CLASSEN HSC185 Pro Sod Cutter Instruction Manual

: June 13, 2024
: CLASSEN

Table of Contents

CLASSEN HSC185 Pro Sod Cutter
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
SAFETY
- MAINTENANCE SAFETY
SET UP/ MAINTENANCE
STORAGE
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT
ADJUSTMENTS
SPECIFICATIONS
MAIN FRAME ASSEMBLY
OPTIONAL KITS
Documents / Resources

CLASSEN HSC185 Pro Sod Cutter

CLASSEN-HSC185 Pro-Sod-Cutter

Product Information

Product: Pro Sod Cutter
Models: HSC185, HSC188
Manufacturer: Classen
Manufacturer Address: Classen 1028 Street Road Southampton, PA 18966
Manuals:
- Parts Manual (MAN 4171639 Rev. C)
- Operators Manual (4171640)

California Proposition 65 Warning:
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Important Note:
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered or grass- covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrestor, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire. To acquire a spark arrestor for your unit, see your Engine Service Dealer. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s information included with the machine.

Power Ratings:
Labeled power ratings are supplied by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE testing and gross/net power rating standards (J1940, J1995, J1349).

Product Usage Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the Pro Sod Cutter. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of the product, please follow these usage instructions:

Safety
Refer to pages 2 and 3 of the manual for detailed safety instructions. It is essential to prioritize safety when operating the Pro Sod Cutter. Follow all safety warnings and instructions provided in the manual to prevent accidents and injuries.

Set-Up and Maintenance
Refer to page 4 of the manual for set-up and maintenance instructions. Proper set-up and regular maintenance are crucial for the Pro Sod Cutter’s performance and durability. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure optimal functioning.

Storage
Refer to page 5 of the manual for storage instructions. When not in use, store the Pro Sod Cutter in a dry and secure location. Follow the recommended storage procedures to protect the product from damage and ensure its longevity.

Adjustments
Refer to pages 7 and 8 of the manual for adjustment instructions. The Pro Sod Cutter may require occasional adjustments for optimal performance. Follow the provided instructions to make necessary adjustments correctly.

Parts Section
Refer to page 9 of the manual for the parts section. If any parts of the Pro Sod Cutter need replacement or repair, refer to this section for detailed information. Contact a Classen dealer for service or parts needed.

Main Frame Assembly
Refer to Figure 1 on pages 10 and 11 of the manual for the main frame assembly instructions. Follow the visual representation and accompanying instructions to correctly assemble the main frame of the Pro Sod Cutter.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

IMPORTANT!

It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrestor, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire.
To acquire a spark arrestor for your unit, see your Engine Service Dealer.
Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s information included with the machine.
Labeled power ratings are supplied by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE testing and gross/net power rating standards (J1940, J1995, J1349).

IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Thank you for purchasing this Classen product. You have purchased a world class product, one of the best designed and built anywhere.
This product comes with Parts and Operator’s Manuals. The useful life and good service you receive from this product depends to a large extent on how well you read and understand this manual. Treat this product properly and adjust it as instructed, and it will give you many years of reliable service.
See a Classen dealer for any service or parts needed. Classen service ensures that you continue to receive the best results possible from Classen products. You can trust Classen replacement parts because they are manufactured with the same high precision and quality as the original parts.
Classen designs and builds its equipment to serve many years in a safe and productive manner. For longest life, use this product only as directed in the manual, keep it in good repair and follow safety warnings and instructions. You’ll always be glad you did.
Classen
1028 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966

NOTICE:
Unauthorized modifications may present extreme safety hazards to operators and bystanders and could also result in product damage. Classen strongly warns against, rejects and disclaims any modifications, add-on accessories or product alterations that are not designed, developed, tested and approved by Classen Engineering Department. Any Classen 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 Classen-will result in the Classen 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 Classen will be considered the responsibility of the individuals) or company designing and/or making such changes. Classen 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.

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 Classen machines. 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 an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, MAY 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

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 seeking warranty information.

SAFETY

MAINTENANCE 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 machine.
Guards should only be removed by qualified maintenance 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 maintenance.
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 explosions. 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.

SET UP/ MAINTENANCE

SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent injury, wear appropriate eye protection and stand clear when cutting banding. Banding is under tension and may snap back when cut.

Remove crate and sides. Remove the banding attaching the sod cutter to the pallet.
Roll the sod cutter off the pallet.
Dispose of crating, and banding in a responsible manner.
Check the engine oil level, add if necessary and fill the fuel tank with fresh clean unleaded regular gasoline.

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

Keep blade sharp; a sharp blade cuts cleaner, faster and more uniformly and places less load on the machine. Sharpen cutting edge on bevel or top side only.
Keep drive belt at proper tension and free of oil and dirt at all times.
Check engine oil level and air filter element daily.
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).
Check and adjust chain tension on the front drive wheels is tight, you will need to remove the chain guard. If tightening is required, loosen nuts and bolts on the 3/4″ pillow block bearings and push the bearings toward the back of the sod cutter until chain is tight. Make sure both bearings go back evenly to keep jackshaft run- ning even with the frame. Lubricate the chain on the inner circumference, the side facing the sprocket, with a light oil such as SAE20 or SAE30. An oiling can or spray can with a straw for application is recommended. Retighten nuts and bolts on the bearing and replace the chain guard.
Engine (refer to manufacturer’s owner’s manual)

Engine Oil Level Check

BEFORE CHECKING OIL:
- 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.
Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler neck. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick.
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.
Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

Transmission (Gearbox) Oil Level Check
(This unit is boited to the engine)

Check the transmission oil level with the engine stopped and in a level position.
Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into the filler hole. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick.
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.
Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.

HYDRO DRIVE OIL LEVEL CHECK

Check the Hydro Drive oil level with the engine stopped and in a level postion.
If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit mark. Use SAE 20W50 oil.

STORAGE

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING 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

Check engine oil level and air filter element daily.
Check oil level in hydro drive. Hydro drive uses 20W50 oil.
Close fuel valve at bottom of fuel tank.
Clean cutting blade (grass, dirt, etc.).

Extended Storage
Before the equipment is put into storage for any period exceeding 30 days:

Drain all fuel from fuel tank and lines (use a hose or fuel line, routed from fuel tank shut-off to proper container).
Start engine and run until all fuel is used from the carburetor float bowl.
While engine is warm, check the transmission oil and refill with the proper weight of oil corresponding to the season when the equipment wil next be used.
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.
Lubricate all lubrication fittings.
Clean and oil cutting blade to prevent rust.

To put equipment into operation after an extended storage:

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

WARNING When replacement parts are required, use genuine Classen parts or parts with equivalent characteristics- tics, 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.

NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT

Put shift lever in Neutral Position (N). Figure 1
Loosen lcoking nut A on clevis, them remove bolt B and turn the clevis one way or the other to adjust neutral. Figure 2.
To check neutral setting, reassemble with control in neutral. Start the engine and pull pin C out. Figure 3. Increase engine RPM. The machine should NOT move. If machine moves, then repeat Steps 1-3 until set properly.

BELT ADJUSTMENT

Remove belt cover.
Loosen the pulley andmove up the slot for tighter belt tension. Figure 4
After tension has been adjusted, check the over center adjustment.
Loosen bolt D and move to where the lever snaps over center and stays engaged. Figure 5
Note: Too much over center may cause the belt to get loose.
Reinstall belt cover.

ADJUSTMENTS

BELT DISENGAGEMENT

Remove belt cover for access.
Move blade engagement lever until idler is about 1/8” to 1/4” away from the back plate Figure 6
Adjust stop bolt E to the lever with idle 1/8”to 1/4” from back plate. Figure 7
Reinstall belt cover.

REAR WHEEL LOCK OR SWIVEL
To allow rear wheel to swivel:
Pull pin F up and turn. Figure 8 & 9

To lock rear wheel:

Turn pin F.
Move wheel back and forth until pin drops back into locking hole. Figure

SPECIFICATIONS

HSC185 & HSC188

ENGINE
- Model HSC185 …………………..4-cycle GX160 Honda …………………………………………….. 9.9 cu. in. (163 cc)
- Model HSC188 …………………..4-cycle GX240 Honda …………………………………………… 14.8 cu. in. (242 cc)
- Starter……………………………………………………..Recoil
- Governor……………… 3400 RPM ± 200 RPM, no load
- Clutch …………………spring loaded belt tightener type
REDUCTION
- Engine to blade………………………………………3.03 to1
- Engine to drive wheels …………………………..57.2 to 1
WHEELS:
- Drive …………………….8 5/8″ (219 mm) Dia. w/knobby ……………………………………….tread vulcanized to hub
- Rear…. 8 x 1.75 (203 X 45mm) semi-pneumatic tires
CUTTING WIDTH:
HSC18…………………………………………………………18”
LUBRICATION
- Hydro Drive……………………………………………..20W50
- Transmission (Gearbox)……………………………10W30
- Cutting depth …………………………………..up to 2-1/2”
- Blade speed ……….1200 RPM @ 3400 engine RPM
DIMENSIONS
- Wheel Base ………………………………………………….22”
- HSC185……………………………..52″L x 38″H x 24.5″W
- HSC188……………………………..55″L x 38″H x 24.5″W
WEIGHT
Dry Weights
- HSC185……………………………………………….. 336 Ibs.
- HSC188……………………………………………….. 359 Ibs.