Makita Lawn Mower PTM0900 PTM0901 PTM0903 Instructions Manual

							25ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
Always take out the ignition key before leaving the machine
unattended!
To keep the battery charged, do not leave the key in the «ON»
position when the engine is not running.
5.4.10 Cleaning the machine
After use, clean the outside of the machine, empty the grass-catcher and shake it to
remove grass and other debris.
Always empty the grass-catcher and do not leave containers
full of cut grass inside a room.
Clean the plastic parts of the body with a damp sponge using water and detergent,
taking care not to wet the engine, the electrical parts or the electronic circuit board
located under the dashboard.
Never use hose nozzles or harsh detergents to clean the body-
work or the engine!
When washing the inside of the cutting deck and the collector channel, the machine
must be on firm ground with:
– the grass-catcher or stone-guard fitted;
– the operator seated;
– the engine running;
– the transmission in neutral;
– the blades engaged.
Connect a water hose to each of the pipe fit-
tings (1) one at a time and run water through
each one for a few minutes, with the blades
moving.
When washing, the cutting deck should be
lowered right down. Take off the grass-catcher,
empty and rinse it, and then put it in a position
where it can dry quickly.
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
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							26ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.4.11 Storage and inactivity for long periods
If you intend not to use the machine for a long period (more than 1 month), disconnect
the battery cables and follow the instructions in the engine instruction manual.
Empty the fuel tank by disconnecting the tube situated
at the inlet of the fuel filter (1) and follow the instruc-
tions in the engine manual.
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!
Put the machine away in a dry, sheltered place and
preferably covered with a cloth (☛8.4).
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  (☛6.2.4).
The next time the machine is used, check that there are no fuel leaks from the tubes,
fuel stopcock or carburettor.
5.4.12 Card protection device
The electronic circuit board has a self-resetting protector which breaks the circuit if
there is a fault in the electrical system. This causes the engine to shutdown and is indi-
cated by the indicator light going our ( machine with indicator light) or by the com-
plete shutdown of the control panel ( machine with 6 indicator light control panel).
The circuit automatically resets after a few seconds but the cause of the fault should
be ascertained and dealt with to avoid reactivating the protection device.
To avoid activating the protection device:
– do not invert the leads on the battery terminals;
– do not use the machine without its battery or damage may be caused to the
charging regulator;
– be careful not to cause short-circuits.
IMPORTANT
➤
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IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
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							5.4.13 Summary of main steps to follow when using the machine
5.5 USING THE MACHINE ON SLOPING GROUND
Only mow on slopes with gradients up to the maximum already mentioned (max 10° -
17%). Lawns on a slope have to be mowed moving up and down and never across
27ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
To ...
Start the engine  (☛5.4.1)
Go forward (☛5.4.2)
Brake or stop  (☛5.4.3)
Reverse  (☛5.4.4)
Cut the grass   (☛5.4.5)
Empty the grass-catcher (☛5.4.6)
Unblock the collector channel (☛5.4.7)
Finish mowing (☛5.4.8)
Stop the engine (☛5.4.9)
Store the machine (☛5.4.10)
You will need to ...
Open the fuel stopcock, ensure that all the conditionsallowing starting are met, and then turn the key. 
Apply the throttle;Mechanical transmission: press the pedal right down,shift into forward gear ( ☛4.22) eand slowly release thepedal;Hydrostatic transmission: press the drive pedal for-wards  (☛4.32);
Reduce the engine speed and press the brake pedal.
Stop the machine;Mechanical transmission:shift into neutral (N), pushthe pedal right down, go into reverse, (☛4.22) and thengradually release the pedal;Hydrostatic transmission: press the drive pedal back-wards ( ☛4.32).
Fit the grass-catcher or stone-guard and apply the throttle;engage the blades and adjust the cutting height.Mechanical transmission:push the pedal right down,shift into forward gear ( ☛4.22) and then graduallyrelease the pedal;Hydrostatic transmission:press the drive pedal for-wards ( ☛4.32); 
Stop moving forwards, disengage the blades and pull outthe lever to tip up the grass-catcher.
Stop moving forwards, disengage the blades and turn offthe engine. Remove the grass-catcher and clean the col-lector channel.
Disengage the blades and reduce the engine speed.
Reduce the engine speed, wait a few seconds, turn the keyand close the fuel stopcock.
Engage the parking brake, remove the key and, if neces-sary, wash the machine, the inside of the cutting deck, thecollector channel and the grass-catcher.
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							28ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
them. When changing direction, take great
care that the wheels facing up the slope do
not hit any obstacles (such as stones,
branches, roots, etc.) that may cause the
machine to slide sideways, tip over or make
you lose control.
REDUCE SPEED BEFORE ANY CHANGE OF DIRECTION ON
SLOPES, and always apply the parking brake before leaving the machine at a
standstill and unattended.
Start moving forwards very carefully on sloping ground to
prevent the risk of tipping over. Reduce the forward speed before going on a
slope, particularly downhill.
Never use reverse to reduce speed going downhill: this could
cause you to lose control of the vehicle, especially on slippery ground.
Never ride the machine on slopes in neutral or with the
clutch out! Always shift into a low gear before leaving the machine at a
standstill and unattended.
Go down slopes with your foot off the drive pedal (☛4.32), to use the braking effect
of the hydrostatic drive when the transmission is not engaged.
5.6 TRANSPORTING
If the machine is transported on a truck or trailer, use suit-
able equipment for lifting and enough people for the weight involved and the
type of lifting system used. The machine must never be lifted by rope and tack-
le. During transport, close the fuel stopcock  (  if fitted), lower the cutting
deck, apply the parking brake and fasten the machine securely with ropes or
chains to the hauling device.  
➤
!WARNING!
➤Hydrostatic transmission: 
!DANGER!
➤Mechanical transmission: 
!DANGER!
!WARNING!
!DANGER!
max 10°  (17%) 
						

							29ENHOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.7 LAWN MAINTENANCE
1.To keep a lawn green, soft and attractive, it should be cut regularly without damag-
ing the grass. A lawn can be composed of different types of grass. If the lawn is cut
frequently, grass and roots grow more vigorously, forming a solid grassy bed. If the
lawn is cut is less frequently, higher grass and weeds start growing (plus daisies and
clovers, etc.).
2.It is always better to cut the grass when dry.
3.The blades must be in good condition and well sharpened so that the grass is cut
straight without a ragged edge that leads to yellowing at the ends.
4.The engine must run at full speed, both to ensure a sharp cut of the grass and to
get the necessary thrust to push the cuttings through the collector channel.
5.The frequency of mowing should be in relation to the rate of growth of the grass.
The grass should not be left to grow too much between one cut and the next.
6.During hot and dry periods, the grass should be cut a little higher to prevent the
ground from drying out.
7.The best height of the grass on a
well-kept lawn is approx. 4-5 cm. 
With one cut, you do not need to
remove more than a third of the total
height. 
If the grass is very tall, it should be cut
twice in a twenty-four hour period - the
first time with the blades at maximum
height, possibly reducing the cutting
width, and the second cut at the
desired height.  
8.The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate cutting in both directions.
9.If the collector system tends to get blocked with grass, you should reduce the for-
ward speed as it may be too high for the condition of the grass. If the problem per-
sists, the probable causes are either badly sharpened blades or deformed wings.
10.Be very careful when mowing near bushes or kerbs as these could distort the hori-
zontal position of the cutting deck and damage its edge as well as the blades.
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							Operation Hours Completed (Date or Time)
1. MACHINE
1.1Check of fastening and sharpness of blades25
1.2Blade replacement 100
1.3Transmission belt check 25
1.4Transmission belt replacement  2)–
1.5Blade belt check 25
1.6Blade belt replacement  2)–
1.7Drive adjustment and check 10
1.8Blade brake and engagement check 10
1.9Bolt and screw check 25
1.10General lubrication  3)25
2. ENGINE1)
2.1Engine oil change .....
2.2Air filter cleaning and check .....
2.3Air filter replacement .....
2.4Fuel filter check .....
2.5Fuel filter replacement .....
2.6Spark plug contacts check and cleaning .....
2.7Spark plug replacement .....
6.1 SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Before cleaning or doing maintenance work, take out the
ignition key and read the relevant instructions. Wear adequate clothing and
work gloves whenever your hands are at risk.
Never use the machine with worn or damaged parts. Faulty
or worn-out parts must always be replaced and not repaired. Only use original
spare parts: Parts that are not of the same quality can damage the equipment
and affect your safety and that of others.
Never dispose of used oil, fuel, batteries or other pollutants in
unauthorised places!
6.2 PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
!WARNING!
30ENMAINTENANCE
6. MAINTENANCE 
						

							31ENMAINTENANCE
1)See the engine manual for the full list and frequency.2)At the first signs of wear, contact your dealer to replace the part.3)General lubrication of all joints should also be carried out whenever the machine is
to be left unused for a long period.  
The above table is there to help you maintain your machine’s safety and performance.
It shows the main maintenance and lubrication operations and their frequency. To the
right of each item, there is a box where you can write the date or after how many oper-
ating hours the work was carried out.
All checks, adjustments and replacements not described in
chapters 6.3 and 6.4 of this manual must be carried out by your Dealer or a
specialized Service Centre. Both have the necessary knowledge and tools to
ensure that the work is carried out correctly without affecting the safety of the
machine.
6.2.1 Summary of main situations where servicing operation may be required
6.2.2 Engine
Follow all the instruc-
tions in the engine manual.
To empty the engine oil, unscrew the oil plug
(1). When refitting the plug, make sure the
seal is positioned correctly.
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
Whenever ...
The blades vibrate
The blades tear the grass and the lawnbecomes yellow
The cut is uneven
The blades engage in an abnormal way
The machine does not brake
Forward movement is erratic
You will need to  ...
Contact Your Dealer  
Contact Your Dealer  
Align the cutting deck   (☛6.3.1).
Contact Your Dealer 
Contact Your Dealer 
Contact Your Dealer  
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							32ENMAINTENANCE
6.2.3 Rear axle
This is a sealed single unit that does not require maintenance. It is permanently lubri-
cated and its lubricant does not need changing or topping up.
6.2.4 Battery
The battery must be carefully main-
tained to ensure long life. The machine
battery must always be charged:
– before using the machine for the first
time after purchase;
– before leaving the machine disused
for a long period;
– before starting up the machine after
a long period of disuse.
Carefully read and observe the battery
recharging instructions in the booklet
provided with the battery. Failure in fol-
lowing the instructions or in charging
the battery could permanently damage
the battery cells.
A flat battery must  be recharged as
soon as possible.
Recharging must be done using a battery charger at constant
voltage. Other recharging systems can irreversibly damage the battery
The machine comes with a connector (1) for recharging; this is connected to the corre-
sponding connector for the special “CB01” maintenance battery-charger supplied
( if included) or available on request (☛8.5).
This connector must only be used for connection to the “CB01”
maintenance battery-charger. For its use:
– follow the instructions in the relevant user manual,
– follow the instructions in the battery manual.
IMPORTANT
➤
IMPORTANT
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							6.3 CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
6.3.1 Cutting deck alignment
The cutting deck should be aligned properly set to ensure a good cut 
In order to make the adjustment, you may need to remove the lat-
eral guides which must be put back afterwards.
For achieving good results from
cutting, the front part should always be 5 - 6 mm
lower than the rear.
– Place the machine on flat ground and check the
tyre pressure;
– Put 26 mm blocks (1) under the front edge of the
deck and 32 mm blocks (2) under the rear edge,
then move the lifting lever to position «1»;
– unscrew the nuts (3 - 5 - 7) and locknuts (4 - 6 - 8)
so that the deck rests on the blocks;
– turn the nuts (9) (first remove
the central covering) so that
the rear left connecting rod
(10) starts moving at the
slightest movement of the
lifting lever, and then secure
it in place;
– screw down the rear left nut
(3) until the rear edge of the
cutting deck begins to rise;
– screw down the front nuts (5 - 7) until the front edge of the cutting deck begins to
rise evenly, both on the right and left side;
– screw down the three locknuts (4 - 6 - 8);
Shift the lifting lever to 2 or 3 different positions to check that the deck rises evenly
and that the front and rear edge are at the same height from the ground.
If the front edge tends to rise before or after the back edge, turn the nuts (11) on the
connecting rod (12). 
If you tighten the nuts, the front edge will rise first, while if you loosen them, the back
edge rises first.
When you have finished the adjustment, always check that all the nuts and locknuts
are tightened securely.
If the deck is still not correctly aligned, contact your Dealer.
NOTE
NOTE
33ENMAINTENANCE
1 - h = 26 mm
2 - h = 32 mm
4
3
6
5
8
7
9
11
10
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							34ENMAINTENANCE
6.4 DISMANTLING AND REPLACEMENT
6.4.1 Replacing wheels
Stop the machine on flat ground and put a block
under a load-bearing part of the frame on the side
that the wheel is to be changed.
The wheels are held by a snap ring (1) which can be
eased off with a screwdriver.
If you have to replace one or
both rear wheels, make sure they have the same
diameter, and check that cutting deck is horizontal
to prevent an uneven cut.
Before remounting the wheel, apply grease to the axle. Put the
snap ring (1) and supporting washer (2) back in place.
6.4.2 Replacing and repairing the tyres
The tyres are “Tubeless” and so all punctures must be repaired by a tyre repairer fol-
lowing the procedures required for this kind of tyre.
6.4.3 Replacing the bulbs ( if present)
The bulbs (18W) have a bayonet fitting and are
installed in the bulb holder which can be taken
out by turning it anti-clockwise with pliers.
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IMPORTANT
NOTE
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