HOW TO SET AND ADJUST THE PFR 2.2
NOTE: This information is for the PFR 2.2. For the latest adjustment system, refer to the video of the 2.4. The information is correct, just the method has changed.
You will need to adjust the PFR to meet the conditions of your jump pits before the start of each day of use. You may not have to change anything, but you must check to be sure.
For the first meet of the year.
1. Make sure the bar is facing the correct direction. The arrows will point toward the take-off board. The wheels with the turnbuckle should be in front.
2. Set all of the wheels in the 7 holes. Maximum height for the bar.
3. Push the PFR up and back in the pit.
a. If there is too much sand, move the excess to the sand catchers. Do this until you are moving just the right amount of sand in both directions.
b. If you are not moving any sand or not enough sand, lower the wheel adjusters 1 hole (7>6) Push up and back to check sand level. Repeat this step until you are moving just the right amount of sand. You should always move some sand, just not too much or too little. You will get a feel for what works best for you.
c. The front wheel adjuster has a turnbuckle wheel. To lower the bar, standing in front of the PFR, turn the wheel counter-clockwise until you are to the position desired. Each turn is 1/16th of an inch.
4. Always adjust 4 wheels at-a-time. Keep the side plate level to the surface of the pit. Both ends of the bar should be the same.
a. The exception is when 1 hole movement is too much, use the turnbuckle to move up or down to the correct position for your use.
For the second and subsequent days
Start by pushing up and back in the pit to determine what adjustments are needed. If sand has not been added or removed, minor adjustments may be needed.
NOTE
You always need to move some sand in both directions. Watch our video “How to Use the PFR” on this website for proper use of the PFR.
LESSONS LEARNED
There are things we have learned in using the Pit Finish Rake (PFR) and want to pass them on to you.
1. The PFR is designed to do two things: move sand and smooth the surface. When making the first pass up the pit, you want to move sand that has been displaced. That is why the direction of travel is indicated by the Take-Off Board notice. In the initial pass, the PFR will push harder. On the return pass, the intent is to smooth the surface and it will push easier. The plate holding the rubber bar is designed to provide the right amount of pressure on the initial pass and that is why it is located on the backside of the bar. It is adjustable to accommodate any density of sand. If it is not moving enough sand, loosen the bolts and slide this plate down, putting more pressure on the rubber blade. If it is moving to much sand, loosen the bolts and slide the plate up, releasing some pressure on the rubber blade. Be sure and tighten the bolts when the plate is in the proper position.
As you repeat this method, more sand will get left of the end closest to the take-off board. To move the sand back down the pit, reverse the PFR and use it to make with multiple trips back toward the far end. Start at the takeoff end and push sand back down the pit. After you feel the sand is again properly dispersed, return the PFR to the original position in the pit. Leave any access sand before you reach the end so you can have it available if you need it. You will always have sand available this way.
You can do this as often as you deem necessary. Even between jumps if it is needed. The extra time taken will be well spent in keeping the pit level and even. It will also make your job easier.
2. Pair your workers up by size. Have the 2 people on the PFR as close to the same size as possible to ensure they will have about the same stride and pace.
3. Make sure, on the pass up the pit toward the take-off board, that you leave any sand built up on the front of the bar, at the point of initial impact from the jump. Raise the PFR to leave the sand and do not put it down until you reach the end of the pit and are ready to turn around. No need to smooth sand already smooth.
4. After the run throughs, move toward the takeoff board with the PFR raised, not pushing any sand. At about 2/3 of the way up lower the blade and push the sand toward the takeoff board. Return with the PFR raised and go past where you started the first pass, lower the blade and push sand to the takeoff board. Repeat this process until there is little sand to push. The broom people should spread from the high to the low sides. Then with the PFR lowered, push back to the far end and do this up and back until the pit is ready to use. Use the PFR as a blade and take small bites. It is far easier and faster.
MORE TO COME
RULE #1
Always start with the bar fully raised.
Always start with the bar fully raised.
Always start with the bar fully raised.
Make sure you start above the sand level when setting the blade height.
Check with the Depth Gauge V. 2.4
Always start with the bar fully raised.
Always start with the bar fully raised.
With the adjusting lever all the way back it will be at the maximum height.