condition, perform the following:

• Keep the blade sharp; a sharp blade cuts cleaner, faster, and more uniformly and places less load on the machine. Sharpen the cutting edge on the bevel or top side only.
• Keep the drive belt at proper tension and free of oil and dirt at all times.
• Check engine oil level and air filter element daily.
• Check Hydro Gear oil (20W50 oil).
• Check for loose bolts and connections.
• All grease fittings are pressurized type. Use a good grade Lithium Base Grease or equivalent. Grease eccentric arms sparingly every 4 hours of service, all others daily. Wipe off all grease fittings before and after each greasing (there are a total of 8 grease fittings).
• To make sure the chain on the front drive wheels is tight, you will need to remove the chain guard to check this. If tightening is required, loosen the nuts and bolts on the 3/4” pillow block bearings and push the bearings toward the back of the sod cutter until the chain is tight. Make sure both bearings go back evenly to keep the jackshaft running even with the frame. After doing this, retighten the nuts and bolts on the bearing and replace the chain guard.
• Engine (refer to Honda owner’s manual).

SAFETY WARNING
DO NOT STORE GASOLINE (PETROL) UNNECESSARILY OVER LONG PERIODS OF TIME. TO PREVENT POSSIBLE EXPLOSION, STORE ONLY IN AN APPROVED “SAFE” CONTAINER. TO PREVENT EXPLO- SION OF VAPORIZED FUEL, DO NOT STORE THE MACHINE WITH FUEL IN A TANK OR CARBURETOR IN AN ENCLOSURE WITH AN OPEN FLAME. (EXAMPLE: FURNACE OR WATER HEATER PILOT LIGHT.)

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Blade should be sharpened or

Belts jump off

| ****

a.  Wrong type of belt

b.  Pulley misalignment

| ****

a.  Use only the special factory belt

b.  Realign pulley

SPECIFICATIONS

SELF-PROPELLED WALK-BEHIND SOD CUTTER

SC18/5.5 & SC-18/8

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