Before attempting to use the machine, please read this manual thoroughly and follow the
instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself and that of others around
you, and you can look forward to the lawnmower giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12 months from the date of
purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or tampered with in any
way, or not used for the purpose for which it was intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can be returned to us
without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Recycle unwanted materials instead of disposing of them as waste. All garden tools,
blades, accessories and packaging should be sorted, taken to a recycling centre
and disposed of in an environmentally safe way. Always dispose of oil and petrol in
an manner which is compatible with the environment. Never pour oil or petrol into
drains. Contact your local recycling centre for advice on the disposable of oil and
petrol.
LIST OF EQUIPMENT
When unpacking, check for damage and /or shortages etc. Any found should be reported
to your CLARKE dealer where the appliance was originally purchased.
Both the CLM16 and CLM20SP lawnmowers are delivered supplied with the following
components:
1 x Lawnmower
1 x Upper Handlebar with fixings & cables fitted
1 x Lower Handlebar (CLMSP20) or Left/Right Lower Handlebar (CLM16)
1 x Spark Plug Box Spanner & Tommy Bar
1 x Grass Collection Box (bag) assembly
1 x Instruction Manual (this document)
Please note that the details and specifications contained herein, are correct at the time of going
to print. However, CLARKE International reserve the right to change specifications at any time
without prior notice.
3
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: As with all machinery, there are certain hazards
involved with its operation and use. Exercising caution will reduce
the risk of personal injury.
General Safety Points
1.If not used properly, this lawnmower can be dangerous and can cause serious injury to the
operator or others. The operator is responsible for following the warnings and safety
instructions in this manual and displayed on the lawnmower. The warnings and safety
instructions MUST be followed to ensure reasonable safety and efficiency when in use.
2.NEVER allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawnmower.
Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
3.NEVER operate the lawnmower when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
4.Always wear suitable clothing and footwear.
5.Only use the lawnmower in the manner and for the functions described in these instructions.
6.REMEMBER...the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other
people or their property.
Safety in Use
1.NEVER operate the lawnmower in a confined space where exhaust fumes (carbon
monoxide) can collect.
2.NEVER attempt any maintenance on your lawnmower while the engine is hot.
3.NEVER put hands near the grass discharge chute whilst engine is running.
4NEVER use the mower unless the grass box is in position or the guard flapis closed.
5.NEVER pick up or carry the lawnmower while the engine is running.
6.NEVER walk backwards when mowing in case of tripping.
7.NEVER cut grass by pulling the mower towards you.
8.NEVER tamper with the engine settings which are pre-determined by the manufacturer.
9.Always stop the engine before pushing the mower across surfaces other than grass, and
when transporting the lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
10. Always disengage the drive mechanism before starting (CLM20 only).
11. Always reduce the throttle setting during engine shut down and turn off the fuel valve at the
conclusion of mowing.
12. Always start the mower carefully with your feet well away from the blades, ensuring that the
mower is level.
13. Always keep the lawnmower on the ground when mowing....tilting or lifting the lawnmower
may cause stones to be thrown out.
4
14. Always avoid operating your lawnmower on wet grass wherever possible.
15. Always use the lawn mower in daylight or good artificial Iight.
16. Always stop the engine and wait until the blade has stopped, before leaving the mower
unattended for any period or when refuelling.
17. Always stop the engine and wait until the blade has stopped, then disconnect the spark plug
lead:
a. before clearing a blockage.
b. before checking, cleaning or working on the appliance.
c. if you hit an object. (Do not use your lawnmower until you are sure that the entire lawn
mower is in a safe operating condition).
d. if the lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally, check it immediately.
18. Mowing on banks and slopes can be dangerous. Do not mow on banks or steep slopes of
more than 15 degrees. Mow across the face of slopes, rather than up and down.
19. Beware of injuring toes or hands....DO NOT put hands or feet near a rotating blade.
Fuel Safety
WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable
1.Store fuel in a cool place in a container specifically designed for the purpose. In general,
plastic containers are unsuitable.
2.Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling.
3.Add fuel BEFORE starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel
while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
4.If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machineaway from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapours have
dissipated.
5.Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
6.Move the lawnmower away from the fuelling area before starting.
5
OVERVIEW
The CLM16 and CLM20SP lawnmowers are rotary petrol driven mowers which share the majority
of basic components, the main difference being the CLM20SP is self-propelled. This illustration is
of the CLM20SP. The technical specification for each appears on page 3.
1 2 3
7
4
8
5
9
10
1.Power drive control lever (CLM20 only)
2.Throttle (engine speed) control lever
3.Choke (cold start) lever
4.Guard flap
5.Fuel filler cap
6.Inlet air filter housing
7.Starter pull-cord handle
8.Grass collection box (bag)
9.Cutting height adjustment
10. Oil filler and dipstick
11. Spark plug
6
11
Fig. 1
6
ASSEMBLY
Upper & Lower Handles & Starter Pull Cord
1.Insert lower handle bars into holes provided in the lawnmower body (model CLM16).
2. Push the handle firmly down until they locate securely into the holes, (Fig. 2a)...push home
firmly and secure with screws (model CLM16).
3In the case of the CLM20SP, attach the lower handlebars to the frame brackets with the four
M8 x 25 bolts & nuts provided as in Fig 2b.
4.The upper handlebar should then be fixed to the lower handlebars using the bolts and plastic
bodied wingnuts provided (Fig.2c).
Fig. 2a
Fig. 2c
Locate the pull cord attachment ring onto the right
hand arm connecting bolt. Secure it in place with the
plastic wing nut as in Fig.3.
Pull the starter ‘Pull Cord, until you can locate it in
the pull cord attachment ring on the handlebar
where it is ready to use.
Fig. 3
Fig. 2b
7
Installing the Grass Collection Box
1. To attach the grass collection box, lift the guard flap (Figs 4a & 4b) and make sure the
discharge chute is clean and free from debris.
2.Fig 4a shows the CLM16 grass collection box which has a front bar which rests on two
location points on the lawnmower. The CLM20 design employs a slightly different attachment
method shown in Fig 4b, using two hooks on the grass collection box to engage with a rod
on the lawnmower body.
3.Locate the grass collection box onto the location points at the rear of the mower and rest the
guard flap onto the top of the grass collection box. Ensure the grass collection box is
securely located (Fig 4c).
4.Removal is the reverse procedure.
5.Assembly is now complete, but before using the lawnmower, certain important checks MUST
be made which are described in the following pages.
Fig. 4a
Fig. 4b
Fig. 4c
NOTE
Where grass collection is not required you can use the lawn mower without the grass box, but
you MUST ENSURE THE GUARD FLAP IS FULLY CLOSED.
8
PREPARING FOR USE
Oil
IMPORTANT:
THE ENGINE FITTED TO THIS LAWNMOWER IS SUPPLIED WITHOUT OIL DURING
SHIPMENT.
ENSURE THE ENGINE IS FILLED WITH THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF A SUITABLE OIL
AS DESCRIBED ON PAGE 8 OF THE MANUAL BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.
Serious damage may result if the engine is run without oil.
1.To fill with oil, remove the oil filler cap and fill to the MAX mark on the dipstick, using a good
quality SAE30, 4-stroke oil (not supplied), available from your CLARKE dealer.
2.Change the oil after the first five hours operation of a new mower (see Maintenance), and
thereafter every 25 working hours.
3.Always change the oil while the engine is warm - but not hot - never attempt any
maintenance on a hot engine.
4.To check the oil level, always clean around the dipstick before unscrewing it. Once removed,
wipe it with a clean cloth then replace, screwing down fully. Remove once more and check
the level.
5.Get into the habit of checking the oil level before each use.
Petrol
1.Fill the fuel tank with regular grade unleaded petrol.
2.DO NOT fill the fuel tank when the engine is hot.
3.DO NOT fill the fuel tank whilst smoking.
4.DO NOT remove the fuel filler cap whilst the engine is hot or running. ALWAYS allow the
engine to cool for at least 2 minutes before refuelling.
5.To avoid introducing dirt into the fuel system, wipe all grass and dirt from the petrol filler cap
before unscrewing it.
6.It is recommended that you fill the tank through a funnel with a filter.
7.Wipe away spillages before starting.
8.Use fresh petrol....stale fuel can cause the carburettor to clog up.
9.DO NOT refuel indoors or in an unventilated area.
10. DO NOT operate engine if petrol has been spilled. Move lawn mower well away from the
scene before starting.
9
STARTING & OPERATING
Model CLM16 does not incorporate a drive mechanism to its wheels, the machine must
therefore be pushed across the lawn.
MODEL CLM20SP is self-propelled, operated by the Power drive control lever shown in Fig 6
(itemC).
1.Connect the spark plug lead.
2.Ensure the fuel shut-off valve (Fig 5) is in
the ON position. The valve is marked ON/
OFF.
3.If starting from cold, set the choke lever
‘A’, to the ‘START’ position (Fig 7). DO
NOT use the choke if the engine is
already hot.
4.Hold the Control Lever ‘B’ against the
main handle to start the engine. Pull the
starter handle towards you until you feel
the resistance of the engine. Allow the
cord to recoil slowly, then pull the handle
firmly towards you to its full extent to start
the engine. You may need to do this more than once.
When the engine starts, continue holding the control lever towards the main handle to keep
the engine running. Releasing the control lever will cause the engine to stop. THIS IS A
SAFETY FEATURE
WARNING: The blade will be rotating as soon as the engine is
running.
Fig. 5
5.After the engine has started, allow it to run
for 30 seconds before mowing. By this
time it should be possible to return the
choke control to the RUN position.
6.Pull the control lever ‘B’, to the main
handle (Fig 7) to increase the engine
speed.
7.To operate the power- drive (model
CLM20SP), follow the above procedure to
start the machine, then, once started,
gently pull the self-propelled drive lever
towards the handle, thereby engaging the
drive. Always start the engine with the drive
disengaged.
8.Releasing the power-drive control lever
stops the drive to the rear wheels. To stop
the mower, - release the power-drive
control lever, then release the throttle lever.
Fig. 6
10
Using the Mower
Do not overload your lawnmower. Correct height adjustment (see below), will help reduce motor
overload and will help prevent damage to your lawnmower.
1.Both the CLM16 and CLM20SP are fitted
with a single cut height adjustment lever
which adjusts the height on all four wheels.
The height of cut is altered by pulling the
adjustment lever away from the location
slots and moving to the selected position.
2.When mowing long thick grass, set the
cutting height to its highest setting and
lower with each successive cut.
3.Start mowing from the outside edge of the
lawn, mowing in strips in alternate
directions, overlapping slightly.
4.Mow twice a week in the growing season,
your lawn will suffer if more than one third
of its length is cut at one time and this may
also result in poor grass collection.
5.ALWAYS make sure the lawn is clear of debris which could be thrown up by the blade.
6.Before use always visually inspect to see that blades are not worn or damaged. Replace
worn or damaged blades before mowing.
Fig. 7
Safe Maintenance and Storage
1.Always disconnect the spark plug before attempting any maintenance, cleaning or
adjustment.
2.Ensure all nuts, bolts and screws remain tight to ensure the lawn mower is in safe working
condition.
3.Check the grass collection box frequently for damage.
4.Replace worn or damaged parts. (consult your CLARKE dealer)
5.Only use the replacement blade, blade bolt, and spacer specified for this product (consult
your CLARKE dealer).
6.Never store the lawnmower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes can reach an
open flame or spark.
7.Allow the engine to cool before storing the mower in a small enclosure.
8.To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine assembly and fuel storage area free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease.
9.If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
10. Be careful of the sharp cutting blade during maintenance work.
11
MAINTENANCE
After Use
To ensure the best performance from the lawnmower it should be kept clean. Always clean the
lawnmower immediately after use, so as not to allow grass cuttings and other debris to become
dry and caked hard onto any of the lawnmower surfaces. This will directly affect the cutting and
grass collection performance.
Allow a period of time for the engine to cool before cleaning. Once the engine is cool, remove
grass from under the machine with a brush. Make sure that the underside of the lawnmower deck
is clean and clear of grass cuttings.
Ensure that the grass discharge chute and guard flap are clean and clear. The grass collection
box must always be emptied after use and the interior cleaned and cleared of grass cuttings.
Make sure that the exterior of the engine is clear of all cuttings and dirt, especially around the
silencer & air intake. Check the oil level.
Finally, wipe over the surface of your lawnmower with a dry cloth.
NEVER use solvents, or chemical cleaners to clean your lawnmower.
Store your Iawnmower in a cool, dry place where it will be protected from damage.
At the End of the Mowing Season
1.Remove and sharpen the cutting blade or replace the blade if found to have been damaged
by debris /stones etc (for blade removal see page 13).
2.Clean the air filter (see Air Filter Removal, page 13).
3.Drain the petrol (see Changing Oil, page 13).
Maintenance Schedule
Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occurs first. More frequent service is required
when operating in adverse conditions.
After first 5 hours of machine use -
Change the engine oil (see page 13).
Every 25 hours or every season -
Change the oil and clean the air filter (see page 13).
Every 100 hours or every season -
1. Clean the cooling fins. (Clean more often under dusty conditions, or after prolonged
operation cutting tall, dry grass).
2. Replace the spark plug.
12
Replacing the blade
If the blade has worn excessively and has
become pitted and blunt, it should be replaced or
sharpened.
WARNING: Before removing, or refitting the
blade, make sure that the engine is switched off
and the spark plug lead is disconnected and
moved away from the spark plug. All petrol must
be drained from the engine into a suitable
container when tipping the lawnmower onto its
side to allow access to the blade. This is best
done by disconnecting the fuel hose from the
carburettor by releasing the small clip and pulling
the hose off. The hose can be seen in Fig 5 on page 10.
Turn the mower onto its side and remove the single bolt and penny washer securing the blade,
using a pair of thick gloves to prevent injury from the sharp blade.
Replace blade in reverse order, ensuring the lugs on the drive spindle engage the slots in the
blade before tightening the securing nut. A torque setting of 37 Nm is recommended.
Fig. 8
Cleaning the Air Filter
At the end of every season, remove the air filter for
cleaning. Remove the plastic wingnuts securing the
air filter cover and lift it away to access the filter
shown at A in Fig 9.
Lift off the filter. Wash thoroughly in warm soapy
water, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before
reassembling in reverse order.
Changing the oil
IMPORTANT: Before turning the machine over to
change the oil, ensure the fuel tank is emptied into
a suitable container as described above.
Remove the oil filler/dipstick shown in Fig 10. Turn
the mower on its side and pour the oil into a
suitable container.
When completely drained, set the machine upright
and replace the oil filler/dipstick. Refill with
CLARKE SAE30 oil to the ‘MAX’ level on the
dipstick.
13
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Replacing the Drive Belt (CLM20SP Machines Only)
The self-propulsion system of the CLM20SP lawnmower incorporates a drive belt which may,
after extensive use, require replacement. (Part numbers refer to the diagram on page 19).
1.Drain any remaining petrol from the lawnmower as described on page 13.
2.Turn the machine over and remove the cutting
blade (17) and blade boss (16) as described
on page 13.
3.Remove the two screws holding the plastic
drive cowling (15) and lift off the cowling.
Remove and discard the broken drive belt.
4.Undo and remove the two small bolts holding
the gearbox steady bracket (56) to the
machine chassis and remove the bracket.
5.Tilt the axle assembly forward and loop the
replacement drivebelt (28) over the drive
pulley on the axle assembly.
6.Loop the other end of the belt around the drive
pulley (14) below the engine as shown in Fig
11.
7.Swing the axle assembly back to its original
position and replace the gearbox steady
bracket with its two retaining bolts. Only gentle
belt tension is required and this will be
achieved by this operation.
8.If greater belt tension is required due to
slippage of the belt, this can be achieved by
loosening the locknut and tightening the
adjusting bolt in the steady bracket (56) as
shown in Fig 12.
9.Replace the plastic drive cowling before refitting the cutting blade and blade boss as described on page 13.
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Adjustments
When the control lever is released, the engine will stop. The engine will only run with the Control
Lever held against the main handle. All carburettor adjustments are factory set and will not need
adjustment.
Storage
If the lawnmower is stored for longer than 30 days, the fuel tank and carburettor should be
drained to avoid the possibility of clogging up from fuel deposits. Ensure the engine is run until it
stops for lack of fuel.
If gasoline additive is used, ensure the engine is run in order to distribute the additive to all parts
of the fuel system, before storage. The lawnmower may then be stored for up to 24 months.
(Additive available from your Clarke dealer).
14
FAULT FINDING
Engine Will Not Start
1.Ensure engine speed control is in the start position.
2.Check that there is sufficient fuel in the tank.
3.Check the condition of the spark plug.
4.Petrol may be stale, if so, replace.
Lack of Engine Power and/or Overheating
1.Check that the throttle lever is in the normal running position.
2.Disconnect the spark plug lead and allow the engine to cool down.
3.Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine and air inlets and the underside of
the machine including the discharge chute.
4.Clean the engine air filter thoroughly as shown on page 13.
5.Petrol may be stale. If so, replace with fresh fuel.
Excessive Vibration
1.Disconnect the spark plug lead and check that the blade is correctly fitted see page 13. If
the blade is damaged replace it with a new one.
2.If vibration persists,consult your local Clarke dealer, or contact the Clarke Service
department.
If any of the the above fails to cure the problem...disconnect the spark
plug lead and consult your local Clarke dealer, or the Clarke International
Service Department.
SPARES & SERVICING
For spare parts & servicing, please contact your nearest dealer or
CLARKE International, on one of the following numbers:
P ARTS & SER VICE TEL: 020 8988 7400
P ARTS & SER VICE FAX: 020 8558 3622