Pfaff 260 & 360 Sewing Machine Service Manual 1962+

This service manual from G. M. PFAFF AG, Karlsruhe-Durlach, covers 1962-onward Pfaff 260 flat-bed and 360 free-arm sewing machines, including the 260-261 and 360-261 Automatic versions. It explains assembly functions, electrical equipment, factory adjustments, sewing tests, and troubleshooting.

Searchable PDF with Section Bookmarks

Search, navigation, and drawing detail: An embedded OCR text layer supports searches throughout the main text, although recognition errors can affect individual terms. PDF bookmarks provide access to the main topics and adjustment procedures. Small labels in the motor wiring illustrations and foot-control cross section are best read with zoom.

One printable, English-language PDF contains 88 pages, including an added cover page and a blank final page.

Hook Timing, Zigzag Adjustment, and Automatic Embroidery

The following selected topics outline the service coverage; additional subjects include cabinet mounting and the two-position presser bar lifter.

• Sewing hook and needle bar: Step-by-step procedures for hook timing, needle-bar height adjustment, Pfaff 360 hook replacement, and rotary-hook disassembly and reassembly.

• Feed and presser controls: Feed-dog alignment and height, presser-bar setup, stitch-length control removal and adjustment, reverse feeding, and drop-feed operation.

• Zigzag regulator: Stitch-width control disassembly and assembly, needle zeroing for straight stitching, needle-position adjustment, and centering in the needle plate slot.

• Automatic embroidery: Mechanism installation, engaging-lever adjustment, pressure-spring setup, pattern testing, and troubleshooting for irregular or asymmetric designs.

• Thread handling: Needle-threader setting, thread check spring replacement, upper and bobbin tension regulation, bobbin-winder adjustment, and preparation for two-needle decorative sewing.

• Drive belts and motors: Cord-belt replacement, PE 260/261 motor installation, motor-belt changes, carbon-brush replacement, and commutator care, supported by motor wiring illustrations.

The manual was written primarily for Pfaff dealers and their service personnel; precision adjustment work calls for the dedicated gauges identified in the text.

Model-Specific Timing and Mechanical Setup

Factory adjustment sequences provide a reference for checking machine setup after disassembly and tracing stitch problems to the relevant mechanism. Separate flat-bed and free-arm instructions explain where the procedures differ: the Pfaff 360 hook is fixed to its transverse shaft, so its timing adjustment differs from the Pfaff 260 procedure.

The mechanical explanations connect the loop taker, link take-up lever, feed rock shaft, and needle vibrating eccentric bevel gear. Stitch-formation views and feed-motion diagrams show how these assemblies work together. The bobbin case position-finger section explains how its setting affects thread passage and bobbin-case retention.

Arm-shaft caution: The manual warns that tapping the balance wheel to free a tight arm shaft can displace the front bushing and cause binding at the needle-bar end.

Zigzag Controls and Automatic Pattern Formation

The automatic section explains the pattern cam assembly, roller clutch, driving eccentric, and indirect needle-bar frame control. Installation coverage extends to converting a standard machine into an Automatic, followed by engaging-lever checks and sewing tests.

Troubleshooting distinguishes patterns that lack uniformity, designs that lack symmetry, and incomplete patterns, with causes linked to spring pressure, mechanical play, adjustment, or lubrication. Labeled mechanism drawings and the zigzag regulator assembly view support component identification.

Regulator-barrel caution: Forcing the barrel into the machine arm can bend the internal cam fingers and make the stitch-width mechanism bind.

Thread Control, Two-Needle Work, and Routine Care

The tension assembly drawing identifies the thread check spring regulator and related components. The Needle and Thread Chart and two-needle threading diagram support the setup information.

Two-needle decorative sewing requires the matching needle plate, sewing foot, and applicable feed-dog arrangement described in the manual. The needle threader cannot thread twin needles.

Cleaning and oiling illustrations identify the machine’s lubrication points. The drive explanations distinguish cord and Synchroflex belts, while the motor maintenance section notes that the self-lubricating motor bearings require no additional oiling.

Electrical Equipment and Motor Service

The electrical chapters explain double insulation, radio-interference suppression, speed controls, and the multi-voltage motor arrangements. Motor wiring layouts and the foot-control cross section identify the connections and components discussed in the text.

Commutator care has a defined service limit: re-turning a grooved or scorched commutator is referred to the factory as specialist work. Because these machines operate on line voltage, always disconnect the main power supply before inspecting internal wiring or motors.

A Preview of Feed and Presser-Foot Settings

The feed-height reference is 1.0 mm of tooth projection above the needle plate when the feed dog is at its highest position. The corresponding raised presser-foot clearance is about 7 mm.

Gauge 8760-104 combines these setup references. Gauge foot 44088-103 and gauge needle Z 70.101-4 are specified for checking alignment.