GGP Italy SPA Riding Mower 71503770 2 Operators Manual

							71503491/7
FRENITNLTONDEUSE AUTOPORTÉE “RIDER”
RIDING MOWER
ZITMAAIER “RIDER”
AUFSITZMÄHER “RIDER”
RASAERBA “RIDER”
GEBRUIKERSHANDLEIDING MANUALE DI ISTRUZIONI
GEBRAUCHSANWEISUNG
DEOPERATOR’S MANUAL MANUEL D’UTILISATION
Realizzazione: EDIPROM / bergamo   -   PRINTED IN ITALY
GGP ITALY 
SPA
 • Via del Lavoro, 6 • I-31033 Castelfranco Veneto (TV) ITALY
 
						

							INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer,
We thank you for having purchased our riding mower and hope that it will fully
meet all your expectations.
This manual has been compiled in order that you may get to know your machine
and to be able to use it safely and efficiently. Don’t forget that the manual forms
an integral part of the machine so keep it handy so that it can be consulted at
any time, and pass it on to the purchaser if you resell the machine.
Your new machine has been designed and made in line with current regulations,
and is safe and reliable if used for cutting and collecting grass observing the
indications given in this manual (proper usage). Using the machine in any other
way or ignoring the instructions for safe usage, maintenance or repair, is consid-
ered incorrect usage which will invalidate the guarantee, and the manufactur-
er will decline all responsibility, placing the blame with the user for damage or
injury to himself or others in such cases.
If you should find any slight differences between the description and your own
machine, bear in mind that, since there are continual improvements to the prod-
uct, information contained in this manual may be modified without prior warning
and without the obligation to update it, although the essential safety and func-
tion characteristics will remain unaltered. In case of any doubts, do not hesitate
to contact your Retailer or a Licensed Service Centre.
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
This manual gives all the necessary instructions for using the machine and the
basic maintenance that may be carried out by the user.
For all information not contained here, contact the Local Retailer or a Licensed
Service Centre.
If you wish, your Retailer will be pleased to offer a maintenance programme per-
sonalised to your needs. Like this you will be able to keep your new acquisition
in peak performance, maintaining its value.
EN 1 INTRODUCTION 
						

							TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SAFETY .......................................................................................................... 3
Regulations for using the machine safely
2.  IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE AND PARTS...................................... 7
Explanations on how to identify the machine and its main parts
3. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY...................................................................... 9
Explanations on how to remove the packing and on how to assemble
separated parts
4. COMMANDS AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTS......................................... 13
Position and functions of all the controls
5. HOW TO USE THE MACHINE..................................................................... 17
Provides indications for working efficiently and safely
5.1Directions before starting ........................................................................ 17
5.2Starting and moving  ............................................................................... 20
5.3Grass cutting  .......................................................................................... 22
5.4Cleaning and storage  ............................................................................. 27
6. MAINTENANCE............................................................................................ 29
All the information for maintaining the machine in peak efficiency
7. TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................. 41
A help in quickly resolving any problems
8. ACCESSORIES ON REQUEST.................................................................... 44
A description of the accessories available for particular types of work
9. SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................... 45
A summary of the main specifications of your machine 
EN 2TABLE OF CONTENTS 
						

							1. SAFETY
HOW TO READ THE MANUAL
This manual describes both mechanically and hydrostatically driven machines,
as well as versions including equipment and accessories that may not be avail-
able in your area.
The symbol   highlights all differences in usage and is followed by the indica-
tion of the type of drive or version to which it refers.
Some paragraphs in the manual contain information of particular importance and
these are highlighted at various levels of emphasis, and signify the following:
or   These give details or further informa-
tion on what has already been said, and are aimed at preventing damage to the
machine or causing damage.
Non-observance will result in the risk of injury to oneself
or others.
Non-observance will result in the risk of serious injury or
death to oneself or others.
SAFETY REGULATIONS
(read carefully before using the machine)
!DANGER!
!WARNING!
IMPORTANTNOTE
➤
A) TRAINING
1) Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment. Learn how to stop the engine quickly.
2) Only use the machine for the purpose for which it was made, that is, the cutting and
collection of grass. Any use not specifically indicated in the Operator’s Manual can be dan-
gerous and result in damage to the machine, and will also result in the annulling of the
warranty and the manufacturer declining all responsibility.
3) Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the machine.
Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
4) Never use the machine:
– when people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
– if the operator has taken medicine or substances that can affect his ability to react and
concentrate.
5) Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring
to other people or their property. EN 3 SAFETY 
						

							6) Do not carry passengers.
7) The operator of a machine must carefully follow the driving instructions, particularly:
– the need for care and concentration when using machines;
– that control of a machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the
brake. 
The main reasons for loss of control are:
– insufficient wheel grip;
– being driven too fast;
– inadequate braking;
– the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
– lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions, especially slopes;
8) The machine is equipped with a series of safety microswitches and devices which must
never be removed, altered or tampered with. Removing these devices invalidates the war-
ranty and the manufacturer declines any responsibility. 
B) PREPARATION
1) While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
2) Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects
which may be thrown by the machine (stones, sticks, metal wire, bones, etc.)
3) WARNING: DANGER! - Engine fuel is highly flammable:
– store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose;
– refuel using a funnel and outdoors only. Do not smoke while refuelling or whenever han-
dling the fuel;
– add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel
while the engine is running or when the engine is hot;
– if fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and
the fumes dispersed;
– replace caps of all fuel tanks and containers securely.
4) Replace faulty silencers.
5) Before using, always carry out a visual inspection, particularly of the blade, seeing that
the screws and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace a worn or damaged
blade and screws as a set to preserve balance.
6) Before mowing, attach the discharge opening guards (grass-catcher or stone-guard).
C) OPERATION
1) Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect.
2) Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
3) Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where feasible.
4) Before starting the engine, disengage the blade, shift the gear lever (  for mechanical
drive models) or the speed change lever (  for hydrostatic drive models) into neutral and
engage the parking brake.
5) Do not use on slopes of more than 10° (17%).
6) Remember there is no such thing as a “safe” slope. Travel on grass slopes requires par-
ticular care. To guard against overturning:
– it is advisable to use a front counterweight (supplied on request);
– do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;
– engage clutch slowly, always keep the machine in gear (  for mechanical drive models)
or engage the speed change lever slowly both for forward and reverse movement (  for
hydrostatic drive models), especially when travelling downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;
– never mow across the face of the slope.
7) Stop the blade rotating and put the cutting deck into the highest position before
➤➤
➤➤
EN 4SAFETY 
						

							crossing surfaces other than grass. 
8) Never use the machine to cut grass if the guards are defective, or without the stone-
guard and/or grass-catcher in place.
9) Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
10) Before leaving the operator’s position:
– disengage the blade;
– change into neutral (  or mechanical drive models) or make sure that the speed
change lever has returned to the neutral position (  or hydrostatic drive models) and
engage the parking brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.
11) Disengage the blade, stop the engine and remove key:
– before carrying out any work beneath the cutting deck or unclogging the collector chan-
nel;
– before checking, cleaning or working on machine;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the machine;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (immediately check and remove the cause of
the vibration).
12) Disengage the blade when transporting or not in use. Disengage the blade and wait
for it to stop before emptying the grass-catcher.
13) Stop the engine and disengage the blade:
– before refuelling;
– every time the grass-catcher is removed or replaced.
14) Reduce the throttle setting before stopping the engine and turn the fuel off at the con-
clusion of mowing, following the instructions in the manual.
15) Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1) Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condi-
tion. Regular maintenance is essential for safety and for maintaining performance levels.
2) Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may
reach a flame or a spark or a source of extreme heat.
3) Allow the engine to cool before storing in an enclosed space.
4) To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, exhaust silencer, battery compartment and
fuel storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Always empty the grass-catch-
er and do not leave garden rubbish containers inside a room.
5) Frequently check the stone-guard, the grass-catcher and the air intake grill for wear
and deterioration. Replace if damaged.
6) For reasons of safety, do not use equipment with worn or damaged parts. Parts are to
be replaced and not repaired. Use genuine spare parts (the blade should always bear the
symbol   ). Parts which are not of an equivalent quality can damage the equipment and
may adversely affect your safety.
7) If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors and when the engine is
cool.
8) Wear strong work gloves when removing and reassembling the blade.
9) Check the blade’s balance after sharpening.
10) When the machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended, lower the cutting deck.
11) The ignition key must never be left inserted in the machine, or where children or per-
sons not familiar to the machine may reach it. Before any maintenance or repair, remove
the ignition key.
E) TRANSPORTING
1) If the machine is transported on a truck or trailer, lower the cutting deck, engage the
parking brake and fasten the machine securely with ropes, cables or chains to the hauling
device.
➤➤
EN 5 SAFETY 
						

							SAFETY DECALS
Your machine must be used with care. Therefore, decals have been placed on
the machine, to remind you pictorially of the main precautions to take during
use. These decals are to be considered an integral part of the machine.
If a decal should fall off or become illegible, contact your retailer to replace it.
Their meaning is explained below.
EN 6SAFETY
Warning:Read Operator’s Man-
ual before operating this
machine.
Warning:Disconnect the igni-
tion key and read the instruc-
tions before carrying out any
repair or maintenance work.
Danger! Ejected objects:Do
not operate without either
stone-guard or grass-catcher in
place.
Danger! Dismember-
ment: Make sure that
children stay clear of the
machine all the time when
engine is running. Danger! Ejected objects:
Keep bystanders awayDanger! Machine roll-
over: Do not use this
machine on slopes
greater then 10°.
Avoid injury from getting caught in belt:Do not operate the
machine without shields in place. Stay clear of belts.
Risk of being cut. Blade in movement. Do not insert hands or feet
inside the blade housing. 
						

							2. IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE AND PARTS
IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE
The plate located under the driver’s seat
has the essential data and serial number
of each machine (6).
This number must be quoted when you
require technical assistance or spare
parts.
1.Acoustic power level according to
directive 2000/14/CE
2.Conformity mark according to direc-
tive 98/37/EEC
3.Year of manufacture
4.Operating engine speed in r.p.m (if
indicated)
5.Type of machine
6.Serial number
7.Weight in kgs
8.Name and address of Manufacturer
9.Type of transmission (if indicated)
IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN COMPONENTS
Various main components can be seen on the machine, and these have the fol-
lowing functions:
11. Cutting deck:this is the guard enclosing the rotating blade.
12. Blade:this is what cuts the grass. The wings at the ends help convey the
cut grass towards the collector channel.
EN 7 IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE AND PARTS
Write your machine’s serial number here
✍
LWA
dB
kg
S/N
min-1
8547
39621 
						

							13. Collector channel:this is the part connecting the cutting deck to the grass-
catcher. 
14. Grass-catcher:as well as collecting the grass cuttings, this is also a safety
element in that it stops any objects drawn up by the blade from being
thrown outside of the machine.
15. Stone-guard or deflector:this can be fitted in place of the grass-catcher
and prevents objects drawn up by the blade from being thrown outside of
the machine.   
16. Engine:this moves the blade and drives the wheels. It is fully described in a
specific booklet.
17. Battery:provides the energy for starting the engine. It is fully described in a
specific booklet.
18. Driver seat:this is where the machine operator sits. It has a sensor for
detecting the presence of the operator which is a safety device.
19. Decals for regulations and safety:give reminders on the main provisions
for working safely, each of which is explained in chapter 1.
20. Access hatch:gives easy access to the spark plug, the fuel cock, and the
fixing nut for the engine cover.
21. Air intake grill:helps air to flow inside the cutting deck and prevents
objects from being thrown out at the front.
EN 8IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE AND PARTS
161817
131211
141920
21
15 
						

							3. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
For storage and transport reasons, some components of the machine are not
directly installed in the factory, but have to be assembled after their removal from
the packing. Final assembly is carried out by following these simple instructions.
For transport reasons the machine is supplied without engine
oil or fuel. Before starting up the engine, fill with oil and fuel following the
instructions given in the engine booklet.
UNPACKING
When unpacking the machine, take care to gather all individual parts and fittings,
and do not damage the cutting deck when taking the machine off the base pal-
let.
The standard packing contents:
– the machine;
– the battery;
– steering wheel;
– seat;
– grass-catcher components;
– an envelope containing the instruction manual, documents and the nuts and
bolts with two starter keys, a pin for blocking the steering wheel and a spare
10 Ampere fuse.
ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTING THE
BATTERY
Remove both the rear column cover (1)
fastened with two screws (2) and the
front column cover (3) fastened with
another two screws (4).
IMPORTANT
EN 9 UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
2
1
4
3
4