Scotts SP6211,SP6213 Operator's Manual
OMGC00390 K9
k9
21-Inch Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers
SP6211 and SP6213
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
North American Version
Litho in U.S.A.
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Thank You for Purchasing a Scotts Product
We appreciate your business and wish you many years of
safe and satisfied use of your machine.
Using Your Operator’s Manual
This manual is an important part of your machine and
should remain with the machine when you sell it.
Reading your operator’s manual will help you and others
avoid personal injury or damage to the machine.
Information given in this manual will provide the operator
with the safest and most effective use of the machine.
Knowing how to operate this machine safely and correctly
will allow you to train others who may operate t his machine.
Section in your operator’s manual are placed in a specific
order to help you understand all the safety messages and
learn the controls so you can operate this machine safely.
You can also use this manual to answer any specific
operating or ser vicing questions. A convenient index
located at the end of this book will help you to find needed
information quickly.
The machine shown in this manual may differ slightly from
your machine, but will be similar enough to help you
understand our instructions.
RIGHT-HAND and LEFT-HAND sides are determined by
facing in the direction the machine will travel when going
forward. When you see a broken line arrow (------>), the
item referred to is hidden from view.
Special Messages
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention
to potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as
helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all
the highlighted information carefully to avoid injury and
machine damage.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the
manual that may help the operator in the operation of
the machine.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
cCAUTION: Avoid injury!
This symbol and text highlight potential
hazards or death to the operator or bystanders
may occur if the hazards or procedures are
ignored.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! This text is used to
tell the operator of actions or conditions that might
result in damage to the machine.
Warning:g
The Engine Exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California t o cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Product Identification
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
ProductIdentification
Record Identification Numbers
If youneedtocontact an authorizedScottsservicing dealer
for information on servicing, always provide the product
model and serial number.
You will need to locate the model and serial number for the
machine and fortheengineofyour machine and record the
information in the spaces provided below.
DATE OF PURCHASE:
_________________________________________
DEALER NAME:
_________________________________________
DEALER PHONE:
_________________________________________
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (A):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (B):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
MX1575
B
A
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
All information, illustrations and
specifications in this manual are based
on the latest information at the time of
publication. The right is reserved to
make changes at any time without
notice.
COPYRIGHT© 1999
Deere & Co.
John Deere Worldwide Commercial and
Consumer Equipment Division
Horicon, WI
All rights reserved
Previous Editions
COPYRIGHT©
OMGC00390 K9 - English
Tableof Contents
Contents
Safety .....................................................................................................................................................................................1
Operating................................................................................................................................................................................5
Replacement Parts...............................................................................................................................................................12
Service Intervals...................................................................................................................................................................13
Service .................................................................................................................................................................................14
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................................................25
Storing Machine....................................................................................................................................................................27
Assembly..............................................................................................................................................................................29
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................................................33
Warranty...............................................................................................................................................................................35
Index.....................................................................................................................................................................................38
Safety - 1
SAFETY
Safety
Safety-Alert Symbol
Read and recognize safety information. Be alert to the
potential for personal injury when you see this safety-alert
symbol.
On your machine safety labels, the words DANGER,
WARNING, a nd CAUTION are used with this safety-alert
symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards. In
this manual, the word CAUTION and this symbol call
attention to safety messages.
Machine Safety Labels
WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• Read the Owner’sManual.
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
• Do not mow when children or others are around.
• Look down and behind before and while mowing
backwards.
• Remove objects that could be thrown by the blade.
• Keep safety devices in place and working.
DANGER: KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM
CUTTING BLADES
DANGER:ROTATINGBLADE
DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET UNDER OR INTO
MOWER WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING
DANGER:
To avoid injury, do not operate mower without protective
Safety - 2
SAFETY
mulch guard, side discharge chute or grass bagging
system fastened in place.
DANGER:ROTATINGBLADE
• Stop engine before opening safety door and clearing
bagging chute.
THROWN OBJECTS
• Do not operate mower without protective guard, side
discharge chute, or complete bagging system fastened in
place.
CAUTION
• Bag is subject to wear deterioration.
• Check bag frequently, replace when necessary.
• Use John Deere bag or equivalent to comply with safety
specifications.
Certification Label
The OPEI label on your mower indicates that this model
has been certified by an independent laboratory for
compliance with American National Standard B-71.1,
“Safety Specifications” for Power Lawn Mowers, Lawn and
Garden Tractors, and Lawn Tractors.
SAFETY
Operate Safely
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware
is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing
parts. Be sure proper guards, plates, grass catcher, or
other safety protective devices are in good condition and
fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before
you operate.
• Clear work area of objects that might be thrown. Keep
people and pets out of the work area. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• If you hit an object, stop the machine and inspect it.
Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine properly
maintained and in good working order.
• DO NOT leave machine unattended when it is running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Be sure of footing. Be especially careful when you pull
machine backwards with the engine running.
• Mow across a hill - not up and down. Be careful when
you change direction on a slope. DO NOTmow excessively
steep slopes.
• DO NOT mow wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
you to slip.
• Keepafirmholdonthemachinehandle.
• DO NOT wear radio or music headphones while
operating the machine. Safe operation requires your full
attention.
• DO NOToperate mower if youare under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
Safety - 3
SAFETY
Rotating Blades are Dangerous - Protect
Children and Prevent Accidents
PROTECT CHILDREN:
• Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay
alert to the presence of children.
• Keep children in the house when you are operating the
machine.
• Turn machine off if a child enters the area.
• Use extra care when you come to blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your vision.
• DO NOT let children or an untrained person operate the
machine.
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
• Be alert at all times, people especially children can
move quickly into the area before you know it.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads.
• Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating
blades.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate for the job.
• Do Not operate the equipmentwhen barefootor wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
• Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing,
wearasuitableprotectivedevicesuchasearplugs.
Practice Safe Maintenance
• Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep
area clean and dry.
• Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is
moving. Keep safety devices in place and in working
condition. Keep hardware tight.
• To prevent them from getting caught, keep hands, feet,
clothing, jewelry, and long hair awayfrom any moving parts.
• Beforeservicing machine,disengage all power and stop
the engine. Let engine cool.
• Securely support any machine elements that must be
raised for service work.
• Keep all parts in good condition and proper ly installed.
Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts.
Remove any buildup of grease, oil, or debris.
• Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair
its function and safety.
Safety - 4
SAFETY
Avoid Injury from Contacting Blade
Before you unplug or adjust machine:
• STOP the engine.
• Wait for blade to STOP.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from blade when
engine is running.
Handling Waste Products
• Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, and batteries,
can harm the environment and people.
• DO NOT use beverage containers for waste fluids someone may drink from them.
• See your local Recycling Center or authorized Scotts
servicing dealer to learn how to recycle or get rid of waste
products.
• A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides specific
details on chemical products: physical and health hazards,
safety procedures, and emergency response techniques.
The seller of the chemical products used with your machine
is responsible for providing the MSDS for that product.
Handling Fuel Safely
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable:
• DO NOT refuel machine while you smoke, when
machine is near an open flame or spar ks, or when engine
is running. STOP engine.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors.
• Prevent fires: clean oil, grease and dirt from machine.
Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
• Do not store machine with fuel in tank in a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric
discharge. Use only non-metal, portable fuel containers
approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the
American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). If using a
funnel, make sure it is plastic and has no screen or filter.
• Static electric discharge can ignite gasoline vaporsin an
ungrounded fuel container. Remove the fuel container from
the bed of a vehicle or the trunk of a car and place on the
ground away from the vehicle before filling. Keep nozzle in
contact with container opening while filling.
• When practical, remove equipment from trailers or truck
beds and refuel them on the ground. If this is not possible,
use a portable, plastic fuel container to refuel equipment on
atruckbedortrailer.
• DO NOT use METHANOL gasoline. METHANOL is
harmful to the environment and to your health.
Operating - 5
OPERATING
Operating
Engine Controls
A - Primer Bulb
Handle Controls
A - Blade Control Lever
B - Traction Clutch Lever
C - Starter Handle
D - Travel Speed Lever (SP6213)
Handle and Cutting Height Controls
A - Fold Handle Knobs
B - Handle Height Knobs
C-CuttingHeightLevers
ADJUSTMENTS
Adjusting Cutting Height
NOTE: Adjust both levers to same height except for
LOWEST cutting height (A). This adjustment improves
mulching performance at lowest cutting height:
• Put front wheel levers in 25 mm (1 in.) notch: First
rear notch.
• Put rear wheel levers in 38 mm (1-1/2 in.) notch:
Second rear notch.
To help move rear wheel lever:
1. Lift lower handlebar slightly with one hand to take some
weight off wheel.
2. Move height adjustment lever to desired position with
other hand.
MX1568
A
M93034
B
A
C
D
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Before you adjust
cutting height:
STOP ENGINE.
M96540
B
A
A
B
C
C
Operating - 6
OPERATING
Adjusting Handle Height
Upper Handle:
NOTE: Upper handle height can be independently
adjusted to two positions.
1. Remove knob (A) and bolt (B) from each side of upper
handle.
2. Move handle to desired height.
3. Install bolt through matching holes in upper and lower
handles on each side.
4. Install and tighten knob (A).
Lower Handle:
NOTE: Lower handle height can be independently
adjusted to three positions.
1. Loosen knob (C) approximately 25 mm (1 in.) on each
side of handle.
NOTE: Carriage bolts must travel within slotted
adjustment brackets and come to rest within one of the
three height setting positions (E) before tightening.
2. Pivot handle to a desired height within slotted
adjustment bracket (D).
Key Cutting Height Adjustments In mm (Inches)
(A) 25mm(1in.)
(B) 38 mm (1-1/2 in.)
(C) 50mm(2in.)
(D) 64 mm (2-1/2 in.)
(E) 75mm(3in.)
(F) 90 mm (3-1/2 in.)
(G) 102 mm (4 in.)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
M87101
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
M87102
A
B
M92146
M88835
C
D
E
Operating - 7
OPERATING
3. If bag preventslowering of handle, remove clip (F) to
remove rod (G). Remove rod from lower position (H) and
insert in upper position as shown to lengthen bag.
4. Tighten knob (C) on each side of handle.
Starting Engine
1. Primeenginebypressingprimerbulb(A):
• COLD Engine - 3 times
• WARM Engine - 1 or 2 times
2. Hold blade control lever (B) against handle.
3. Pull starter handle until you feel resistance. Then pull
fast and steady.
4. When engine starts, return rope slowly.
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes
can cause sickness or death.
Run engine only in a ventilated area.
If engine is run in an enclosed area, open doors
to bring in outside air.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent
damage to recoil starter and band brake , do not start
engine:
• When blade is under load, such as, in heavy
grass.
• When blade control lever is released.
M96559
F
G
H
MX1568
A
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! WHEN ENGINE IS
RUNNING, BLADE IS TURNING.
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from the
blade.
B
M93034
M88828
Operating - 8
OPERATING
Forward Travel
To Travel Forward:
Pull and hold traction clutch lever (A) against upper handle.
To Stop Forward Travel:
NOTE: Rear wheels will make a clicking noise when
mower is pushed forward. This indicates that the drive
train is operating correctly.
Release lever (A). Release traction clutch lever before
turning the mower.
Travel Speeds
Travel speed: (SP6211)
• 1stGear:3.9km/h(2.4mph)
Travel speeds: (SP6213)
• 1stGear:3.1km/h(1.9mph)
• 2nd Gear: 3.9 km/h (2.4 mph)
• 3rd Gear: 5.0 km/h (3.1 mph)
To change travel speeds: (SP6213)
NOTE: Mower travel speed can be changed when the
traction clutch lever is engaged and the mower is
moving forward.
• Raise or lower speed control lever (A) to engage desired
gear.
Stopping Engine
Release handle and levers:
• Mower will stop.
• Blade will stop.
• Engine will stop.
M93034
A
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If blade does not stop
within 3 seconds after you release blade stop lever,
see your authorized Scotts servicing dealer.
M93035
A
M73293a
Operating - 9
OPERATING
Using Side Discharge Chute
1. Release blade control lever to stop engine.
2. Remove mulch guard knob (A).
3. Lift and hold spring loaded mulch guard (B) up.
4. Install side discharge chute (C).
• Slide side discharge chute under mulch guard
mounting bracket.
• Lower mulch guard.
• Reinstall and tighten knob (A).
Using Grass Bag
NOTE: Bag may wear and deteriorate. Check condition
of bag often. Use a John Deere bag or equivalent to
comply with safety specifications.
1. Release blade control lever to stop engine.
2. Grasp handle (A) and handle (B) from left side of mower.
Lift bag off mower.
3. Lower front of bag. Raise rear of bag grasping handle
(A) and handle (B).
4. Allow doors (C) to swingopen. Shake contents of bag to
empty out.
Mowing Tips
Beforebeginningtomow,besuredeckislevelandproper
cutting height is selected.
cCAUTION:Avoidinjury! DO NOT operate mower
unless grass bag assembly, side discharge
chute or mulch guard is in place.
MX1566
A
B
MX1570
B
C
A
cCAUTION: Avoidinjury! DO NOT operate mower
unless mulch guard, side discharge chute or
grass bag and bagging chute are in place.
BaggingchuteMUSTberemovedandmulch
guard secured in place when grass bag is not
being used.
M96549
B
A
M96558
C
Operating - 10
OPERATING
When you mow an area for the first time, travel SLOW and
cut HIGH so you can:
• Learn the terrain.
• Learn the best mowing pattern.
• Help prevent hitting objects hidden in the grass.
Try to m ow grass only when it is dry: Wet grass may plug
mower and leave a trail of grass clumps.
Use a travel speed that fits the conditions:
• Travel SLOW when you mow thick, tall grass.
• FAST travel or sharp turns may produce stripes or
uneven cut. Slow down. Short, fast turns may scuff ground
and pull grass out by the roots.
• Travel at MODERATE speed when youmow a thin stand
of grass.
Mow often enough so you cut only 1/3 of grass blade in one
mowing. Cutting grass too short may kill grass and let
weeds grow easily.
Aerate lawn to help stimulate soil organisms and root
growth.
To Avoid Scalping
• Pay attention to the way you mow: scalping can be
eliminated.
• If mower scalps easily, cutting height may be too low for
ground conditions–especially on lawns with many small
mounds and r idges.
• Mow over ridges and through shallow ditches straighton, not at an angle.
Keep blade sharp: A dull blade will tear grass; tips of grass
will then turn brown.
Check lawn regularly for uneven cut. If cut is uneven:
• Mower may not be level. Adjust cutting height levers.
Bagging Tips
For best performance, bagger needs good airflow. To help
increase airflow:
• Keep underside of deck and chute clean.
• Cut grass high.
• Clean bag often with water from garden hose, from
outsidetoinsideofbag.Letbagdrybeforeuse.
When bag is full:
• Mower may leave a trail of clippings.
• Clippings may blow out from under deck.
• Top of bag will deflate.
Bagging and Composting
Many communities will no longer haul lawn clippings and
leaves to landfills. Bagging and composting clippings and
leaves is one way to solve this problem.
Clippings from grass bag may also be used as mulch, or
sheet compost, between garden rows and around trees
and shrubs. This mulch will:
• Keep weeds from growing.
• Help soil keep moisture.
• Add nutrients to soil as it decays.
• Help keep soil temperature down during hot weather.
You may compost clippings and leaves in various ways.
See garden magazines or clubs for information, or go to
your local library for help.
Finished compost is crumbly. It is rich in soil nutrients, and
can be spread on your lawn. Compost may also be worked
into soil. It adds humus to soil and improves soil texture,
making soil looser and easier to work.
Mulching Tips
Advantages:
• You d o not have to rake or bag grass or leaves.
• Lawn holds moisture better during dry weather.
• Soil temperatures stay down during hot weather.
• Mulch adds nutrients to soil, and reduces need for
fertilizer.
Mulching does not make thatch. Frequentshallow watering
and fertilizer application produce thatch from roots that
grow close to surface.
Be careful when you mulch leaves in Fall. Grass needs
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! DO NOT leave
clippings in bag:
• Moisture may damage bag.
• Damp clippings are a fire hazard.
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