Brute 881403 User manual

19”Walk Behind
Mower
Original Instructions
Form No. 881441
Revision: -
Operator’s Manual
Model No. Description
881403 BT19550FC
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AVERTISSEMENT WARNING
POUR ÉVITER DES BLESSURES GRAVES
VOIRE MORTELLES
Lire le manuel d’utilisation.
Maintenir en place et en état de marche les dispositifs
de sécurité (protections, écrans, commutateurs, etc.)
Passer latéralement sur les pentes, pas en montant
ou descendant.
Enlever les objets qui peuvent être projetés par la lame.
Ne pas tondre s’il y a des enfants ou des badauds
aux alentours.
Regarder en bas et derrière avant et pendant une
marche arrière.
Patienter au moins 2 minutes avant de refaire le plein.
La protection ou le sac de ramassage doivent être
installés avant de démarrer la tondeuse.
Read operator’s manual.
Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches, etc.)
in place and working.
Go across slopes, not up and down.
Remove objects that could be thrown by blade.
Do not mow when children or others are around.
Look down and behind before and while moving
backwards.
Wait at least 2 minutes before refueling.
Guard or entire grass catcher must be installed
before operating mower.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
DANGER
RISQUE D’AMPUTATION ET OBJETS PROJETÉS
Garder mains et pieds à l’écart de la plate-forme
de coupe.
Ne pas utiliser la tondeuse si le déversoir ou tout le bac
à herbe pas bien en place.
AMPUTATION AND THROWN OBJECT HAZARD
Keep hands and feet away from deck.
Do not operate mower unless discharge deflector or
entire grass catcher is in its proper place. 7101671
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Thank You for purchasing this quality-built BRUTE product.
We’re pleased that you placed your confidence in the BRUTE
brand. When operated and maintained according to the instruc-
tions in this manual, your BRUTE product will provide many years
of dependable service.
This manual contains safety information to make you aware of
the hazards and risks associated with the machine and how to
avoid them. This machine is designed and intended only for
finish cutting of established lawns and is not intended for any
other purpose. It is important that you read and understand these
instructions thoroughly before attempting to start or operate this
equipment. Save these original instructions for future reference.
Complete the following information on your purchase.
Date of Purchase_____________________________________
Retailer_____________________________________________
Retailer’s Phone Number_______________________________
Equipment
Model Number___________________________________
Serial Number___________________________________
Engine
Model_____________Type___________Code__________
Power Rating
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled
in accordance with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code
J1940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure), and rat-
ing performance has been obtained and corrected in accordance
with SAE J1995 (Revision 2002-05). Torque values are derived
at 3060 RPM; horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM. Net
power values are taken with exhaust and air cleaner installed
whereas gross power values are collected without these attach-
ments. Actual gross engine power will be higher than net engine
power and is affected by, among other things, ambient operating
conditions and engine-to-engine variability. Given the wide array of
products on which engines are placed, the gas engine may not de-
velop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of power
equipment. This difference is due to a variety of factors including,
but not limited to, the variety of engine components (air cleaner,
exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel pump, etc.), application
limitations, ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity,
altitude), and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufactur-
ing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton may substitute an
engine of higher rated power for this Series engine.
Contents
Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Operator Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pictorals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Warranty Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Operator Safety
Symbols And Warnings
The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information
about hazards that can result in personal injury. A signal word
(DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol
to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In
addition, a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of
hazard.
DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the product.
WARNING: Certain components in this product and its
related accessories contain chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other repro-
ductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: It is a violation of California Public Resource
Code, Section 4442, to use or operate the engine on any
forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless
the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined
in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order. Other
states or federal jurisdictions may have similar laws. Contact the
original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a
spark arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this
engine.
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4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors
are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. DO NOT
remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add fuel
outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel
and oil from machine. DO NOT smoke.
5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as
toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could cause
injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing. Also note
the location of holes, stumps, and other possible hazards.
6. Keep people and pets out of the mowing area. Immediately,
STOP Blade, Stop engine and Stop mower if anyone enters the
area.
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other
safety devices frequently for proper operation and location.
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if dam-
aged.
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, a dust
mask, long pants, and substantial footwear. DO NOT mow
barefooted or with sandals.
10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in preparation
for emergencies.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck.
12. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of wear
or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent injury from
thrown objects going through weak or torn spots.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the containers on
the ground away from the vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
equipment using a portable container, rather than a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed vehicles or
trailers.
9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. DO
NOT use a nozzle lock-open device
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
11. DO NOT overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Responsibility Of The Owner
WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of
amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that
can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the follow-
ing SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury or death
to the operator or other persons.
The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and
must allow only persons who understand these instructions to
operate machine. Each person operating the machine must be of
sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any
substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you
have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer
cannot answer to your satisfaction, contact Customer Service.
Operator Safety Instructions
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres-
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated and
turn machine OFF if anyone enters the area.
3. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.
4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature judg-
ment under close adult supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary.
LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and haz-
ards before and while backing.
6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Slope Operation
1. Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT mow it.
2. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise extreme
CAUTION when changing directions on slopes. DO NOT mow
steep slopes or other areas where stability or traction is in
doubt. Refer to the Slope Guide at the end of this manual.
3. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these
affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in
this manual and on the mower, engine and attachments. Know
the controls and the proper use of the mower before starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the machine
and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are involved
in a large percentage of mower-related injuries. These opera-
tors should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
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Operation
1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of discharge area while engine is running.
2. STOP engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads,
and under any conditions where thrown objects might be a
hazard.
3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
4. DO NOT operate mower while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
5. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates abnormally,
STOP the engine, disconnect and secure spark plug wire.
Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage
before starting.
6. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments.
Operator could lose footing or balance.
7. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass
can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, washouts, cul-
verts, fences and protruding objects.
8. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Always be sure of your footing.
Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run. Slipping
could cause injury.
9. ALWAYS stay behind handle when engine (motor) is running.
10. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running. STOP
BLADE and STOP ENGINE before leaving the operators
position for any reason.
11. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain engine,
blade and all moving parts have STOPPED. Disconnect and
secure spark plug wire away from plug to prevent accidental
starting.
12. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to complete
STOP before removing grass bag and/or clearing grass.
13. DO NOT operate mower without the entire grass catcher, or
guards in place discharge guard, rear guard or other safety
devices in place and working. DO NOT point discharge at
people, passing cars, windows or doors.
14. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back towards the operator.
15. Slow down before turning.
16. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
17. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
18. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. See
manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installa-
tion of accessories.
Maintenance and Storage
1. DO NOT store mower or fuel container inside where fumes
may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a wa-
ter heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow
engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store
fuel container out of reach of children in a well ventilated,
unoccupied building.
2. Keep mower and engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease
to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container
outdoors and away from open flame.
4. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and screws prop-
erly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
5. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine.
Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly
poison.
6. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is
stopped. Removed spark plug wire from spark plug and se-
cure wire away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or overspeed
engine.
8. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or deteriora-
tion to avoid thrown objects and exposure to moving parts.
Replace with new bag if loose seams or tears are evident.
Replace slider or bag adapter if broken or cracked.
9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear
heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling them.
10. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark
plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
11. Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at least once a
year and have the dealer install any new safety devices.
12. Use only genuine replacement parts to assure that original
standards are maintained.
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Control And Operating Pictorials - Figure 24
J. Slow
K. Fast
L. Oil
M. Fuel
N. Engine/Blade -- Run/Stop
O. Drive Control Lever
Assembly
Illustrations and pictorials begin on page 2.
Unpacking Instructions - Figure 52 3 4 6
The mower was fully assembled at the factory. When the mower
was put in the carton, the handle was put in the storage position.
To put the handle in the operating position, follow the steps below.
1. Remove the mower from the carton.
2. Raise the lower handle (A) to the operating position
(Figure 2).
3. The handle bracket (B) has two mounting holes (Figure 3).
Use hole (C) to mount the handle in the high position. Use
hole (D) to mount the handle in the low position.
4. Mount the handle in either hole (C) or hole (D) with the
fasteners as shown. Tighten knobs (E) until the lower handle
is secure.
5. Remove knobs (F) and the fasteners from the lower handle
(A). See Figure 4. Put the upper handle (G) in the operating
position. Tighten the knobs (F) until the upper handle and
lower handle are locked in place.
6. To mount the recoil starter rope, you must first engage the
engine stop lever (H). See Figure 5. Slowly pull the recoil
starter handle (I) and install the recoil starter rope into the
rope guide (J).
7. On all models, secure the cable to the handle with the wire tie
(K). See Figure 6.
NOTICE: Be careful when you fold or raise the handle. Do not
damage the cables. A cable that is bent will not work correctly.
Before you use the unit, replace a bent or damaged cable.
How To Assemble The Grass Bag - Figure 7 8
1. Slide the frame assembly (A) into the open end of the grass
bag (B). See Figure 7.
2. Make sure the handle (C) is on the outside of the grass bag
(Figure 8). Attach the clips (D) to the frame assembly (E).
How To Mount The Grass Bag - Figure 9
1. Raise the rear door (F). See Figure 9. Hold the handle (G) of
the grass bag and mount the grass bag hooks (H) onto the
rear door pivot rod (I).
2. Lower the rear door. Make sure the grass bag hooks (H) are
mounted on the rear door pivot rod (I).
Description
The walk-behind lawn mower is an engine powered rotary type
mower. The engine drives a cutting blade located under the mower
housing. The blade lifts and cuts through the grass. The height
of cut can be adjusted to give the lawn the desired finish. The cut
pieces of grass are either collected into a rear mounted grass bag
or, on some mowers, it can be recycled to feed the lawn. Recycling
the cut grass is known as “mulching”. Push models require the
operator to push the mower. Self-propelled models have a rear
wheel drive system to make mowing easier.
Intended Use/Limits Of Use
The walk-behind lawn mower is designed to cut lawn grass. Any
other use is not permitted. It is not designed to cut grass over
15cm in length or grass mixed with tall weeds. The lawn mower is
only suitable for private use in a domestic garden. It is not suitable
for cutting grass in public parks or playing fields.
Features and Controls
Compare the following features and controls with your model
(Figure 1). Make sure that you know the location and understand
their purpose.
A. Engine Stop Lever
B. Upper Handle
C. Knob or Locking Lever
D. Lower Handle
E. Rear Door
F. Engine
G. Height Adjuster
H. Nameplate
I. Grass Bag
J. Recoil Starter Handle
K. Mulcher Plug
L. Side Discharge Chute
M. Mulch Plug
Pictorials
Important: The following pictorials are located on your unit or on
literature supplied with the product. Before you operate the unit,
learn and understand the purpose for each pictorial.
Safety Warning Pictorials and Decals - Figure 23
A. WARNING
B. IMPORTANT: Read Owner’s Manual Before Operating This
Machine.
C. WARNING: Thrown Objects. Keep Bystanders Away. Read
User Instructions Before Operating This Machine.
D. WARNING: Do Not Use This Machine On Slopes Greater Than
10 Degrees.
E. WARNING: Keep Feet And Hands Away From Rotating Blade.
F. WARNING: Disconnect Spark Plug Wire Before Servicing Unit.
G. WARNING: Crushed Fingers.
H. WARNING: Keep Hands And Feet Away.
I. WARNING And DANGER Instructions.
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How To Change The Mulcher Plug - Figure 10
WARNING: Before you remove or install the mulcher
plug, disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away
from the spark plug.
Some models have an optional mulcher plug (A). See Figure 10.
Use the mulcher plug to mulch the grass for a clean, fine cut. To
discharge the grass into the grass bagger, remove the mulcher
plug.
How To Install The Mulcher Plug
1. Raise the rear door (B). See Figure 10.
2. Slide the mulcher plug (A) into the discharge opening.
How To Remove The Mulcher Plug
1. Raise the rear door (B). See Figure 10.
2. Remove the mulcher plug (A) from the discharge opening.
How To Assemble The Side Discharge Chute -
Figure 11 12
WARNING: Before you remove or install the side
discharge chute, disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug.
1. Raise the mulch cover (A). See Figure 11.
2. Slide the two tabs (B) on the side discharge chute (C) under
the pivot rod (D).
3. Lower the mulch cover (A). See Figure 12.
How To Prepare The Engine - Figure 13 14
NOTICE: The engine does not contain oil. Before you start the
engine, make sure you add oil according to the instructions in
this manual. If you start the engine without oil, it will be damaged
beyond repair and will not be covered under warranty.
Oil Recommendations
We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton Warranty Certified
oils for best performance. Other high-quality detergent oils are
acceptable if classified for service SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Do not
use special additives.
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for the
engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor
temperature range expected.
* Below 40°F (4°C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80°F (27°C) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil
consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
How To Check/Add Oil
Before adding or checking the oil
• Place engine level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick (A) and wipe with a clean cloth
(Figure 13).
2. Insert and tighten the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the
top of the full indicator (B) on the dipstick.
4. If low, add oil slowly into the engine oil fill (C). Do not overfill.
After adding oil, wait one minute and then recheck the oil
level.
5. Replace and tighten the dipstick.
Fuel Recommendations
Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). High altitude use,
see below.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to 15%
MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable.
CAUTION: Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E85. Do not
mix oil in gasoline or modify the engine to run on alternate fuels.
This will damage the engine components and void the engine war-
ranty.
To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix a fuel stabi-
lizer into the fuel. See Storage. All fuel is not the same. If starting
or performance problems occur, change fuel providers or change
brands. This engine is certified to operate on gasoline. The emis-
sions control system for this engine is EM (Engine Modifications).
High Altitude
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85 oc-
tane/85 AKI (89 RON) gasoline is acceptable. To remain emissions
compliant, high altitude adjustment is required. Operation without
this adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased fuel
consumption, and increased emissions. See a Briggs & Stratton
Authorized Dealer for high altitude adjustment information.
Operation of the engine at altitudes below 2,500 feet (762 meters)
with the high altitude kit is not recommended.
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