Weed Eater 96112011700 Owner’s Manual

OPERA FOR'S

MANUAL

DELUXE PUSH ROTARY

.LAWN MOWER

Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance
° Serviceand Adjustments

• Storage
° Troubleshooting

-&WARNING: Thislawn mower is equipped withan internatcombustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or

grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system isequipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). Ifa spark arrester 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 laws, Federal laws apply
on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest

authorized service center.

193732 Rev. 5 09.24.10 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safely Rules ................. 2-3 Maintenance ............. 14-16 Storage ..................... 18-19

Assembly ...................... 4-7 Service and Troubleshooting ........ 19-20

Operation .................... 8-13 Adjustments .............. 16-17

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands andfeet andthrowing ob-

jects. Failureto observe thefollowing safetyinstructions could result inserious injuryordeath.
`&Look for this symbol to point out impor- • Do not pull mower backwards unless

rant safely precautions. Itmeans
CAUTION/!! BECOME ALERTt!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
`&WARNING: Inordertopreventaccidental •

starting when setting up, transporting, ad-

justing or making repairs, always disconnect

sparkplug wire andplace wirewhere itcannot
come in contact with plug.

,&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its •

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and •
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

`&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.

`& CAUTION: Muffler and

other engine parts become

extremely hot during
operation and remain hot

after engine has stopped.
To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.

° Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by blade.

° Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare-

foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.

absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving

backwards,
Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awall or obstruction. Material may richo-
chet back toward the operator. Stop the

blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.
See manufacturer's instructions for

proper operation and installation of
accessories, Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the blade comes to complete stop before

removing grass catcher.

° Mow only in daylight / good artificial light.
° Donot operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

° Disengage the self-propelled mech-

anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine,

• ]f the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Alwayswear safetygoggles orsafetyglass-
eswithsideshields when operating mower.

!1,SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
faUaccidents which can result insevere in-

jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

° Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution

2 when changing direction on slopes.

H

• Remove obstacles (rocks, tree limbs,etc.)

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass, Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is

notatert to the presence ofchildren. Children
are often attracted to the machine and the

mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.

° Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the mower.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

IV, SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

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 an approved container.

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

before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain-

er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.

• Never fill containers insidea vehicle, on

a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground

away from yourvehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the
truckor trailer and refuel iton theground. If
thisis notpossible, then refuel such equip-
ment with a portable container, ratherthan
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

° Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim

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.

V, GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run machine inside a closed area.
° Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine (motor) running. Disconnectthe
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away

fromthe plug toprevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.

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

• Keepmachine free ofgrass, leaves,orother
debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage.

Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine is running.

° Grass catcher components are subjectto

wear, damage, and deterioration, which

couldexpose moving parts orallow objects
to bethrown.Frequently checkcomponents
and replace with manufacturer's recom-

mended parts, when necessary.

° Mower blades are sharp and can cut,

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine,

° Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of anew Lawn Mower. Ithas been designed, engi-
neered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance,

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your
nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and

the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at-
tempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to

prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

• Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those
parts left unassembted for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation

of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely.
Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

° All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,necessary to complete the assembly have

been placed in the parts bag, 3

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

° Remove all loose parts from carton.
° Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always

wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN

MOWER

Do i have a side or rear discharge lawn
mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on

your mower. If the opening is on the right
side of the mower housing,it is a side

discharge mower, if the opening is at the

back of the mower housing, it isa rear dis-

charge mower. Only rear discharge lawn

mowers have a grass catcher included with
the mower. Approved grass catchers for
side discharge mowers may be purchased
from your nearest authorized dealer.

Do I have a mulching lawn mower?

Lookfor the grass discharge opening on
your mower. Raise the discharge guard

(rear door on rear discharge mowers). If
the opening is closed off by a plate, then
your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To
convert to a discharging mower, see the

Operation section of this manual.

FRONT

What is the right and left side of the

lawn mower?

When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is
mentioned inthis manual, it means when

you are in the operating position (standing
behind the handle).

What kind of engine is on my lawn

mower?

When learning how to operate your new
lawn mower, you will need to know what
kind of engine powers the mower. A decal
on the engine will indicate the manu-

facturer and type or brand name of the

engine,

BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES

[BRiGGS & 8TRAT[ON] [BRiGGS & _RATrON]

C L A S S I_.____bot-i/tt"

LEFT

HAND

SIDE

BACK or REAR

(Operating Position)

_CAUTION: Do not operate this lawn
mower without the discharge guard or an

entire approved grass catcher in place.
These guards are for your protectionand

are requiredby the American National
Standards Instituteand Consumer Prod-

ucts Safety Commission.

&CAUTION; Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with plug.

........

RIGHT
HAND

SIDE

QuAnTum°

OTHER ENGINES

KOHLER.

RItTO'

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER
UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.
2 POSITION / "ADJUSTABLE" HANDLES

° Raise handles until lower handle section

locks into place in operating position.

"IEI_M81_I

Operator MOWING
control bar

UP handle

POSITION

Upper

Handle

knob

Lower handle

ALL HANDLES

• Raise upper handle section into place on
lowerhandle, remove protective padding

and tighten both handle knobs_

• Remove handle padding holding opera-
tor presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be ad-
justed for your mowing comfort. Refer to

"ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear
wheels on your lawnmower may not be
adjusted to the same position as the front

wheels. Before operating mower adjust all
wheels to the same cutting height.

3 POSWION "EZ" HANDLES

• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and align hole in handle with

one of three height positioning holes.

• inserthandle bolt through handle and

bracket and secure with knob.

• Repeat for opposite side of handle.

Knob

/ Handle

adjustment

bracket

3 POSITION "QUICK" HANDLES

• Raise lower handle section to operating

position and squeeze the bottom ends

of lower handle towards each other until

the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment holes.

SQUEEZE

Handle
bracket

Handle pin

//

INSTALL REAR WHEELS

(HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)
Some high wheel models require washers

which wiltbeprovided in aparts bag. Ifprovid-

ed, install washers on the axle first as shown.

• Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of
rear wheel adjuster.

° Install 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten securely.

• Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.

Axle

Iocknut assembly

ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)

IMPORTANT: Ifyour model lawn mower

is mulcher ready, the mulcher plate or plug
must be removed before using mower as

a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or
discharging, see the Operation section in

this manual.
Look at the different grass catcher illustra-

tions that follow. Determine which type
of grass catcher you have and follow the
appropriate instructions.

5

"FABRICTOP" GRASS CATCHERS

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes, tf

bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing.

• For HINGE BRACKET mounted catcher,

place the grass catcher frame onto the

formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• For HANDLE BRACKET mounted

catcher, place frame side hooks into

slots in handle brackets.

• For DOOR PIVOT PIN mounted catcher,

place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• For DOOR SLOT mounted catcher,

place the grass catcher frame hooks into

the slots of the rear door.

NOTE: The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear door is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

Frame

_dle

HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED

Rear door

bracket

Grass

catcher

frame

Formed tabs

HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED

Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame side hook

DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED

Rear Grass

catcher

"'-- handle

Vinyl Frame
bindings opening

,i_,CAUTION: Under normal usage, the
catcher material is subject to deterioration Catcherframehook

and wear and should, therefore, be

DOOR SLOT MOUNTED

checked frequently for replacement. Any

replacement catcher should be checked to _ .....

ensure compliance with original manufac-
turer's specifications.
_CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower

without the discharge guard (rear door),
approved grass catcher,clipping deflector

or mulcher plate in place. Never attempt

to operate mower with the discharge guard

(rear door) removed or propped open...... Catcherframehook

6

Rear door slots

Grass

catcher

handle