Mountfield Lawn Mower 480 R 550 R Owners Manual

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ENGLISHGB
MAINTENANCE
No servicing may be carried out on the 
engine or lawnmower without first 
removing the spark plug cable from the 
spark plug.
Stop the engine and remove the spark 
plug cable if the mower is to be lifted, 
e.g. during transportation.
If the lawnmower needs to be tilted, it 
must be tilted so that the engine’s spark 
plug faces upwards. Tilt the lawnmower 
when the fuel tank is empty.
CLEANING
After use, the mower should be cleaned. This is 
particularly important on the underside of the 
mower casing. Rinse clean with the garden hose. 
The mower will then last longer and work better. 
High-pressure washers should not be used.
If grass has dried on to the mower casing, it can be 
scraped clean. If necessary, touch up the underside 
with paint to prevent rust damage.
Clean the silencer and the surrounding 
area regularly to remove grass, dirt and 
flammable waste products.
Remove the transmission casing by removing the 
screws S (fig. 20) and clean around the transmis-
sion and drive belts with a brush or compressed air 
once or twice a year.
The drive chain should be lubricated once per sea-
son. Remove the right-hand cover from the roller 
and apply a little chain spray onto the chain.
COOLING SYSTEM
Before each use, the engine’s cooling system must 
be cleaned. Clean the cylinder’s cooling flanges 
and air intake of grass remains, dirt, etc.
OIL CHANGE
Change the oil when the engine is warm 
and the fuel tank is empty. In order to 
prevent burns, take care while draining 
as the oil is hot.
Change the oil the first time after 5 hours of oper-
ation, and subsequently every 50 hours of opera-
tion or once a season. Remove the dipstick, tilt the 
mower and let the oil run out into a container. Be 
careful not to let any oil run on to the grass.
Fill with new oil: Use SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 oil. 
The crankcase holds approx. 0.55 litres. Fill until 
the oil reaches the “FULL/MAX” mark on the dip-
stick.
AIR FILTER
A dirty and blocked air filter reduces the engine 
output and increases engine wear.
Briggs & Stratton (fig. 21):
Undo the screw and fold down the cover of the air 
cleaner. Carefully remove the filter cartridge. 
Knock it against a flat surface. Replace the filter 
cartridge with a new one if it is still dirty.
Clean the filter every three months or after every 
25 hours of use, whichever occurs first. More fre-
quently if the engine is working on dusty ground.
Honda (fig. 22): Remove the cover and take out the 
filter. Carefully check the filter for holes or other 
damage. A broken or damaged filter must be re-
placed. 
To remove dirt, carefully knock the filter several 
times against a hard surface or use compressed air 
from the back of the filter to blow-clean. Do not try 
to brush the filter clean as this forces dirt down into 
the fibres. A very dirty filter should be replaced.
Clean the air filter after every 25 hours of opera-
tion or once a season. More frequently if the en-
gine is working on dusty ground. 
						

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SPARK PLUG
Never remove the spark plug or spark 
plug cable when checking to see if there 
is a spark. Use an approved test 
instrument.
Clean the spark plug regularly (every 100 hours of 
run time). Use a wire brush for cleaning.
Change the spark plug if the electrodes are exces-
sively burnt or if the plug is damaged. The engine 
manufacturers’ recommendations are as follows: 
Briggs & Stratton: Champion J19LM (RJ19LM), 
Spark gap 0.7-0.8 mm.
Honda: NGK BPR6ES, 
Spark gap 0.7-0.8 mm.
BATTERY (*)
The electrolyte in the battery is toxic 
and corrosive. It can cause serious 
corrosion damage etc. Avoid all contact 
with skin, eyes and clothing.
In normal use during the season, the battery is 
charged by the engine. If the engine cannot be 
started with the ignition key, it may be because the 
battery is ‘dead’.
Dismantle the battery by opening the battery cover, 
disconnecting the terminal on the engine and re-
moving the battery (fig.  23). Connect the battery 
charger (provided) to the battery, then connect the 
charger to a wall socket and charge for 24 hours 
(fig. 24).
After charging, the battery may be reinstalled and 
the terminal on the battery connected to the termi-
nal on the engine (fig. 25).
The battery charger may not be connected directly 
to the engine terminal. It is not possible to start the 
engine with the charger as the power source and 
the charger could be damaged.
WINTER STORAGE
Remove the battery and store it fully charged (see 
above) in a dry, cool place (between 0°C and 
+15°C). The battery should be maintenance-
charged at least once during the winter storage pe-
riod.
Before the start of the season, the battery should be 
charged once again for 24 hours.
ADJUSTING CLUTCH CABLE 
If the drive does not engage when the clutch lever 
is pressed against the handle, or if the lawnmower 
feels cumbersome or slow, this may be because the 
clutch in the transmission is slipping. To rectify 
this situation, adjust the clutch cable as follows:
1. When the clutch lever is released, it should be 
possible to push the mower backwards without 
any resistance. If this is not the case, screw in 
the nipple T until the mower can be pushed (fig.  
26).
2. When the clutch lever is 
pressed in approx. 2 cm (posi-
tion 1), there should be some 
resistance when pushing the 
lawnmower. With the clutch 
lever fully pressed in (posi-
tion 2) it should not be possi-
ble to push the mower. 
Unscrew the nipple T until 
this position is achieved.
ADJUSTING VARIATOR CABLE
If the speed difference between the settings in the 
variator control giving the fastest speed (position 3 
and  ) appears insignificant or nothing at all, the 
variator cable might need tightening (fig. 18).
1. Run the mower for a few minutes in position 
.
2. If the variator cable shows some play in nipple 
Y it needs tightening. Undo the locking nut X 
and tighten the cable by unscrewing the nipple 
Y until the cable ceases to show any play.
3. Tighten the locking nut X.
NOTE! Do not stretch the cable beyond the point 
where there is no play in the nipple Y. If the cable is 
over-tightened, the drive belt could break and/or 
other parts of the transmission be damaged. When 
setting after e.g. belt change, always start with the 
nippleY completely screwed in. 
						

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CHANGING BLADES
Use protective gloves when changing 
blade to avoid cutting yourself.
Check the blade system regularly. Check 
particularly the curved area behind the 
blade edge for traces of wear. If the blade 
shows traces of damage it should be 
replaced. A worn blade creates imbalance 
and can damage the mower.
Always check the blade after an impact. First dis-
connect the spark plug cable. If the blade system 
has been damaged, defective parts should be re-
placed. Always use genuine spare parts.
To replace the blade, undo the screw (fig.  27). Fit 
the new blade so that the stamped logo is turned up 
facing the blade holder (not facing the grass). Re-
install as illustrated. Tighten the screw properly. 
Tightening torque 40 Nm.
When replacing the blade, the blade screw should 
also be replaced.
The guarantee does not cover damage to the blade, 
blade holder or engine caused by running into ob-
stacles.
When replacing the blade, blade holder and blade 
screw, always use genuine spare parts. Non-genu-
ine spare parts can entail a risk of injury or dam-
age, even if they fit the machine.
SHARPENING THE BLADES
Sharpening of the blades must be done by wet 
method grinding, using a whetstone or a grind-
stone.
For safety reasons, the blades should not be sharp-
ened on an emery wheel. A very high temperature 
could cause the blades to become brittle.
Once the blade has been sharpened, it 
must then be balanced to avoid 
vibration damage.
STORAGE
WINTER STORAGE
Empty the fuel tank. Start the engine and let it run 
until it stops. The same petrol must not remain in 
the tank for more than one month.
Tip up the mower and unscrew the spark plug. 
Pour a tablespoon of engine oil into the spark plug 
hole. Pull out the starter handle slowly so that the 
oil is distributed in the cylinder. Screw in the spark 
plug.
Thoroughly clean the mower and store it indoors in 
a dry place.
SERVICE
ACCESSORIES/SPARE PARTS
Always use genuine spare parts and ac-
cessories. Non-genuine spare parts and 
accessories have not been checked and 
approved by the lawnmower manufac-
turer. Use of non-genuine spare parts 
and accessories can lead to the risk of in-
jury, even if they fit the machine. The 
lawnmower manufacturer does not ac-
cept any liability for injuries caused by 
the use of such parts or accessories.
Genuine spare parts are stocked by authorised 
service centres and by many dealers.
We recommend that you take the machine to an au-
thorised service station for annual servicing, main-
tenance and inspection of safety equipment.
For service and spare parts, please contact the deal-
er where the machine was purchased. 
						

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PRODUCT IDENTITY
The identity of the product is determined by two 
components:
1. Article and serial number of the machine:
Appears on this label fixed to the chassis of the 
machine.
2. Model, type and serial number of the engine:
Appears on the engine fan housing as shown:
Use this identification whenever you contact a 
service workshop or buy replacement parts.
As soon as possible after buying the machine, 
write the above numbers on the back page of this 
booklet.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make 
changes to the product without prior notice.
PURCHASE TERMS
A full guarantee is issued against manufacturing 
and material defects. The user must carefully fol-
low the instructions given in the enclosed docu-
mentation.
Guarantee period
For consumer use: two years from the purchase 
date.
For professional use: three months from the pur-
chase date.
Exceptions
The guarantee does not cover damage due to:
- neglect of the user to acquaint himself with ac-
companying documentation
- carelessness 
- incorrect and non-permitted use or assembly
- the use of non-genuine spare parts
- the use of accessories not supplied or approved 
by the manufacturer
Neither does the guarantee cover:
- wearing components such as blades, belts, 
wheels and cables
- normal wear
- engines. These are covered by the appropriate 
manufacturer’s guarantees with separate terms 
and conditions.
The purchaser is covered by each country’s nation-
al laws. The rights to which the purchaser is enti-
tled with the support of these laws are not 
restricted by this guarantee.
Article number
Serial number 
						

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EC conformity declaration
1.Category
5.VibrationLawnmower with petrol engine
E481, E531
1. 12-5704; 2. 12-5786; 3. 12-5798 
4. 12-9704; 5. 12-9786; 6. 12-9798
1-3. 9,0 m/s
24-6. 8,0 m/s2
2.Type
3.Item no
GGP Sweden AB
P.O. Box 1006
SE-573 28  Tranås
Sweden8.Make Mountfield
9.Cutting width1-3. 48 cm
4-6. 53 cm10.Serial numberSee label on chassis
6A.Guaranteed sound power level
(L
WA)1-3.  96 dB(A)
4-6.   99 dB(A)11. Engine
Make1, 4. Honda
2, 3, 5, 6. Briggs & Stratton
1, 4. GCV 160
2, 5. 12H802
3, 6. 12H807 Model
12.Rotation speed1, 4. 2900 rpm
2, 3, 5, 6. 3000 rpm
6B.Measured sound power level1-3. 94 dB(A)
4. 96 dB(A)
5-6. 98 dB(A)
7.Notified body
ITS Testing & 
Certification Ltd
Notified Body repre-
sentative 0359 4.Manufacturer
This product conforms to
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC 
- Machinery Directive 98/37/EEC with special reference to 
appendix 1 of the directive regarding essential health and 
safety requirements in conjunction with manufacturing
- Noise Emission Directive 2000/14/EC
This product has been developed and manufactured in 
conformance with the following standards:
- EN 836, EN 292-2, EN 1033, EN ISO 3767, EN ISO 
14982
Managing Director Mats Antonsson
Issued in Tranås 2003-11-05 
						

							Manufactured by GGP Sweden AB