Tajima TME-HC Series: Essential Maintenance Schedule & Wear Parts Guide

1. Needles high likelihood

How to tell

Skipped stitches, thread breaks, burrs on the needle eye, bent or dull points, or excessive noise during stitching. Needles should be replaced proactively based on material and stitch count.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Loosen the needle clamp screw for the affected needle.
3. Remove the old needle, ensuring the scarf is facing the back.
4. Insert a new, correct size and type needle all the way up into the needle bar, with the scarf facing the back.
5. Tighten the needle clamp screw securely.
6. Perform a test stitch to confirm proper function.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars →

2. Rotary Hook Assembly high likelihood

How to tell

Frequent thread breaks, poor stitch quality (looping, loose stitches), excessive noise from the hook area, or visible nicks, burrs, or wear on the hook point or race. Lint and debris buildup are also common issues.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Remove the bobbin case and bobbin.
3. Carefully inspect the hook point for any damage or dullness. Run a fingernail over the point; it should be smooth.
4. Check the hook race for lint, debris, or grooves. Clean thoroughly with a brush and compressed air.
5. If damaged, loosen the hook set screws and remove the old hook.
6. Install a new rotary hook, ensuring proper timing and gap settings according to your machine's manual.
7. Reinsert the bobbin case and bobbin, then perform a test stitch.

Always refer to your machine's manual for specific hook timing and gap adjustment procedures when replacing the rotary hook.

Parts involved: Rotary hooks & bobbin cases →

3. Trimmer Blades (Moving and Fixed) medium likelihood

How to tell

Inconsistent thread trims, frayed thread ends after trimming, threads not trimming at all, or excessive noise during the trim cycle. Dull or damaged blades are the primary cause.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Carefully inspect both the moving and fixed trimmer blades for nicks, dullness, or excessive lint buildup.
3. Clean any lint or debris from around the blades.
4. If blades are dull or damaged, loosen the retaining screws for the affected blade(s).
5. Remove the old blade(s) and install new ones, ensuring they are correctly seated and aligned.
6. Tighten the retaining screws securely.
7. Perform a test trim to ensure clean cuts. Adjust blade gap if necessary, referring to your manual.

Parts involved: Cutters & trimmers →

4. Take-Up Lever Drive Crank Rod Gear medium likelihood

How to tell

Erratic or no movement of the take-up lever, grinding noises from the take-up lever mechanism, or complete seizure of the take-up lever. Visible wear, broken teeth, or cracks on the gear (Tajima ME0530000000) itself.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power and unplug it.
2. Access the take-up lever drive mechanism, typically located behind the machine head cover.
3. Carefully inspect the Take-Up Lever Drive Crank Rod Gear (Tajima ME0530000000) for any signs of wear, stripped teeth, or damage.
4. If damaged, remove the retaining clips or screws securing the crank rod and gear.
5. Replace the worn gear with a new Tajima ME0530000000 Take-Up Lever Drive Crank Rod Gear.
6. Reassemble the mechanism, ensuring all parts are correctly aligned and secured.
7. Lubricate according to the machine's manual.
8. Manually cycle the machine to check for smooth operation before powering on and testing.

This is a specific mechanical part (Tajima ME0530000000) that can wear over time. Proper lubrication is key to its longevity.

Parts involved: Belts, pulleys & gears → Head & mechanical parts →

5. Drive Belts (X/Y Axis, Main Shaft) medium likelihood

How to tell

Skipped stitches, misaligned designs, inconsistent stitching, grinding or squealing noises, or visible cracks, fraying, or stretching on the belts. Loose belts can also cause tension issues.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power and unplug it.
2. Locate the drive belts (e.g., X-axis, Y-axis, main shaft).
3. Inspect belts for cracks, fraying, stretching, or excessive wear. Check tension by gently pressing on the belt; it should have slight give but not be slack.
4. If a belt is worn or loose, loosen the motor or idler pulley mounting bolts.
5. Remove the old belt and install a new one of the correct size.
6. Adjust tension according to the machine's manual (usually firm but not overly tight).
7. Tighten mounting bolts securely.
8. Manually move the gantry and main shaft to ensure smooth, unrestricted movement before powering on and testing.

Parts involved: Belts, pulleys & gears →

6. Thread Tension Assemblies (Discs, Springs) medium likelihood

How to tell

Inconsistent thread tension, looping stitches, thread breaks, or visible grooves worn into the tension discs. Weak or broken tension springs can also cause issues.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Remove the thread from the affected tension assembly.
3. Inspect the tension discs for grooves, nicks, or debris. Clean thoroughly with a soft brush or cloth.
4. Check the tension spring for proper tension and ensure it's not bent or broken.
5. If discs are grooved, they may need replacement. If the spring is weak or broken, replace it.
6. Reassemble the tension assembly, ensuring all parts are correctly seated.
7. Thread the machine and test the tension, adjusting as needed.

Parts involved: Thread path & tension →

7. Presser Feet and Needle Plate low likelihood

How to tell

Damaged fabric, skipped stitches, needle deflection, or excessive noise. Visible bending, burrs, or nicks on the presser foot or needle plate hole.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Inspect the presser foot for any bending, burrs, or damage. Ensure it moves freely.
3. Examine the needle plate hole for burrs or enlargement caused by needle strikes.
4. If the presser foot is damaged, loosen its retaining screw and replace it with a new one.
5. If the needle plate is damaged, remove the retaining screws and replace it. Ensure the new plate is correctly oriented.
6. Tighten screws securely and perform a test stitch.

Parts involved: Presser feet & sewing parts →

8. DU-10 XY Driver Board (e.g., EH5404000000 MP-117-1-A) low likelihood

How to tell

Erratic or no movement of the X or Y axis, machine stopping with X or Y axis errors, burning smell from the control box, or visible damage (e.g., burnt components) on the board itself. Intermittent axis movement or loss of position.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power and unplug it.
2. Access the main control box where the driver boards are located.
3. Carefully inspect the DU-10 XY Driver Board (e.g., Tajima DU-10 XY Driver Board EH5404000000 MP-117-1-A for TME-HC) for any visible signs of damage, such as burnt components, bulging capacitors, or discolored areas.
4. If replacement is necessary, disconnect all cables and connectors from the old board, noting their positions.
5. Unscrew and remove the old board.
6. Install the new DU-10 XY Driver Board, ensuring it is correctly seated and secured.
7. Reconnect all cables and connectors firmly.
8. Power on the machine and test X and Y axis movement. Run a test design to confirm proper function.

Replacing circuit boards requires careful handling and attention to detail. If unsure, consult a qualified technician. Ensure you order the correct board for your specific TME-HC model (e.g., MP-117-1-A or MP-117-6).

Parts involved: Circuit boards & electronics →