John Deere Lawn Mower F530, F540 Instructions Manual

							12
DEUTSCHDE
SG oder SH).
Bei extrem hoher Belastung oder bei hoher Umge-
bungstemperatur das Öl häufiger wechseln, alle 25 
Betriebsstunden oder mindestens einmal pro Sai-
son.
Das Motoröl kann sehr heiß sein, wenn 
es direkt nach dem Ausschalten des 
Motors abgelassen wird. Daher den 
Motor vor dem Ablassen des Öls einige 
Minuten abkühlen lassen.
1. Ölablassrohr (Metall):
Die Ölablassschraube am Rohrende herausdrehen. 
Das Öl in einem geeigneten Gefäß auffangen. 
Entsorgen Sie das Altöl vorschriftsmäßig bei 
Altöl-Annahmestellen. Vorsicht, kein Öl auf die 
Keilriemen schütten.
2. Die Ölablassschraube wieder eindrehen. Sicher-
stellen, dass Faserdichtung und O-Ring in der 
Schraube unbeschädigt sind und an ihrem Platz lie-
gen.
3. Den Ölmessstab herausnehmen und neues Öl 
einfüllen.
Ölmenge:
F530 – 1,4 l
F540 – 1,7 l (inkl. Ölfilter)
Ölsorte, Sommer (> 4ºC): SAE-30.
(SAE 10W-30 kann auch verwendet werden, der 
Ölverbrauch bei 10W-30 kann jedoch etwas höher 
sein. Daher sollten Sie den Ölstand regelmäßig 
kontrollieren, wenn Sie diese Ölqualität verwen-
den). 
Ölsorte, Winter (< 4ºC): SAE 5W-30 
(falls dieses Öl nicht erhältlich ist, verwenden Sie 
SAE 10W-30).
Verwenden Sie Öl ohne jegliche Beimischungen 
(Additive).
Nicht zu viel Öl einfüllen. Dies kann den Motor 
überhitzen. 
Nach dem Einfüllen von Öl den Motor starten und 
30 Sekunden lang im Leerlauf laufen lassen. Mo-
tor ausstellen. 30 Sekunden warten und den Öl-
stand kontrollieren. 
Die Maschine auf undichte Stellen prüfen, an de-
nen Öl austritt. Bei Bedarf Öl bis zur Markierung 
„FULL“ nachfüllen.ÖLFILTER – MOTOR (F540)
Den Ölfilter nach jeweils 100 Betriebsstunden 
oder einmal pro Saison austauschen.
Bevor der neue Filter festgeschraubt wird, die Fil-
terdichtung mit Motoröl einschmieren. 
Den Filter von Hand festschrauben, bis die Filter-
dichtung den Filtersitz berührt. Dann noch eine 
weitere ½ bis ¾ Umdrehung anziehen (Abb. 19).
Den Motor starten und im Leerlauf laufen lassen 
und auf eventuelle Lecks kontrollieren. Motor aus-
stellen. Ölstand kontrollieren. Bei Bedarf Öl bis 
zur Markierung „FULL“ nachfüllen.
LUFTFILTER - MOTOR
Den Vorfilter aus Schaumstoff alle 3 Monate oder 
alle 25 Betriebsstunden reinigen, je nachdem, was 
zuerst eintrifft.
Den Papierfilter einmal pro Jahr oder alle 100 Be-
triebsstunden reinigen, je nachdem, was zuerst ein-
trifft.
Bitte beachten! Wenn die Maschine unter staubi-
gen Bedingungen eingesetzt wird, beide Filter 
häufiger reinigen.
1. Den Luftfilterdeckel entfernen (Abb. 11 - 12). 
2. Papierfilter und Vorfilter (Schaumstofffilter) de-
montieren. Vorsichtig arbeiten, damit kein 
Schmutz in den Vergaser gelangt. Das Luftfilterge-
häuse reinigen.
3a. F540:
Den Vorfilter mit flüssigem Spülmittel und Wasser 
auswaschen. Filter ausdrücken. Etwas Öl auf den 
Filter gießen und einmassieren.
3b. F530:
Den Vorfilter einmal pro Jahr oder alle 25 Be-
triebsstunden austauschen, je nachdem, was zuerst 
eintrifft.
4. Papierfilter folgendermaßen reinigen: Filter 
leicht gegen eine ebene Fläche klopfen. Wenn der 
Papierfilter sehr schmutzig ist, sollte er ausge-
wechselt werden.
5. In umgekehrter Reihenfolge wieder zusammen-
setzen.
Zur Reinigung des Papierfilters dürfen keine Lö-
sungsmittel wie z. B. Petroleum verwendet wer-
den. Diese Lösungsmittel zerstören den Filter.
Zur Reinigung des Papierfilters keine Druckluft  
						

							13
DEUTSCHDE
benutzen. Der Papierfilter darf nicht eingeölt wer-
den. 
ZÜNDKERZE
Zur Kontrolle des Zündkerzenfunkens grundsätz-
lich einen Briggs & Stratton Funkentester verwen-
den (Abb. 13). 
Die Zündkerze nach jeweils 100 Betriebsstunden 
oder einmal pro Saison reinigen. Zum Austau-
schen der Zündkerne gibt es im Zubehörbeutel ei-
nen Zündkerzenschlüssel A und einen Drehstift B.
Der Motorhersteller empfihelt:
Champion RC12YC
Korrekter Elektrodenabstand: 0,75 mm.
KÜHLLUFTEINLASS - MOTOR
Der Motor ist luftgekühlt. Ein zugesetztes Kühlsy-
stem schadet dem Motor. Den Motor alle 100 Be-
triebsstunden oder mindestens einmal pro Jahr 
reinigen.
Das Gebläsegehäuse abnehmen. Die Kühlflansche 
des Zylinders, das Gebläse und das rotierende 
Schutzgitter reinigen. Wenn sehr trockenes Gras 
gemäht wird, häufiger reinigen. 
BATTERIE
Bei der Batterie handelt es sich um ein ventilge-
steuertes Modell mit 12 V Nennspannung. Die 
Batterie ist komplett wartungsfrei. Es ist weder 
eine Messung des Elektrolytfüllstands noch ein 
Nachfüllen erforderlich.
Bei Lieferung befindet sich die Batterie im Zube-
hörkarton.
Vor ihrer ersten Verwendung ist die 
Batterie vollständig aufzuladen. Sie 
sollte immer in voll geladenem Zustand 
gelagert werden. Wenn die Batterie völ-
lig entladen gelagert wird, kann sie blei-
bende Schäden davontragen. 
Wenn die Maschine für einen längeren Zeitraum 
nicht verwendet wird (mehr als 1 Monat), muss die 
Batterie geladen und anschließend in isoliertem 
Zustand an einem kühlen und sicheren Ort ver-
wahrt werden. Laden Sie die Batterie vor einem er-
neuten Einsatz vollständig auf.
Die Batterie kann auf zwei Arten geladen werden:
1. Mit einem Batterieladegerät (empfohlen). Es 
muss ein Ladegerät mit einer konstanten Span-nung sein. Bei Verwendung eines Standardlade-
geräts (für Säurebatterien) kann die Batterie 
beschädigt werden.
2. Man kann auch den Motor zum Aufladen der 
Batterie nutzen. Dabei ist es sehr wichtig, vor 
allem beim ersten Start und wenn die Maschine 
längere Zeit nicht benutzt wurde, dass man den 
Motor mindestens 45 Minuten lang ununterbro-
chen laufen lässt.
Die Batteriepole dürfen nicht kurzge-
schlossen werden. Dadurch kann es zu 
Funkenbildung und Bränden kommen. 
Tragen Sie keinen Metallschmuck, der 
mit den Batteriepolen in Kontakt kom-
men kann.
Bei Beschädigungen von Batteriege-
häuse, Abdeckung, Polen oder Eingrif-
fen in die Ventilabdeckleisten ist die 
Batterie zu wechseln.
Oxidierte Batteriepole müssen gereinigt werden. 
Dazu eine Stahlbürste verwenden und die Pole mit 
Fett einschmieren.
SCHMIERUNG
Das Mittelgelenk der Maschine hat vier Schmier-
nippel, die jeweils alle 25 Betriebsstunden mit 
Universalfett zu schmieren sind (Abb. 14). 
Bitte beachten! Der vierte Schmiernippel ist auf 
der Abbildung nicht zu sehen. Er befindet sich auf 
der Unterseite am vorderen Lager der Gelenkwel-
le.
F530:
Die Lenkkette ein paarmal pro Saison mit Ketten-
spray schmieren.
F540:
Die Lenkketten ein paarmal pro Saison mit Ketten-
spray schmieren. Wenn sie stark verschmutzt sind, 
die Ketten demontieren, reinigen und danach er-
neut schmieren.
F530:
Die vordere Radnabe hat Schmiernippel, die nach 
jeweils 50 Betriebsstunden geschmiert werden 
müssen sind (Abb. 18).
Alle Kunststofflager einige Male pro Saison mit 
Universalfett schmieren. 
Die Spannarmgelenke einige Male pro Saison mit 
Motoröl schmieren.
Einige Male pro Saison etwas Motoröl auf beide  
						

							14
DEUTSCHDE
Enden der Seilzüge tropfen.
Das Hydostatik-Getriebe ist bei der Lieferung ab 
Fabrik mit Öl (10W-40) gefüllt. Wenn es nicht ge-
öffnet wird (was nur durch einen Fachmann erfol-
gen darf) und wenn kein Leck vorhanden ist, 
braucht normalerweise kein Öl nachgefüllt zu wer-
den. Das Getriebeöl muss normalerweise nicht ge-
wechselt werden.
LENKSEILZÜGE
(F530)
Die Lenkseilzüge erstmalig nach 2 – 3 Betriebs-
stunden nachstellen, danach nach jeweils 25 Be-
triebsstunden.
Die Lenkung auf „Geradeaus“ einstellen.
Die Lenkseilzüge durch Einschrauben der Muttern 
auf der Unterseite des Mittelgelenks (Abb. 15) 
spannen. Die Schrauben am Ende der Seilzüge 
müssen während des Anziehens der Mutter festge-
halten werden, damit die Seilzüge sich nicht ver-
drehen. Hierzu einen Maulschlüssel oder einen 
Stellschlüssel an den Schraubenenden verwenden. 
So lange nachspannen, bis kein Spiel mehr vorhan-
den ist
Beide Muttern gleich anziehen, damit sich die 
Lenkung nicht verstellt. 
Nach dem Nachstellen das Lenkrad in beide Rich-
tungen bis zum Anschlag drehen. Kontrollieren, 
dass die Kette sich nicht in der Seilrolle und die 
Seilzüge sich nicht im Lenkungsritzel verfangen. 
Die Seilzüge nicht zu straff spannen. Die Lenkung 
ist dann schwergängig, und der Verschleiß der 
Seilzüge nimmt zu. 
LENKKETTEN (F540)
Die Lenkketten erstmalig nach 2 – 3 Betriebsstun-
den nachstellen, danach alle 50 Betriebsstunden.
Die Lenkung auf „Geradeaus“ einstellen. Die 
Lenkketten durch Anziehen der Muttern an der 
Unterseite des Mittelgelenks (Abb. 15) spannen. 
So lange nachspannen, bis kein Spiel mehr vorhan-
den ist 
Beide Muttern gleich anziehen, damit sich die 
Lenkung nicht verstellt. 
Die Lenkketten nicht zu stark spannen. Die Len-
kung ist dann schwergängig, und der Verschleiß 
der Lenkketten nimmt zu. 
						

							15
ENGLISHGB
GENERAL
This symbol indicates WARNING. Per-
sonal injury and/or damage to property 
may result if the instructions are not 
followed carefully.
You must read these instructions for 
use and the accompanying pamphlet 
“SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” careful-
ly, before starting up the machine.
SYMBOLS
The following symbols appear on the machine. 
They are there to remind you of the care and atten-
tion required in use.
This is what the symbols mean:
Warning!
Read the instruction manual and the safety 
manual before using the machine.
Warning!
Watch out for discarded objects. Keep on-
lookers away.
Warning!
Always wear hearing protectors.
Warning!
This machine is not designed to be driven 
on public roads.
Warning!
The machine, equipped with original ac-
cessories, must not be driven in any direc-
tion on slopes with a gradient greater than 
10º.
Warning!
Risk of crushing injuries. Keep hands and 
feet well away from the articulated steer-
ing joint.
Warning!
Risk of burn injuries. Do not touch the si-
lencer/catalytic converter. 
CONTROLS AND 
INSTRUMENTS
Items 1 - 19, see figures 1 - 5.
1. IMPLEMENT LIFTER (F530)
A pedal for raising front-mounted implement to 
the transport position. 
To lift up the implement, press the pedal down as 
far as it will go. Then release the pedal, the imple-
ment lifter is now locked in the raised position.
To lower the implement, press the pedal down so 
that the lock is released. Lower the implement lift-
er to the working position by slowly lifting your 
foot from the pedal.
2. HYDRAULIC LIFTER (F540)
Hydraulic implement lifter for raising front-
mounted implements to the transport position. 
To raise the implement, press the rear 
part of the switch. Release the switch 
in the required position.
To lower the accessory, press the 
front part of the switch. The switch 
stays in the pressed position and the 
implement lifter is lowered until it 
reaches a floating position. This 
means that the implement can follow 
the contours of the ground.
The floating position, with the switch in the tilted 
forward position, is recommended for normal use. 
To secure the implement lifter, place the switch in 
neutral.
NOTE! The hydraulic implement lifter must be 
in floating position in order for the power take-
off to be connected.
3. SERVICE BRAKE
A pedal that acts on the machine’s braking system. 
There are 3 positions:
1. Pedal released – service brake 
not activated.
2. Pedal depressed halfway – 
forward drive disengaged. Serv-
ice brake not activated.
3. Pedal fully depressed – for-
ward drive disengaged. Service 
brake fully activated.
4. PARKING BRAKE
An inhibitor that can lock the brake pedal in the de-
pressed position.  
						

							16
ENGLISHGB
Depress the brake pedal fully. Move the 
inhibitor to the right and then release the 
brake pedal.
The parking brake is released by pressing the brake 
pedal. The spring-loaded inhibitor slides to one 
side. 
Make sure that the parking brake is released when 
operating the machine. 
5. DRIVE PEDAL
A pedal that activates the variable transmission.
1. Depress the pedal with the 
ball of your foot – the machine 
moves forwards.
2. No load on the pedal – the ma-
chine is stationary.
3. Depress the pedal with your 
heel – the machine reverses.
The drive pedal regulates the speed. The more 
pressure applied, the faster the machine will move.
6. ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL
The height of the steering wheel is infinitely ad-
justable. Undo the adjustment knob on the steering 
column and raise or lower the steering wheel to the 
desired position. Tighten.
Do not adjust the steering wheel during opera-
tion.
7. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL
A control for setting the engine speed and to choke 
the engine when starting from cold. (The latter 
does not apply to F540 which have separate choke 
control).
1. Choke – for starting a cold engine. The 
choke is located in top of groove. Avoid 
operating the machine in this position, 
taking care to move the control to full 
throttle (see below) when the engine is 
warm.
2. Full throttle – when the machine is in 
operation, full throttle should always be 
used.
3. Idling.
8. CHOKE CONTROL (F540)
A pull-type control to choke the engine when start-
ing from cold.
1. Control fully pulled out – choke valve 
in carburettor closed. For starting cold en-
gine.
2. Control pushed in – choke valve open. 
For starting warm engine and when oper-
ating the machine. 
Never operate the machine with the choke 
pulled out when the engine is warm.
9. IGNITION LOCK/SPOTLIGHT
Ignition lock used for starting/stopping the engine. 
Also includes switch for spotlight. Four positions:
1. Stop position – the engine is short-
circuited. The key can be removed.
2. Operating position – spotlight activat-
ed.
3. Operating position – spotlight not acti-
vated.
4. Start position – the electric start motor 
is activated when the key is turned to the 
spring-loaded start position. Once the en-
gine has started, let the key return to oper-
ating position 3.
To turn on the spotlight, turn the key to position 2.
NOTE! If the key is turned from the stop posi-
tion to operating position 2, the spotlight is acti-
vated. This uses up battery power. Do not leave 
the machine with the key in position 2 (applies 
to F540).
10. POWER TAKE-OFF (F530)
A lever for engaging and disengaging the power 
take-off for operating front-mounted accessories. 
Two positions:
1. Lever in forward position – power take-
off disengaged.
2. Lever in backward position - power 
take-off engaged.  
						

							17
ENGLISHGB
11. POWER TAKE-OFF (F540)
Switch for engaging/disengaging the electromag-
netic power take-off for operating front-mounted 
accessories. Two positions:
1. Press the front part of the switch – the 
power take-off is engaged. The symbol 
will light up.
2. Press the rear part of the switch – the 
power take-off is disengaged. 
12. DIFFERENTIAL INHIBITOR
(F540)
Lever for engaging the differential inhibitor. This 
improves the towing capacity by locking the rear 
wheels so that both wheels drive simultaneously. 
Two positions:
1. Forward position – the differential in-
hibitor is not engaged. For normal opera-
tion.
2. Lever in backward position - differen-
tial inhibitor engaged. Works for both for-
ward and reverse drive.
The differential inhibitor is of greatest use when 
the rear wheels are unevenly loaded. For example 
when turning sharp corners where the inner rear 
wheel bears a lesser load.
When driving during the winter on slippery surfac-
es, the drive capacity is improved if snow chains 
are not used.
When the differential inhibitor is engaged, the 
steering is heavy. Avoid turning the steering 
wheel!
13. HOUR COUNTER
Indicates the number of working hours. Only 
works when the engine is running.
14. CRUISE CONTROL 
A switch for activating the cruise control. The 
cruise control allows the drive pedal (5) to be 
locked in the desired position.
1. Press down the drive pedal until the de-
sired speed is obtained. Then press the 
front part of the switch to activate the 
cruise control. The symbol will light up.
2. Disengage the cruise control by braking 
or pressing the rear part of the switch. 
15. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 
(F540)
The machine is equipped with a control for using 
the cutting deck with electrical cutting height ad-
justment (available as an accessory).
The switch is used to adjust the cutting 
height in continuously variable positions. 
The contact used for connecting the cutting deck is 
mounted on the right side, in front of the front 
wheel (fig. 2).
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 
(F530)
See mower deck manual.
16. Not in use (F540)
17. Not in use (F540)
18. DISENGAGING LEVER 
A lever for disengaging the variable transmission. 
Enables the machine to be moved by hand without 
the help of the engine. Two positions:
1. Lever moved back – transmis-
sion engaged for normal opera-
tion.
2. Lever moved forward – trans-
mission disengaged. The ma-
chine can be moved by hand.
The machine may not be towed over long distances 
or at high speeds. The transmission could be dam-
aged. 
19. FUEL GAUGE/FUEL CAP
Fuel cap with built-in fuel gauge that indi-
cates how much fuel there is in the fuel 
tank.
The fuel tank holds approx. 11.5 litres.
AREAS OF USE
1. NOTE! This machine is not intended to be driv-
en on public roads.
2. The maximum vertical load on the towing hitch 
must not exceed 100 N.
3. The maximum over-run load on the towing hitch 
from towed accessories must not exceed 500 N. 
						

							18
ENGLISHGB
STARTING AND OPERATION
ENGINE CASING
To inspect and maintain the engine and battery, re-
move the engine casing. Dismantling:
1. Unscrew the fuel cap/fuel gauge.
2. Pull up the rubber strap at the front edge of the 
casing (fig. 6).
3. Carefully lift off the engine casing (fig. 7).
Assembly:
1. Place the casing over the lip on each side.
2. Make sure that the pins on the rear edge of the 
casing go down into the respective holes (fig. 
8).
3. Secure the front edge of the casing with the rub-
ber strap (fig. 6).
4. Finally, screw in the fuel cap/fuel gauge.
The machine may not be operated un-
less the engine casing is mounted. Risk 
of burns and crushing injuries.
FILLING THE FUEL TANK
Always use lead-free petrol. You must never use 2-
stroke petrol mixed with oil.
NOTE! Bear in mind that ordinary lead-free petrol 
is a perishable; do not purchase more petrol than 
can be used within thirty days.
Environmental petrol can be used, i.e. alkylate pet-
rol. This type of petrol has a composition that is 
less harmful for people and nature.
Petrol is highly inflammable. Always 
store fuel in containers that are made 
especially for this purpose. 
Only fill or top up with petrol outdoors, 
and never smoke when filling or top-
ping up. Fill with fuel before starting 
the engine. Never remove the filler cap 
or fill with petrol while the engine is 
running or still warm.
Never completely fill the petrol tank. Leave an 
empty space (= at least the entire filler tube plus 1 
- 2 cm at the top of the tank) to allow the petrol to 
expand when it warms up without overflowing 
(fig. 16).
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
On delivery, the crankcase is filled with SAE 30 
oil.
Check the oil level every time before using to 
ensure it is correct. The machine should be 
standing on level ground.
Wipe clean around the oil dipstick. Un-
screw and pull it up. Wipe off the dipstick. 
Slide it down completely and tighten it. 
Then unscrew it and pull it up again. Read off the 
oil level. Top up with oil to the “FULL“ mark, if 
the level comes below it (figs. 9).
CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION 
OIL LEVEL
The transmission is filled with SAE 10W-40 oil 
when the machine is delivered from the factory,
Check the oil level every time before using to 
ensure it is correct. The machine should be 
standing on level ground.
Read off the oil level in the reservoir (fig. 17). It 
should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks. 
If necessary, top up with more oil. Use oil SAE 
10W-40 (20W-50).
SAFETY SYSTEM
This machine is equipped with a safety system that 
consists of: 
- a switch at the brake pedal. 
- a switch in the seat bracket.
- a switch at the power take-off engagement le-
ver. 
In order to start the machine, the following are nec-
essary: 
- brake pedal pressed down. 
- driver sitting on seat. 
- power take-off engagement lever in forward po-
sition (i.e. power take-off disengaged).
Always check the operation of the safe-
ty system before using the machine!
With the engine running and the driver sitting on 
the seat, check as follows: 
- press the drive pedal so that the machine starts 
to move, release the drive pedal – the machine 
must stop. 
- press the drive pedal so that the machine starts 
to move, engage the cruise control, lift your  
						

							19
ENGLISHGB
weight off the seat – the machine must stop.
- press the drive pedal so that the machine starts 
to move, engage the cruise control, press the 
brake pedal – the machine must stop. 
- engage the power take-off, lift your weight off 
the seat – the engine must stop (applies to 
F530).
- engage the power take-off, lift your weight off 
the seat – the power take-off must be disen-
gaged (applies to F540).
Do not use the machine if the safety sys-
tem is not working! Take the machine 
to a service workshop for inspection! 
STARTING ENGINE
1. Open the fuel cock (fig. 10).
2. Make sure that the spark plug cable is properly 
in place.
3. Check to make sure that the power take-off is 
disengaged. 
4. Do not keep your foot on the drive pedal. 
5a. F530:
Starting cold engine – put the throttle control in the 
choke position. Starting warm engine – put the 
throttle control at full throttle (approx. 1 cm behind 
the choke position).
5b. F540:
Put the throttle control at full throttle. Starting cold 
engine – pull the choke control out fully. Starting 
warm engine – do not touch the choke control.
6. Depress the brake pedal fully.
7. Turn the ignition key and start the engine.
8a. F530:
Once the engine has started, move the throttle con-
trol gradually to full throttle if the choke has been 
used. 
8b. F540:
Once the engine has started, push the choke control 
in gradually if it has been used. 
9. When starting from cold, do not make the ma-
chine work under load immediately, but let the en-
gine run for a few minutes first. This will allow the 
oil to warm up. 
When in use, always operate the engine at full 
throttle.
STOPPING
Disengage the power take-off. Apply the parking 
brake. 
Allow the engine to idle 1 - 2 mins. Stop the engine 
by turning off the starter key.
Shut off the petrol cock. This is particularly impor-
tant if the machine is to be transported on a trailer 
for example.
If the machine is left unattended, re-
move the spark plug cable from the 
spark plug. Also remove the starter key.
The engine may be very warm immedi-
ately after it is shut off. Do not touch the 
silencer, cylinder or cooling fins. This 
can cause burn injuries.
STEERING AID (F540)
Built-in function in order to facilitate steering. The 
operator only has to turn the steering wheel gently. 
A hydraulic torque amplifier creates the remaining 
force.
As opposed to normal servo steering (e.g. in a car), 
the steering aid has a limited capacity. This means 
that it has some characteristics that might be con-
sidered negative:
- at a low engine rpm or in situations where extra 
steering force is needed, steering can be consid-
ered to be “jumpy”.
- the machine should always be moving when the 
steering is used. Avoid turning the steering 
wheel when the machine is standing completely 
still and the accessory is in the lowered working 
position.
The steering is adapted in order to produce better 
results at a normal working speed. This produces 
major benefits.
Even when the engine is not running, the steering 
works. However, it is harder to turn in this case, if 
the machine is to be manoeuvred manually.
DRIVING TIPS
Make sure that there is the correct quantity of oil in 
the engine when driving on slopes (oil level on 
“FULL”).  
						

							20
ENGLISHGB
Be careful when driving on slopes. No 
sudden starting or stopping when mov-
ing up or down a slope. Never drive 
across a slope. Move from the top down, 
and from the bottom to the top. 
The machine, equipped with original 
accessories, may not be driven on slopes 
greater than 10º in any direction.
Reduce the speed on slopes and when 
making sharp turns to prevent the ma-
chine from tipping over or you losing 
control of the machine.
Do not turn the steering wheel to full 
lock when driving in top gear and at full 
throttle. The machine can easily topple 
over.
Keep hands and fingers well away from 
articulated steering joint and seat 
bracket. Risk of crushing injuries. Nev-
er operate the machine without the en-
gine casing.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
PREPARATIONS
Unless otherwise stated, all service and mainte-
nance must be carried out on a stationary machine 
when the engine is not running.
Prevent the machine from rolling by al-
ways applying the parking brake.
Disengage the drive to the accessories, 
shut off the engine and disconnect the 
spark plug cable or remove the starter 
key. 
CLEANING
To reduce the risk of fire, keep the en-
gine, silencer, battery and fuel tank free 
from grass, leaves and oil.
To reduce the risk of fire, regularly 
check the machine for oil and/or fuel 
leakage. 
When washing the machine with water under high 
pressure, do not point the jet directly at the trans-
mission.
Do not point jets of water directly at the engine. Use a brush or compressed air in order to clean it.
ENGINE OIL
Change the oil for the first time after 5 hours run-
ning, and then after every 50 hours running or once 
a season. Change oil when the engine is warm.
Always use a good grade of oil (service grade SF, 
SG or SH).
Change the oil more often (after 25 hours of oper-
ation or at least once a season) if the engine has to 
operate under demanding conditions or if the am-
bient temperature is high.
The engine oil may be very hot if it is 
drained off directly after the engine is 
shut off. So allow the engine to cool a 
few minutes before draining the oil.
1. Oil drain pipe (metal):
Unscrew the oil drain plug at the end of the pipe. 
Collect the oil in a collection vessel. Then take 
the oil to a recycling station. Do not allow oil to 
get on the V-belts.
2. Screw in the oil drain plug. Make sure that the 
fibre gasket and the O-ring inside the plug are not 
damaged and that they are in the correct place.
3. Remove the dipstick and fill up with new oil.
Oil capacity:
F530 - 1.4 l
F540 - 1.7 l (incl. oil filter)
Oil type, summer (> 4ºC): SAE-30
(SAE 10W-30 can also be used. However, oil con-
sumption may increase somewhat if 10W-30 is 
used. Therefore, check the oil level more regularly 
if you use this type of oil).
Oil type, winter (< 4ºC): SAE 5W-30 
(if this oil is not available, use SAE 10W-30).
Use oil without any additives.
Do not fill with too much oil. This can cause the 
engine to overheat. 
After filling up the oil, start the engine and idle for 
30 seconds. Stop the engine. Wait for 30 seconds 
and then check the oil level. 
Check to see if there is any oil leakage. If neces-
sary, fill up the oil up to the “FULL“ mark.
OIL FILTER – ENGINE (F540)
Replace the oil filter after every 100 hours of oper- 
						

							21
ENGLISHGB
ation or once a season.
Before screwing the new filter, oil the filter gasket 
with engine oil. 
Screw the filter by hand, until the filter gasket 
touches the filter attachment. Then tighten ½ to ¾ 
of a full turn (fig. 19).
Start the engine and idle to see if any leakage oc-
curs. Stop the engine. Check the oil level. If neces-
sary, fill up the oil up to the “FULL” mark.
AIR FILTER - ENGINE
Clean the foam pre-filter every 3 months or after 
every 25 hours of operation, whichever comes 
first.
Clean the paper filter insert once a year or after 
every 100 hours of operation, whichever comes 
first.
Note! Both filters should be cleaned more often if 
the machine operates on dusty ground.
1. Remove the protective cover of the air filter (fig. 
11 - 12). 
2. Dismantle the paper filter insert and the foam 
pre-filter. Make sure that no dirt gets into the car-
burettor. Clean the air filter housing.
3a. F540:
Wash the pre-filter in liquid detergent and water. 
Squeeze dry. Pour a little oil on the filter and 
squeeze in the oil.
3b. F530:
Replace the pre-filter once a year or after every 25 
hours of operation, whichever comes first.
4. Clean the paper filter insert as follows: Knock it 
lightly against a flat surface. If the filter is very 
dirty, change it.
5. Assemble in the reverse order.
Petroleum-based solvents such as kerosene may 
not be used for cleaning the paper filter insert. 
These solvents can destroy the filter.
Do not use compressed air for cleaning the paper 
filter insert. The paper filter insert must not be 
oiled. 
SPARK PLUG
Only use a Briggs & Stratton sparking tester to 
check the spark in the sparking plug(s) (fig. 13).
Clean the spark plug after every 100 hours of oper-ation or once a season. For replacing a spark plug, 
a spark plug sleeve A and a torsion pin B are pro-
vided in the accessories bag.
The engine manufacturer recommends:
Champion RC12YC
Correct spark gap: 0.75 mm.
COOLING AIR INTAKE - ENGINE
The engine is air-cooled. A blocked cooling sys-
tem can damage the engine. The engine should be 
cleaned at least once a year or every 100 hours of 
operation.
Remove the fan casing. Clean the cooling fins on 
the cylinder, the fan and the rotating protective 
grille. Clean more frequently if mowing dry grass. 
BATTERY
The battery is a valve-regulated battery with 12 V 
nominal voltage. The battery is completely main-
tenance free. You don’t have to check or top up the 
electrolyte level.
On delivery, the battery is in the accessories box.
The battery must be fully charged be-
fore being used for the first time. The 
battery should always be stored fully 
charged. If the battery is stored while 
totally flat it could sustain permanent 
damage. 
If the machine is not going to be used for an ex-
tended period (more than 1 month), the battery 
should be charged, disconnected and then stored in 
a cool, safe place. Charge the battery completely 
before reinstalling.
The battery can be charged in two ways:
1. Via a battery charger (recommended). This must 
be a charger with constant voltage. The battery 
can be damaged if a standard type battery 
charger (for acid batteries) is used.
2. You can also allow the engine to charge the bat-
tery. In this case it is very important, above all 
when starting the machine for the first time and 
when it has not been used for a long time, to al-
low the engine to run continuously for at least 
45 minutes.