Country Home Products DR WHISPER LITE Operating Instructions Manual

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WHISPER LITE® will be one of the most trouble-free and satisfying pieces of equipment you have ever owned. Please let us know of any questions or problems you may have. We want to answer or correct them as quickly as possible. (When you do call or write, please have your order number handy—it will speed things up!) We also hope to hear from you on how much you like your new helper.

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for all of us at... COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: We want you to enjoy years of safe and productive use from your DR® WHISPER

LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower. We don’t want you to get injured, so please take a few moments to read the following guidelines for safely operating your new machine.

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Protect those around you

· Do not allow children, other bystanders or pets in your work area when the mower is being

operated.

· Only adults and teenagers with a thorough understanding of these instructions should operate the

mower.

Dress Appropriately

· We recommend using safety glasses. Use a face or dust mask if operating in dusty conditions.

· Always wear substantial footwear and long pants. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They

can get caught in the moving parts.

Preparation

· Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the DR® WHISPER LITE® before

operating it.

· Never operate the DR® WHISPER LITE® mower without the proper guards, safety switches or

other safety and protective devices in place and properly connected. Inspect to determine that these safety devices are properly installed, in good repair, and operate properly. If the condition or operation of these devices is questionable, they must be repaired or replaced before using the mower.

· Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,

dog bones, pet supplies or lawn toys, and other foreign objects which could be thrown by the mower blade. Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe injuries. Also note the location of holes, stumps and other possible hazards.

· Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

Operation

· The length of time that a battery pack can hold its charge while mowing a lawn depends upon

lawn conditions; tall, thick, or wet grass make the mower work harder and the battery pack discharge faster.

· Before starting the mower, adjust the cutting height to cut 1" to 2" of grass at a time. Cut thicker

grass at a greater cutting height, or cut a narrower swath. Do not force the lawn mower forward

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions

in thick grass. The DR® WHISPER LITE® will do a better and safer job when cutting at a steady rate.

· Your mower can operate as a mulcher or bagger. Learn how to use the proper cutting blade, and

how to use the grass catcher or discharge chute block for the right application.

· Do not insert the SAFETY KEY into the mower until you are ready to operate the mower. Store

the safety key away from children and people not authorized to use the mower.

· The cutting blade turns when the motor is running (there is no clutch to allow the blade to stop

while the motor is running). Learn how to quickly stop the mower's motor and note that the blade will continue to rotate for up to three seconds after the motor has stopped.

· Stop the blade and remove the safety key whenever you leave the operating position (behind the

handlebar) for any reason, including clearing grass and making any inspections, adjustments or repairs to the mower.

· Do not put your hands and feet near or under rotating parts or when the safety key is still inserted.

Keep clear of the discharge area while the motor is running.

· Before cleaning, repairing, inspecting, adjusting the height of the cut, or exchanging the

discharge chute block and grass catcher, be sure the motor is off, remove the safety key and make certain the blade has stopped rotating.

· Do not operate the mower in the rain or when the grass is wet.

· Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. It is designed to be pushed forward while

cutting only.

· USE EXTREME CAUTION when maneuvering backwards. Always look first to check your

footing and release the operator presence bar before moving backwards.

· Mow across slopes, never up and down. Exercise caution when changing directions on slopes.

Do not mow steep slopes or other areas where stability or traction is in doubt.

· Stop the motor when crossing over loose materials such as gravel drives, walks or roads. Objects

discharged by the mower can be hazardous.

· After striking a foreign object or if the mower vibrates abnormally, stop the motor and remove

the safety key. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and operating the lawn mower. Vibration is generally a sign of trouble.

· Stay alert and watch what you are doing. Do not operate the lawn mower when you are tired or

under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

· Remove the safety key when the mower is not in use.

· Allow the motor to cool for at least 5 minutes before storing the mower in any type of tight space

or enclosure.

· Do not use the DR® WHISPER LITE® for any job other than those for which it is intended.

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions

iii

Maintenance and Storage

WARNING: ALWAYS rem ove the safety key before perform ing any adjustments or repairs.

· Maintain the lawn mower with care—keep cutting edges sharp and clean for the best and safest

performance. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the mower is in safe operating condition. Follow the instructions in this manual for changing accessories.

· Periodically inspect the exposed cords on the charger unit and the handlebar for damage. If

damage occurs, do not use the mower until the cords have been replaced or repaired.

· Do not operate the mower if it does not start normally or does not stop normally when the

operator presence bar is released.

· Use identical replacement blades only. Check the blade and motor mounting bolts at frequent

intervals for proper tightness.

· Keep mower clean and dry. Use a damp cloth when cleaning. Never use water, gasoline,

solvents or other petroleum-based or solvent-based products for cleaning.

· When not in use, store the lawn mower indoors in a dry place and out of the reach of children.

· To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.

Battery Safety

· Do not charge the lawn mower battery pack in the rain or in wet locations.

· Exercise care in handling the battery pack in order not to short circuit it with conducting

materials such as rings, bracelets and keys. When short circuited, the battery or conductor may overheat and cause burns.

· Do not attempt to replace individual batteries inside the battery pack. Mixing fresh and

discharged batteries could increase internal cell pressure and rupture the discharged battery. Improper wiring within the battery pack could result in leakage or explosion.

· Do not dispose of batteries in a fire: the battery cells may explode. Do not open or mutilate the

batteries. Released electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive and will cause damage to eyes, skin or clothes. Battery acid is toxic if swallowed or if the fumes are inhaled.

Battery Disposal

Please dispose of used batteries responsibly, according to your local hazardous materials regulations.

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................................................................II

ROTECT THOSE AROUND YOU..........................................................................................................................................II

DRESS APPROPRIATELY....................................................................................................................................................II

PREPARATION...................................................................................................................................................................II

OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................................................II

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE.........................................................................................................................................IV

BATTERY SAFETY............................................................................................................................................................IV

BATTERY DISPOSAL............................................................................................................................... ..........................IV

ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS...........................................................................................................................................2

ASSEMBLY........................................................................................................................................................................3

O ASSEMBLE YOUR LAWN MOWER................................................................................................................................3

BATTERY CARE & CHARGING........................................................................................................ ...........................6

ATTERY PACK ................................................................................................................................................................6

HARGING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................................................6

NITIAL CHARGING............................................................................................................................................................7

ECHARGING AFTER EACH USE OF THE MOWER .............................................................................................................. 9

ECHARGING TO A FULL CHARGE FOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE.........................................................................................9

ATTERY DISPOSAL..........................................................................................................................................................9

CONTROLS & FEATURES...........................................................................................................................................10

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................................................................................13

RE-START CHECKS .......................................................................................................................................................13

P T

O START THE MOTOR AND ENGAGE THE BLADE...........................................................................................................13

O STOP THE MOTOR AND THE BLADE ...........................................................................................................................14

DJUSTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT ..................................................................................................................................14

SING THE GRASS CATCHER ..........................................................................................................................................15

ULCHING......................................................................................................................................................................16

SING THE DISCHARGE FLAP ..........................................................................................................................................16

MOWING & LAWN CARE TIPS........................................................................................................ ..........................17

MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................................................18

LEANING.......................................................................................................................................................................18

EMOVING AND ATTACHING THE BLADE........................................................................................................................18

O SHARPEN THE BLADE................................................................................................................................................19

O BALANCE THE BLADE ...............................................................................................................................................20

UBRICATION .................................................................................................................................................................20

EMOVING AND REPLACING THE BATTERY PACK...........................................................................................................20

STORAGE.........................................................................................................................................................................21

TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................................................... 22

PARTS LIST.....................................................................................................................................................................24

SCHEMATIC DRAWING...............................................................................................................................................26

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 1

Assembly Components

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions

Figure 1

Assembly

Before beginning the assembly, please check that you have all of the components listed below. If anything is missing, please call Country Home Products® Toll-Free 1(800)DR-OWNER(376-9637).

Package Contents:

• Mower

• Battery Charger

• Lower Handlebars

• Upper Handlebar

• Quick Connect Hardware for Upper and Lower Handlebars

• Bag with Safety Key, Safety & Operating Instructions and 36mm wrench

• Grass Catcher Components (steel frame, plastic cover, polyester mesh cover)

• Optional Mulching Blade (if purchased)

• Optional Discharge Chute Block (if purchased)

To Assemble Your Lawn Mower

Step 1.

Note: For easier access, set the cutting

height to the highest adjustment position.

Attach the Lower Handlebars

Assembly Tools Needed:

• enclosed 36mm wrench, or

• 1/2" wrench or socket

• Phillips head screwdriver

Please Note:

There is a wire attached to both the shipping box and the charger receptacle on the mower. This wire was installed so the manufacturer could charge the battery after t he mower was boxed. Please remove it from the mower bef ore beginning assembly. You will not need this wire for future charging.

1. Set the upper handlebar aside, being

careful of the black control cable.

2. Remove the bolt, lock washer and square

washer from the mounting hole in the mower frame (Figure 2).

Note: There is a right and left lower handlebar. When attached, the indentation in the lower handlebar should be facing out.

Figure 2

3. Position one of the lower handlebars, with

the indentation facing out, against the frame of the mower. Slide it down into the slot in the frame until the bolt holes line up (Figure 3).

4. Mount the bolt, lock washer and square

washer and tighten with a wrench.

5. Repeat on the other side.

Figure 3

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 3

Step 2. Attach the Upper Handlebar

Note: The black control cable should be on

the outside of the lower right handlebar before attaching the upper handlebar .

1. Position the upper handlebar over the

lower handlebars. The upper handlebar is cupped and should fit snuggly against the lower handlebars. Line up the holes with the lower handlebars and loosely insert the bolts to hold the upper handlebar in place during assembly.

2. Starting with the right side, install the

clamp on the black control cable so it is positioned near the bolt hole where the two handlebars are joined (Figure 5). Remove the bolt from the handlebar, insert it through the cable clamp, then reinsert the bolt through the handlebars.

3. Mount the threaded insert into the quick

control handle (Figure 4), add the washer, then screw the quick control handle onto the bolt (Figure 5).

Note: There should be several threads showing between the handlebar and the quick control handle. If you tighten the handle t too much it will not lock properly.

Figure 4

4. Repeat on the other side.

5. Lock handlebars in place.

Step 3. Assemble & Attach the Grass Catcher

1. Install the steel frame on the mesh bag.

The squared corners on the steel frame should fit snugly into the plastic tubing on the bag. The bend in the steel frame should point toward the inside of the mesh bag when installed (Figure 6).

Figure 5

DR® WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions

Figure 6

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Country Home Products DR WHISPER LITE Operating Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual