California Trimmer RC190-GCV160 User manual

Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
Air Cushion Hover Mower
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Model
RC190-GCV160

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
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 Evergreen Turf Equipment 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 next to the engine 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 forms (California Trimmer and Honda
Engine) or you can register on-line at:
http://caltrimmer.com
http://engines.honda.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 Air Cushion 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 and
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 left side of the unit
(muffler side of the engine) as shown in the photo.
Left Side
Right Side

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
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 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 Air Cushion Hover Mower so take the
time to familiarize yourself with them and their function.
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.

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
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 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. Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk, don't run.
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.
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.

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
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.
2. Throttle Control
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.
NOTE: The throttle control does not stop the
engine, release the engine stop lever.
Mower Operation
Make sure the ground is flat and clear of debris and
do not attempt to start on a sloped / inclined surface.
Make sure the fuel tank cap is properly installed and
tightened.
1. Starting
a. Move the fuel valve to the open position
Keep the fuel valve in the OFF position when the unit
is transported or not in use for an extended period.
STOP
RUN

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
Mower Operation (continued)
1. Starting
b. Move the throttle control back to the start
position, pivot the engine stop lever against the
handle and grasp with your left hand.
c. Place your foot on the deck and tilt the unit
towards you while pulling the recoil starter.
After the engine has started, carefully move behind the
unit while continuing to grip the engine stop lever against
the handle and adjusting your grip using both hands.
Always maintain a firm grip on the handle and
engine stop lever and keep the unit in front of you. If
mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check for the cause. Vibration is
generally a sign of trouble.
2. Mowing
Always use both hands when operating the unit.
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents, which can result in severe injury.
Operation on all slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
 Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
 Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a
slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
 Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep
slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall
accident.
 Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose your footing or
balance.
 When cutting steep slopes from the top of the
slope and a longer reach is needed, never tie
the unit to a rope, use the extended handlebar
kit option (order #4012561).
If striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove
wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect mower for
damage. Repair damage before restarting engine.
Watch out for traffic when working near roadways.
For best performance, install new blades before the
cutting season begins. Replace the blades when
necessary with California Trimmer Air Cushion
Hover Mower replacement blades.

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
Mower Operation (continued)
Release the engine stop lever and allow the engine
to cool before making inspections or adjustments,
and when transporting.
3. Cutting Height Adjustment
The unit’s cutting height is adjusted by moving the
spacers on either side of the tri-blade assembly (the
triangular shaped component that holds the flail blades).
Loosen and remove the center bolt to disassemble the
components. Placing all 3 of the spacers ABOVE the tri-
blade assembly will provide the lowest cutting height,
while placing 2 spacers below will provide the highest
cutting height.
IMPORTANT!
 Always install the tri-blade assembly with the flail
blade mounting nuts facing upward (toward the
impeller / engine side).
 At least ONE spacer must remain above the tri-
blade assembly at all times against the flange as
shown in the illustration.
 The mounting components; hub, spacers, tri-
blade assembly and flange, must be installed,
aligned and seated properly before tightening
the bolt.
4. Transporting
An optional wheel kit (order # 4041500) is available for
quick and easy transporting.
Mower Maintenance
The following maintenance topics are general practices
that owners can do to keep the mower in good working
condition. For any service or repair issues beyond these,
it is recommended that the unit be inspected by an
Authorized California Trimmer Dealer.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Operating in extreme
conditions may require more frequent service
intervals. Engine components may become dirty or
plugged when operating in extreme heat, dust or
other severe conditions.
DAILY INSPECTION (COMMERCIAL USE)
EVERY 8 HOURS (NON-COMMERCIAL USE)
1. Check engine oil level and air cleaner per the engine
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Inspect the cutting blades for damage and
movement – NOTE: the blades are reversible and
use only genuine California Trimmer replacement
parts.
3. Do not operate the unit without all (3) blades
properly installed.
4. Remove debris and grass from the engine mounting
base area and the engine air intake – which is part
of the recoil starter.
5. Check the impeller and mower deck for cracks or
damage.
6. Check the tightness of the handle mounts.
7. Clean excess grass buildup from the underside of
the deck.
8. Replacement parts are available from Authorized
California Trimmer Dealers. The parts manual is
available for download at:
http://caltrimmer.com

AIR CUSHION HOVER MOWER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC • 1028 4th St. SW, Bldg. A • Auburn, Washington 98001 • caltrimmer.com
LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT
Evergreen Turf Equipment, LLC hereby warrants California Trimmer Mowers manufactured by it to be free from defects in material or
workmanship for a period two years after purchase for non-commercial / non-rental consumer use. This warranty applies only to non-
engine components and functions. The engine warranty coverage is provided by the respective manufacturer and is subject to their
specific requirements and conditions. If the product is used in a commercial application, the warranty period shall be one year, and if
the product is used in a rental application, the warranty period shall be 90 days after purchase. Commercial under the terms of
warranty is defined as use in conjunction with an income producing business or institutional application. Rental under the terms of
warranty is defined as use for income producing rentals of the products by multiple end users in either personal or commercial
applications. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement by Evergreen Turf Equipment or at the premises of California Trimmer
Authorized Service Dealers, of such parts as appear upon inspection, to be defective in material and/or workmanship.
The above warranties are extended only to the first end user, and no warranty is made nor authorized to be made assignable on
resale. Evergreen Turf Equipment makes no warranty with respect to replacement parts not manufactured or sold by it. Such parts are
subject to the warranty policy of their respective manufacturers. For the name and address of your nearest Authorized Service Dealer,
contact Evergreen Turf Equipment at: 1028 4th Street SW, Building A, Auburn WA 98001, [phone] or online at
http://caltrimmer.com. To obtain performance of any obligation under this warranty for failure during the applicable warranty period,
deliver the product, shipping prepaid, to Evergreen Turf Equipment, or to the nearest Authorized Service Dealer. Warranty coverage is
conditioned upon the first end user furnishing Evergreen Turf Equipment or its Authorized Service Dealer with adequate written proof of
the original purchase date. Evergreen Turf Equipment reserves the right to inspect the claimed defective part(s) to determine if the
malfunction is the result of a defect covered by this warranty. This warranty will cover only defects arising under normal usage, and
shall not apply, nor will Evergreen Turf Equipment assume any responsibility, if the failure was caused by the following:
1. Operation of product without proper lubrication.
2. Misuse, abuse, or negligence.
3. Accident or physical damage.
4. Repairs made by unauthorized parties and/or with unauthorized parts.
5. Improper unit set up or altered components.
6. Improper adjustments i.e. blades, drive system, etc.
7. Operation of engine at speeds above the manufacturer’s recommendations.
8. Failure to operate the unit in the manner specified by the owner’s manual.
Inspection, service and adjustments to normal maintenance items such as grease fittings, blades, drive chains, engagement levers, etc
are not considered the responsibility of Evergreen Turf Equipment under this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS, OR LIABILITIES. ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS, OR LIABILITIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE APPLICABLE
WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THE FIRST END USER (TWO YEARS FOR NONCOMMERCIAL/ RENTAL USE; 1 YEAR FOR
COMMERCIAL USE; 90-DAYS FOR RENTAL USE). ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY HEREUNDER INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE MUST
BE BROUGHT WITHIN A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS FROM THE END OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the previously stated limitations may not apply to you.
No agent, representative, dealer, or employee of Evergreen Turf Equipment has the authority to increase or alter the obligations of this
warranty.
IF THE PRODUCT IS USED PRIMARILY IN A COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL APPLICATION, EVERGREEN TURF EQUIPMENT WILL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR GENERAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BODILY INJURIES, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH ABOVE, OR FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS
OF PRODUCTION, EXPENSE OF SUBSITUTE EQUIPMENT OR OTHER COMMERCIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE. THE SAME
LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY TO A PRODUCT USED FOR CONSUMER PURPOSES WITH RESPECT TO ALL NONPERSONAL
INJURY, GENERAL INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental of consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.