Weed Eater 960240001 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manua_

26" RUDmNGMOWER

SiDE DmSCHARGE ELECTRIC START

Catalog No,

WE261

433203

IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety

Rulesand Instructionsbefore

operating this equipment.

Patents Pending

Warranty ................................................... 2

Safety Rules ............................................ 3

Product Specifications ............................ 6

Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................ 7

Operation ............................................... I 0

Maintenance .......................................... 16

Service and Adjustments ....................... 20

Storage ................................................... 24

Troubleshooting ..................................... 25

Repair Parts .......................................... 27

Maintenance Schedule ......................... 16

LBiViITEDWARRANTY

The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in mated- als and wod{manshlp For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or

replace, at our option, without charge for paris or labor incurred in replacing paris any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions

1 This warranty does not apply to the engine, battery (except as noted below) or components paris thereof Please refer to

the applicable manufacturer's warranty on these items

2 Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment untl or attachment are the responsibility of the purchas.

er Transportation charges for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser unless such return is requested by the manufacturer,

3. Battery Warranty: On products equipped wttha Battery, we wiU replace, without charge to you, any batten/which we find to be defective in manufacture, during the first ninety (g0) days of ownership. After ninety (90} days, we will exchange the

Battery, charging you 1/t 2 of the price of a new Battery for each ful! month from the date of the original sate Battery must be maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished

4 The Warrant,/does not applyto any productsused for rental or commercialpurposes

5 This Warranty applies only to products which have been property assembled, adjusted, operated, and maintained in ac-

cordance withthe instructions furnished ThisWarranty does not apply to any productwhich has been subjectedto eltera* lion, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, delivery damage, or to normal wear ofthe product

6 Exclusions: Excluded from this Warranty are belts, blades, blade adapters, normal wear, normal adjustments, standard

hardware and normal maintenance.

7. In the event you have a claim under this Warranty,you must return the productto an authorized service dealer., Shouldyou have any unanswered questionsconcerningthis Warranty, please contact:

HOP

Outdoor Products Customer Service Dept, 1030 Stevens Creek Road

Augusta, GA 30907 USA

givingthe model number, serial number and dale of pumhase of your product and the name and address of the authorized

dealer from whom itwas purchased

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRAN+ TIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR OUR EXPRESSED WARRANTIES Some areas do not allow the limitationof consequenfialdamages or !imitations of how long an implied Warranty may last. so the above Itmflalionsor exclusions may not appfy to you, 1his Warranty gives you specific legal _ghts+ and you may have other rights

whichvary from localeto rocele This is e limtled Warranty withinthemeaningof thattermas defined In tha MagnusomMoss Act of 1975,

inCanada contact: HOP

5B55 Tony Fox Way Mississauga, Ontario LbV 3E4

DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of am putaU ng hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

_WARNING: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transporting,

adjusting or making repairs, always discon- nect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug,

_WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in

neutral, you may lose control of the riding mower.

_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certainvehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State

of Californiato cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. _WARNING:This unit is not intended for towing, or use of wheel weights. Only use

attachments designed specifically for this riding mower°

_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects

or other reproductive harm. Wash hands

after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions on the machine and in the manual

before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine_ Keep clear

of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up

and thrown by the blade_

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine ifanyone

enters the area.

• Never carry passengers,

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind

before and while backing.

. Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may

ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

. Do notoperate machine without the entire

grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.

, Slow down before turning_ o Never leave a running machine unat-

tended, Always turn off blade, set park-

ing brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

• Disengage blade when not mowing, Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the

machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute,

o Operate machine only in daylight or good

artificial light,

° Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

• Use extracare when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck,

• Always wear eye protection when operat-

ing machine.

° Data indicates that operators, age 60

years and above, are involved in a large

percentage of riding mower-related inju-

ries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and

others from serious injury_

° Keep machine free of grass, leaves or

other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts and burn, Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or

other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine, Allow

machine to cool before storage.

ll. SLOPE OPERATBON

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can

result in severe injury or death, Operation

on all slopes requires extra caution_ If you cannot back up the slope or ifyou feel uneasy

on it, do not mow it.

• Mow up and clown slopes (15 ° Max), not

across.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or

other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide

obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the

slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass, Tires may lose traction.

, Always keep the machine in gear when

going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

, If machine stops while going uphill,

disengage blade, shift into reverse and back down slowly.

, Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a

slope, If the tires lose traction, disengage the blade and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

° Keep all movement on the slopes slow and

gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.

° Use extra care while operating machine

with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affectthe stability of the machine.

• Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could sud-

denly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.

HI. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume

that children will remain where you last

saw them. o Keep children out of the mowing area and

in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

° Never carry children, even with the blade

shut off. They may fall offand be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine

operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in

the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

, Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.

iV. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE To avoid personal injury or property dam-

age, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive_

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running, Allow engine to cool

before refueling,

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or

pilot light such as on a water heater or

other appliances,

o Never fill containers inside a vehicle or .

on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling. Remove gas-powered equipment from the

truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground, o tf this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim o of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. °

If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing

immediately. ,

Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. °

GENERAL SERVUCE

" Never operate machine in a closed area.

• Keep al! nuts and bolts tight to be sure the

equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly,

° Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or

otherdebris build-up. Clean oilorfuel spill- age and remove any fuel-soaked debris.

Allow machine to cool before storing.

If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspectthe machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

Never make any adjustments or repairs

with the engine running.

Check grass catcher components and the

discharge chute frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

Mower blade is sharp_ Wrap the blade or

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them° Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary. Be sure the area is clear of bystanders

before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

Gasoline Capacity and Type:

Oil Type (API-SG-SL):

Oil Capacity: Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

Ground Speed Forward: 0-4 mph

iBlade Bolt Torque: 45_55 Ft. Lbs,

1,2 qL Unleaded Regular

SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(bebw 32°F

20 oz.

(Gap: ,030")

Reverse: 0-1 mph

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITBES

• Read and observe the safety rules_ , Follow a regular schedule in maintaining,

caring for and using your riding mower,

o Follow the instructions under "Mainte-

nance" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

_WARNING: This riding mower is equipped with an internal combustion en-

gine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's

exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state

laws (if any), If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public

Resources Code). Other states may have similar taws. Federal laws apply on federal

lands. A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized

service center,

Steering Wheel Insert

(1) Pin

Steering Cover

Seat

Steering Wheel

(1) 5f16 Flat Washer

Steering Wheel Adapter

(1) Washer

(I) Knob

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) 1/2-20 Jam Nut

(1) 5f16-18 Lock Nut

(1) 5116-18x 1 1/2

Hex Bolt

(2) Key

Steering Shaft Cover

Steering Shaft

Slope Sheet

Your new riding mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your riding mower all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier, Standard wrench sizes you need

are listed below..

(1) 3/4" wrench (!) I/2" wrench

(!) Utility knife (1) Tire pressure gauge

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the

operating position (seated behind the steer- ing wheel).

TO REMOVE RIDING MOWER FROM

4. Slide steering shaft protective foam cover over shaft,

5. Position front wheels of the riding mower

so they are pointing straight forward°

Foam Cover

CARTON

UNPACK CARTON t. Cut along dotted lines on all four panels

of carton, Remove carton and top frame as one unit.

2. Remove packing materials from riding mower.

NOTE: Only cut carton with a short blade utility knife, a long blade or saw can puncture

tires on unit.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR RIDING

MOWER iNSTALL STEERING COLUMN

1, Insert steering shaft into mount and se-

curely fasten with bolt, washer, and nut provided,

2. Insert pin into hole in steering shaft,

3. Slide plastic cover over steering shaft and into position,

Shaft

Plastic Cover

Steering Shaft

Mount

Bolt Seat

Steering Shaft

6. Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto

steering shaft.

7. Press steering wheel into position on shaft, install large washer, and tighten

nut securely,

8. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel securely,

INSTALL SEAT

!. Pivot seat upward and remove from the

cardboard packing. Remove the card-

board packing and discard°

2. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoul- der bolt is positioned over large slotted

hole in pan.

3o Push down on seat to engage shoulder

bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of riding mower.

Seat

Bolt

Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble

adjustment knob and flat washer loosely_

Do not tighten.

Flat Wa_he__l_

Adjustment Knob

5, Lower seat into operating position and

sit in seat.

6. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/

brake pedal all the way down,

7o Get off seat without moving its adjusted

position,

8. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob

securely.

CHECK BATFERY

Make sure battery is securely fastened,

and that all wires are securely connected.

• Battery is located under the seat.

• Battery has been fully charged from the

factory, before installation,

Battery

NOTE: Battery should only be charged using charger specified in "BATTERY" section in

the service and adjustments section of this manual. Charger can be purchased at your

local service center,

NOTE: You may now roll your riding mower off the skid. Follow the appropriate

instruction below to remove the riding mower

from the skid.

WARNING: Before starting, read, un-

derstand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure

riding mower is in a welkventilated area. Be sure the area in front of riding mower is clear of other people and objects°

TO ROLL RnDING MOWER OFF SKSD (See Operation section for

location and function of controls)

1. Raise deck lift lever to its highest

position.

2, Release parking brake by depressing

clutch/brake pedal.

3, Engage freewheel control. See ''TO

TRANSPORT" in the operation section

of this manual,

4, Roll riding mower forward off ski& CHECK TiRE PRESSURE

The tires on your riding mower were overinflated at the factory for shipping pur-

poses. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

- Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing

should be properly leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITON OF MOWER DRIVE BELT

See the figure that is shown for replacing the mower drive belt in the service and

adjustment section of this manual, Verify

that the belt isrouted correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your rid- ing mower, check to see that the brake is operating properly. See ,,TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

_CHI=CKLIST

Before you operate your new riding mower, we wish to assure that you receive the best

performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product. Please review the following checklist:

J All assembly instructions have been

completed,

v" No remaining loose parts in carton.

Battery is properly connected.

J" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-

ened securely.

J All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-

ping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory)_

J Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

side-to-sideifront-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated

for leveling)_

vr Check mower belt. Be sure it is routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers_

vf Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly clamped.

J' Before driving riding mower, be sure free-

wheel control is in "transmission engaged"

position (see 'TO TRANSPORT" in the

Operation section of this manual).

While learning howto use your riding mower,

pay extra attention to the following important items:

J Engine oil is at proper level. J Fuel tank isfitled with fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline.

J Become familiar with all controls, their

location and function. Operate them before you start the engine.

¢r Be sure brake system is in safe operating

condition.

J' Be sure Operator Presence System and

Reverse Operation System (ROS) are working properly (See the Operation and

Maintenance sections in this manual),

These symbols may appear on your riding mower or in literature supplied with the prod- ucto Learn and understand their meaning,

R N H L I\B

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST

SLOW

IGNITION SWITCH

8 8

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE Ohl ENGINE START PARK|FIG BRAKE

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

o ,Q

OVER TEMP FUEL

LIGHT

OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE

FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT

PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED UNLOCKED

®@@@@

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

BRAKFJCLUTCH

PEDAL

Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or

death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform-

ation about hazards which can result in death, serious injury

and!or property damage.

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

FREEWHEEL CONTROL

DISENGAGED

FREEWHEEL CONTROL

ENGAGED

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

DANGER Indicatesa hazard which,ifnot avoided,

will result in death or serious injury. WARNING indicatesa hazardwhich,ifnotavoided,

could result in death or serious Injury. CAUTION indicates a hazardwhich,ifnotavoided,

might result in minor or moderate injury. CAUTION whenusedwithout the alertsymbol,

indicatesa situation thatcould result in damage to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicatesahazardwhich, ifnot avoided,could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage. FIRE indicatesa hazardwhich,if notavoided,

could result in death, serious injuryand/or property damage.

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULF._ SECTION)

KNOW YOUR RiDiNG MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR RIDING MOWER

Compare the illustrations with your riding mower to familiarize yourseff with the locations of various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference.

_ Parking

Brake Pedal Brake

Deck Clutch

Lever

Lift Lever Plunger

Height

Ignition

Switch

Motion Control

Lever

Freewheel Control

Our riding mowers conform to the applicable safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute.

DECK CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage the mower blade,

BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the rid- ing mower and starting the engine.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER - Used to adjust mower cutting height.

IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping the engine.

LIFT LEVER PLUNGER - Used to release height adjustment lever when changing its

position°

PARKING BRAKE LEVER - Locks park- ing brake into brake position, MOTION CONTROL LEVER _ Selects the

speed and direction of the riding mower,

FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disengages

transmission for pushing or slowly towing the riding mower with the engine off.

ROS "ON" POSITION. Allows operation

of mower deck or other powered attach-

ment while in reverse°

The operation of any riding mower can result in foreign objects thrown

into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear

safety glasses or eye shields while operating your riding mower or performing any adjustments or repairs° We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses_

HOW TO USE YOUR RIDBNG

MOWER

TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your riding mower is equipped with an opera-

tor presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator to

leave the seat without first setting the parking

brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress brake pedal all the way down and hold.

2. Depress parking brake leverand release pressurefrom brake pedal. Pedaishould

remain in brake position. Make sure parking brake will hold riding mower

seoure_

Parking Brake Motion

Pedal-Push Down _,,Control

Br= "Disengaged" "Engaged" Position

Position Deck

Brake Pedal Lever "Drive" "Engaged"

Position Position

STOPPING

MOWER BLADE

• To stop mower blade, move deck clutch lever to disengaged position.

GROUND DRIVE -

• To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal all the way down.

ENGINE -

• Turn ignition keyto"STOP" position and re-

move key. Always remove keywhen leaving riding mowerto prevent unauthorized use.

iMPORTANT; Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause

the battery to discharge and go dead.

Mower Height

Adjustment

Deck Clutch

Lever

NOTE: Under certain conditions when riding mower is standing idle with the engine run- ning, hot engine exhaust gases may cause

"browning" of grass° To eliminate this pos- sibility, always stop engine when stopping

riding mower on grass areas.

_CAUTION: Always stop riding mower completely, as described above, before leaving the operator's position.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD The direction and speed of movement is

controlled by the motion control lever.

1. Start riding mowerwith clutch/brake pedal

depressed and motion control lever in neutral (N) position.

2. Move motion control lever to desired

position.

& Slowly release clutch/brake pedalto start

movement.

IMPORTANT: Bring riding mower to a com- plete stop before shifting or changing gears.

Failure to do so will shorten the useful life of your transaxle_

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of the mower height deck lift

lever determines the cutting height.

° Grasp lift lever.

• Press lift lever plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position.

The cutting height range is approximately

1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from

the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate

and may vary depending upon soil condi- tions, height of grass and types of grass

being mowed.

• The average lawn should be cut to ap- proximately 2-1/2" during the cool season and to over 3" during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow

often and after moderate growth.

• For best cutting performance, grass over 6" in height should be mowed twice, Make

the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height.

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