Brother Z-8550A Instruction Manual Page 1

Z-8550A Z-8560A Please read this manual before using the machine. Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference. ELECTRONIC DIRECT

Z-8550A, 8560A 1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS 1 1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS (1) Bobbin winder (2) Actuat

Z-8550A, 8560A 2. MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS22. MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS 8550A 8560A 0 A 4 Thread trimmer - - c Upper thread feeding device

Z-8550A, 8560A 3. SEWING PATTERN TABLE㩷3 3. SEWING PATTERN TABLE • This sewing machine is equipped with the following built-in sewing patterns. Sel

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION44. INSTALLATION CAUTION Machine installation should only be carried out by a qualified technician. Contact you

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION 5 4-1. Table processing diagram • The top of the table should be 40 mm in thickness and should be strong enough to h

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION64-2. Installation 1. Control box (1) Control box (2) Bolts [4 pcs] (3) Nuts [4 pcs] (4) Spring washers [4 pcs] (5)

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION 7 5. Rubber cushions (1) Rubber cushions [2 pcs] (2) Nails [4 pcs] 6. Knee lifter complying bar (3) Knee lifter c

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION810. Cotton stand (1) Cotton stand NOTE: Securely tighten the nut (4) so that the two rubber cushions (2) and the wa

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION 9 4-3. Lubrication CAUTION Do not connect the power cord until lubrication has been completed, otherwise the machi

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION104-4. Connecting the cords DANGER Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the

Z-8550A, 8560A Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER sewing machine. Before using your new machine, please read the safety instructions below and

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION 11 Connector P.C. board indication Cord clamp (2) 4-pin motor connecto

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION123. Closing the cover (1) Screw [6 pcs: With washer] (2) Cover 4. Power cord (1) Power cord <F

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION 13 4-5. Test operation (Operating the treadle) CAUTION Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any objects a

Z-8550A, 8560A 4. INSTALLATION144-5-2. Operating the treadle 1. When the treadle (3) is gently depressed to position (B), low-speed sewing is carri

Z-8550A, 8560A 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 155. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-1. Installing the needle CAUTION Turn off the power switch before in

Z-8550A, 8560A 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING165-3. Winding the lower thread CAUTION Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any objects agai

Z-8550A, 8560A 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 175-5. Threading the upper thread CAUTION Turn off the power switch before threading the upper thread

Z-8550A, 8560A 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING185-6. Adjusting the stitch length Turn the stitch length dial (1) until the desired stitch length number

Z-8550A, 8560A 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 195-7. Backtacking  Backtack stitches with short stitch lengths can be sewn easily during sewing just

Z-8550A, 8560A 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING205-8. Using the knee lifter The presser foot (2) can be raised by pressing the knee lifter plate (1).

Z-8550A, 8560A i SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS [1] Safety indications and their meanings This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are use

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 21 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-1. Names and functions • The op

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 22The power indicator illuminates when the power switch is turned on. (1) Sewing spe

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 23 (8) RESET key This key is used to return the lower thread counter to its init

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 24 (18) Start backtack key [Z-40 only] When this key is pressed so that the indi

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 25 6-2. Pattern setting method 6-2-1. Sewing pattern table • This sewing machine i

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 266-2-2. Setting the sewing pattern Press the sewing pattern select keys ([1] to [7]

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 27 [5] Blind stitching If selecting blind stitching, set the number of stitches to

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 28[6]Scallop patterns When selecting a scallop pattern, set the type of scallop to be

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 29 <Reflection patterns> Scallop patterns can be reflected while sewing.When s

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 30[7] T stitch Memory switch settings can be used to sew T stitches easily. (Refer t

Z-8550A, 8560A ii[2] Notes on safety DANGER Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wal

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 31 6-2-3. Setting the zigzag width Set the zigzag width after selecting the pattern n

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 326-2-4. Setting the zigzag base line position The zigzag base line is the “center” o

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 33 6-2-5. Setting the zigzag stop position When the plain zigzag, 2-step zigzag, 3-st

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 346-2-6. Setting start backtacking (8560A, 8550A-A31 only) After thread trimming (or

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 35 6-2-7. Setting end backtacking (8560A, 855A-A31 only) After the treadle has been d

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 366-2-8. Setting continuous backtacking (8560A and 8550A-A31 only) You can carry out

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 37 6-2-9. Setting fixed stitches/name label sewing (8560A, 8550A-A31 only) You can ca

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 38<Setting name label sewing> 1 2 After the set number of stitch

Z-8550A, 8560A 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 39 6-3. Using the lower thread counter • The lower thread counter can be used to let

Z-8550A, 8560A 7. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS)407. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS) The operations described in th

Z-8550A, 8560A iii CAUTION Sewing This sewing machine should only be used by operators who have received the necessary training in saf

Z-8550A, 8560A 7. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS)41 7-2. Adjusting the needle up stop position 1. While pressing the needle up/down

Z-8550A, 8560A 7. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS)427-3. LOCK key When the power switch is turned on, the LOCK key (1) turns ON. (The

Z-8550A, 8560A 7. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS)43 7-5. Using user programs Sewing pattern, zigzag width, zigzag base line position

Z-8550A, 8560A 7. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS)447-5-2. Retrieving recorded sewing data Sewing data that has been recorded in a us

Z-8550A, 8560A 7. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (ADVANCED OPERATIONS)45 7-6. Setting the maximum sewing speed 1 If the LOCK key icon (1) is illuminated,

Z-8550A, 8560A 8. SEWING468. SEWING CAUTION Attach all safety devices before using the sewing machine. If the machine is used without these devic

Z-8550A, 8560A 9. THREAD TENSION 47 9. THREAD TENSION 9-1. Adjusting the thread tension CAUTION Turn off the power switch before removing or inse

Z-8550A, 8560A 9. THREAD TENSION489-2. Adjusting the presser foot pressure Correct stitches Increase the pressure. Skipped st

Z-8550A, 8560A 10. CLEANING 49 10. CLEANING CAUTION Turn off the power switch before carrying out cleaning. The machine may operate if the trea

Z-8550A, 8560A 10. CLEANING502.LubricationA. Gearbox oil quantity NOTE:• Check the quantity of oil in the gearbox immediately after tilting back

Z-8550A, 8560A iv CAUTION Maintenance and inspection Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine should only be carried out by a qualif

Z-8550A, 8560A 10. CLEANING 51 B.Oil tank oil quantityCheck the oil gauge window (1), and add more oil if the oil gauge (2) is below the lower ref

Z-8550A, 8560A 10. CLEANING5210-2. Applying grease (When “GrEASEUP” appears…) If “GrEASEUP” flashes on the main display (1) and a buzzer sounds when

Z-8550A, 8560A 10. CLEANING 53 <Applying grease> Use Brother-specified “Grease unit (SA8837-001)”. 1. Using the tube 2. Applying gre

Z-8550A, 8560A 10. CLEANING54 After applying grease in the places indicated by arrows [A][G] above, carry out the

Z-8550A, 8560A 11. REPLACING PARTS 5511. REPLACING PARTS CAUTION Replacement of parts should only be carried out by a qualified technician. Turn

Z-8550A, 8560A 11. REPLACING PARTS5611-2. Gauge parts (presser foot, needle plate and feed dog) 11-2-1. Replacing the stopper If using the presse

Z-8550A, 8560A 11. REPLACING PARTS 5711-2-2. Changing the feed amount to long stitch specifications (from 2.0mm to 5.0mm) 1. Replace the feed dog (

Z-8550A, 8560A 11. REPLACING PARTS586. Check that the feed dog does not touch the needle plate both when the reverse lever (9) is not lowered and w

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS59 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine should only

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS6012-2. Adjusting the safety switch position The safety switch (1) is normally installed as shown in figure [

Z-8550A, 8560A v 4 Direction of operation 5 If the actuator is pressed by mistake when using the correction sewing function, the needle will move

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS61 12-3. Adjusting the thread tension spring <Thread tension spring position> The standard position of

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS6212-4. Adjusting the presser foot height The standard height of the presser foot (1) is 6 mm when the presse

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS63 12-6. Adjusting the feed dog angle The standard angle for the feed dog (1) is for the top of the needle pl

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS6412-8. Adjusting the needle bar height With the accessory needle bar height gauge (2) installed to the needl

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS65 4. Remove the presser foot (3), needle plate (4), auxiliary needle plate (5), feed dog (6) and spacer (7)

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS6612-11. Adjusting the rotary hook lubrication amount CAUTION Be careful not to touch your fingers or the

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS67 12-12. Adjusting the presser foot floating amount (minute lifting amount) When sewing stretch materials an

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS6812-14. Adjusting the position of the thread trimming cam (8560A only) The knife unit (1) should already be

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS69 12-15. Adjusting the tension of the lower thread presser spring (8560A only) Adjust the tension of the low

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS70<Adjusting the upper thread trailing amount> The standard trailing length for the upper thread is 50-

Z-8550A, 8560A CONTENTS 1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS ... 1 2. MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS... 2 3. SEWING PATTERN TABLE...

Z-8550A, 8560A 13. OPTIONAL PARTS 7113. OPTIONAL PARTS CAUTION Installation of optional parts should only be carried out by a qualified techni

Z-8550A, 8560A 13. OPTIONAL PARTS72<Installation> 1. Pass presser bar U (15) through the bushing (16) from above. 2. Use a spanner or similar

Z-8550A, 8560A 14. WHEN USING A NON-STANDARD FEED DOG (8560A only)7314. WHEN USING A NON-STANDARD FEED DOG (8560A only) When using a non-standard fe

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING7415. TROUBLESHOOTING • Please check the following points before calling for repairs or service. • If the follow

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING75 Problem Possible cause Page 3 Skipped stitches occur while sewing • Is the needle tip bent? Is the needle ti

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING76 Problem Possible cause Page 6 Uneven seam • Is the presser foot pressure too weak? Adjust the presser foot pr

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING77 Problem Possible cause Page 9 Lower thread is tangled at the sewing start. Spinning of bobbin during thread t

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING78 Problem Possible cause Page 12 Incorrect thread trimming (8560A) (Upper and lower threads are both not being tr

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING79 15-2. Error code displays 1. Make a note of the error code and then turn off the power. 2. After the operation

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING80 Error code Possible cause Page Err 101 (diP SW 4) • Is DIP switch No.4 inside the control box set to ON? Set

Z-8550A, 8560A 12. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS ...59 12-1. Actuator position... 59 12-2. Adjusting the saf

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING81 Err 132 (Problem with sewing machine motor operation) • Is the 14-pin encoder connector inside the control bo

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING82 Err 201 (Needle zigzag error) • A problem with the zigzag motor caused it to stop. Check if there is a problem

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING83 Error code Possible cause Page Err 422 (CF card read error) • Error occurred while reading CF card. Check t

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING84 Error code Possible cause Page Err 700 (Overvoltage)• Does the power supply voltage match the control box v

Z-8550A, 8560A 15. TROUBLESHOOTING85 Error code Possible cause Page Err 790 (Solenoid power supply error) • Is the solenoid fuse (8 A) inside th

Z-8550A, 8560A MEMO86

INSTRUCTION MANUAL 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8561, Japan. Phone: 81-52-824-2177 © 2005-2007 Brothe