Owners Manual
GRASS CATCHER
MODEL No. 108 – 109
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
Follow these instructions to avoid
PREFACE
Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Australian made and owned ROVER product.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the Rover Ride-on Mower Grass
Catcher. Please read and understand this Owner's Manual before using this grass catcher.
If any point is unclear, contact Rover Mowers Limited or any authorised Rover Mower Service
Dealer.
Rover Mowers Limited reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its products at any
time, without notice or obligation. The Company also reserves the right to discontinue the
manufacture of any product at its discretion at any time.
To emphasise special information, the words WARNING and CAUTION are used.
WARNING
The safety of the user and others
involved. Personal injury may result
CONTENTS PAGE
Preface i
Safety Instructions ii
1. Setting up
1.1 Grass Catcher selection 1
1.2 Loose parts kit Model 108 1
1.3 Loose parts kit Model 109 1
2. Retrofitting
2.1 Cutterhead modifications 2
3. Assembly
3.1 Towbar Installation 2
3.2 Installing the Support Bracket
3
3.3 Installing the Fan Disc Assembly
3
3.4 Blade Installation 3
3.5 Mounting the Grass Gatcher
4
3.6 Frame Assembly 4
3.7 Frame Installation 4
3.8 Outlet Chute Installation 5
3.9 Grass Transfer Tube 5
3.10 Skirt Installation 5
4. Operation
4.1 To Collect Grass 6
4.2 Emptying the Grass Catcher
6
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning the Grass Catcher 7
5.2 Cleaning the Transfer Tube 7
5.3 General 7
should this information be
disregarded.
CAUTION
mower damage and possible
loss of warranty.
Figure ILLUSTRATIONS PG
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4.1
Towbar Installation
Support Bracket Installation
Grass Catcher Support
Mounting the Catcher Assembly
Internal Frame Assembly
Frame Installation
Outlet Chute Installation
Fitting the Transfer Tube
Skirt installation
Emptying the grass catcher
With the added load of a grass
catcher mounted on the back of
a ride-on mower the handling
characteristics of the mower can
be affected. Therefore the
operator must be aware of this
fact and take extra care when
operating the ride-on, this is
especially evident when
cornering, traversing up and
down slopes and braking
WARNING
2
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
v Know your controls. Read the Owners Manual carefully. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in any
emergency.
v Do not allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower. Do not carry
passengers.
v Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones, bones, wire and debris. They could be thrown by the blade.
v Do not mow whilst people, especially children or pets are in the mowing area.
v Never mow across the face of the slope, unless the mower is designed for this purpose.
v Exercise extreme caution when on slopes.
v Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent overturning or loss of control.
v Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill.
v Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment:
(a) use only approved drawbar hitch points
(b) limit loads to those you can safely control
(c) do not turn sharply
(d) use care when backing up, and
(e) use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in the owner's manual
v Watch out for traffic when crossing or operating the mower near roadways.
v Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.
v When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while it is in operation.
v Before leaving the operator's position:
(a) disengage all clutches and secure cutting units
(b) change into neutral and set the parking brake, and
(c) stop the engine and remove the key
v Stop the engine and disengage the drive to attachments:
(a) before refuelling
(b) before making height adjustment unless adjustment can be made from the operator's
position
(c) before clearing blockages
(d) before checking, cleaning or working on the mower
(e) after striking a foreign object (inspect the mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment) and
(f) if machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately)
v Disengage the drive to the attachments when transporting or not in use.
v A mower operator should be in good physical and mental health and not under the influence of any drug or
alcohol which might impair vision, co-ordination or judgement.
v Never mow while barefoot or wearing open sandals or thongs. Wear long trousers and heavy shoes.
v It is advisable to wear suitable eye protection when operating a mower.
v Mow only in good daylight.
v Before using, always visually inspect to see th at the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. (Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance).
v Check all nuts, bolts and screws often. Always b e sure the mower is in a safe operating condition.
v Keep safety devices (guards and switches) in place and in working order.
v Never use the mower unless the grass catcher or guards provided by the manufacturer are in position.
v Ensure that any spare parts used comply with the original manufacturer's recommendations and
specifications.
v Replace worn or faulty silencer.
v Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease. These can be a fire hazard.
v Refuel outdoors only. Do not smoke while fuelling engine. Nev er remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol
while the engine is running or the engine is hot. Remove the fuel cap slowly to relieve and tank pressure. If
petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of the spill and
avoid creating any source of ignition until the petrol vapours have dissipated.
v Check for fuel leaks while refuelling or using the mower. If a fuel leak is found, do not start or run the engine
until the fuel leak is fixed and spilled fuel is wiped away.
v Do not operate the engine in a confined space where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
v Always mount the mower on the opposite side to the discharge chute.
v Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even for a moment.
v Store the mower in a well-ventilated room away from naked flames such as may be found in hot water
heaters.
v Do not lend or sell the mower without the Owner's Manual.
Damaged Blades and Worn Bolts are
Major Hazards
WARNING
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
The Rover Grass Catcher Models 108 and 109 are designed for
The Rover Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher has been designed to be fitted to and used with the Rover Rancher, Raider
and Lawn King, fitted with either the 30" or the 38" pressed steel cutterheads.
The correct model grass catcher to suit the Rover Rancher, Raider and Lawn King models and cutterhead combination
can be selected from the "Grass Catcher Selection Chart" (See Section 1. 1 below).
Some Rover Ride-on Mowers will need to have a towbar fitted and/or the use of a different mount support bracket before
the Rover Grass Catcher can be correctly mounted. These mowers are identified in the chart below by an asterisk *
1. SETTING UP
1.1 Grass Catcher Selection
Cutterhead Catcher Towbar Mount support
Rover Ride-on Mower Model No. Model No. Model No. Model 110 Bracket
Required A12 942
Rancher Selector Drive 17166 180 108 *
198 109
Rancher Selector Drive 27166 180 108 *
198 109 *
Rancher Selector Drive 17188 180 108 *
198 109
Rancher Selector Drive 27189 180 1'08 *
198 109 *
Rancher Auto-Drive 18166 180 108 *
198 109
Rancher Auto-Drive 28166 180 108 *
198 109 *
Rancher Auto-Drive 18188 180 108 *
198 109
Rancher Auto-Drive 28189 180 108 *
198 109 *
Rancher H dro 28266 180 108 *
Raider 4078 180 108
Lawn King Hydro 2950 180 108
198 109
WARNING
DO NOT FIT lO8/l09 Grass Catchers to rear engine mowers.
front engine ride-on mowers ONLY!
Before proceeding with the assembly of the grass catcher, remove the loose parts kit from the carton.
1.2 Loose parts kit – Model 108 (30” Cutterhead) 1.3 loose parts kit – Model 109 (38” Cutterhead)
Item No. Su lied
Transfer tube 1
Chute assembly 1
Rod-outlet chute
Fan disks assembly 1
Grass catcher assembly 1
Support bracket 1
Owner's manual 1
Side frame 2
Spreader 1
Bolt - 3/8 x 1" unc. 2
Nycloc nut - 3/8" unc. 3
Nyloc nut – ¼" unc. 4
Screw - 3/16' x 1" unc. RH. 4
Nyloc nut - 3/16' unc. 4
Washer - 3/8" flat
Transfer tube 1
Chute assembly 1
1
2
Rod-outlet chute 1
Grass catcher assembly 1
Support bracket 1
Owner's manual 1
Side frame 2
Spreader 1
Bolt - 3/8 x 1" unc. 2
Nyloc nut - 3/8" unc. 3
Nyloc nut – 1/4" unc. 4
Screw - 3/16' x 1" unc. RH. 4
Nyloc nut - 3/16' unc. 4
Skirt 1
Bolt- 5/16' x ¾" cuphead 2
Washer - 5/16' flat 2
Nyloc nut - s/16" unc. 2
Washer - 3/8" flat 4
Item No. Su lied
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
2. RETROFITTING
2.1 Cutterhead modifications - (Model 180 cutterhead only)
All Rover Ride-on Mowers manufactured before
September 1989 must be modified to take advantage
of the Rover Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher i.e.:
Rancher 12 hp Auto-Drive Model: 1866/180
Cutterhead modifications
Rancher 12 hp Selector Drive Model: 1766/180
Cutterhead modifications
________________________________________________________________________________________
This modification allows maximum air velocity to be
achieved at the outlet chute necessary for the catcher
to effectively collect grass cuttings.
These modifications involve the cutting of air intake
ports into the top of the Model 180 (30") cutterhead
and welding in stiffeners
CAUTION
Modifications to the cutterhead must
be carried out by an Authorised Rover
Service Dealer or Warranty on
products will be void.
3. ASSEMBLY
3.1 Towbar installation (Refer to Selection Chart - Section 1.1)
A towbar may need to be fitted to some models of the
Rover Rancher and Raider Ride-on Mower to
facilitate the mounting of the Ride-on Mower Grass
Catcher.
The mounting position of the rear bumper bar varies
between models of Rover ride-on mowers. Due to this
configuration the rear bumper bar model 1I0 has
three sets of mounting holes in the side mounting
flanges, which suit all front engine Ranchers and
Lawnking mowers currently manufactured by Rover.
(Refer to Figure 3. l).
The Rear Bumper Bar Model 110 is fitted as a
standard feature on the Lawn King and is an option
on Rancher Ride-ons and the Raider Ride- on.
1. Slide the towbar over the rear of the chassis with
the side brackets pointing upwards.
2. Align the holes in the towbar side brackets with
the holes in the rear of the chassis. Retain the
towbar with the four bolts, shakeproof washers
and nuts supplied.
CAUTION
Towbar brackets have 3 sets of
holes per side
Lawn King has the towbar fitted
as standard
Figure 3.1 – Towbar Installation
Towbar mounting holes
v Rancher Selector Drive, Auto
1
2
3
Drive
v Rancher Ride-ons
v Rancher Hydro
v Lawn King ride-ons – 18” dia.
Rear Tyres
v Lawn King ride-ons – 20” dia.
Rear Tyres
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
Modifications to the cutterhead must be
carried out by an Author
ised Rover
Locate the new Fan Disc Assembly supplied with
3.2 Installing the Support Bracket
The Grass Catcher mount support plate part No:
A12666 has four sets of mounting holes to suit all
front engine Rover ride-on mowers currently
manufactured by Rover. Refer figure 3.2a and 3.2b.
To fit the grass catcher to 17 and 18 series Rover
ride-on mowers the support mount plate supplied with
the grass catcher has to be replaced with the support
mount plate part No: A12942 which can be purchased
from any Authorised Rover Service Dealer.
1. Tilt the mower seat forward.
2. Remove the seat springs / buffers from the mower
by unbolting the centre retaining bolt and nut.
3. Position the support bracket over the two seat
spring/buffer mounting holes. Retain the support
bracket by replacing the seat springs/buffer and
retaining nuts. (Figure 3.2a)
Mounting Holes – Support Bracket to Chassis
Refer figure 3.2b.
Lawn King – fitted with 20” Rear Tyre
1
Rancher Auto, Selector & Hydro Drive
2
Raider
Lawnking - 18" Rear Tyres.
3.3 Installing the fan disc assembly
Model 180 (30" Cutterhead only)
CAUTION
Service Dealer or Warranty on products
will be void
l. Raise the front of the ride-on and support so as to
give access to the cutterhead disc.
2. Remove the existing cutter disc by unbolting the
four 3/8" unf. setscrews which hold the cutter disc
to the disc boss assembly.
3.
the grass catcher and fit this to the cutterhead
assembly in place of the cutter disc removed in
Step 2.
4. Attach the Fan disc assembly to the disc boss
assembly using four 3/8” unf. Setscrews. Torque
these setscrews to 46 Nm. (35Ft/lbs).
5. Four fluted blades should be fitted to the Fan disc
assembly to maximize grass cutting and
collecting. These fluted blades are available from
Rover service dealers and agents.
6. Lower the ride-on to the ground and check the
cutterhead tilt and level, as per the Ride-on
Owners Manual.
3.4 Blade installation -
Model 198 (38" Cutterhead)
l. Raise the cutterhead to the high cut position.
2. Raise the front of the ride-on to give access to the
cutterhead discs and blades.
3. Remove the existing blades and replace them with
four fluted blades using new blade bolts, washers and
nuts, on each disc. Fluted blades are available from
Rover service dealers and agents.
Figure 3.2a - Support Bracket Installation
Grass Catcher Mount Support Plate Holes
Support Bracket to Grass Catcher
3 • Rancher Selector Drive and Auto
Drive
• Raider
• Rancher Hydro
4
• Lawn King 18" & 20" Rear Tyres.
Figure 3.2b Support Bracket
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
3.5 Mounting the Grass Catcher
The grass catcher is supported off the rear towbar of
the Rover Rancher, Raider and Lawn King ride-on
mowers. Refer figure 3.3.
l. Lift the grass catcher assembly onto the mower,
positioning the support saddles on the rear
towbar on the mower.
2. Secure the grass catcher to the support bracket by
two 3/8" x 1" unc bolts and 3/8" unc nycloc nuts.
Placing a 3/8" flat washer under the nut and bolt
head.
Grass Catcher
Model 108 8109
3.6 Frame Assembly
The internal frame assembly consists of the two side
frames (A) and spreader plate (B)
These components are fastened together using '/,6' x 1
" round head screws (C) and '/16" unc. nyloc nuts (D)
(Refer Figure 3.5).
Figure 3.3 - Grass Catcher Support
Figure 3.5 - Internal Frame Assembly
3.7 - Frame Installation
1. With the grass catcher assembly mounted on the
mower, open up the grass catcher fully. To hold
the grass catcher open, tighten the pivot bolts.
(Refer Figure 3.6)
2. Insert the internal frame assembly (A) into the
grass catcher, aligning the mounting holes on the
internal frame over the locating bolts on the
catcher assembly.
3. Secure using four I/4" nyloc nuts (B). (Refer
Figure 3.6).
4. Loosen the two pivot bolts so that the catcher bag
assembly swings easily.
Figure 3.4 - Mounting the Catcher Assembly
Figure 3.6 – Frame Installation
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
When working on the
cutterhead
3.8 Outlet Chute Installation
WARNING
the mower must be:
• Stationary with the park brake
applied
• The engine switched off
• The ignition key removed.
1. Raise the stone guard (A) fitted to the mower
cutterhead and slip the tongue (B) of the
outlet chute between the stone guard and the
mower cutterhead.
(Refer Figure 3.7)
2. Lower the cutterhead stone guard (A) and slide
the outlet chute rod (C) into the tongue of
the outlet chute.
3. Retain the outlet chute rod by fitting the small
spring clip (D) into the eye of the rod.
Figure 3.7 – Outlet Chute Installation
3.9 Grass Transfer Tube
1. Hold the grass transfer tube by the handle (A)
and slide the tube into the opening in the front
panel of the grass catcher front plate. Then
slide the tube forward over the open end of
the outlet chute till it engages with the stop on
the outlet chute.
(Refer Figure 3.8)
2. Retain the tube by clipping the elasticised strap
(B) on the outlet chute over the retaining
button on the transfer tube (C).
(Refer Figure 3.8)
Figure 3.8 - Fitting the Transfer Tube
3.10 Skirt Installation –
(Model 198 cutterhead only)
1. Raise the cutterhead of the mower to the
highest cut position.
2. Position the skirt on the underside of the front
of the cutterhead and attach using the two
5/16” x 3/4“ cuphead bolts (A), pushed in
from the underside of the cutterhead so that
the flat washer (B) and nyloc nut (C) are on
the top side of the cutterhead.
(Refer Figure 3.9)
Figure 3.9 - Skirt Installation
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
4. OPERATION
4.1 To collect the Grass
l. Ensure that the outlet chute and transfer
tube are correctly positioned in
accordance with the procedures in
Section 3.8 and 3.9.
2. Select the required height of cut on the
rideon mower.
(a) On the first usage of the grass catcher,
the grass to be cut and collected
should be taken down to the required
length over several stages. This will
reduce overload on the grass catcher
outlet chute.
(b) Once an area has been cut and the
grass has been collected, this area
should be regularly mowed to
maintain an even grass length.
3. Select the ground speed on the ride-on
mower.
(a) Initially a slow speed will have to be
used with the grass catcher to assist
in grass pickup and improve
efficiency.
(b) Once the grass catcher has been used
on an area, which is regularly
maintained the ground speed may be
8. When turning your mower, with the grass
catcher mounted on your ride-on mower,
always visually check that the grass
catcher will not collide with any
obstruction that could damage it.
9. When using the grass catcher, check the
transfer tube from time to time to ensure
that grass is being collected and flowing
up the grass transfer tube.
10. It is recommended that the cutterhead
cutting discs be fitted with fluted blades
for maximum grass cutting and catching
efficiency. Fluted blades are available
from Rover service agents and dealers.
4.2 Emptying the Grass Catcher
l. Disengage the cutter drive on the mower
when the grass catcher is full or the
area to be cut and collected is
complete.
2. Select a suitable site where the cut grass
is to be emptied and proceed to the
selected site.
increased
4. When cutting grass and using the grass
catcher try to maintain an even ground
speed
over the area being cut and collected. This
Shift the speed selector on the mower
to neutral and apply the parking brake
WARNING
ensures a continuous flow of cut grass
being deposited into the catcher.
5. When cutting and catching wet or damp
grass it is advisable to reduce the ground
speed of the mower. Clogging of either the
outlet chute or the transfer tube may occur
if ground speed is too fast under these
conditions.
6. If the outlet chute or transfer tube should
3. Dismount from the mower and empty the
grass catcher by opening the catcher,
using the strap at the back of the grass
catcher. (Refer Figure 4.1)
clog, clear as follows:
(a) Disengage the cutterhead drive
(b) Shift the speed selector to neutral
(c) Apply the parking brake.
Remove the ignition key.
WARNING
Switch the engine off.
(d) Remove the transfer tube and outlet
chute.
(e) Clear the blockage.
7. Where possible, mow in an anticlockwise
direction to avoid objects lying in the
grass, which could damage the outlet
Figure 4.1 - Emptying the Grass Catcher
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
The mower must be stationary with the
etc.) to clean the transfer tube as these
5. MAINTENANCE
5.1 Cleaning the Grass Catcher
1. Hose down the outside of the grass
2. Open up the grass catcher and hose
5.2 Cleaning the Transfer Tube
park brake applied, the engine
switched off, and the ignition key
catcher to keep it free of debris and
any build-up of grass or dirt.
the inside of the grass catcher to
prevent any build-up of dirt within the
mesh of the grass catcher. This could
effect the free flow of exhausted air
from within the grass catcher.
WARNING
removed.
5.3 General
l. After each day's use, the ride-on mower
should be cleaned down.Paying particular
attention
to the build-up of any foreign matter around
the air intake ports in the top of the
cutterhead and around the engine exhaust
pipe and muffler.
2. Check the condition of the safety instruction
decals on the grass catcher and the
transfer tube and replace any that become
difficult to read.
3. Inspect the grass catcher lining for signs of
wear and tear caused by the conditions
under which it is used. If and when a
replacement grass catcher lining is
required, replacement grass catcher linings
are available from Rover Authorised
dealers and service agents.
Do not use any powder abrasive
cleaners or solvents (kerosene, petrol,
Wash out the inside of the transfer tube with a
mild liquid detergent and dry, to maintain the
transparency of the tube.
scratch and damage its clarity.
CAUTION
Rover Mowers Limited Ride-on Mower Grass Catcher
NOTES
Warranty Conditions
Australia & New Zealand Only
Rover Mowers Limited warrant that this machine is free from defects in material and
workmanship. This warranty is limited to making good or replacing any part which
appears upon inspection by the manufacturer or his agent to be defective in material
or workmanship.
This warranty shall apply for a period of 12 months from date of purchase except for
products used commercially where the warranty is limited to 90 days.
This warranty does not obligate the manufacturer, his agents or dealers to bear the
transport costs incurred in the repair or replacement of any defective part.
This warranty excludes fair wear and tear, or any damage caused by misuse or abuse.
Parts which can be subjected to use beyond their normal intended working capacity are
also excluded.
This warranty is void if parts other than genuine have been used or if repairs or
alterations have been made without the manufacturer's written authority.
The above warranty does not exclude any condition or warranty implied by the Trade
Practices Act 1974 or any other relevant legislation which implies any condition which
cannot be excluded.
REMEMBER:
PROOF OF PURCHASE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER AND IS NECESSARY
PRIOR TO WARRANTY WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN. REPAIRS MUST BE CARRIED OUT
BY AN AUTHORISED ROVER DEALER / SERVICE AGENT AND GENUINE SPARE PARTS
MUST BE USED OR YOUR WARRANTY WILL BE VOID.
Dealer's name:..........................................................................................................:..
For your record:
Dealer's address: .........................................................................................................
Dealer's phone no: ......................................................................................................
Product Model no: ......................................................................................................
Product Serial no: .......................................................................................................
Date of Purchase: ........................................................................................................
Rover Mowers Limited reserves the right to make changes of and add improvements
upon its product at any time without notice or obligation. The Company also reserves
the right to discontinue manufacture of any product at its discretion at any time.
ROVER
Mowers Limited
Rover Mowers Australia Rover Mowers New Zealand
P.O. Box 1235, East Tamaki,
Eagle Farm. Qld 4009. Australia. Auckland. New Zealand.
04012664 Rev. A © Copyright 9/98
A.C.N.000257303
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