Table of Contents

Name	Topic	Date	Revised
	Schematic diagram update	July 2001
SB#1	Honda Engines	November 1996	January 2008
SB#2	Replacing Powerrake Fingers	November 1996
SB#3	Schematic Wiring Diagrams	August 1995
SB#4	Servicing Honda Engines	August 1995
SB#5	Converting Branch Collector Auto-Latch Basket to Manual	November 1996

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Manual-Unload Shear:

Powerrake:

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GENERAL

Due to the nature of the constant flexing that gentle cone harvesting requires, fingers have a limited life. The plastic fingers have been designed to be soft enough to minimize damage to the branches yet stiff enough to be make cone raking efficient. After some time, fingers will break. Usually the performance of the powerrake will not be significanly affected when only 2 or 3 fingers are missing.

Suggestions to increase finger life

1. Remove any branches that have been caught in the rotors and are being hit by the fingers. Remove all stuck branches every time the powerrake comes in to unload.
2. Keep the rotors stationary when ferrying. Rotate the rotors only when needed to strip branches.
3. Use the reverse rotation sparingly.
4. Minimize the amount of rotor stalling (in congested branches).
5. Do not run engine unnecessarily fast. The engine speed at maximum throttle should be 4000 rpm. (Speed can be read on the tachometer mounted on the cone side of the engine.)
6. Minimize the exposure of fingers to sunlight. If the Fandrich powerrake is to be stored for more than a few days, store it in the shade or throw a tarp or covering over the frame to keep the sun out.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGING FINGERS

The fingers come in sets a foot wide with 6 (or 7) fingers per set. Two sets of fingers make up one row. Three rows of fingers with 2 sets of fingers in each row make up each rotor. A branch deflector extends all the way across the two sets of fingers.

Here are our suggestions on how to change fingers efficiently. We mount a 7/16 socket in a slow-speed drill and use the drill to loosen and tighten the bolts. We use another drill with a 1/4" drill bit to drill the holes.

1. Loosen and remove bolts from one set of fingers (half of a row, ie 6 or 7 fingers), and all but two (or three) bolts in the other set (in the same row). These two bolts can be loosened but should not be removed to keep the other set of fingers and the branch deflector that extends across the whole row intact.
2. Remove only one set of fingers (half of a row).
3. Place new set of fingers into slot where old set has been removed, pounding the set in if necessary.
4. Drill 3 or 4 holes (1/4") in the new set as required. (Every second hole is not used).
5. Insert bolts into the new set.
6. Remove remaining two bolts from second set of fingers & remove second set without changing the location of the branch deflector.
7. Place new set of fingers into slot where second set has been removed, drill holes, and insert bolts.
8. Turn on nuts and tighten.
9. Repeat procedure for the other two rows of fingers.

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CHANGING OIL

1. Remove the oil filter cap, and drain the oil.
2. Refill with the recommended oil and check the level.

AIR CLEANER SERVICE

A dirty air cleaner will restrict the air flow to the carburetor. To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly. Service more frequently when operating the engine in extremely dusty areas.

WARNING: Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

CAUTION: Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear may result.

DRY TYPE

1. Remove the wing nut and the sir cleaner cover. Remove the elements and separate them. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears and replace if damaged.
2. Foam element: Clean in warm soapy water, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Or clean in high flash-point solvent and allow to dry. Dip the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out all the excess. The engine will smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.
3. Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow compressed air through the filter from the inside out. Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force the dirt into the fibres.

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Find three sets of chain links that are attached somewhere on basket.
2. Unfasten the three auto-latch cables from cable to helicopter and secure.
3. Fasten the three chain links, with large ring free, onto cable with rope clamps.

MANUAL HOOKING OPERATION

When branch collector is lowered onto the ground so that the cable to the helicopter becomes slack, hook up the large ring over the hook. When the helicopter lifts up, the basket will move up first to allow the cones and branches to fall out. When the basket is lowered, unhook the large ring. The basket remains on the cone when the cables become tight again.

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