The world of brick-making can be likened to making a cup of coffee. Even when you have a coffee-machine, you still must adjust the strength until you get the coffee you want. Making a brick is the same - you must experiment with the mixture ratios that you put into the machine until you get the brick you want.
The actual operating of the machine is far simpler & this guide will help you understand the machine by providing an overview of everything affecting the operation of the Jumbo MK II.
As you become experienced with the machine, you may find your own tips & tricks - please contact us & tell us all about your discoveries!
1 Setup Setting up the Jumbo MK II is a simple checklist procedure. Before starting the brick-making operation, please ensure that your machine is at the "ready" position by following this checklist of tasks.
1.1 Fit the Mould If there is a mould fitted, remove it by doing the following:
Release the arm catches to lower the tamper into the mould-box
Loosen & remove the bolts of the carrier plate attaching the tamper
Loosen & remove the bolts of the mould bracket, attaching the mould-box
Remove the rear wheel brackets
Slide out the mould
The new mould is fitted in reverse:
Remove rear wheel brackets
Slide in entire mould
Raise mould arm to lower mould bracket into mould box
Raise tamper arm to lower the carrier plate onto the tamper
Fit & tighten bolts on mould bracket attaching the mould box
Adjust tamper left/right & forward/back until footplates are not touching the inside of the mould box
Fit & tighten bolts on the carrier plate attaching the tamper
Replace rear wheel brackets
Adjustments to the tamper can be made by lifting the tamper up so that the footplates are level with the top of the mould box. If the tamper is not dead centre (i.e. the footplates are touching the mould box anywhere) then loosen the bolts attaching the carrier plate to the tamper, adjust the tamper accordingly & re-tighten the bolts.
1.2 Adjust the Wheel Brackets Different moulds have different heights. To cater for this, the machine height relative to the mould height must be adjusted. The setting is correct when the mix bin is flush (aligned) with the top of the mould box.
The height of the machine is changed by taking the bolts out of the wheel brackets, sliding them up/down until the desired height is achieved & replacing the bolts.
1.3 Vibrator If your machine is fitted with a vibrator, ensure that oil & petrol/diesel levels are optimal. If there are electrical cords, make sure they do not cross any moving parts of the machine such as the mould.
For electric vibrators with extension cables running to a power source, be careful than enough slack is given so that the cord never crosses the bricks/blocks & potentially damages them. Have the cord run along the side of the column of blocks if it must be run at the back of the machine. Alternatively, have the cord run from the front & shorten as bricks/blocks are laid.
2 Operation The operation of the machine has been broken down into easy-to-follow steps. This instruction set will assume that mix is ready to use & the yard has enough operating space.
The number of workers to conduct the machine is decided by you. Usually for optimal operations, it is advised to have 2 workers on the machine.
2.1 Ready Machine The "ready" position of the machine is achieved by making sure the following is set:
2.2 Add Mixture Assuming the mix is of the correct quality, tip the mix from the barrow into the mix bin in the front of the machine.
2.3 Fill Mould With the provided rake, push the mixture back into the open mould box. Continue pushing mix into the mould until all cavities are filled level to the top of the mould box. Remove excess mix for the top by pulling it back with the rake into the front bin.
2.4 Drop Tamper Place one foot onto the brake pedal to prevent the machine from moving about. Release the Tamper Arm catch to drop the tamper onto the mixture in the mould.
2.5 Compact Mix In a manual setting, the tamper is repeatedly raised & then dropped into the mould. This process is repeated until the mixture is compacted to the height correct height of the brick/block. When the shaft nut has been lowered to the top sleeve, the mix has been fully compacted.
2.6 Raise Mould While the tamper is lowered, grip & pull only the mould box arm to raise both the mould box & the tamper. Lock this arm & release foot from brakes.
2.7 Move Machine Pull machine forward until there is a safe distance from the newly laid bricks/blocks.
3 Maintenance Maintenance is an important part to the working day. Without proper maintenance, poor quality bricks/blocks could be manufactured & the lifetime of the machine severely reduced.
Maintenance can divided into the start & end of the work day, for simplicity, as well as a periodical check-up.
3.1 Start of Operation Before the day begins, perform the following tasks:
Grease the pillow blocks (bearings that rotate the arms)
Grease shafts
Tighten carrier plate - shaft nut
Tighten all visible nuts / bolts
3.2 End of Operation To lengthen the life of the machine, care must be taken at the end of the work day.
CLEANING
After the day's work, the residual cement/mix should be cleaned from the machine bin & mould box. For hardened dirt, a metal scraping brush can be used.
Hitting the tamper to remove dirt should be avoided as this may damage the legs over time & could affect the quality of the brick/blocks made.
STORAGE
When the machine is not in use, it should be stored away in a covered area, out of the way of rain or other adverse weather conditions.
It is advisable to apply oil/grease to the mould box overnight to minor dirt from hardening.
3.3 Periodical Check springs are still tight enough
Check handles & arm catches are not worn out
Check for visible cracks in the frame/arms in cases of heavy long- term usage
4 Troubleshooting As you become familiar with the machine, you will be able to identify causes to problems encountered & come up with solutions based on your experience & brick-making intuition. Until that time comes, you can refer to this trouble-shooting guide for helpful insights.
While some problems may have multiple possible causes, we have tried to group difficulties into 2 sections: Machine-Related & Brick-Related.
4.1 Machine-Related These are problems that relate to the brick-making machine.
4.1.1 The handle won't stay down
Cause Solution
The catch is broken or the spring is weak
Replace catch part or install new springs
4.1.2 There is little vibration
Cause Solution
Weight settings are incorrect
Open vibrator & add/adjust weights. Ensure there is a off- balance.
4.1.3 There is one shaft that’s not going up/down
Cause Solution
Shaft not secured
Tighten screw in carrier plate attaching the shaft
