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MANUAL REEL MOWER
18IN | QUAD-WHEEL
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Model MTS-MRM18 Form No. SJ-MTS-MRM18-880E-M
IMPORTANT!
Safety Instructions
All Operators Must Read These
Instructions Before Use
Always follow these safety guidelines. Failure to do so may
result in serious bodily injury or death.
General Safety WARNINGS!
When using this reel mower, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of personal injury. These
precautions include:
mWARNING! This unit can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause serious injury.
mWARNING! Risk of dismemberment: keep hands and
feet away from the rotating blades and the cutting area.
Before using the reel mower, familiarize yourself with the
controls, especially how to stop the mower in an emergency.
The only individuals who should use the mower are those who
thoroughly understand these instructions and know how to
properly operate the unit. Children should never be allowed
access to the mower.
Retain this manual for future reference and reread it at the start
of each mowing season.
Safety Information
1. Never place hands, ngers, or feet inside the reel.
Although this mower is not powered by a motor, the reel
spins when the wheels turn, and it is sharp enough to
cause serious injury.
2. Never mow when the grass is wet as it can be slippery.
3. Do not use the reel mower while barefoot or while wearing
sandals.
4. Walk behind, never run, while using the reel mower.
Always keep proper footing and balance when using this
reel mower.
5. Do not intentionally strike or hit trees, fences, or
other objects. Doing so can cause severe injuries or
permanently damage the reel mower's mechanisms.
6. Make sure that the reel mower is in proper working order
prior to use. Do not attempt to operate this reel mower if it is
damaged. Contact your authorized Snow Joe
dealer or call the Snow Joe
center at 1-866- SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
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+ Sun Joe® customer service
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IMPORTANT!
Safety Instructions for Walk-Behind
Reel Mowers
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine.
Always stay clear of the discharge opening.
• Only responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions should be allowed to operate this machine.
• Clear the mowing area of foreign objects such as rocks,
wire, toys, and other miscellaneous articles, which could
be picked up and thrown by the rotating blades.
• Make sure that the mowing area is clear of bystanders
before starting the mower. Stop the mower if anyone
enters the area.
• Always look down and behind before starting and while
moving backward with the mower.
• Do not operate the machine without safety protective
devices in place and in proper working order.
• Never operate the mower on wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; walk, never run, with the mower.
• Keep blades sharp.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting area.
• Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
• Objects struck by the reel mower blades can cause severe
injuries. The mowing area should always be carefully
examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
• Only use identical replacement blades.
© 2018 by Snow Joe®, LLC
All rights reserved. Original instructions.
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SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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Slope Operation
Slopes are major factors involved in slip and fall accidents.
Such accidents can cause severe personal injury. Operating
this mower on any inclined surface requires extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
• Mow across the face of a sloped surface; never mow
up and down a slope. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on a slope.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. These may cause an unexpected slip or fall.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
• Do not mow near drop-os, ditches, or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Stay alert and stop the reel mower if a child enters the
area.
• Never allow children access to the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
Service
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Regularly check to
ensure these devices are in place and in proper working
order.
• Keep the reel mower free from grass, leaves, or other
debris buildup.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the reel
mower. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• The mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blades or wear
gloves when handling.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
needed.
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Safety Symbols
The following table depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbols SymbolsDescriptions Descriptions
READ THE OPERATOR'S
MANUAL(S) – Read, understand,
and follow all instructions in the
user manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate.
SAFETY ALERT – Indicates a
precaution, a warning, or a danger.
DANGER! Cutting/dismemberment
hazard – Keep feet away from the
rotating blades.
CAUTION! Beware of stones and
other foreign objects that could be
thrown from the appliance.
Slip on slope hazard – Use extra
caution when mowing on slopes to
prevent slip and fall accidents.
Keep bystanders and children a
safe distance away.
DANGER! Sharp blades can
sever ngers and toes. Keep
away from the cutting area.
DANGER! Cutting/dismemberment
hazard – Keep hands away from the
rotating blades.
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Know Your Manual Reel Mower
Read the owner’s manual and safety instructions carefully before operating the reel mower. Compare the illustration below to the
reel mower in order to become familiar with the location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
1
2
3
4
12
5
11
13
9
8
67
FRONT BACK
1. Foam grip
2. Upper handle frame
3. Handle shield knobs (4)
4. Handle shield
5. Lower handle bar (2)
6. Front wheel (2)
7. Mower housing
Technical Data
Rotor ............................................................... 5 steel blades
Cutting Width ................................................. 18 in (45.8 cm)
Cutting Heights .............................................. 1.1 in. – 3.2 in.
(2.7 cm – 8.2 cm)
10
8. Rear wheel (2)
9. Height adjustment lever (2)
10. Lifting handle
11. Steel blades (5)
12. Middle handle frame
13. Allen wrench
Wheel Size ......................................... Front: 10 in. (25 cm)
Rear: 6 in. (15 cm)
Height Control ................................... 5-position manual
height adjustment
Weight ................................................ 34.6 lbs (15.7 kg)
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Unpacking
Carton Contents:
• Reel mower body with front wheels
• Rear wheels (2)
• Rear wheel bolt + washer (2)
• Allen wrench
• Upper handle frame
• Middle handle frame
• Lower handle bar (2)
• Handle shield
• Handle shield knobs (4)
• Handle shield bolts (4)
• Manuals with registration card
1. Carefully remove the manual reel mower and check to see
that all of the above items are supplied.
2. Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping. If you nd damaged or
missing parts, DO NOT return the unit to the store. Please
call the Snow Joe
1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
NOTE: Do not discard the shipping carton and packaging
material until you are ready to use your new manual reel
mower. The packaging is made of recyclable materials.
Properly dispose of these materials in accordance with
local regulations.
IMPORTANT! The equipment and packaging material are
not toys. Do not let children play with plastic bags, foils,
or small parts. These items can be swallowed and pose a
suocation risk!
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+ Sun Joe® customer service center at
Fig. 1
Rear wheel
bolt + washer
Rear wheel
2. Use the supplied Allen wrench to secure the bolt (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
Rear wheel
Allen wrench
Assembly
Rear Wheel Assembly
1. Align one rear wheel with the hole on the end of the
mower body, and connect with one set of rear wheel
washer + bolt, as shown (Fig. 1).
3. Repeat the above instructions for the other wheel.
Handle Assembly
1. Lay out the handle parts upside down as shown for easier
assembly. Make sure the arch of the upper handle frame
is pointing down. Enter the end of the upper handle frame
into the middle handle frame, and enter the end of the
middle handle frame into the lower handle bar. Roughly
align the holes (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3
Upper handle frame
5
Middle handle frame
Lower
handle
bar
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2. Slide the handle shield in place from below. Align the
holes, and slide a handle shield bolt through each hole
from inside (Figs. 4 – 5).
Fig. 7
Cotter pins
Fig. 4
Handle shield
Fig. 5
Handle shield
Handle shield bolt
3. Align the handle shield knob with the bolt, then use your
hand to tight. Repeat for the remaining three bolts (Fig. 6).
Post
2. To assemble the handle assembly on the mower body,
insert the posts on both sides into the holes on the ends
of the lower handle bars (Fig. 8).
NOTE: Some force may be needed to separate the handle
legs so they t over the posts.
Fig. 8
Handle
assembly
Lower handle bar
Post
Fig. 6
Handle shield knob
Handle shield bolt
NOTE: Make sure all the bolts and knobs are secured.
Fitting the Handle
1. Remove the cotter pins on the posts on both sides of the
mower body (Fig. 7).
3. Insert the cotter pins in the original slots on the posts on
both sides to secure the handle assembly (Fig. 9).
Fig. 9
Cotter pin
Post
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Operation
Cutting Height Adjustment
1. The cutting height of the 18 in. (45.8 cm) reel mower
can be adjusted from 1.1 in. to 3.2 in. (2.7 to 8.2 cm) by
moving the 5-position height adjustment levers to the
desired setting. The height adjustment levers are located
next to the rear wheels.
2. In order to set the mower to its lowest cutting position,
hold the mower by its lifting handle, and pull the
adjustment levers on both sides, one at a time, and set
them to position A (Fig. 10).
3. In order to set the mower to its highest cutting position,
hold the mower by its lifting handle, and move the
adjustment levers on both sides to position B (Fig. 10).
NOTE: The two adjustment levers MUST be set to the
same position (height).
\
Adjustment
lever
Fig. 10
INSIDE
Fig. 11
Quality
1. To verify if the blades make contact, place the mower
on a rm level surface with blocks in the front of the
rear wheels so the mower will not move during testing.
Raise the cutting height to the highest setting to improve
access.
2. With the mower resting on all four wheels, slowly turn
the cutting reel by lifting it upward, one blade at a time,
through a full rotation or two. If you hear scraping or feel
resistance, the blades are contacting each other and need
adjustment (Fig. 12).
Position B
Highest
cutting
OUTSIDE
Position A
Lowest cutting
position
4. Other cutting heights are achieved by moving the
adjustment levers to the settings between the highest and
lowest positions.
position
Ensuring a Clean Cut
mWARNING! The steel blades are extremely sharp. To
avoid injury, wear gloves while making adjustments. Keep
ngers away from the interface between the cutting reel blades
and stationary blade.
NOTE: Although the blades are pre-adjusted prior to leaving
the factory, it is recommended that the adjustment be veried
prior to rst use.
NOTE: Vibrations during shipping can cause blade
misalignment, which often causes the blades to become too
loose or too tight. This will result in a rough, uneven cut, or
make the mower dicult to push (Fig. 11).
Fig. 12
Blocks
3. Follow the instructions to adjust the mower blade.
4. To check if the mower cuts properly, turn the mower on
its side.
5. Starting with the end close to the ground, feed a strip of
paper between a cutting reel blade and the stationary
blade, keeping the paper ush against the side of the
stationary blade. About half an inch of the strip should be
visible beyond the stationary blade.
6. Slowly rotate the cutting reel toward the stationary blade,
and observe whether the paper is cut as the rst cutting
reel blade passes (Fig. 13).
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Fig. 13
Cutting
blade
Stationary
blade
7. Continue to feed the paper into the reel horizontally half an
inch at a time to check the other blades.
8. After all blades have been tested, start testing on the other
end. Feed a strip of paper between a cutting reel blade
and the stationary blade on the end furthest from the
ground, and slowly rotate the cutting reel to see whether
the paper is cut. Continue to feed the paper into the reel
to test other blades (Fig. 14).
Fig. 14
Cutting
blade
Stationary
blade
Paper
Paper
Adjusting the Mower Blades
1. Each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted separately.
2. The cutting bar blade, which is located under the reel, is
able to pivot. The two adjustment screws located at the
back of the mower move the cutting bar away from the
blades when they are turned counterclockwise, and closer
to the blades when they are turned clockwise (Fig. 15).
Fig. 15
Adjustment screw
mWARNING! Do not overtighten the adjustment screws
as this could damage the cutting bar. Both screws must be
tight on nal adjustment.
3. To loosen the blades, use the Allen wrench provided and
turn both adjustment screws by an equal amount
counterclockwise.
4. To tighten the blades, tighten both screws by an equal
amount by turning them clockwise.
NOTE: If you have any questions, please call the
Snow Joe
1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563) for assistance.
5. Once the mower blades have been properly adjusted and
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+ Sun Joe® customer service department at
their alignment has been veried, you can now proceed
to use your reel mower. Align the cutting path indication
arrow with the previously cut path.
9. If most of the blades cut on both ends, the cutting system
is set correctly. If all or most of the blades do not cut
on one or both ends, the cutting system needs to be
adjusted. Follow the instructions for adjusting the blade
below.
Mowing Tips
Follow the 1/3 Rule
The 1/3 rule is key to an enjoyable mowing experience and a
healthy lawn.
1. You should mow your lawn regularly, at least once a week,
during the growing season.
2. Be guided by observing the lawn and taking care not to
remove more than 1/3 of the total height of the turf at any
mowing session and never more than 1 inch at a time
(Fig. 16).
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Fig. 16
1/3
1"
3. Following this rule will stimulate the turf’s root growth,
maintain its health, and encourage its natural ability to
crowd out unwanted weeds.
Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting
1. For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at the
mower's maximum setting for the rst pass, and then
reset it to the desired height and mow a second or third
time (Fig. 17).
Transporting the Mower
During normal operation, the blade reel will turn anytime the
mower's front wheels are turning. To safely move the mower
from one location to another without the blade reel turning,
simply pivot the handle over the reel and push the mower from
the opposite side. Pushing the mower in this manner (transport
mode) prohibits the blade reel from turning (Fig. 18).
Fig. 18
Handle
Fig. 17
2. Removing too much of the turf’s height, especially in the
heat of summer, can cause root shock and weaken the
lawn; bringing down the height by successive mowing
over two or more days can avoid this damage and
maintain the health of the turf.
3. If the lawn is overgrown (to higher than 4 inches) it may be
necessary to use a brush cutter to remove the excess turf
mass before resuming mowing at normal heights.
NOTE: Do not cover the grass surface with a heavy layer
of clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.
Cut here on
rstpass
Cut here on
second pass
Care + Maintenance
1. Minimum care is required to ensure smooth operation of
your mower.
2. To avoid damage to the mower or cutting blades, keep the
area to be mowed free from debris.
3. For best results, regularly apply lubricant to the mower’s
cutting surfaces, cutting reel axle shaft, and wheels.
Sharpening the Cutting Blades
1. Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge
of the reel blades.
2. Adjust the cutting bar so that the blade has light but rm
contact across the full width of the bar.
mCAUTION! Do not overtighten the adjusting screws, as
this could damage the cutting bar. Tighten both screws during
nal adjustment.
3. Turn the reel blades until the front edge of the cutting bar
blade is polished.
mWARNING! Clean any grinding compound or debris
from the cutting bar blade, reel blade, pinions, and pawls.
NOTE: Use industrial or valve lapping compound between 100
and 240 grit.
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NOTE: Lubricate the axle and pinion with a light lm of wheel
bearing grease.
Cleaning and Storage
1. Clean the exterior of the machine thoroughly using a
soft brush and cloth before storing. Do not use water,
solvents, or polishes.
2. Turn the mower on its side to clean the blade area.
mWARNING! Do not place your hands inside or near
the cutting area. If grass cuttings are compacted in the blade
area, remove them using a wood or plastic cleaning tool
appropriate for blade cleaning.
3. Store the mower in a dry place. Do not place other
objects on top of the mower during storage.
Maintenance Tips
Reel mowers are relatively low maintenance. For consistent
cutting, follow the below instructions:
• Always keep the cutting bar properly adjusted. Refer to the
instruction manual for further directions.
• Regularly clean and lubricate cutting edges with light spray
oil.
IMPORTANT! Reel mowers have diculty cutting tall weeds,
such as dandelions, and will often bend, rather than cut, such
weeds. Cut often to prevent this.
Service and Support
If your Martha Stewart® MTS-MRM18 manual reel mower
requires service or maintenance, please call the
Snow Joe
1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
®
+ Sun Joe® customer service center at
Model and Serial Numbers
When contacting the company or reordering parts, you
will need to provide the model and serial numbers of your
product. These are found on the decal axed to the housing
of your reel mower. Copy these numbers into the space
provided below.
Record the following numbers from the housing or handle of your
new product:
M T S - M R M 1 8
Model #:
Serial #:
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SNOW JOE® + SUN JOE® CUSTOMER PROMISE
ABOVE ALL ELSE, Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® are dedicated to you, our customer. We strive to make your experience as pleasant
as possible. Unfortunately, there are times when a product does not work or breaks under normal operating conditions. We
think it’s important that you know what you can expect from us. That’s why we created the Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® promise.
OUR PROMISE: Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® warrant new products for two years from the date of purchase. If your product does
not work, or there’s an issue with a specic part, we will x this by either sending you a free replacement part or by sending
you a new or comparable product at no charge. How cool is that! Before you know it, you’ll be back in action cutting,
sawing, mowing, washing and…?
PRODUCT REGISTRATION:
®
Snow Joe
, LLC (“Snow Joe® + Sun Joe®”) strongly encourages
you to register your purchase. You can register online at
snowjoe.com/ProductRegistration. Failure to register your
product purchase will not diminish your warranty rights. However,
®
registering your purchase will allow Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® to
better serve you with any of your customer service needs.
WHO CAN SEEK WARRANTY COVERAGE?
®
This Warranty is extended by Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® to
the owner of this new product for residential and personal
household use only. This Warranty does not apply to
products used for commercial, rental or re-sale purposes.
Should ownership of this product change during the 2-year
period, please update the product’s owner information at
snowjoe.com/ProductRegistration.
WHAT IS COVERED?
®
Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® warrants to the owner that if this product
fails within 2 years from the date of purchase due to a defect in
material or workmanship or as a result of normal wear and tear
®
from ordinary household use, Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® will send a
replacement part or product, as needed, free of charge and with
free shipping to the original purchaser.
®
If, in Snow Joe
cannot be repaired with a part, Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe®’s sole discretion, the failed product
®
+ Sun Joe® will elect to
either (A) send a new product at no charge and with free shipping
or (B) refund the full purchase price to the owner.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This Warranty does not apply to products that have been used
commercially or in non-household applications. This Warranty
does not cover cosmetic changes that do not aect performance.
This Warranty is only valid if the product is used and maintained
in accordance with the instructions, warnings and safeguards
®
contained in the owner’s manual. Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® will not
be responsible for the cost of any unauthorized warranty repairs.
This warranty does not cover any cost or expense incurred by
the purchaser in providing substitute equipment or service during
reasonable periods of malfunction or non-use of this product
while waiting for a replacement part or unit under this warranty.
Wearing parts like belts, augers, chains and tines are not covered
under this warranty, and can be purchased at snowjoe.com or
by calling 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563). Batteries are
covered in full for 90-days from the date of purchase.
Repair, replacement or refund of the purchase price are
the exclusive remedies of purchaser and the sole liability of
®
Snow Joe
representative of Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® under this warranty. No employee or
®
+ Sun Joe® is authorized to make
any additional warranty or any modication to this warranty
®
which may be binding upon Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe®. Accordingly,
purchaser should not rely upon any additional statements made
®
by any employee or representative of Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe®.
In no event, whether based on contract, indemnity, warranty,
tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, shall
®
Snow Joe
+ Sun Joe® be liable for any special, indirect, incidental,
or consequential damages, including, without limitation, loss of
prot or revenue.
Some states do not allow limits on warranties. In such states, the
above limitations may not apply to you.
Outside the USA, other warranties may apply.
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