Mountfield Lawn Mower R Series Owners Manual

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5
Manufactured by:
GGP ITALY SPA - Via del Lavoro, 6 - 31033 Castelfranco Veneto (TV) - ITALY
71503860/0
LWA
(Year) . . . . . . . S/N° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dB
Model: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type: . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountfield
R Series Lawnmower
Owner’s Manual
3
87
1
23
6
4
B
A 
						

							15
19
T
2 cm
2
1
10
S
S
S
H*
K*
STOP
G
12
J*
14
16
179
11
13
X
Y
18
20
40 Nm 
						

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SAFETY REGULATIONS
1) Read the instructions carefully. Get familiar
with the controls and proper use of the equip-
ment. Learn how to stop the engine quickly.
2) Only use the lawnmower for the purpose for
which it was designed, i.e. for cutting and col-
lecting grass. Any other use can be hazardous,
causing damage to the machine.
3) Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
4) Never use the lawnmower:
– When people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
– If the operator has taken medicine or sub-
stances that can affect his ability to react and
concentrate.
5) Remember that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring
to other people or their property.
1) While mowing, always wear sturdy footwear
and long trousers. Do not operate the equip-
ment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
2) Thoroughly inspect the area where the equip-
ment is to be used and remove all objects which
may be thrown by the machine or damage the
cutter assembly and the engine (stones, sticks,
metal wire, bones, etc.) 
3) WARNING: DANGER! Engine fuel is highly
flammable:
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed
for this purpose.
– Refuel using a funnel and outdoors only. Do
not smoke while refuelling or whenever han-
dling the fuel.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while
the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source
of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and the
vapour dispersed.
– Replace all fuel tanks and containers caps
securely.
4) Substitute faulty silencers.
5) Before use, always inspect the machine,
especially the condition of the blades, and
check that the screws and cutting assembly are
not worn or damaged. Replace worn or dam-
aged blades and screws in sets to preserve bal-
ance.
6) Before mowing, attach the discharge opening
guards (grass-catcher or stone-guard).
B) PREPARATION
A) TRAINING1) Do not operate the engine in a confined
space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect.
2) Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
3) If possible, avoid operating the equipment in
wet grass.
4) Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
5) Walk, never run and do not allow yourself to
be pulled along by the lawnmower.
6) Mow across the face of slopes, never up and
down.
7) Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
8) Do not mow on slopes of more than 20°.
9) Exercise extreme caution when pulling the
lawnmower towards you.
10)  Stop the blade if the lawnmower has to be
tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces
other than grass, and when transporting the
lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
11) Never operate the lawnmower with defec-
tive guards, or without safety devices, such as
the stone-guard and/or grass-catcher, in place.
12) Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine.
13) On power-driven models, disengage the
drive clutch before starting the engine.
14) Start the engine carefully, following the
instructions and keeping feet well away from
the blade. 
15) Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the
engine. Start the engine on a flat surface that is
free of obstacles and tall grass.
16) Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat-
ing parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening
at all times.
17) Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while
the engine is running.
18) Stop the engine and disconnect the spark
plug wire:
– Before carrying out any work underneath the
cutting deck or before unclogging the chute;
– Before checking, cleaning or working on
lawnmower;
– After striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower for damage and make repairs
before restarting and operating the lawnmower;
– If the lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormal-
ly (find and remove the cause of the vibration
immediately).
19) Stop the engine:
– Whenever you leave the lawnmower unat-
tended. Remove the key from models with elec-
tric starters.
– Before refuelling.
– Every time you remove or replace the grass-
catcher.
– Before adjusting the cutting heigh.
20) Reduce the throttle before turning off the
engine and turn the fuel off when you have fin-
ished mowing, following the instructions in the
engine handbook.
21) When mowing, always keep to a safe dis-
C) OPERATION 
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tance from the rotating blade. This distance is
the length of the handle.
1) Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
Regular maintenance is essential for safety and
performance.
2) Never store the equipment with fuel in the
tank inside a building where vapour may reach
a flame or a spark or a source of extreme heat.
3) Allow the engine to cool before storing in an
enclosed space.
4) To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
exhaust silencer, battery compartment and fuel
storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive
grease. Do not leave containers with grass cut-
tings in rooms.
5) Check the stone-guard and grass-catcher
frequently for wear and deterioration.
6) If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should
be done outdoors and when the engine is cool.
7) Wear strong work gloves when removing and
reassembling the blade.
8) Check the blade’s balance after sharpening.
9) For reasons of safety, do not use the equip-
ment with worn or damaged parts. Parts are to
be replaced and not repaired. Use genuine
spare parts (blades should always bear the
symbol  ). Parts that are not of the same qual-
ity can damage the equipment and be danger-
ous for your safety.
10) Whenever the machine is to be handled,
transported or tilted you must:
– wear strong working gloves;
– grasp the machine at the points that offer a
safe grip, taking account of the weight and its
distribution.
THE ENVIRONMENT
In order to protect the environment, we recom-
mend that the following points should be given
special consideration:
• Always use pure unleaded petrol. 
• Always use a funnel and/or a petrol can with a
level control to avoid spillage when refilling the
fuel tank.
• Do not fill the fuel tank completely.
• Do not overfill with engine and/or transmission
oil.
• When changing the oil, ensure that all the used
oil is collected. Avoid spillage. Take the used oil
to a recycling unit.
• Do not dispose of used oil filter in a rubbish bin.
Take it to a recycming unit.
D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Do not dispose of used lead-acid batteries in a
rubbish bin. Take them to a battery collection
point for recycling (applies to battery-powered
machines and machines with battery start).
• Replace the silencer if faulty. When carrying out
repairs, always use original spare parts.
• If the machines was originally equipped with a
catalyser which is now faulty, a new one must
be fitted when the silencer is replaced.
• Always seek professional help when the carbu-
rettor requires adjustment.
• Clean the air filter according to the directions.
• When, after many years of service, your
machine needs to be replaced or is no longer
required, we recommended that the machine is
returned to your distributor for recycling.
PRODUCT IDENTITY
The identity of the product is determined by the
article and serial numbers of the machine.
These can be found on the label fixed to the chas-
sis of the machine:
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.
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ART. NR➔SERIE NR.  
						

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IMPORTANT
For the instructions relative to the engine and
the battery, please read the relevant instruction
handbooks.
Equipment which is marked with an asterisk (*)
comes as standard in certain models or countries.
Certain models do not have throttle control. The
engine’s speed is set for optimal function and min-
imal exhaust emissions.
SYMBOLS
The following symbols can be found on the
machine to remind you of the care and attention
that are required during use.
The symbols mean:
Important: Read the instruction handbook
before using the 
Warning! Keep onlookers away. Beware of
objects being flung out.
Warning! Keep hands and feet clear of the
cutting deck when the machine is running.
Warning! Before starting any repair work,
remove the spark plug cable from the spark
plug.
Warning! Always tilt the lawnmower
backwards when cleaning the
underside. Petrol and oil can run out if the lawn-
mower is tilted in the other direction.
INTRODUCTION
GStart/Stop loop
HThrottle control (*)
JClutch loop (*)
KElectric start (*)
LVariator control (*)
INSTALLATION
LOOSE PARTS IN THE BOX
1 ignition key (*)
1 battery charger (*)
1 socket wrench
2 nut caps
+ Instruction books
FLAP
Install the flap according to fig. 1 - 2.
1. Insert the shaft into the hole on the right-hand
side.
2. Fold down the flap so that the left-hand end of
the shaft is directly opposite the hole.
3. Insert the left-hand end of the shaft into the hole
by pressing shaft’s the right-hand end. Make
sure that the shaft is centred.
HANDLE 
1. Remove rear screw, nut and washer and fold up
the lower part of the hndle (fig. 3).
2. Screw the lower part of the hndle without tight-
ening (both sides). Ensure that the lug for the
starter cord is correctly positioned (fig. 4).
3. Install the upper part of the handle using
screws, washers and locking wheels (fig. 5).
4. Adjust the handle so that the handlebar is hori-
zontal.
5. Set the required height for the handle nd tighten
the screws Aand Bproperly (fig. 4).
6. Thread the nut caps onto the front screw heads
B(fig. 6).
7. Fold down the spring struts so that the flap is
secured (fig. 7).
8. Carefully pull the starter handle and thread the
starter cord through the lower and upper lugs.
Tighten the upper lug (fig. 8).
CABLE HOLDER
Secure the cables in the cable holders (fig. 9).
3
G
L*
K*
J*
H*  
						

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GRASS COLLECTOR
Fit the fabric bag over the steel frame and then
snap the bag onto the plastic lid (fig. 10).
Open the flap on the machine and attach the grass
collector to the brackets (fig. 11).
NOTE! The lawnmower can be operated without
the grass collector. The grass is then left in a line
behind the machine.
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.
Before starting for the first time the battery should
be charged for 24 hours, see further information
under the heading MAINTENANCE, BATTERY.
Insert ignition key (*) into the ignition lock.
USING THE MOWER 
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Place the lawnmower on flat, firm ground. Do
not start in long grass.
2. Make sure the spark plug cable is connected to
the spark plug.
3. Press in the Start/Stop loop Gtowards the han-
dle. NOTE! The Start/Stop loop Gmust be kept
pressed in to prevent the engine stopping (fig.
12).
4a Manual start: Grasp the starter handle and start
the engine by pulling briskly on the starter cord.
4b Electric start (K*): Start the engine by turning
the ignition key clockwise. Release the key as
soon as the engine starts. Always make short
attempts at starting in order to prevent dis-
charging the battery.
5. For the best mowing results, the engine should
always be driven at full throttle.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
The engine may be very warm immedi-
ately after it is shut off. Do not touch the
silencer, cylinder or cooling flanges. This
can cause burn injuries.
Release the Start/Stop loop G(fig. 12) to stop the
engine. If the start/stop loop ceases to work,
stop the engine by removing the spark
plug cable from the spark plug.
Immediately take the lawn mower to an
authorised workshop for repair.
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Engage the drive by pressing the clutch loop J
towards the handle. Disengage the drive by releas-
ing the clutch loop J(fig. 12).
SPEED
Do not touch the variator control when
the engine is not running. This can dam-
age the operation of the variator.
Set to a suitable speed by moving the variator con-
trol to one of the 4 positions (fig. 13).
The various positions have the following speeds:
Position  : approx. 2.8 km/h
Position 2: approx. 3.1 km/h
Position 3: approx. 3.6 km/h
Position    : approx. 4.5 km/h
CUTTING HEIGHT
Do not set the cutting height so low that
the blade(s) come into contact with
uneven ground.
The mower has single-lever control for adjusting
the cutting height. Pull the lever out, and set the
cutting height to one of the nine positions best
suited to your lawn (fig. 14).
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT – Regular, careful maintenance is
essential for keeping the safety level and origi-
nal performance of the machine unchanged in
time.
Wear strong working gloves during any cleaning,
maintenance or adjustment operation on the
machine.
Should it be necessary to access the lower part,
only tilt the machine from the side shown in the
engine handbook; following the relative instruc-
tions.
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CLEANING
Carefully clean the machines with water after each
cut; remove the grass debris and mud accumulat-
ed inside the chassis to avoid their drying and thus
making the next start-up difficult.
The paintwork on the inside of the chassis may
peel off in time due to the abrasive action of the cut
grass; in this case, intervene promptly by touching
up the paintwork using a rustproof paint to prevent
the formation of rust that would lead to corrosion of
the metal.
Remove the transmission casing by removing the
screws S(fig. 15) 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.
BATTERY (*)
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
removing the battery (fig. 16). Connect the battery
charger (provided) to the battery, then connect the
charger to a wall socket and charge for 24 hours
(fig. 17).
After charging, the battery may be reinstalled and
the terminal on the battery connected to the termi-
nal on the motor (fig. 18).
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). At least once during the winter storage
period, the battery should be maintenance-
charged.
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 loop
is pressed against the handle, or if the lawnmowerfeels cumbersome or slow, this may be because
the clutch in the transmission is slipping. To rectify
this situation, adjust the clutch cable as follows
(with the engine off):
1. When the clutch loop is released, it should be
possible to push the mower backwards without
any resistance. If this is not the case, screw in
the nipple Tuntil the mower can be pushed (fig.
19).
2. When the clutch loop is pressed in approx. 2 cm
(position 1), there should be some resistance
when pushing the lawnmower. With the clutch
loop fully pressed in (position 2) it should not be
possible 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. 13).
1. Run the mower for a few minutes in position  
2. If the variator cable shows some play in nipple
Yit needs tightening. Undo the locking nut X
and tighten the cable by unscrewing the nipple
Yuntil 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
nipple Ycompletely screwed in.
CHANGING BLADES
To replace the blade, undo the screw (fig. 20).
Fit the new blade so that the stamped logo is
turned up facing the blade holder (not facing the
grass).
Reinstall as illustrated. Tighten the screw properly.
Tightening torque 40 Nm.
When replacing the blade, the blade screw should
also be replaced.
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
sharpened on an emery wheel. A very high temper-
ature could cause the blades to become brittle.
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STORAGE
The same petrol must not remain in the tank for
more than one month.
Thoroughly clean the mower and store it indoors in
a dry place.
SERVICING
Genuine spare parts are supplied by service work-
shops and by many dealers.
We recommend that you take the machine to an
authorised service station for annual servicing,
maintenance and inspection of safety equipment.
For service and spare parts, please contact the
dealer where the machine was purchased.
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