Mr.Bricolage Lawn Mower MBA11572 MBA11572H Instructions Manual

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE19EN
( for hydrostatic drive models)into neutral («N»);
– disengage the blade;
– on slopes, engage the parking brake:
Afterwards:
– put the accelerator lever to «CHOKE», as shown on the label, if th\
e engine is cold. If the engine is already warm, put the lever between «SLOW» and «FAST»;
– put in the key and turn to «ON» to make electrical contact, then turn to «START» to start the engine. Release once the engine has started.
When the engine is running, put the accelerator into the «SLOW» po\
sition.
Should you have difficulties in starting do not continue to use the
starter motor for a long time as this can run down the battery or flood the engine.
Turn the key to the «OFF» position, wait for a few seconds and then r\
epeat the oper-
ation. If the malfunction continues, refer to chapter «7» of this manual and to the
engine booklet.
Always bear in mind that the safety devices prevent the engine
from starting if safety requirements have not been met (see page 24).
The pilot lamp will begin flashing if the key is held in the «START» position when the
safety devices have been activated.
5.2.2 Moving without mowing The 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 blade must be disengaged and
the cutting deck put at its highest position (position «7»).
Put the accelerator control between the «SLOW» and «FAST» positions, and the
gear change lever in the 1st speed position.
Keep the pedal pressed down and disengage the parking brake.  Slowly release the
pedal which will turn from «brake» to «clutch», thus operating the rear wheels.
➤Mechanical drive models:
NOTE
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
NOTE
➤ 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE20EN
The pedal has to be released gradually as a sudden engagement may cause tipping
up and loss of control of the vehicle.
Gradually reach the desired operating speed using the accelerator and gear lever.
To change the gear speed the clutch must be used pushing the pedal down h\
alf
way.
Put the accelerator control between the «SLOW» and «FAST» positions.  Press the
brake pedal to disengage the parking brake and release the pedal.
Move the speed change lever in the «F» direction and go to the required speed by
using the lever and the accelerator.
The lever must be moved gradually as a sudden engagement of drive to the\
 wheels
may cause tipping and loss of control of the machine.
5.2.3 Braking To brake, first reduce the speed on the accelerator to avoid overloading the brake
assembly and then push the pedal down fully.
To brake, press the brake pedal which will simultaneously make the speed change
lever return to the «N» position.
5.2.4 Reverse The machine MUST be stopped before reverse can be engaged. Push down the
pedal until the machine stops and then insert reverse by moving the lever sideways
and putting it into position «R». Gradually release the pedal to engage the clutch
and then begin moving in reverse.
The machine MUST be stopped before reverse can be engaged. When the machine
is stopped, start the reverse movement by putting the speed change lever in the «R»
direction.
➤Hydrostatic drive models:
➤Mechanical drive models:
➤Hydrostatic drive models:
➤Mechanical drive models:
➤Hydrostatic drive models: 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE21EN
5.3 GRASS CUTTING
5.3.1 Engaging the blade and forward movement
When you have reached the area to be mowed,
– put the accelerator into the «FAST» position;
– engage the blade by putting the lever into position «B»;
– to begin moving, operate the speed regulation controls taking care to release thepedal very gradually and with particular caution as already described.
Engage the blade with the cutting deck in the highest position, and then\
 gradually
lower to the height required. To achieve good collection and even cutting of the grass,
choose a forward speed to suit the quantity of grass to be cut (height and density) a\
nd
the lawns humidity, in line with the following indications ( for mechanical drive mo-
dels): 
– High and dense grass - wet lawn 1st speed
– Average condition grass 2nd - 3rd speed
– Low grass - dry lawn 4th speed
The fifth gear is solely for moving from one area to another on
horizontal surfaces.
The speed has to be adapted to the condition of the grass in a gradual a\
nd progres-
sive way by moving the speed change lever.
The speed should always be reduced if you note a reduction in engine speed, since a
forward speed that is too fast will not cut the grass well.
Disengage the blade and put the cutting deck in the highest position whe\
never you
need to get past an obstacle.
5.3.2 Cutting height adjustment
The height is adjusted by moving the lever with 7 height positions.
5.3.4 Lawn maitenance
1. To keep a lawn green, soft and attractive, it should be cut regularly without dam-
aging 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.
➤Hydrostatic drive models:
NOTE
➤ 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE22EN
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 gras\
s 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 p\
revent 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 direc-
tions.
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
persists, 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 b\
lades.
5.3.4 Slopes
Complying with the slope limits already
mentioned, lawns on a slope have to mowed
moving up and down and never across
them, taking great care when changing
direction that the first wheels do not hit
obstacles (such as stones, branches, roots,
etc.), that may cause the machine to slide
sideways, roll over or otherwise cause loss
of control. REDUCE SPEED
BEFORE ANY CHANGE OF DIRECTION ON SLOPES and always engage the
parking brake before leaving the machine stopped and unattended.
!DANGER!
max 10°  (17%)
12 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE23EN
Take care when beginning forward movement on sloping
ground to prevent the risk of tipping up.
Never ride the machine on slopes in neutral gear or with
the clutch out!  Always engage a low gear before leaving the machine
stopped and unattended.
Move on slopes with the speed change lever in the «N» position, (\
to take advantage
of the hydrostatic units braking effect) and then further reduce the speed using the
brake, if necessary. Never use reverse for reducing speed going downhill.
Control of the machine could be lost, particularly on slippery surfaces.
5.3.5 Emptying the grass-catcher This operation can only be done with
the blade disengaged, otherwise the engine stops.
When the grass-catcher is full an audible warning is given.
STOP FORWARD MOVEMENT, in order not to block the
collector channel, and disengage the blade which will
stop the audible signal.
Empty the grass-catcher by lifting it using the handle.
At times the audible warning may be
heard on engaging the blade even when the grass-catcher has been emptied\
. This is
due to grass cuttings left on the sensor of the micro-switch. To stop the signal, either
remove the remaining grass or disengage the blade and then immediately engage it
again.
5.3.6 Emptying the collector channel
Cutting very tall or wet grass, particularly at too high a speed, can ca\
use the collector
channel to become blocked. Should this happen, it will be necessary to:
– stop forward movement, disengage the blade and stop the engine;
– take off the grass-catcher or stone-guard;
– remove the accumulated cuttings going in through the exit of the collector channel. This must only be done when the engine is stopped.
!WARNING!
NOTE
NOTE
!DANGER!
➤Hydrostatic drive models:
!DANGER!
➤Mechanical drive models:
!WARNING! 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE24EN
5.3.7 Summary of the main conditions whereby the safety devicespermit or stop work
The safety devices work in two ways:
– by preventing the engine from starting if all the safety requirements have not been met;
– stopping the engine if even just one of the safety requirements is lacking. 
a) To start the engine it will be necessary that:
– the transmission is in “neutral”;
– the blade is 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” bu\
t without engaging 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 blade.
The table below shows various operating conditions, highlighting why the safety
device shuts down the engine.
Operator Grass-catcher Blade Transmission Brake Engine
A) WHEN STARTING(Key in «START» position)
Sitting Uninfluential Disengaged 1....5 - F/R
Engaged Does NOT start
Sitting Uninfluential Engaged
«N»Engaged Does NOT start
Absent
Uninfluential Disengaged «N»DisengagedDoes NOT start
B) WHEN CUTTING (Key in «ON» position)
Absent
YES EngagedUninfluential Engaged Stops
Absent
Uninfluential Disengaged 1....5 - F/RDisengagedStops
Absent
YES Disengaged «N»DisengagedStops
Sitting NO
EngagedUninfluential Disengaged Stops
SittingYESEngagedUninfluential EngagedStops
5.3.8 Card protection device
The electronic card has a self-resetting protector which breaks the circuit if there is a
fault in the electrical system. It results in the stopping of the engine and is signalled by
the pilot lamp turning off.
The circuit automatically resets after a few seconds but the cause of the fault should
be ascertained and dealt with to avoid re-activating the protection device. 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE25EN
To avoid activating the protection device:
– do not reverse the cables on the battery terminals;
– do not use the machine without its battery or damage may be caused to the charging regulator;
– be careful to not cause short-circuits.
5.3.9 End of mowing
When you have finished mowing, disengage the
blade and ride the machine with the cutting deck
in the highest position.
Stop the machine, engage the parking brake and
turn off the engine by turning the ignition key to
«OFF».
When the engine is stopped, close the fuel cock
(1) (where fitted). To avoid backfire, put the
accelerator in the «SLOW» position for 20
seconds before stopping the engine. 
Always take out the ignition key if leaving the machine unat-
tended!
To keep the battery charged, do not leave the key in the «ON»
position when the engine is not running.
5.4 CLEANING AND STORAGE
5.4.1 Cleaning
After each mowing, clean the outside of the machine, empty the grass-cat\
cher and
shake it to remove residual grass and earth.
Clean the plastic parts of the body with a damp sponge using water and d\
etergent,
taking care not to wet the engine, the electrical parts or the electronic card located
under the dashboard. Never use hose-nozzles or harsh detergents for cleaning the
body and engine!
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
1 
						

							HOW TO USE THE MACHINE26EN
5.4.2 Washing the inside of the cutting deck
The machine has to be put on firm ground with the
stone-guard or grass-catcher in position. Washing
the inside of the cutting deck and the collector
channel is done by attaching a water hose to the
connector (1) and running water through for a few
minutes, with:
– the operator seated;
– the engine running;
– the drive in neutral;
– the blade engaged.
When washing, the cutting deck should be in the fully lowered position. Take off the
grass-catcher, empty and rinse it, and then put it in a position to assist quick dryi\
ng.
5.4.3 Storage and inactivity for long periods
If the machine is likely to be unused for a long period
(more than 1 month), disconnect the cables from the
battery and follow the instructions in the engine manu-
al. Lubricate all joints as directed in chapter 6.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!
Empty the fuel tank by disconnecting the tube situated
at the inlet of the fuel filter (1) and follow the instructions in the\
 engine booklet.
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 (chapter 6).
The next time the machine is used, check that there are no fuel leaks from the tubes,
fuel cock or carburettor.
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
1
1 
						

							6.1 SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONSBefore 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 ori\
ginal
spare parts: Parts that are not of the same quality can damage the equip\
ment
and affect your safety and that of others.
Never dispose of used oil, fuel, batteries or other pollutants in
unauthorised places!
6.2 ACCESS TO MECHANICAL PARTS
Lift the engine cover (1) to access the engine and
mechanical parts below it.
To do so:
– put the machine on level ground, bring the cutting deck into the highest position and put blocks (2)
of around 65 - 70 mm beneath the edge to hold
up the deck during the following stages.
– engage the parking brake;
– put the drive release lever into the «ENGAGED» position (see chap. 4, n° 23), since it is necessary
for the parking brake to be disengaged to ensure that the speed
change lever has enough movement;
– remove the grass-catcher or stone-guard;
– unscrew the knob on the lever (3) and put the lever into neutral «N» \
( for mechani-
cal drive models), or in «R» ( for hydrostatic drive models);
– open the access hatch (4) and unscrew the nut (5) with a 13 mm spanner;
– release the lever (6) so that the deck rests on the blocks and keep the lever moved sideways so that it is not in any of the notches.  Hold the base of the \
seat (7) and tip
the cover back.
➤
➤
➤Hydrostatic drive models:
➤Mechanical drive models:
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
!WARNING!
MAINTENANCE27EN
6. MAINTENANCE
1346
25 
						

							On closing:
– check that the collector channel (8) is properly fittedonto its support (9) and resting on the right-hand
guide;
– put the lever (3) into the «R» position and lower the cover (1) to the height of the levers (3) and (6);
– first put the lever (6) into its housing followed by lever (3).  Lower the cover in line with the fastening
screw.
When the cover (1) has been
lowered check that:
– he channel exit (8) is correctly lined up with the opening in the rear plate (10) and that it is rest-
ing on the support (11).
Then:
– fully tighten the fixing nut (5);
– put the lever (6) into the notch at position «7»;
– take the blocks (2) away, and reassemble the knob on the lever (3) and the access hatch (4).
6.3 PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE
The following table is 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 6.4 and 6.5 of this manual must be carried out by your Dealer o\
r a
specialized Service Centre. Both have the necessary knowledge and tools to
ensure that the work is carried out correctly without affecting the safe\
ty of the
machine.
!WARNING!
!WARNING!
MAINTENANCE28EN
8
911
10
8
10
8
76