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Operator’s Manual
SB6205 series 4-in-1 snow blades
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Section 1 Introduction and features ......................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Information contained in this manual .......................................................................................... 3
1.1 Model and serial numbers ............................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Product overview and range ......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 The main blade angle .................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Blade trip edges ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.5 Blade float ..................................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Movable extension wings ............................................................................................................. 8
1.7 Electro-hydraulic control system ................................................................................................ 10
1.8 Tire protection system ................................................................................................................ 10
1.9 Optional FluidEdge segmented blade edge ................................................................................ 11
Section 2 General safety information ..................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Safety symbols and messages ..................................................................................................... 12
2.2 The operator ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Crush and pinch points ............................................................................................................... 12
2.4 Safe work practices ..................................................................................................................... 13
2.5 Safety decals and signs ............................................................................................................... 13
2.6 High pressure hydraulic systems ................................................................................................ 15
Section 3 Installation .............................................................................................................................. 16
3.1 Coupling to the carrier machine ................................................................................................. 16
3.2 Hydraulic connections................................................................................................................. 16
3.3 Electrical installation ................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Hydraulic settings and testing ..................................................................................................... 19
3.5 Checking the tire protection angle ............................................................................................. 20
3.6 Increasing the tire protection angle............................................................................................ 21
3.7 Decreasing the tire protection angle .......................................................................................... 22
Section 4 Operating the snow blade....................................................................................................... 23
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4.1 Blade and wing positions ............................................................................................................ 23
4.2 Removing the wing top sections ................................................................................................. 23
4.3 Operating limitations .................................................................................................................. 24
Section 5 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 25
5.1 Maintenance schedule ................................................................................................................ 25
5.2 Lubrication .................................................................................................................................. 27
5.3 Wear edge inspection and replacement ..................................................................................... 30
5.4 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 31
Section 6 Parts drawings ......................................................................................................................... 32
6.1 Edge and trip mechanism ........................................................................................................... 32
6.2 Frame and pins............................................................................................................................ 34
6.3 Wing extensions .......................................................................................................................... 35
6.4 Tire protector mechanism .......................................................................................................... 36
6.5 Hydraulic components ................................................................................................................ 37
6.6 Optional FluidEdge segmented wear edge ................................................................................. 38
6.7 Optional spill guards ................................................................................................................... 39
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Section 1 Introduction and features
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1.2 Product overview and range
AMI SB6205 series snow blades are large, heavy-duty blades equipped with hydraulically adjustable end
wings that greatly increase the reach and versatility of the blade. They are intended for clearing snow
with wheel-loaders and similar carrier machines of between 40,000 LBS – 60,000 LBS maximum
operating weight (cat 175-250 wheel-loaders).
The design allows for pushing snow to either side or straight ahead, with a variable path width,
depending on blade angle and wing positions. The blade angle and wing positions are adjustable from
the cab via an electro-hydraulic control system. The maximum blade angle is 35° to either side.
SB6205 series snow blades are available in blade widths from 10’ to 20’. The extension wings add
another 5’ of width to each side. The mouldboard height is 53” in all cases.
The basic specifications of each size blade are shown in Table 1. Several options are available including
the FluidEdge segmented blade edge and mouldboard top spill-guards. The FluidEdge segmented edge
model numbers have the letters FE added to the end.
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Figure 2 illustrates a typical SB6205 series snow blade and shows its main components. The Figure is of a
model SB6251020, a 10’ main blade with 5’ extension wings. Other blade sizes are of similar
construction. The components labelled in the Figure are referred to in the following manual sections.
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1.3 The main blade angle
The mouldboard connects to the clevis with a vertical pin, allowing the blade to angle up to 35° in each
direction, as shown in the top view in Figure 3. Two hydraulic cylinders mounted between the
mouldboard and the clevis control the blade angle. They require a suitable auxiliary hydraulic output on
the carrier machine.
Figure 3: Top view showing blade angle range and speed control needle valve.
A manual flow-control valve mounted on the hydraulic port block controls the speed at which the blade
moves. Set the flow-control valve to give a slow, smooth motion and avoid banging the mouldboard
against the hard stops.
The replaceable mouldboard wear edge is bolted to a spring-loaded mechanism that trips backwards if it
encounters high resistance. The wear edge and trip mechanism are split into 2 independent left and
right halves. Refer to section 1.4 Blade trip edges for complete details.
Two skid shoes carry most of the blade’s weight as it moves forward. They are made of abrasion
resistant steel and are bolted to the trip edges. The skid shoes are mounted 1/8” lower than the tip of a
new wear edge when the blade is exactly 90° to the surface.
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1.4 Blade trip edges
The lower portion of the mouldboard is hinged to roll backwards against spring force if the edge
encounters high resistance. The trip edge is divided into independent left and right sections. When an
edge trips backwards against the springs, it rides up over the obstacle. The spring force can be adjusted
to suit the condition of the snow being cleared. The spring trip edges provide a measure of protection
against damage to the blade if a fixed low obstacle, such as a raised drain cover, is encountered. The
spring trip edge mechanism is illustrated in Figure 4.
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The blade also floats within a range of 5° either side of upright, when viewed from the side. Figure 6
illustrates the up & down float of the blade and shows the hinge point built into the frame.
Figure 6: The blade floats up & down within a range of 5° either side of upright, when viewed from the side.
Figure 7: The movable wings rotate through 180° to provide a wide range of blade configurations.
There are separate flow control needle valves mounted on the back of the main blade to adjust the
speed at which the wings move. The flow control valve location is shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: 180° of wing rotation and the location of the wing flow control needle valves.
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All 3 hydraulic functions incorporate cross-over pressure relief valves. These are important devices that
prevent overloading the wings or the main blade. In the event that one end of the blade or a wing
strikes an object, the pressure on one side of the hydraulic circuit will rise rapidly to the relief pressure.
At that point the cross-over relief valve will open and oil will to flow to the low-pressure side, allowing
the wing or blade to move. The relief valve is set to open at approximately 3,250 PSI and should not be
adjusted.
The bottom sections of the wings ride on rubber springs to follow the ground contour and are shown in
Figure 9. The bottom edge of these sections is made of abrasion resistant steel.
Figure 9: The bottom sections of the wings rest on rubber springs and
conform to the ground contour.
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The wing top sections are removable, as shown in Figure 10. The design allows the wings to reach under
low overhanging obstacles. The feature is primarily intended for removing snow from underneath
parked transport trailers and other vehicles.
Removable wing
top section
Figure 10: The wing top sections are removable for reaching under low over-hanging obstacles.
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Figure 11: Illustration of the tire protection system preventing collisions of the wings with the front tires
when the main blade is angled. The angle between the wings and the frame is limited to a minimum of
either 115° or 90°.
Figure 12: Illustration of the optional FluidEdge segmented wear edge with a detail
view of a 12” segment showing the range of vertical movement and of tilt.
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Section 2 General safety information
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2.4 Safe work practices
The following safe work practices should be observed when using the snow blade:
1. The snow blade is dangerous if used by an untrained operator. The operator must understand
all aspects of operating the blade.
2. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn by the operator.
3. No riders must ever be carried on the outside of the carrier machine or the blade.
4. Do not exceed 15 KPH when pushing snow with the blade.
5. Do not use the blade in conditions where visibility is severely reduced.
6. Follow all applicable regulations regarding taking heavy equipment on the road.
7. Keep bystanders away from the work area when clearing snow.
8. Do not allow other workers or helpers to get close to the blade or carrier machine.
9. Inspect all areas to be ploughed prior to the snow falling and mark all hazards with stakes.
10. Keep a first aid kit in the carrier machine.
Figure 13: Safety decals used on the snow blade and their meanings.
The safety decals shown in Figure 13 are placed on the blade in the locations indicated in Figure 14. They
must be kept clean and replaced if they become illegible. They are available free of charge through
authorised dealers.
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Figure 14: Safety decals and their locations on the blade.
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2.6 High pressure hydraulic systems
Hydraulic systems must be inspected and maintained to a high standard. Hoses must not be left to
deteriorate so that they may suddenly start leaking.
A small jet of high-pressure oil can penetrate clothing and skin, requiring urgent medical attention.
Suspected leaks should be investigated with a piece of cardboard, not a hand.
Hot oil can cause serious burns to the skin. Avoid all skin contact with hydraulic oil. Exercise caution
when handling hydraulic hoses and connectors. Wear eye and hand protection when working on
hydraulic systems.
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Section 3 Installation
Check all fasteners for tightness and grease all moving parts at the time of installation. Refer to Table 4
for fastener torque specifications.
Figure 15: Location of the diverter valve and the hydraulic connections.
The length of the hoses should be chosen carefully. They must be long enough to not be stretched or
chafed in any position of the carrier machine’s arms. However, they should be no longer than necessary
to minimize the risk of catching on anything.
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Make sure the insides of the hoses are clean and do not remove the plastic plugs and caps on hydraulic
ports and fittings until making the connections. Make sure the auxiliary output control will move the
blade in the expected direction. Reverse the hoses if necessary.
The in-cab rocker switch, the power connection and the cable leading to the connector at the front of
the carrier machine need to be installed. Figure 16 illustrates the electrical installation for a typical
carrier machine. It shows a rocker switch mounted next to the joystick, the connector mounted on a
bracket at the front of the machine and the cable leading to the diverter valve on the snow blade.
Choose the rocker switch location and the cable routing to the machine’s fuse panel carefully. The
rocker switch is supplied with a mounting bracket that should be fastened to a rigid support so that the
operator’s right hand is naturally over the switch.
The right-hand joystick mounting bracket is usually the best place to attach the rocker switch. It may be
necessary to drill holes or modify brackets to achieve a neat installation. Remove interior panels as
required and run the rocker switch cable into the carrier machine’s fuse panel. Secure the cable with
cable ties to prevent it catching on anything.
Find a suitable location near the front of the carrier machine for the connector socket. It should be easily
reachable yet in as protected a position as possible. Consider how the cable will be routed back to the
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cab when selecting the location. Mount the bracket, insert the socket into the bracket and run the cable
back to the cab and into the machine’s fuse panel.
Figure 17 shows the connector socket and mounting bracket installed at the front of a typical carrier
machine and the cable routed back to the cab. Provide the cable with some form of protection from
damage, if necessary. This is left to the judgement of the installer.
Figure 17: Illustration of the connector socket and mounting bracket fastened to
the front of a carrier machine.
Connect the snow blade wiring harness to the diverter valve electrical connectors as shown in Figure 18.
Fasten the wiring harness to the plough frame so that it cannot pull on the connectors. Plug the cable
Figure 18: The snow blade wiring harness plugged into the diverter valves and the
socket on the carrier machine.
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lead into the socket on the carrier machine. Provide a place to hang the lead when not plugged in. Do
not allow the lead and plug to lie on the ground.
Wire the system to the carrier machine’s electrical power in the fuse panel. Figure 19 shows the wiring
diagram for the installation. It is important that the circuit draws power from a switched and fused
circuit. Do not connect the system directly to battery power.
Figure 19: Carrier machine wiring diagram for the diverter valve control.
Test the electrical installation as follows: With the carrier machine not running, move the rocker switch
through all positions. The diverter valve should be heard to click as it moves.
A method of bleeding air from the cylinders and actuators is to crack open a fitting on one side of a
cylinder and apply pressure to the other side until the hard stop is reached. Re-tighten the fitting and
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repeat the procedure on the other side of the cylinder. This may have to be repeated several times to
get all of the air out.
Figure 20: The tire protection angle (shown as the 115° arc) determines the clearance between the
wing and front tire, at full steering lock.
SB6205 series blades use a mechanical tire protection system that limits the minimum angle between
the wing and the blade frame, when the blade is angled to that side.
This angle (known as the tire protection angle) is shown in Figure 20 as the 115° arc. SB6205 snow
blades are delivered from the factory with the tire protection angle set at 115°. This is usually more than
enough for the wings to clear most carrier machines’ front tires at full steering lock, as shown in the
Figure.
However, there may be interference on some carrier machines. Therefore, the tire clearance should be
carefully checked when the blade is installed. With the blade slightly above the ground and
approximately straight, bring one wing fully to the rear. Then slowly angle the blade to that side.
Observe that the protector tube pushes the wing forward when the blade angle increases past a certain
point. Move the front tires and confirm that the clearance is adequate. Also consider the effect of any
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articulation or suspension that may be built into the carrier machine’s front axle. Perform the same
check on the opposite side.
Figure 22: Sliding the inner tube out of the outer tube, adding washers to the inner tube.
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over the inner tube, as shown in Figure 22. Reassemble and repeat on the opposite side. Check the tire
clearance once again and observe the increased clearance. Add more spacer washers if required. The
addition of spacer washers to the protector tubes limits the rearmost wing position at all main blade
angles. It reduces the 180° range of movement by 3° for each washer added.
1
2
Figure 23: Three connections must be changed to convert the tire protection angle from 115° to 90°.
1. Wing stop pin. With the wing fully forward, move the wing stop pin to the second position in
the hinge.
2. Tire protector tube bolt. Move the tire protector tube bolt to the second position on the tire
protector tube.
3. Pivot plate pin. Move the pivot plate pin to the second position in the pivot plate.
If the 90° tire protection angle turns out to be too small, it can likewise be increased in 3° increments by
adding spacer washers as described in Section 3.6.
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Section 4 Operating the snow blade
Figure 24: Examples of effective blade/wing configurations and a configuration that must be avoided.
When piling snow, keep the blade straight. Raise the blade progressively higher as as snow piles up.
Pushing snow up against a pile with the blade angled puts high side forces on the blade and may push
the carrier machine sideways.
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To remove the wing top sections, remove the 4 bolts and nuts that hold each wing top section in place,
as shown in Figure 25. Keep the nuts and bolts in the original holes in the removed sections and store
the sections safely until they are re-fitted.
Using the SB6205 series snow blade in a way that exceeds any
NOTICE of the above limitations may result in blade damage, as well as
voiding the warranty.
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Section 5 Maintenance
Every time used. Visually inspect the blade, looking for any loose parts or damage. Do
not operate a damaged blade.
The above plus:
Every 20 hours of use Apply grease to each grease fitting. Refer to Figures 25, 26 & 27 for
or weekly. the location of the grease fittings.
Inspect the wear edge and reverse or replace if necessary.
All of the above plus:
Pressure wash the blade.
Carefully inspect all parts for wear or damage.
Replace any missing or illegible safety decals.
Every 500 hrs of use or Inspect the pivot pins for wear. Replace pins if wear becomes
yearly. noticeable.
Check all fasteners for tightness. Use the bolt torque chart in Table 3
as a reference.
Repaint any chipped or scraped areas on the blade to avoid corrosion.
Check all fasteners for tightness before putting the blade into service and every year afterwards. The
fastener torque chart show in Table 3 is taken from SAE standard J1701 MAR 99 and is recommended
for all fasteners used on the blade. Any replacement fasteners must be of equivalent or higher grade.
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Table 3: Recommended bolt torque for fasteners used on the snow blade. [Source: SAE J1701 1999]
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5.2 Lubrication
Snow ploughs are exposed to a harsh service environment with salt, dirt and grit, all present. It is
therefore important to keep the moving parts well lubricated with grease. Use a quality SAE extreme
pressure grease from a grease gun with a flexible end nozzle to reach all of the grease points shown in
Figures 21, 26, 27 and 28.
Clean the outside of the grease fittings before attaching the grease gun. Inject grease until clean grease
is expelled from the joint. Replace any damaged grease fittings immediately to prevent dirt from
entering the hole. Remove excess grease from the exterior surfaces to avoid dirt accumulation.
If a fitting will not accept grease, it is usually because of dirt blocking the fitting. Replace the fitting and
clean out the hole to allow grease to pass.
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Figure 27: SB6205 grease points on the main blade.
Exercise caution when lubricating the blade. Do not reach into any
WARNING pinch or crush points without blocking the blade to prevent
movement. Access the grease points from above. Do not reach or
crawl under the blade.
NOTICE Failure to lubricate the moving parts of the blade will cause premature wear.
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Figure 28: SB6205 snow blade lubrication points on the wing floating edges. Lubricate with oil
or smear grease onto the moving surfaces.
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5.3 Wear edge inspection and replacement
The wear edges are bolted to the trip edges with plough bolts and nuts. Wear edges must be reversed or
replaced before wear occurs to other parts of the blade. Figure 28(A) illustrates the limit of wear to the
wear edge. Do not allow the edge to wear to within 1/2” of the trip edge behind it. Figure 28(B)
illustrates how the end cap can also be reversed or replaced when it wears down.
Figure 28: (A) Inspecting the SB6205 wear edge. Reverse or replace the wear edge when the edge gets to
within 1/2” of the trip edge behind it. (B) Reverse or replace the end cap when it wears down to the same
degree.
Replace a wear edge if it becomes cracked or chipped. When replacing an edge, remove all plough bolts
except for those on each end. Then loosen one end bolt and remove the other, lowering the edge to the
ground carefully. The edge must always be supported at each end when being installed or removed.
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5.4 Troubleshooting
The snow blade is a simple and reliable attachment that usually gives little trouble. However, some
possible problems and related causes are listed in Table 4.
Blade edge digs down into Blade tipped too far forward – roll the blade back onto the
surface skid shoes.
Blade edge trips too easily Trip springs too loose – tighten them evenly.
Surface too irregular to plough properly.
Excessive wear to the blade Too much down pressure from carrier machine.
edge Carrier machine float function not set properly.
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Section 6 Parts drawings
Exploded view drawings and parts lists are provided on the following pages. Refer to these drawings
when servicing the blade or ordering replacement parts.
Figure 29: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the edge and trip
mechanism on the SB6205 snow blades.
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Table 3: Parts list for Figure 29, edge and trip mechanism on the SB6205 series snow blades.
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6.2 Frame and pins
Figure 30: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the SB6205 snow blade frame and pins.
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6.3 Wing extensions
(Removable top wing sections not shown in drawing. Please consult AMI factory if details required)
Figure 32: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the SB6205 snow blade wings. Only the right side is
shown, the left side is similar.
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6.4 Tire protector mechanism
Figure 33: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the SB6205 snow blade tire protector mechanism.
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6.5 Hydraulic components
Figure 34: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the hydraulic components of the SB6205 snow blades.
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6.6 Optional FluidEdge segmented wear edge
Figure 35: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the optional FluidEdge segmented blade edge,
available on SB6205 snow blades.
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6.7 Optional spill guards
Figure 36: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the 10’ blade optional spill guard.
Figure 37: Exploded view drawing and parts list for the optional spill guard for 12’ to 20’ blades.
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AMI ATTACHMENTS, INC.
1270 Geddes St.
Hawkesville, Ontario, Canada
NOB 1X0
1 800 556 9452
1 519 699 0387
www.amiattachments.com