| FUEL | All the engines used on Lawnflite machines are designed to run on UNLEADED fuel. |
| LUBRICATING OIL | The engine manufacturers recommend the use of high quality detergent oil of an API grade of SF or higher. The general recommendation is that an SAE30 monograde is used, but if the machine will get frequent winter use, an SAE10/30 multi-grade will improve cold starting. |
| BATTERY | All Lawnflite ride-on mowers have 12 volt lead acid batteries and the electrical systems are negative earth. While the engine is running at full throttle the battery is being charged but it should be noted that it takes about 15 minutes of full throttle running to replace the electrical energy used in one start. A consequence of this is that if the machine is used in a frequent stop start application the battery may gradually become discharged. |
| BATTERY ELECTROLYTE | The electrolyte level in the battery should be maintained by the addition of demineralised water as and when required. |
| EXTERNAL CHARGING | If the battery becomes discharged it should be charged at a low rate typically not more than 1.5 amps. The majority of chargers sold for automotive use are not suitable as they have too high an output. Suitable chargers are available which may be left connected for prolonged periods (all winter) without ill effect. |
| STORAGE | If the machine is not going to be used during the winter, the battery should be disconnected, charged, stored in a dry frost-free environment and charged again before being refitted in the spring. Jump Starting may seriously damage the mowers charging system and should be avoided. |
| TYRES | As a general rule tyre pressures of between 8 and 15psi are acceptable. However, it is important that all four tyres are inflated equally. If the pressures are not equal the machine will not give a level cut. |
| UNEVEN CUTTING | The usual reasons for uneven cutting are: - the result of impact damage and uneven tyre pressures. |
ENGAGING THE CUTTERS:
On machines with manual blade engagement use about two thirds throttle, move the cutter engage lever slowly to the fully engaged position and then open the throttle fully. All the time that you are mowing the throttle should be left fully open. The forward speed of the machine should be controlled with the variable speed mechanism not the throttle.
BLOCKING OF THE GRASS CHUTE & EXCESSIVE CUTTER BELT WEAR:
The belts on Lawnflite machines are automatically tensioned to compensate for wear. Adoption of the following operating procedures will prolong belt life and achieve satisfactory grass collection.
- Smooth operation of all controls, particularly the cutter engagement lever feel the drive take up and feed it in slowly. If the belt squeals you are possibly being a bit heavy handed, if it smokes, you’re in trouble! On machines with an electrically operated cutter clutch the blades should be engaged with the deck fully raised and clear of the grass.
- Don’t try to cut too low or two fast, use the variable ground speed control to compensate for variations in the density and volume of the grass being cut.
- Keep the top of the cutter deck clear of grass and debris.
- Keep the blades sharp: blunt blades put excessive strain on the cutter drive belt and cause premature wear.
- Keep the underside of the cutter deck and the discharge chute clean.
- Keep the fabric of the catcher free from caked on mud and debris.
POOR GRASS COLLECTION:
For the collection system to operate properly the engine must be run at full throttle all the time that the blades are engaged. Forward speed of the machine should be varied with the variable speed control not the throttle. The usual reasons for poor collection are either the grass is too wet, too long, forward speed too high, dirty deck and/or chute or internal fabric catcher coated internally with dried mud preventing it venting.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE:
Daily or every 5 hours operation (whichever occurs first):
- Change engine oil after initial 5 hours operation.
- Check engine oil level.
Monthly or every 25 hours operation (whichever occurs first):
- Service air cleaner.
- Change engine oil.
- Clean rotating screen.
Every season or 50 hours operation (whichever occurs first)
- Replace air cleaner element.
- Change engine oil.
- Replace spark plug.
- Replace fuel filter (if installed.)
- Clean cooling fins and air passages.
Always refer to your Engine Handbook for further details.