Qualcast 16-18 User Manual

PETROL/ROTARY 16/18 LA WNMO WER

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Safety Rules

Read the instructions carefully.

Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the lawnmower.

Explanation of symbols on the lawnmower:-

1) General hazard safety alert.

2) Read Instruction manual.

3) Beware of thrown objects to bystanders.

4) Keep bystanders a safe distance away from
the machine.

5) Remove spark plug lead before maintenance.

6) Sharp blade(s). Beware of severing toes
or fingers.

Wait until all machine components have completely
stopped before touching them.

Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.

Never mow while people, especially children or pets are
nearby.

Never pick up or carry the lawnmower while the engine is
running.

Keep in mind that the operator, or user, is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.

While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the lawnmower is to be
used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the
machine.

WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.

- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.

- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling.

- Add fuel before starting the engine. Ne ver remove the cap
of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or
when the engine is hot.

- If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapours have dissipated.

- Replace the fuel tank and container caps securely.

Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades,
blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged.

Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Avoid operating the lawnmower in wet grass, where feasible.
Walk, never run.

Mowing on banks can be dangerous:-

- Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

- Be particularly careful of your footing on slopes or
wet grass.

- Mow across the face of slopes - not up and down.

- Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

- Use extreme caution when stepping back or pulling the
lawnmower towards you.

Stop the engine if the lawnmower has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass and
when transporting the lawnmower to and from the area to be
mowed.

Never operate the lawnmower without the grassbag or
deflector guard in position.

Never operate the lawnmower with a defective deflector
guard.

Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed
the engine. Operating an engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.

Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with
feet well away from the blade(s). Do not tilt the mower
when starting.

Do not put hands or feet near, or under, rotating parts while
the lawnmower is being operated.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire:

- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawnmower;

- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the lawnmower;

- if the lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).

- before making height of cut adjustment.

Stop the engine:

- whenever you leave the lawnmower;

- before refuelling;

- before clearing blockages;

Reduce the throttle setting during engine shutdown.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the

lawnmower is in safe working condition.
Replace worn or damaged blade and blade bolts in sets to

preserve balance.
Never store the lawnmower with petrol in the tank inside a

building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,

identification plate compartment and petrol storage area
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.

Check the grassbox frequently for wear or deterioration.
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
Ensure only replacement parts fitted are Atco-Qualcast

approved.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.

Introduction

Thank you for buying y our ne w lawnmow er . This
manual gives instructions on the correct assembly
and safe use of your mower. It is important that y ou
read these instructions carefully . Your mow er may be

fitted with a Briggs & Stratton engine, please follow
the appropriate instructions and diagrams.

When fully assembled the machine weighs
approximately 32kg. If necessary, obtain assistance to
remove from pac kaging.

Tak e care when pushing the machine ov er unev en
surfaces. Ne v er lift the m achine unless y ou feel it is
comfortably light enough to do so. Obtain assistance
if you have tight areas or obstacles to negotiate.

Please record the following inf ormation. It will help
your service agent if you ever need assistance or
spare parts. The inf ormation is located on a label on
the rear of the machine.

Model Nº
Serial Nº
Date of purchase

Intended Use

This product is intended for domestic lawn mowing.

Unpacking

Carefully remove the machine from its pac kaging
and check that you have all the following items:

1. Mower

2. Handle top

3. Handle bottom

4. Grassbox halves

5. Deflector guard, 2 springs (LH & RH) and
hinge pin.

6. A hardware pack containing:
Mower Operating Instructions,
4 wingnuts, 2 bolts (square shank),4 bushes,
2 plasticspacers, 4 locknuts, 4 short handle
bolts, r ope guide/bolt, 2 cable clips,
Engine manual and
Machine Registration Card

If any components are missing please call the
Consumer Care Hotline on [phone] for
assistance. We also have a wide network of
Qualcast Approved Service Agents who you can
contact for service and advice both within and
outside the period of the guarantee.

For ordering spares/replacements please refer to
the parts diagram supplied.

Assembly

Assembling the deflector guard assembly to the
mower:

1. Insert the left hand end of the hinge pin in the
left hand handle bracket hole Fig 1, then locate
the right hand end of the hinge pin in the right
hand handle bracket.

2. Using a screwdriver to push the pin Fig 1A so
that the groove Fig 1B is visible.

3. Fit the clip Fig 1C to the groov e Fig 1B.

4. T o tension the deflector guard springs locate
the ends of the springs under the lugs, as show n
in Fig 1D. When correctly assembled the
deflector gurard is under spring tension even
when it is in the down position against the
mower.

Assembling the handles:

1. Assemble the handles Fig 2. Ensure that the rope
guide Fig 2 is fitted on the right hand side of the
handle Fig 2. DO NO T ROUTE ENGINE BRAKE
CABLE THROUGH ROPE GUIDE, USE CABLE CLIPS
FIG 2C SUPPLIED TO SECURE T O HANDLE.

2. Attach rope to the rope guide b y looping the
rope in a anti-clockwise direction Fig 3A.

Assembling Grassbox:

1. Assemble the grassbox Fig 4.

IMPORTANT:

FAILURE T O FIT THE DEFLECTOR

GUARD IS D ANGEROUS.

Preparation

Engine Oil

IMPORTANT: THE MOWER IS NOT SUPPLIED WITH OIL IN
THE ENGINE, HOWEVER IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS A
SMALL QUANTITY IN THE ENGINE. IT IS ESSENTIAL T O
FILL WITH OIL BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.

Checking and Filling

1. With the mower standing on le vel gr ound,
unscrew and remov e the oil f iller plug Fig 5A.

2. Wipe the fill plug clean; ref it and tighten the filler
cap and then remove it again.
Check the oil level.

3. Add a good-quality SAE 30 API SF oil in small
quantities at a time, allowing it to settle.

For models fitted with Briggs & Stratton,
engines:

Repeatedly add oil and check the level until it
reaches the full mark Fig 5B. The engine m ay
require up to 0.6 litres of oil. Do not o v erf ill.