California Trimmer RC190-GCV160 User manual

California Trimmer • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A •Auburn, Washington 98001 •CalTrimmer.com
19” Hover Mower
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Models
RC190-GCV160
RC190-BS550
P O W E R E D B Y

HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
California Trimmer • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A •Auburn, Washington 98001 •CalTrimmer.com Page 2
Introduction
Read this information carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury
and product damage. You are responsible for operating
the product properly and safely.
Important: This engine is not equipped with a spark
arrester muffler. 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. Other states or federal areas may have
similar laws. This spark ignition system complies with
Canadian ICES-002.
The enclosed Engine Owner's Manual is supplied for
information regarding the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the California Emission Control
Regulation of emission systems, maintenance, and
warranty. Replacements may be ordered through the
engine manufacturer.
You may contact California Trimmer directly for product
and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to
register your product. Whenever you need service,
genuine California Trimmer parts, or additional
information, please contact an Authorized Service
Dealer or Customer Service and have the model and
serial numbers of your product ready. They are located
on the decal on the rear of the unit as shown in this
photo:
Write the numbers in the following space provided.
Model Number: ____________________________
Serial Number: ____________________________
You may complete and mail the enclosed product
registration card or you can register on-line at:
CalTrimmer.com
Should you require warranty service, take a copy of your
sales receipt and a copy of your product registration card
to your servicing dealer.
Carton Contents
- California Trimmer Hover Mower
- California Trimmer Product Registration Card
- Engine Owner’s Manual / Emission System Warranty
- Lower Handle Assembly (with handle stand)
- Upper Handle Assembly (including throttle control for
Honda engine only, engine stop lever and adjustment)
Assembly & Set-up
The unit has been carefully assembled with adjustments
and quality inspections performed by a team of trained
factory technicians who take great pride in their work. To
facilitate packaging and shipment, there are components
that need to be installed.
Note: It is recommended that this unit be set up and
checked by an Authorized Dealer.
Tools Required
- Regular or needle-nose pliers.
- 9/16” wrench and 1/2” wrench (for adjusting cutting
height and replacing blades –see page 7)
1. Insert the lower handle section into the mounting
brackets on each side of the deck –noting that the
handle stand lever will be on the right side of the unit
as shown in the photo below.
Right Side
Left Side

HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
California Trimmer • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A •Auburn, Washington 98001 •CalTrimmer.com Page 3
Assembly & Set-up (continued)
2. Attach the handle inserting the pins on each side and
install the cotter pins with the washer placed beneath,
then bend as shown to secure in place.
3. Attach the upper handle section to the lower handle
section using the bolts and knobs. Fasten the
corrugated tubing (which covers the throttle and
engine stop cables) to the handles using the tie
straps included.
NOTE: the throttle control (Honda engine) and engine
stop lever adjuster must be on the right side from the
operator position.
4. Verify that the engine stop lever is installed and it
pivots upward completely against the handle.
Key Components
The image below identifies key components of the
California Trimmer Hover Mower so take the time to
familiarize yourself with them and their function.
RC190-GCV160
RC190-BS550

HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
California Trimmer • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A •Auburn, Washington 98001 •CalTrimmer.com Page 4
Safety Instructions
The following safety alert symbols are use in these
instructions in conjunction with important safety
messages related to the operation of the unit and
potential hazards. As you familiarize yourself with
the various features and functionality of this mower,
please take note of the subjects and specific
instructions that include these images…
…WILL cause serious or fatal injury if the
instructions are not followed.
…CAN cause serious or fatal injury if the
instructions are not followed.
Safety Labels
On the unit itself, there are additional labels that identify
important safety issues. The following one refers to the
hazards of the cutting blades.
The following label identifies important instructions
related to the operation of the mower:
Safety Precautions & Training
Understand the operation of all controls and learn
how to stop the engine and mower quickly in case of
emergency. Make sure the operator receives
adequate instruction before operating this unit.
When instructions refer to the left or right side of the
unit, it means as standing at the normal operation
position.
1. Read all information contained in this manual
carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
proper use of the equipment.
2. Never allow children to operate mower.
3. Never try to mow across excessively steep terrain.
4. Keep area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets.
5. Never operate the mower without proper guards /
shields in place.
6. Thoroughly train anyone using the mower. Make sure
all mower operators know the safety, operating and
maintenance procedures.
7. Never leave the mower unattended with the engine
running.
8. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
9. Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk, don’t run.
10. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear,
and pants or slacks that cover your legs when
operating mower.
11. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Do
not operate over gravel surfaces.
Preparation & Inspection
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where mower is to be
used, and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and
other foreign objects which might be picked up and
thrown.
2. Check fuel before starting engine. Do not fill
gasoline tank indoors, or when engine is running.
Wait until engine has been allowed to cool for
several minutes. Clean off any spilled gasoline
before starting engine.
3. Make the unit is on a flat level surface before
starting engine.
4. Do not use mower unless all guards are properly in
place.
5. Inspect the unit to verify the controls, safety switches
and handles are assembled properly. Do not operate
unless they are functioning properly.
6. Never raise the deck with the engine running.
7. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check for the cause
immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
California Trimmer • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A •Auburn, Washington 98001 •CalTrimmer.com Page 5
Preparation & Inspection (continued)
8. Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
9. Never operate machine in a closed area.
10. Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
11. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
12. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove
any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool
before storing in an enclosed space.
13. Never make any adjustments or repairs with the
engine running. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against engine to prevent unintended
starting.
14. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
16. If gasoline 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 gasoline vapor has dissipated.
17. Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blade, bolts and spacers are not worn or damaged.
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
18. Stop the engine if the machine has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than
grass, and when transporting the machine to and
from the area to be mowed.
Engine Operation
Review the complete operation and safety
instructions provided in the owner’s manual of the
respective engine manufacturer –which is included
in the information packet of this unit.
Any service, warranty or replacement parts issues for
the engine should be directed to Authorized Service
Dealers of the respective engine manufacturer.
Operating Controls
Make sure the handle sections are properly
tightened and in the upright position before
starting engine.
1. Engine Stop Lever
This stops the engine and the rotation of the cutting
blades.
Do not operate the unit if the engine stop lever is
damaged or not functioning correctly.
1. Engine Stop Lever –Adjustment
If necessary, the tension of the cable can be changed
using the adjuster mount. See mower operation for
more information.
2. Throttle Control (Honda engine)
This controls the engine speed and ultimately the
unit’s cutting and hovering. It also activates the
engine’s choke mechanism for starting - when
positioned as shown.
STOP
RUN