GGP Italy SPA Riding Mower 71503770 2 Operators Manual

							5.2 STARTING AND MOVING
S
TARTING
All starting operations have to be effected in an open or
well ventilated area! ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT EXHAUST GASES ARE
TOXIC!
Before starting the engine:
– open the fuel stopcock (1) (where supplied),
which you can reach from the left-hand rear
wheel arch;
– put the gear lever (  for mechanical drive
models)or the speed change lever pedal(
for hydrostatic drive models)into neutral
(«N»);
– disengage the blade;
– on slopes, engage the parking brake:
Afterwards:
– put the accelerator lever to «CHOKE», as shown on the label, if the engine is
cold. If the engine is already warm, put the lever between «SLOW» and
«FAST»;
– put in the key and turn to «ON» to make electrical contact, then turn to
«START» to start the engine. Release once the engine has started.
When the engine is running, put the accelerator into the «SLOW» position.
Should you have difficulties in starting do not continue to
use the starter motor for a long time as this can run down the battery or flood
the engine. Turn the key to the «OFF» position, wait for a few seconds and then
repeat the operation. If the malfunction continues, refer to chapter «7» of this
manual and to the engine booklet.
Always bear in mind that the safety devices prevent the
engine from starting if safety requirements have not been met (see page 26).
IMPORTANT
NOTE
➤
➤
!DANGER!
EN 20HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
1 
						

							EN 21 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
The pilot lamp will begin flashing if the key is held in the «START» position
when the safety devices have been activated.
M
OVING WITHOUT MOWING
The machine has not been approved for use on public
roads. It has to be used (as indicated by the highway code) in private
areas closed to traffic.
When moving the machine, the blade must be disengaged
and the cutting deck put at its highest position (position «7»).
For mechanical drive models:
Put the accelerator control between the «SLOW» and «FAST» positions, and
the gear change lever in the 1st speed position.
Keep the pedal pressed down and disengage the parking brake.  Slowly
release the pedal which will turn from «brake» to «clutch», thus operating the
rear wheels.
The pedal has to be released gradually as a sudden engagement may cause
tipping up and loss of control of the vehicle.
Gradually reach the desired operating speed using the accelerator and gear
lever. To change the gear speed the clutch must be used pushing the pedal
down half way.
For hydrostatic drive models:
Put the accelerator control between the «SLOW» and «FAST» positions.  Press
the brake pedal to disengage the parking brake and release the pedal.
Move the speed change lever in the «F» direction and go to the required
speed by using the lever and the accelerator.
➤
➤
NOTE
!WARNING! 
						

							The lever must be moved gradually as a sudden engagement of drive to the
wheels may cause tipping and loss of control of the machine.
B
RAKING
For mechanical drive models:
To brake, first reduce the speed on the accelerator to avoid overloading the
brake assembly and then push the pedal down fully.
For hydrostatic drive models:
To brake, press the brake pedal which will simultaneously make the speed
change lever return to the «N» position.
R
EVERSE
For mechanical drive models:
The machine MUST be stopped before reverse can be engaged. Push down
the pedal until the machine stops and then insert reverse by moving the lever
sideways and putting it into position «R». Gradually release the pedal to
engage the clutch and then begin moving in reverse.
For hydrostatic drive models:
The machine MUST be stopped before reverse can be engaged. When the
machine is stopped, start the reverse movement by putting the speed change
lever in the «R» direction.
5.3 GRASS CUTTING
E
NGAGING THE BLADE AND FORWARD MOVEMENT
When you have reached the area to be mowed,
– put the accelerator into the «FAST» position;
– engage the blade by putting the lever into position «B»;
➤
➤
➤
➤
EN 22HOW TO USE THE MACHINE 
						

							– to begin moving, operate the speed regulation controls taking care to release
the pedal very gradually and with particular caution as already described.
Engage the blade with the cutting deck in the highest position, and then gradual-
ly lower to the height required. To achieve good collection and even cutting of
the grass, choose a forward speed to suit the quantity of grass to be cut (height
and density) and the lawns humidity, in line with the following indications (for
mechanical drive models): 
– High and dense grass - wet lawn 1st speed
– Average condition grass 2nd - 3rd speed
– Low grass - dry lawn 4th speed
The fifth gear is solely for moving from one area to another
on horizontal surfaces.
For hydrostatic drive models  the speed has to be adapted to the condition of
the grass in a gradual and progressive way by moving the speed change lever.
The speed should always be reduced if you note a reduction in engine speed,
since a forward speed that is too fast will not cut the grass well.
Disengage the blade and put the cutting deck in the highest position whenever
you need to get past an obstacle.
C
UTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The height is adjusted by moving the lever with 7 height positions.
H
OW TO OBTAIN A GOOD CUT
1.The lawns appearance will be best if
you cut in alternate directions, always at
the same height.
2.If the collector system blocks up you
should reduce the forward speed as it
➤
NOTE
➤
EN 23 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
12 
						

							could be too high for the lawn conditions.
If this does not solve the problem, it is probably due to unsharpened cutting
edges or the wings on the blade having become deformed (see chapter 7).
3.If the grass is very tall it should be mowed twice - once at the maximum cut-
ting height, and perhaps reducing the cutting width, followed by a second cut at
the required height.
4.Be very careful when mowing near bushes or kerbs which could alter the hor-
izontal position of the cutting deck or damage its edge or the blade.
S
LOPES
Complying with the slope limits already
mentioned, lawns on a slope have to
mowed moving up and down and never
across them, taking great care when
changing direction that the first wheels
do not hit obstacles (such as stones,
branches, roots, etc.), that may cause the
machine to slide sideways, roll over or
otherwise cause loss of control.
REDUCE SPEED BEFORE ANY CHANGE OF DIRECTION
ON SLOPES and always engage the parking brake before leaving the
machine stopped and unattended.
Take care when beginning forward movement on slop-
ing ground to prevent the risk of tipping up.
For mechanical drive models:
Never ride the machine on slopes in neutral gear or
with the clutch out!  Always engage a low gear before leaving the
machine stopped and unattended.
!DANGER!
➤
!WARNING!
!DANGER!
EN 24HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
max 10°  (17%)
RIGHT!
WRONG! 
						

							For  hydrostatic drive models:
Move on slopes with the speed change lever in the «N» position, (to take
advantage of the hydrostatic units braking effect) and then further reduce
the speed using the brake, if necessary.
Never use reverse for reducing speed going downhill.
Control of the machine could be lost, particularly on slippery surfaces.
E
MPTYING THE GRASS-CATCHER
This operation can only be
done with the blade disengaged, otherwise the
engine stops.
When the grass-catcher is full an audible warning
is given. STOP FORWARD MOVEMENT, in order
not to block the collector channel, and disengage
the blade which will stop the audible signal.
Empty the grass-catcher by lifting it using the han-
dle.
At times the audible warning
may be heard on engaging the blade even when the grass-catcher has been
emptied. This is due to grass cuttings left on the sensor of the micro-switch. To
stop the signal, either remove the remaining grass or disengage the blade and
then immediately engage it again.
E
MPTYING THE COLLECTOR CHANNEL
Cutting very tall or wet grass, particularly at too high a speed, can cause the col-
lector channel to become blocked. Should this happen, it will be necessary to:
– stop forward movement, disengage the blade and stop the engine;
– take off the grass-catcher or stone-guard;
– remove the accumulated cuttings going in through the exit of the collector
channel.
This must only be done when the engine is stopped.
!WARNING!
NOTE
NOTE
!DANGER!
➤
EN 25 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE 
						

							SUMMARY OF THE MAIN CONDITIONS WHEREBY THE SAFETY DEVICES PERMIT OR STOP WORK
The safety devices work in two ways:
– by preventing the engine from starting if all the safety requirements have not
been met;
– stopping the engine if even just one of the safety requirements is lacking. 
a)To start the engine it will be necessary that:
– the transmission is in “neutral”;
– the blade is not engaged;
– the operator is seated or the parking brake is engaged.
b)The engine stops when:
– the operator leaves his seat when the blades are engaged;
– the operator leaves his seat when the transmission is not in “neutral”;
– the operator leaves his seat with the transmission in “neutral” but without
engaging the parking brake;
– the grass-catcher is lifted or the stone-guard is removed when the blades are
engaged;
– the parking brake is engaged without disengaging the blade.
The table below shows various operating conditions, highlightingwhy the safety
device shuts down the engine.
OPERATORGRASS-CATCHERBLADETRANSMISSIONBRAKEENGINE
A) WHEN STARTING(Key in «START» position)
Sitting Uninfluential Disengaged1....5 - F/R
Engaged Does NOT start
Sitting UninfluentialEngaged
«N» Engaged Does NOT start
Absent
Uninfluential Disengaged «N»DisengagedDoes NOT start
B) WHEN CUTTING(Key in «ON» position)
Absent
YESEngagedUninfluential Engaged Stops
Absent
Uninfluential Disengaged1....5 - F/RDisengaged Stops
Absent
YES Disengaged «N»DisengagedStops
SittingNO
EngagedUninfluential Disengaged Stops
Sitting YESEngagedUninfluentialEngagedStops
CARD PROTECTION DEVICE
The electronic card has a self-resetting protector which breaks the circuit if there
is a fault in the electrical system. It results in the stopping of the engine and is
signalled by the pilot lamp turning off.
EN 26HOW TO USE THE MACHINE 
						

							EN 27 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
The circuit automatically resets after a few seconds but the cause of the fault
should be ascertained and dealt with to avoid re-activating the protection
device.
To avoid activating the protection device:
– do not reverse the cables on the battery terminals;
– do not use the machine without its battery or damage may be caused to the
charging regulator;
– be careful to not cause short-circuits.
E
ND OF MOWING
When you have finished mowing, disengage
the blade and ride the machine with the cut-
ting deck in the highest position.
Stop the machine, engage the parking brake
and turn off the engine by turning the ignition
key to «OFF».
When the engine is stopped, close the fuel
cock (1) (where fitted).
To avoid backfire, put the accelerator in the «SLOW»
position for 20 seconds before stopping the engine. 
Always take out the ignition key if leaving the machine
unattended!
To keep the battery charged, do not leave the key in the
«ON» position when the engine is not running.
5.4 CLEANING AND STORAGE
C
LEANING
After each mowing, clean the outside of the machine, empty the grass-catcher
and shake it to remove residual grass and earth.
Clean the plastic parts of the body with a damp sponge using water and deter-
gent, taking care not to wet the engine, the electrical parts or the electronic card
located under the dashboard.
Never use hose-nozzles or harsh detergents for cleaning the
body and engine!
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
1 
						

							WASHING THE INSIDE OF THE CUTTING DECK
The machine has to be put on firm ground with the stone-guard or grass-catcher
in position. Washing the inside of the cutting deck and the collector channel is
done by attaching a water hose to the connector (1) and running water through
for a few minutes, with:
– the operator seated;
– the engine running;
– the drive in neutral;
– the blade engaged.
When washing, the cutting deck should be in
the fully lowered position. Take off the grass-
catcher, empty and rinse it, and then put it in a
position to assist quick drying.
S
TORAGE AND INACTIVITY FOR LONG PERIODS
If the machine is likely to be unused for a long period (more than 1 month), dis-
connect the cables from the battery and follow the instructions in the engine
manual. Lubricate all joints as directed in chapter 6.
Carefully remove any dry
grass cuttings which may have collected
around the engine or silencer to prevent their
catching fire the next time the machine is
used!
Empty the fuel tank by disconnecting the tube situ-
ated at the inlet of the fuel filter (1) and follow the
instructions in the engine booklet.
The battery must be kept in a cool and dry place. Before a
long storage period (more than 1 month), always charge the battery, and then
recharge before using again (chapter 6).
The next time the machine is used, check that there are no fuel leaks from the
tubes, fuel cock or carburettor.
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
EN 28HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
1
1 
						

							6. MAINTENANCE
Before cleaning, maintenance or repair work, take out
the ignition key and read the relevant instructions. Wear suitable clothing
and strong gloves.
Never get rid of used oil, fuel or other pollutants in unautho-
rised places!
A
CCESS TO MECHANICAL PARTS
Lift the engine cover (1) to access the engine and
mechanical parts below it.
To do so:
– put the machine on level ground, bring the cut-
ting deck into the highest position and put
blocks (2) of around 65 - 70 mm beneath the
edge to hold up the deck during the following
stages.
For mechanical drive models:
– engage the parking brake;
For hydrostatic drive models:
– put the drive release lever into the
«ENGAGED» position (see chap. 4, n° 23),
since it is necessary for the parking brake to
be disengaged to ensure that the speed
change lever has enough movement;
– remove the grass-catcher or stone-guard;
– unscrew the knob on the lever (3) and put the
lever into neutral «N» (For mechanical drive
models), or in «R» (For hydrostatic drive
models);
– open the access hatch (4) and unscrew the nut (5) with a 13 mm spanner;
– release the lever (6) so that the deck rests on the blocks and keep the lever
➤
➤
➤
➤
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
EN 29 MAINTENANCE
1346
2
10
8
7
5
6