PARTS AND SERVICE
This product has been expertly en gi neered and carefully manu fac tured to rigid quality stan dards. As with all
mechanical products, some adjustments or part replacement may be necessary during the life of your unit.
For Parts and service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297
• For replacement parts, have available the following information:
a. Model Number/Manufacturer's I.D. Number
b. Description of part.
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
For a Parts Manual, go to our website: www.weedeater.com
Operator’s Manual
26" RIDING MOWER
SIDE DISCHARGE
ELECTRIC START
NOTE: HOP provides parts and service through its au thor ized dis tribu tors and dealers; there fore,
02.01.12 BAD/TH Printed in the U.S.A.
all requests for parts and service should be directed to your local dealer(s). The phi loso phy
of HOP is to con tinu ally improve all of its prod ucts. If the operating characteristics or the
appearance of your product differs from those described in this Manual, please contact
your local dealer for updated in for ma tion and as sis tance.
Catalog No.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
WE261
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The
use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
Rules and Instructions before
op er at ing this equipment.
Patents Pending
532 44 16-92 Rev. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................... 3
Product Specifications ............................ 6
Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................ 7
Operation .............................................. 10
Maintenance ......................................... 16
Service and Adjustments ...................... 20
Storage ................................................. 24
Troubleshooting .................................... 25
Repair Parts .......................................... 27
Maintenance Schedule ......................... 16
WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY
The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and work man ship. 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 parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, 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 parts thereof. Please refer to
the applicable manufacturer's warranty on these items.
2. Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of the pur chaser. 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 with a Battery, we will replace, without charge to you, any battery which we find
to be defective in manufacture, during the first ninety (90) days of ownership. After ninety (90) days, we will exchange the
Battery, charging you 1/12 of the price of a new Battery for each full month from the date of the original sale. Battery must
be maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished.
4. The Warranty does not apply to any products used for rental or commercial purposes.
5. This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled, adjusted, operated, and main tained in ac cor dance with the instructions furnished. This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, delivery damage, or to normal wear of the product.
6. Exclusions: Excluded from this Warranty are belts, blades, blade adapters, normal wear, normal adjustments, stan dard
hardware and normal maintenance.
7. In the event you have a claim under this Warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service dealer.
Should you have any unanswered questions concerning this Warranty, please contact:
1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above.
2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree
trunk or other upright structure.
3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure.
4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and
down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow
slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent
tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL,
NOT ACROSS HILL
15 DEGREES MAX.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION
THIS IS A 15 DEGREE SLOPE
FOLD ALONG DOTTED LINE
HOP
Outdoor Products Customer Service Dept.
9335 Harris Corners Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28269 USA
giving the model number, serial number and date of purchase of your product and the name and address of the authorized
dealer from whom it was purchased.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WAR RAN TIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR OUR EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some areas
do not allow the limitation of consequential damages or limitations of how long an implied Warranty may last, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from locale to locale.
This is a limited Warranty within the meaning of that term as defined in the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.
In Canada contact:
HOP
5855 Terry Fox Way
Mississauga, Ontario
L5V 3E4
2
39
DECALS
RIDING MOWER - -CATALOG NO. WE261
1
7
3
2
5
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 532 43 05-88 DECAL, STEERING WHEEL
2 532 43 35-96 DECAL, V-BELT SCH 30"
3 532 42 51-13 DECAL, WARN. DEFLECT/CTFGR
4 532 42 41-02 DECAL, WARNING
5 532 44 07-79 DECAL, LRVA DECK
6 532 43 44-57 DECAL, WARNING ENGINEGUARD
7 532 43 73-12 DECAL, LRV STEERING
8 532 43 67-55 DECAL, WARNING CLUTCH
- - 532 43 24-79 DECAL, BYPASS
- - 532 44 16-92 MANUAL OPERATOR ENGLISH
- - 532 44 16-93 MANUAL OPERATOR SPANISH
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches
1 inch = 25.4 mm
5
38
SAFETY RULES
DANGER: This cutting machine is ca pa ble of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the fol low ing safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den-
tal starting when setting up, trans port ing,
ad just ing or making repairs, always dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it can not contact spark plug.
6
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the riding
4
mower.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
8
its constituents, and certain vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals known to
the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive 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
Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth defects
or oth er re pro duc tive 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.
• Ensure 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.
• 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 not operate machine without the entire
grass catcher, discharge chute, or other
safety devices in place and working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade, set parking
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.
• 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 extra care when loading or unloading
the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related injuries. 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
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 if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down 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.
3
SAFETY RULES
• 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 affect the 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 suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge
or if the edge caves in.
III. CHILDREN
WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED
BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Acade-
my of Pediatrics recommends that children
be a minimum of 12 year of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower
and a minimum of 16 years of age before
operating a riding lawn mower.
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.
• 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 off and 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 machine.
• 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 damage, 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.
• 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.
If 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
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
4
MOWER DECK
RIDING MOWER - -CATALOG NO. WE261
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 532 42 81-93 DECK, 26"
2 532 19 28-70 MANDREL ASM
3 532 43 25-20 KEEPER, BELT
4 532 43 25-94 PULLEY, MANDREL
5 532 42 85-78 BELT
6 532 42 82-42 COVER, MANDREL
7 532 42 93-95 LIFT ASM, DECK
8 532 42 91-95 LINK, DECK LIFT
9 532 42 93-97 LINK, ADJUSTABLE
10 532 43 89-23 DEFLECTOR
11 532 42 89-68 SUPPORT, DEFLECTOR
12 532 13 14-91 ROD, HINGE
13 532 19 70-26 SPRING, TORSION
14 532 41 88-63 ARM, MOWER SUPPORT
15 873 90 05-00 NUT, LOCK
16 532 19 51-61 STUD
17 819 19 19-12 WASHER
18 532 19 42-09 PIN
19 532 19 65-39 BOLT, SHOULDER
20 532 19 42-08 PIN
21 819 17 19-12 WASHER, 17/32 X 1 3/16
22 532 42 93-50 LINK, DECK
23 873 93 06-00 NUT, LCK 3/8-16
24 532 42 95-31 SPRING, DECK
25 532 12 47-88 PIN
26 532 18 76-90 SPACER, MANDREL
27 532 17 39-84 BOLT, MANDREL
28 532 40 02-34 NUT, LOCK
29 532 42 85-00 BLADE
30 532 19 30-03 BOLT, BLADE
31 532 19 31-97 PULLEY, IDLER
32 532 14 10-43 GUARD, IDLER
33 532 19 34-14 KEEPER, BELT IDLER
34 872 11 06-12 BOLT, 3/8-16 X 1 1/2
35 532 19 94-70 ARM, BRAKE
36 532 13 77-29 SCREW, 1/4-20 X 5/8
37 873 90 06-00 NUT, 3/8-16 FLANGE
38 532 42 84-35 ARM, IDLER
39 817 49 05-08 BOLT, 5/16-18 X 1/2
40 819 17 16-16 WASHER, 16 GA.
41 532 10 53-04 CAP, SLEEVE
42 532 11 04-52 NUT, PUSH
43 532 12 56-31 GRIP, HANDLE
44 532 42 94-01 PLUNGER
45 532 10 57-67 PIN
46 532 43 86-10 KEEPER, BELT
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches
1 inch = 25.4 mm
37
MOWER DECK
46
6
RIDING MOWER - -CATALOG NO. WE261
37
39
36
19
40
5
28
27
10
26
9
36
35
38
4
27
3
45
37
31
34
SAFETY RULES
44
43
7
17
20
39
8
17
19
32
33
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all 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
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris.
Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the 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.
• Ensure 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.
• When loading or unloading this machine,
do not exceed the maximum recommended operation angle of 15°.
18
17
16
14
LRV-Deck_1_r4
2
11
41
13
12
42
23
19
15
16
17
18
29
20
19
21
30
36
25
24
1
22
5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity
and Type: Unleaded Regular
Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)
(API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: 20 oz.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed Forward: 0-4 mph
Reverse: 0-1 mph
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in main tain ing,
caring for and using your riding mower.
• Follow the instructions under “Main te nance” and “Stor age” sec tions of this
manual.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating this machine,
including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection, and hearing protection.
Do not mow in shorts and/or open toed
footwear.
• Always let someone know you are outside
mowing.
1.5 qt.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
3TEERINGª7HEELª)NSERT
3TEERINGª7HEEL
ª0IN
ªª&LATª7ASHER
WARNING: This riding mower is
equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and should not be used on or near any
un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered
or grass-cov ered land unless the engine’s
exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state
laws (if any). If a 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.
ª,ARGEª&LATª7ASHER
ªª*AMª.UT
ªª,OCKª.UT
3TEERINGª
3HAFTª#OVER
STEERING
RIDING MOWER - -CATALOG NO. WE261
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 532 43 65-00 WHEEL ASM (FRONT)
2 812 00 00-01 E-CLIP
3 532 18 89-67 WASHER, HARDENED
4 532 12 17-49 WASHER, 1/4 X 3/4
5 532 43 53-24 SPINDLE, RH
6 532 12 49-31 WASHER, HARDENED THRUST
7 532 12 49-37 BUSHING, STEERING COLUMN
8 532 42 10-76 PIN, 5/64 X 3/4 COTTER
9 819 13 14-14 WASHER
10 532 42 80-57 WELDMENT, LWR STRG SHAFT
11 532 42 80-35 LINK, STRNG LH
12 532 42 80-36 LINK, STRNG RH
13 874 78 05-24 BOLT, 5/16-18 X 1 1/2
14 819 13 10-16 WASHER
15 873 80 05-00 NUT, 5/16-18
16 532 42 80-44 BUSHING, STEERING SNAP
17 532 42 82-52 SUPPORT, UPPER STEERING
18 532 19 52-27 BUSHING, UPPER STEERING
19 817 00 05-12 BOLT, 5/16-18 X 3/4
20 532 42 80-45 CLIP, RETAINER SPRING
21 532 42 83-47 COVER, STEERING COLUMN
22 532 42 80-38 SHAFT, STEERING
23 532 43 77-47 ADAPTER, STEERING WHEEL
24 819 18 38-12 WASHER, 9/16 X 2 3/8 12 GA.
25 873 94 08-00 NUT, JAM LOCK 1/2-20
26 532 44 16-14 WHEEL, STEERING
27 532 44 16-15 CAP, STEERING WHEEL
28 532 19 98-49 CLIP, RETAINER SPRING
29 532 43 53-23 SPINDLE, LH
30 532 43 64-99 CAP, HUB, AXLE
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches
1 inch = 25.4 mm
3TEERINGª#OVER
3EAT
3TEERINGª7HEELª!DAPTER
ª7ASHER
ª+NOB
ªªXªªª
(EXª"OLT
6
3TEERINGª3HAFTª
ª+EY
3LOPEª3HEET
35