allen XR16 Hovertrim User guide

XR16 Hovertrim
OWNER’S HANDBOOK
Original Version (EN)
Issue: 12.01.2011
From Serial No. 311000001 Part No: 111-2627 (C)
MODELS:
185 Hovertrim


3
CONTENTS
Contents 3
Main Features / Specications 5
Introduction 6
Warranty 7
Safety Precautions 8 - 13
- Safety Alert Symbol 8
- Training 8
- Preparation 8 - 9
- Operation 10 - 11
- Maintenance & Storage 11 - 12
- Safety Symbols 13
- Information Symbols 13
Assembling the Hovertrim 14
- Delivery Checklist 14
- Assembling the Handlebars 14
Before Starting the Hovertrim 15
- Prevent Engine Damage 15
- Oil Type 15
- Check Oil Level 15
- Fuel Type 15
Operating the Hovertrim 16 - 19
- Footstop Positions 16
- Controls 17
- Starting 17 - 18
- Cutting Grass on Flat Ground 18
- Cutting Grass on Slopes &
Banks
18
- Stopping 18
- Adjusting the Cutting Height &
Replacement of Nylon Cutting
System 19
- Before Trimming 19
Hovertrim Maintenance 20 - 23
- Engine 20
- Carburettor Adjustments 20
- Air Cleaner Service 20
- Spark Plug Service 21
- Keeping the Engine Clean 21
- Deck Housing 21
- Securing Nuts & Bolts 22
- Oil Service 22
- Storage 23
Trouble Shooting 24
Parts List & Drawings 25 - 27
- Mainframe Parts List 25
- Mainframe Exploded Drawing 26
- Blade Options / Kits Parts List 27
Notes 28 - 31
Customer Info 32


5
Main Features
1. Footstop
2. Air Cleaner
3. Serial No. Label
4. Choke Lever
5. Man Eye / Ear Protection
6. Gasoline Safety Decal
7. Spark Plug / Lead
8. Exhaust Guard
9. Handlebar Securing Knob
10. Handlebar
11. Engine Stop Lever
12. OPC Switch
13. Oil Dipstick
14. Engine Cover
15. Engine Start Grip
16. Fuel Cap Vent Knob
17. Fuel Cap
18. Fuel Valve Lever
Specications
Code 185
Model XR16 Hovertrim
Engine Honda
Engine Type GXV57
Engine Speed 4800 rpm
Fuel Type Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Capacity 0.07 gallons
Engine Oil Type SAE 10W-30
Oil Sump Capacity 0.06 gallons
Cutting Width 16 (40cm)
Dry Weight 27.5 lbs
MAIN FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
7
8
14
3
15
9
11
10
17
13
2
4
16
1
HAY - G00108-B
12
18
5
6
Sound Pressure level:
The sound pressure level at the Operator’s
position is 87 dB(A). This machine produces
sound levels in excess of 85 dB(A) at the
Operator’s ear and can cause hearing loss
through extended periods of exposure.

6
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an Allen machine. The following pages are designed to help you
gain safe and efcient service from your machine.
IMPORTANT: This ‘Owners Handbook’ should be regarded as part of the product as it
gives essential information regarding product safety, operation, maintenance and speci-
cations. Read and understand this handbook prior to operating your machine for the rst
time. Make sure you are familiar with all the controls and points of regular maintenance.
If you have any doubts, consult your local authorised dealer who will be pleased to give
you assistance.
IMPORTANT: This machine is designed solely for cutting grass and other low lying
ground vegetation within the limitations stated in this handbook. Use in any other way is
considered as contrary to the intended use. Compliance with and strict adherence to the
conditions of operation, service and repair as specied in this handbook also constitute
essential elements of the intended use.
This machine should be operated, serviced and repaired only by persons who are familiar
with its particular characteristics and who are acquainted with the relevant safety
procedures.
The safety precautions listed in this handbook and all other generally recognised
regulations on safety must be observed at all times.
Any arbitrary modications carried out to this machine may relieve the manufacturer of
liability for any resulting damage or injury.
Allen machines are robustly constructed and designed for efcient economical
performance under normal conditions. Correct operation and maintenance will ensure a
long and satisfactory service life. Prior to despatch from our factory every effort is made to
ensure that your machine is delivered in perfect condition.
Throughout this handbook all references to left and right are as viewed from behind the
handlebar, in the direction of forward travel.
This handbook is based on information available at the time of publication.
We reserve the right to amend product specications without prior notication.

7
WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY
Allen products are manufactured by Hayter Limited.
The manufacturer warrants to the original user/purchaser that this unit shall be free from
defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one
year from the date of purchase. The manufacturers of the engine furnish their own war-
ranty and services are provided through their authorised network (Refer to “Engine War-
ranty Statement”). To qualify for the full benet of the warranty, the Warranty Registration
Card must be returned within 14 days of purchase. If the selling dealer has not returned
the Warranty Registration Card, please complete and return. Subject to the conditions and
exclusions noted in this limited warranty, we shall at our option, repair or replace any war-
ranted part during the applicable period. If you are in doubt or experience any difculty,
please consult an Authorised Service Dealer for clarication.
A 90 day warranty period applies to those items which are subject to normal wear and tear
e.g. wheels, cutterbars, cables and other consumable wearing parts.
This warranty does not apply to any unit that has been tampered with, altered, misused,
abused or used for hire, and will become invalid if non genuine parts are tted. This war-
ranty does not cover for minor mechanical adjustments unless they are due to defective
material or workmanship. Consult the Owner’s Handbook or an Authorised Service Dealer
for assistance when making these adjustments.
To make a warranty claim, return the unit to an Authorised Service Dealer along with
proof of purchase, stating the machine serial number and date of purchase. Subject to the
conditions and exclusions in this limited warranty, the authorised dealer will, at our option,
repair or replace any warranted part within the duration of the warranty period.
This limited warranty gives you specic legal rights and is in addition to any statutory
rights to which you may be entitled and your statutory rights are not affected by this war-
ranty. If you need additional information concerning this written warranty, or assistance in
obtaining services, please write to : HAYTER LIMITED, Service Department, Spellbrook,
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 4BU.
UK ONLY: Details of your local authorised dealer are contained in Yellow Pages and the
Hayter web site www.hayter.co.uk or contact:- Freephone 0800 616298.

8
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety Alert Symbol
This safety alert symbol indicates important safety
messages. When you see this symbol be alert to the
possibility of injury. Carefully read the following and
inform others.
Your machine is perfectly safe if used correctly. Failure
to observe the following precautions may result in seri-
ous injury.
Training
Read the Owner’s Handbook and other training material.
If the operator (s) or mechanic (s) cannot read English it is
the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.
Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety signs.
All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner is
responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,
other people or property.
Never let children or untrained people operate or service the
equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
Preparation
While using the machine, always wear substantial footwear
and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when bare-
foot or wearing sandals.
Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety glasses
and hearing protection. Long hair, loose clothing or jewel-
lery may get tangled in moving parts.
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and at-
tachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job.
Only use accessories and attachments approved the Hayter.

9
Preparation continued
Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire which can be
thrown by the machine.
Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are ammable and vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container
b. Never remove gasoline cap or add fuel when engine is
running. Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
d. Always use fresh fuel. Stale fuel can block the
carburettor and cause leakage.
Check that the operator’s presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly.
Do not operate unless they are functioning properly.
Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware
tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
Never trim while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
A damaged cutting device or impeller or both must be
replaced. Before use, always visually inspect the cutting
mechanism to ensure that it is in good condition. Do not
operate the machine with an out of balance cutting device or
impeller.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

10
Operation
Do not operate the engine in a enclosed space where exhaust
fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect. Refuel outdoors only
and do not smoke while refuelling.
Do not operate the machine under the inuence of alcohol
or drugs.
Always pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt.
Then pull the cord rapidly to avoid kickback and prevent
hand or arm injury. Ensure that feet are away from the cut-
ting mechanism.
Operate only in daylight or good articial light, keeping
away from holes and hidden hazards.
Avoid operating the trimmer in wet grass. Be sure of your
footing whilst using this product, especially when backing
up. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
Walk, never run.
Operate across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Slow down and use extra care when making turns or chang-
ing direction on slopes. Be sure to travel in the recommend-
ed direction on slopes. Turf conditions can affect the ma-
chine’s stability use caution while operating near drop-offs.
Never raise the deck with the blades running. Stop the
engine before moving the machine across areas other than
grass.
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine.
Never touch the exhaust / exhaust guard or cooling ns
when the engine is hot.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

11
Operation continued
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead:
- Before clearing blockages.
- Before cleaning / checking or working on the machine.
- After striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for
damage and ensure necessary repairs are made before
re-starting.
- If the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately). An out of balance cutting device causes
severe vibration.
Stop the engine:
- Whenever you leave the machine.
- Before refuelling.
Maintenance & Storage
Disengage the drive, stop the engine and disconnect the
spark plug. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing. Keep hands and feet away from
moving parts.
Clean grass and debris away from the cutting device, drive
and engine to help prevent res. Clean up oil or fuel spill-
ages.
Never store the machine with gasoline in the tank within
an enclosed area where fumes may reach an open ame or
spark.
Park the machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service the machine.
Remove the spark plug before attempting any repairs. Never
check for a spark when the spark plug is removed. Use an
approved tester.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

12
Maintenance & Storage continued
Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware
tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals. Always
replace worn or faulty parts with genuine Allen parts.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. To
reduce the risk of re hazard, keep the engine and the sur-
rounding deck area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done out-
doors and when the engine is cool.
Wear strong work gloves when removing and reassembling
the cutting device.
Never replace the cutting mechanisms with metal parts and
only use cutting mechanisms which are suitable for use at
the operating speed of the machine.
Never start the engine with the air-cleaner or air-cleaner
cover removed.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

13
Safety Alert - Be aware to
the possibility of injury.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Danger of severing toes or
ngers in mechanism.
Danger of being hit by
thrown objects.
Carefully read the Owners
Handbook before using the
machine.
Stop engine and remove
spark plug lead before
working on the machine.
Safety Symbols
Information Symbols
Engine Stop
STOP
Hearing and eye protection
should be worn.
Never t metal cutting
parts.
Keep bystanders at least
15m from the machine.
15m
Serial Number Decal
2010
Code Serial No:
185E 311000001
XR16 Hovertrim 16’’
Petrol
kg:
RPM
:
kW
:
Manufactured by Hayter Limited,Spellbrook,
Bishop’s Stortford Herts. England CM23 4BU
Contact
Seago International, Inc.
229 Ninth Street NW
Hickory NC28601
to source all replacement
parts for this product
Do not operate this machine
unless you are trained
Free Phone 800-780-9889
Defective Guards
111-3687

14
Delivery Checklist
Remove the machine from the packaging and check that the
following items have been supplied correctly. If any items
are missing, contact your local dealer. Main deck, lower and
upper handlebars.
1. R-Clip x 3 2. Retaining Pin x 3
3. Nylon line (cut to length) x 4 4. M6 Washer x 2
5. U Bolt x 2 6. Hand wheel x 2
7. Engine Handbook* 8. Warranty Reg Card*
* Items 7 - 8 not illustrated
Assembly - Step 1 Lower Handlebar
Fit the lower handle rst.
Slide the retaining pin through the deck and lower the
handlebar starting from the outside. Secure with R-Clip.
Repeat for the opposite side.
Use the remaining R-Clip and retaining pin to secure the
footstop.
Assembly - Step 2 Upper Handlebar
Assemble the upper handle align holes and t U-bolts,
washer and hand/wheel.
Ensure the M6 Washer is assembled before the hand/wheel.
ASSEMBLING THE HOVERTRIM
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
1
5
6

15
Prevent Engine Damage
To prevent engine damage the engine is shipped without
oil or gasoline. The engine must be lled with the correct
grade of oil and gasoline before starting.
Oil Type
Always use high quality detergent oil classied
SAE 10W-30. Never use additives with recommended
oil. To prolong the life of your engine it is important
that the oil is changed after the rst 5 hours of use -
refer to ‘Maintenance Schedule’.
Check Oil Level
Clean around the oil lter cap before removing.
With the mower on a level surface. Remove the oil ller cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick
into the oil ller neck, but do not screw it in, then remove it
to check the oil level.
The oil level is correct when it is at the FULL mark on the
dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Fuel Type
Always use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days. Never mix oil with gasoline.
Fill to base of neck to allow for fuel
expansion. Do not overll the fuel tank.
BEFORE STARTING THE HOVERTRIM
O
I
L
MAX
MIN
FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
ADD FULL
0.15
Litres
FUEL FILLER CAP
FUEL LEVEL MARK
MAXIMUM FUEL
LEVEL

16
OPERATING THE HOVERTRIM
Footstop Positions
1 2 345
1. Transport and storage
2. Operator - minimum 3. Operator - maximum
4. Park 5. Service
When in the service position, rest
the handlebar on the oor to gain
access to engine and undercarriage.
Ensure fuel line and vent valve are
closed.

17
Controls
Check that the engine stop lever moves freely and returns to
it’s rest position when released.
Starting
1. Open the fuel tank vent by turning the vent knob
at least 2 or 3 turns counterclockwise.
2. Turn the fuel valve lever to the ON position.
3. To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the
CLOSED position.
To restart a warm engine, leave the choke lever in the
OPEN position.
OPERATING THE HOVERTRIM
NEPO
FUEL CAP VENT
OPEN
FUEL VA LVE LEVER
ON
CLOSED
CHOKE LEVER
OPEN

18
Starting continued
4. Hold the handlebar together with the engine stop lever,
place your foot on the deck and tilt the machine towards
you.
This will take the load off the engine making it easier to
start.
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then
pull briskly.
Return the starter grip gently.
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against
the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to
the starter.
5. If the choke lever was moved to the CLOSED
position to start the engine, gradually move it to
the OPEN position as the engine warms up.
Cutting Grass on Flat Ground
Start at the outside boarder of the lawn and move up and
down as you would with a conventional walk behind ma-
chine.
Cutting Grass on Slopes and Banks
Start at the top and move the hovertrim from side to side
while slowly and carefully moving down the slope.
Caution: Try to keep the hovertrim moving to reduce
excessive loading on the engine.
Stopping
Release the engine stop lever.
Emergency stop: Release the engine stop lever.
If the engine fails to stop, disconnect the spark plug lead.
OPERATING THE HOVERTRIM
CLOSED
CHOKE LEVER
OPEN
STOP

19
Adjusting the Cutting Height & Replacement of
Nylon Cutting System
The cutting height of your machine has been set at the
highest position (1). If you prefer a lower cut follow these
instructions:
a. Turn the gasoline tap to the off position and close the
vent knob.
b. Disconnect the spark plug lead.
c. Turn the machine on its left hand side, keeping the
carburettor uppermost.
d. Wearing protective gloves remove the nylon cutting
line.
e. There are 3 different cutting height settings.
Position one length of nylon cutting line into
the desired cutting height setting. Ensure that
a second length is positioned in the corresponding
cutting height on the opposite side of the cutting
disc.
If using spare reel of line, cut to the length of 200mm and
t as shown in illustration.
Before Trimming
To prevent accidents, thoroughly inspect the area and
remove all objects which when contacted by the hov-
ertrim nylon cutting system could become dangerous
projectiles. Inspect the area for hidden obstructions
which when contacted by the cutterbar could risk health
and safety or result in damage to the mower. Remember
the location of these obstructions and ensure that you
trim around them.
OPERATING THE HOVERTRIM
1
3
2
2
1 = HIGH
2 = MID
3 = LOW

20
To prevent accidents stop the engine and disconnect the
spark plug lead before attempting to carry out mainte-
nance procedures on the mower.
Engine
1. Spark Plug / Lead
2. Exhaust Guard
3. Exhaust
4. Oil Filler Cap / Dipstick
5. Finger Guard
6. Starter Grip
7. Fuel Cap Vent Knob
8. Fuel Cap
9. Choke Lever
10. Air Cleaner
11. Carburettor
Carburettor Adjustments
Should only be made by an authorised Honda dealer. Under
no circumstances should the engine be adjusted to run at a
speed in excess of that shown in ‘Specications’.
Air Cleaner Service
Clean the lter element in warm soapy water,
rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Or clean in
nonammable solvent and allow to dry.
Dip the lter element in clean oil, then squeeze
out all the excess oil. The engine will smoke
when started if too much oil is left in the foam.
Wipe dirt from the air cleaner body and cover,
using a moist rag. Be careful to prevent dirt from
entering the carburetor.
HOVERTRIM MAINTENANCE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
AIR CLEANER COVER
UPPER TABS
LOWER TABS
AIR CLEANER BODY
FILTER ELEMENT
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