LawnMaster 460, 530, 480 Owner's Manual

Rotary

Mowers

Owner’s Manual

www.steelfort.co.nz

FOR MODELS 460 n 480 n 530

Contents

Before using your new Rotary Mower
read the Owner’s Manual carefully
until you completely understand and
can follow all warnings and safety
instructions before commissioning and
operating your mower.

For Your Records

The following information should be recorded as a
reference should you wish to contact your Service Agent

1 Contents
2 Safety Instructions

Preparation
Operation

4 Commissioning the Mower

Engine information
Assembling the catchers (460/09 Series & 480 model)
Handlebar folding instructions
Handlebar height adjustments
Mulch & Catch models

5 Operating the Mower

Starting the Mower COLD
Starting the Mower HOT
Stopping the engine
Throttle control lever
Zone start
Recoil start
Key start
Cutting height adjustment
Cutting blade adjustment
Grass catcher
Mulching models
Fitting and removing the mulcher plate
Self-propelled models

8 Maintenance

Engine
Check engine oil level
Clean the air filter
Check spark plug
Rotating screen
Throttle control & Self-Propelled control
Fasteners and linkages
Blade care
Change worn or damaged blades
Disc blade assembly
Blade replacement torque settings
Carburettor adjustment

9 Cleaning & Storage

Cleaning the mower body
Cleaning the catcher
Muffler
Cleaning under self-propelled drive cover
Storage

10 Troubleshooting
11 Warranty & Spare Parts

Key to Mower Symbols

MODEL

SERIAL No.

PURCHASE DATE

PURCHASE PRICE

OWNER’S NAME

RETAILER’S NAME

ADDRESS

Warning

Read instructions before starting operations

Be careful of object(s) thrown from the mower

Keep other people away from the danger zone

Disconnect spark plug before maintenance

Danger – Keep hands and feet away from
cutting blades

Danger – Do not touch hot surfaces

Be careful of hot surfaces

1

PAGE

Safety Instructions

1 Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the

controls and use of the equipment.

2 Know how to stop the lawnmower and disengage

the controls quickly in an emergency.

3 The operator or user is responsible for accidents or

hazards occurring to other people or property.

Safety

4 Never allow children or people unfamiliar with

these instructions to use the lawnmower.

5 Never operate the lawnmower while people or

animals are nearby.

6 While mowing, always wear substantial footwear

and long trousers. Do not operate the lawnmower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

7 Never operate the lawnmower with defective

guards, shields or without safety protection devices
in place and in good working order.

8 Do not operate the lawnmower in a confined

space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes

can collect.
9 Never cut grass while walking backwards.
10 Always wear suitable eye & ear protection when

operating the lawnmower.
11 Mow only in daylight hours or in good artificial

light.
12 Never lift or carry the lawnmower while the engine

is running.
13 Keep hands and feet well clear of rotating blades

and components.
14 Always stop the engine when you leave the

lawnmower unattended and when crossing roads,

pathways or gravel drives.
15 Never mow without the catcher or mulch plug

fitted or without the rear flap being in the
closed/down position.

2

Precautions must be taken to
avoid injury to the operator, or
any bystander…or damage to
your mower

Read this manual before using the
lawnmower. It is essential that
operators study it for their own
and others’ safety

This sign is used to indicate important information for
your safety and to prevent damage.

Preparation

16 Thoroughly inspect the area where the lawnmower

is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires,
bones and any other foreign objects.

17 When mowing on slopes, only mow across the

face, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction. Do not attempt to mow
excessively steep gradients. A 15° incline is the
maximum recommended.

Operation

18 General

• Check that the lawnmower is in good working
order before using.

• Do not adjust throttle or governor settings,
as this will have a detrimental effect on the
mowers cutting ability and ultimately shorten
the lawnmower’s working life.

19 Lawnmower Body

• Visually inspect to see that the cutting blade(s),
blade bolts and cutting disc are not worn or
damaged.

• Regularly check that all nuts, bolts, linkages and
connections are tight and secure.

• Repair or replace excessively worn or damaged
components with genuine Spare Parts only.

20 Fuel

• Add fuel before you start mowing.

• Refuel and lubricate outdoors only.

• Only remove the fuel cap and add fuel while the

engine is stopped.

• Thoroughly clean any fuel spillages before
starting the engine.

• After refuelling or topping up with engine oil,
ensure that the filler caps are replaced securely.

• Store fuel in a cool place away from direct
sunlight in a suitable container.

21 Engine, Drive & Blade
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug

before attempting to:

- Clean the mower.

- Un-block the cutting mechanisms.

- Carry out maintenance or repairs.

- Inspect the mower if abnormal vibrations occur

or after striking a foreign object.

Your engine will run best on fresh, clean unleaded
petrol (91 octane). Use of unleaded fuel results in
fewer combustion deposits, burns cleaner and gives
longer valve life.
Do not over-fill the petrol tank to allow for fuel
expansion. It is recommended that approximately
5mm to 10mm of tank space is left for this.
When handling fuel:

• Do not fill tank when the engine is running.

• Do not smoke or expose naked flame.

• Do fill the tank in open, well-ventilated area.

• Do wipe away any spills.

• Do move the mower away from any petrol fumes

before starting the engine.

Assembling the Catcher,
460/09 Series

1

Place the base of the
catcher onto a flat
surface, a bench
is ideal.

2 Tilting the top of the

catcher forward - ease
onto the base.
Locate the front
lugs and tilt
carefully
rearwards to
align the
remaining lugs.

3 Ensure both halves are

aligned and the lugs
engaged. Clamp
together the top
and bottom
halves (with
firm downward
hand pressure) to lock securely.

3

Open the carton and remove the lawnmower and
its accessories…and you will find:

• 1 x Rotary Mower.

• 1 x Grass catcher TOP

• 1 x Grass catcher BASE

• 1 x Mulch plug (if applicable)

• 1 x Owner’s manual

• 1 x Engine manufacturer’s Owner’s manual

Take precautions when doing this to ensure that you
do not put undue stress on your back when lifting
from the carton. It is recommended that two people
lift out the mower to prevent injury or use a suitable
hoist, if available.

Engine information

Refer to the separate Engine Manufacturer’s Owners’
Manual (supplied with every rotary mower) that
accompanies this booklet and carry out all of the safety
checks before proceeding with the commissioning of
the mower.

Before you use your lawnmower, every four stroke
will require approximately 600 ml of engine oil in the
sump. With the lawnmower in a level position,
1 Remove the oil dipstick.
2 Wipe the dipstick clean.
3 Fill to the full mark, pouring slowly - DO NOT

OVERFILL. Then screw the dipstick securely back
into place.

Note that if the engine is overfilled, it will smoke
excessively or appear to be seized.

Commissioning the Mower

Engines fitted to rotary mowers
are shipped without oil. Check the
Engine Manufacturer’s manual for
oil grade details.

Petrol vapour is highly flammable.
Handle with extreme care.
Store in approved containers.