Makita Lawn Mower PTM0900 PTM0901 PTM0903 Instructions Manual

							15ENCONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS
4.21 CLUTCH / BRAKE PEDAL
This pedal has two functions: during the first part of its travel it acts as a clutch,
engaging and disengaging drive to the wheels, and in the second part it acts as a
brake on the rear wheels
Do not keep the pedal halfway between clutch engagement or
disengagement, as this can cause overheating and damage the transmission belt.
When the machine is moving, keep your foot off the pedal.
4.22 SPEED CHANGE LEVER
This lever has seven positions for the 5 forward speeds, the neutral position «N»,
and reverse «R». 
To go from one speed to another, press the pedal (4.21) halfway and shift the lever
as shown on the label.
Only shift into reverse when the machine has stopped
moving.
!WARNING!
NOTE
IMPORTANT
➤Mechanical transmission
4.22
4.21
5
R
234
N
1 
						

							4.31 BRAKE PEDAL
This pedal works the brake on the rear wheels.
4.32 DRIVE PEDAL
This pedal engages drive in the wheels and controls the machines forward and
reverse speeds.
– To engage forward drive, press it towards «F» with your toe-cap. As you increase
the pressure on the pedal, the speed of the machine increases.
– Reverse is engaged by pressing the pedal with the heel towards «R».
– The pedal automatically goes into neutral «N» when released.
Only shift into reverse when the machine has stopped
moving
If the drive pedal is used, whether forwards or for reverse, the
engine stops as soon as the parking brake (4.4) is engaged.
4.33 HYDROSTATIC
TRANSMISSION
DISENGAGEMENT LEVER
This lever has two positions as
shown on the label:
«A» = Transmission engaged: for
all uses, when moving and
during cutting;
«B» = Transmission disengaged:
this makes it much easier to
move the machine by hand,
with the engine turned off.  
To avoid dam-
age to the transmission unit, this
operation must be carried out
only when the engine has stopped
with the pedal (4.32) on position
«N».
IMPORTANT
NOTE
!WARNING!
➤Hydrostatic transmission:
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS16EN
4.33
4.31
N
B
A
4.32
F
R 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE17EN
5.1 SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
The machine must only be used for the purpose for which it
was designed (cutting and collecting grass). 
Do not tamper with or remove the safety devices fitted on the machine.
REMEMBER THAT THE USER IS ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE AND
INJURY TO OTHERS. Before using the machine:
– read the general safety regulations ( ☛ 1.2), paying particular attention to
driving and cutting on slopes;
– carefully read the instructions for use, make sure you are familiar with the
controls and know how to stop the blades and the engine quickly;   
– never put your hands or feet next to or beneath the rotating parts and always
keep away from the exit.
Do not use the machine when in a precarious state of health or under the
effect of medicine or any other substances that can reduce your reflex actions
and your ability to concentrate. 
It is the users responsibility to assess the potential risk of the area where work
is to be carried out, and to take all the necessary precautions to ensure his
own safety and that of others, particularly on slopes or rough, slippery and
unstable ground. 
Do not leave the machine on high grass with the engine running to avoid the
risk of starting a fire.
This machine must not be used on slopes steeper than 10°
(17%)  ( ☛ 5.5). If the machine is likely to be used mostly on sloping ground
(never steeper than 10°), fit counterweights (supplied on reques ☛ 8.1) beneath
the cross-member of the front wheels. These improve stability at the front and
reduce the chances of tipping over.
All the references relating to the positions of controls are
described in chapter 4.
5.2 WHY THE SAFETY DEVICES CUT IN
The safety devices work in two ways:
– hey prevent the engine from starting if all the safety requirements have not been
met;
– they stop the engine if even just one of the safety requirements is lacking.  
a)To start the engine, it is necessary that:
– the transmission is in “neutral”;
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
!DANGER!
5. HOW TO USE THE MACHINE 
						

							18ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
– the blades are 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 applying
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 blades.
5.3 DIRECTIONS BEFORE STARTING WORK
Before starting to mow, it is necessary to carry out several checks and operations to
ensure you can work efficiently and in maximum safety.
5.3.1 Seat adjustment
To change the seat position, loosen the four fixing
bolts (1) and slide it along the slots.
Once you have found the right position, tighten
the four screws (1).
5.3.2 Tyre pressure
Having the right tyre pressure is the main condi-
tion for ensuring that the cutting deck is horizon-
tal and mows evenly.
Unscrew the valve caps and connect a com-
pressed air line with a gauge to the valves.
The pressures are:
FRONT 1.5 bar (13 x 5.00-6)
1.0 bar (15 x 5.00-6)
REAR 1.2 bar
11 
						

							19ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.3.3 Filling with oil and fuel
The engine manual indi-
cates what type of oil and fuel you can use.
With the engine off, check the oil level.
According to the instructions in the engine
manual, this must be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.
Refuel using a funnel, but do not
completely fill the tank.
The tanks capacity is about 6 liters
(Type I) or 4.5 liters (Type II). 
Refuelling
should be carried out in an open or
well-ventilated area with the
engine off. Always remember that
petrol fumes are inflammable. DO
NOT USE A NAKED FLAME TO
LOOK INSIDE THE TANK AND DO
NOT SMOKE WHEN REFUELLING.
Do not drip petrol onto the plastic parts to avoid damaging them.
In the event of accidental spills or leaks, rinse immediately with water. The warranty
does not cover for damage to plastic parts of the bodywork or the engine caused by
petrol.
5.3.4 Fitting the protection at the exit (grass-catcher or stone-guard)
Never use the machine without having fitted the exit guards!!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
!DANGER!
NOTE
MAX
MIN
I
II 
						

							20ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
Attach the grass-catcher (1) to the brackets (2) and
centre it up with the rear plate, so that the two ref-
erence marks (3) coincide.
Centering is ensured by using the right bracket as
lateral support.
Make sure that the lower pipe of the grass-catcher
opening is attached to the pawl (4).
If you decide to mow without the grass-catcher,
you can mount an optional stone-guard kit  (☛8.2).
This has to be attached to the rear plate as indicat-
ed in the instructions.
5.3.5 Checking machine safety and efficiency
1. Check that the safety devices function as described  (☛5.2).
2. Check that the brake is in perfect working order.
3. Do not start mowing if the blades vibrate or if you are unsure whether they are
sharp enough. Always remember that:
– A badly sharpened blade pulls at the grass and causes the lawn to turn yellow.
– A loose blade causes unwanted vibrations and can be dangerous.
Do not use the machine if you are unsure whether it is work-
ing safely or efficiently. If in doubt, contact your Dealer immediately to make
the necessary checks and repairs.
5.4 USING THE MACHINE
5.4.1 Starting
The engine must be started in an open or well-ventilated!DANGER!
!WARNING!
4
3
21 
						

							21ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
area! ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT EXHAUST GASES ARE TOXIC!
To start the engine:
– open the fuel stopcock (1)  ( if fitted);
– shift in the gear into neutral («N») (☛4.22 or 4.32);
– disengage the blades (☛4.7);
– apply the parking brake on sloping ground;
– when starting from cold, move the throttle to the
«CHOKE» position shown on the label;
– if the engine is already warm, position the lever
between «SLOW» and «FAST»;
– put in the ignition key and turn to «ON» to make electri-
cal contact, then turn to «START» to start the engine;
– release the key once the engine has started.
When the engine has started, move the throttle to «SLOW».
The choke must be closed as soon as the engine is running
smoothly. Using it when the engine is already warm can foul the spark plugs and
cause the engine to run erratically.
If there are engine starting problems, do not insist as you can risk
running the battery flat and flooding the engine. Turn the key to «OFF», wait for a few
seconds and then repeat the operation. If the malfunction persists, refer to the
engine manual and chapter «7» in this manual.
Always bear in mind that the safety devices prevent the engine
from starting if safety requirements have not been met (☛5.2).
In these cases, once the situation has been corrected, the key must first be turned
back to «OFF» before the engine can be restarted.
5.4.2 Starting and moving without mowing
This 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 blades must be disengaged and the cutting deck
raised as high as possible (position «7»).
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
NOTE
IMPORTANT
➤
1 
						

							22ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
Position the throttle between «SLOW» and
«FAST», and the gear lever in 1st gear (☛4.22).
Keep the pedal pressed down and release the parking brake. Slowly release the
pedal to shift from “brake” to “clutch”, thus operating the rear wheels (☛4.21).
The pedal has to be released gradually, as a sudden
engagement may cause the vehicle to tip over and the driver to lose control.
Gradually reach the desired speed using the throttle and gear lever. To change gear,
press the clutch halfway down (☛4.21).
When moving the machine from one area to
another, position the throttle between «SLOW» and «FAST».
Disengage the parking brake and release the brake pedal (☛4.31).
Press the drive pedal (☛4.32) in direction «F» and reach the required speed by
gradually increasing pressure on the pedal and working the throttle.
Drive must be engaged as described  (☛4.32) ) to prevent
sudden engagement from causing tipping up and loss of control of the vehicle,
particularly on slopes.
5.4.3 Braking
First reduce the machine’s speed by reducing the engine’s r.p.m., and then press the
brake pedal (☛4.21 or 4.31) to slow down the machine until it stops.
The machine already slows down considerably
by just releasing the drive pedal.
➤Hydrostatic transmission: 
!WARNING!
➤Hydrostatic transmission: 
!WARNING!
➤Mechanical transmission:  
						

							23ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.4.4 Reverse
Reverse must be engaged only when the machine has stopped
moving.
Press the pedal until the machine stops and
then go into reverse by shifting the lever sideways and into position «R»  (☛4.22).
Gradually release the pedal to engage the clutch and then begin moving in reverse.
When the machine has stopped moving, start
reversing by pressing the drive pedal in direction «R»  (☛4.32).
5.4.5 Grass cutting
To start cutting:
– move the throttle to «FAST»;
– raise the cutting deck as high as possible;
– engage the blades (☛4.9);
– start moving forwards on the grass very slowly and with utmost caution, as already
described;
– regulate the cutting height and speed (☛4.8) considering the conditions of the lawn
(the height, density and dampness of the grass).
When cutting on sloping ground, reduce your speed to
ensure safe conditions ( ☛ 1.2 - 5.5).
Whatever the conditions, always reduce the speed if you notice a drop in engine speed
– if you travel too fast compared to the amount of grass being cut, you will not be able
to mow the grass well.
Disengage the blades and raise the cutting deck as high as possible whenever you
need to get past an obstacle.
5.4.6 Emptying the grass-catcher
This operation can only be done with the blades disengaged, oth-
erwise the engine stops.
Do not let the grass-catcher become too full as this may block the collector channel.  
NOTE
!WARNING!
➤Hydrostatic transmission: 
➤Mechanical transmission: 
IMPORTANT 
						

							24ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
When the grass-catcher is full you will hear a
sound warning. At this point:
– disengage the blades (☛4.7) and the sound
will stop;
– lower the engine speed;
– shift into neutral (N)  (☛4.22 - Mechanical
transmissionor 4.32 - Hydrostatic transmis-
sion) and stop moving forward;
– engage the parking brake on slopes;
– pull out the lever (1) and tip up the grass-
catcher to empty it;
– close the grass-catcher so that it hooks onto
the pawl (2).
5.4.7 Unblocking the collector channel
Cutting very tall or wet grass, particularly at excessively high speed, can clog up the
collector channel. If this happens proceed as follows:
– stop moving forward, disengage the blades and stop the engine;
– remove the grass-catcher or stone-guard;
– remove the grass cuttings; you can reach them from the exit of the collector chan-
nel.
This job must only be performed with the engine turned off.
5.4.8 End of mowing
When you have finished mowing, disengage the blades, lower the engine speed and
ride the machine with the cutting deck raised as high as possible.
5.4.9 End of work
Stop the machine, move the throttle to «SLOW» and turn
off the engine by turning the key to «OFF».
When the engine has stopped, close the fuel stopcock (1)
( if fitted).
To avoid backfire, position the
throttle on «SLOW» for 20 seconds before stopping
the engine. 
!WARNING!
➤
!WARNING!
1
2
1