Cobra Fortis 14L User manual

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MODELS: Fortis 14L, 17B, 20B, 25B
(RMC14, 17, 20, 25)
COBRA LAWN MOWER
OWNER’S MANUAL
Cobra Garden Machinery
Henton and Chattell Ltd., London Road, Nottingham NG2 3HW UK
www.cobragarden.co.uk

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WARNING：
For your own safety please read this manual before attempting to operate your new unit. Failure
to follow instructions can result in serious personal injury. Spend a few moments to familiarise
yourself with your mower before each use. Keep this manual in a safe place, so that the
information is available at all times. If you give the equipment to any other person, hand over
these operating instructions and safety regulations as well.
Intended use:
The equipment may only be used for the tasks it is designed to handle. Any other use is deemed
to be a case of misuse. The user/operator and not the manufacturer will be liable for any damage
or injuries of any kind caused as a result of this.
The petrol lawn mower is intended for use in home gardening as well as fine turf sports field
environments.
The operating instructions as supplied by the manufacturer must be kept and referred to in order
to ensure that the lawn mower is properly used and maintained. The instructions contain valuable
information on operating, maintenance and servicing conditions.
Important! Due to the high risk of bodily injury to the user, the lawn mower may not be used to
trim bushes, hedges or shrubs, to cut scaling vegetation, planted roofs, or balcony-grown grass,
to clean (suck up) dirt and debris off walkways, or to chop up tree or hedge clippings. Moreover,
the lawn mower may not be used as a power cultivator to level out high areas such as molehills.
For safety reasons, the lawn mower may not be used as a drive unit for other work tools or
toolkits of any kind.

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CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SYMBOLS MARKED ON THE PRODUCT……………………………4
SECTION 2 GENERAL SAFETY RULES…………………………………………… 5
SECTION 3 PARTS DESCRIPTION………………………………..…………….…. 9
SECTION 4 ASSEMBLY…………………………………………………………….…
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SECTION 5 PREPARING FOR USE…………………………………………….…...
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SECTION 6 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS……………………………………..…. 11
SECTION 7 SAFETY CHECKS, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE……………..…….
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SECTION 8 CHANGING THE CARTRIDGE CASSETTE..……………………..…
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SECTION 9 FAULT DIAGNOSIS & REMEDY………………………………….…...
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SECTION 10 TECHNICAL DATA……………………………..……………………….
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SECTION 11 WARRANTY…………………………………………………………..…
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SECTION 12 EC-DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY…………………………28

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1.SYMBOLS MARKED ON THE PRODUCT
WARNING：
For your own safety please read this manual before attempting to operate your new mower.
Failure to follow instructions can result in serious personal injury. Spend a few moments to
familiarise yourself with your mower before each use.
Symbols and Warnings
Read the instruction handbook and follow all warning and safety instructions.
Before any use, refer to the corresponding paragraph in the present manual.
Warning: Safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury.
Danger or injury from flying parts! Never point the discharge chute towards bystanders.
Always maintain a sufficiently safe distance. Be careful to prevent debris, such as stones
or twigs being thrown from the mower.
Stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire before assembly, maintenance and
unblocking debris.
Do not use on hills above 22° .
Stop the engine before cleaning of work area.
Warning: The blade is sharp, do not touch the blade.
Do not place hands or feet into the cutting unit. Do not
touch rotating parts.

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Warning: Always use correct tools and original spare parts.
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.
WARNING:
Keep the safety signs clear and visible on the equipment. Replace the safety signs if they are
missing or illegible.
2. GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using petrol tools, basic safety precautions, including the following,
should always be followed to reduce the risk of serious personal injury and/or damage to the unit.
Read all these instruction before operating this product and retain these instructions for future
reference.
WARNING: This machine produces an electromagnetic field during operation. This field
may under some circumstances interfere with active or passive medical implants. To reduce the
risk of serious or fatal injury, we recommend persons with medical implants to consult their
physician and the medical implant manufacturer before operating this machine.
Training
1. Before using the lawnmower read the instructions carefully. Familiarise yourself with the
controls and pay particular attention in learning how to stop the machine in an
emergency.
2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawn mower.
Local regulations can restrict the age of the operator.
3. Never mow while people, especially children or pets are nearby.
4. Never use the mower if the operator is taking medicine or substances that could affect or
impair his ability to react or concentrate.
5. Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring
to other people or their property.
6. The operators must receive proper training in the use, adjustment and operation of the
machine, including prohibited operations.
Before you start
1. While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open toed sandals.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects,
such as stones, toys, sticks and wires, which can damage or be thrown by the machine.
3. WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling; add fuel before starting the
engine.
- Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when

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the engine is hot.
- If petrol 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 petrol vapours have
dissipated.
- Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
4. Replace faulty silencers.
5. Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blade, blade bolts and cutter
assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets
to preserve balance.
Operation and Caution
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect, refuel outdoors only.
2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
3. Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where feasible.
4. Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
5. Walk, never run, always be in control of the lawnmower and never allow yourself to be
pulled along.
6. For wheeled rotary machines, mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
7. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
8. Do not mow excessively steep slopes of more 20°
9. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the lawn mower towards you.
10. Stop the blade if the lawn mower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing
surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the lawn mower to and from the area
to be mowed
11. Never operate the lawn mower with defective guards, or without safety devices, for
example deflectors and/or grass catchers, in place.
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine.
13. Before starting the engine disengage all blades and drive clutches.
14. Keep your feet well away from the blade when starting the engine and in accordance
with the instructions.
15. Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine and always start on a flat surface
free from long grass.
16. Caution: The lawnmower shall not be operated without either the entire grass catcher or
self-closing discharge opening guard in place.
17. Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge chute.
18. Never put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
19. Always ensure the engine is fully switched off before picking up/carrying the
Lawnmower.
20. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire, make sure that all moving parts
have come to a complete stop and, where a key is fitted remove the key, make sure
engine has had time to cool.
- Before unclogging chute and clearing blockages.
- Before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn mower.
- After striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for damage and make repairs
before
restarting.
- If the lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).

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21. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire, make sure that all moving parts
have come to a complete stop and, where a key is fitted remove the key, make sure
engine is completely cooled.
- Whenever you leave the lawn mower.
- Before refueling.
22. Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut down and, if the engine is provided with a
shut-off valve, turn the fuel valve off at the conclusion of mowing.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in a safe working
condition.
2. Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where fuel vapours can
reach an open flame or spark or where the temperature is high.
3. Before storage allow the engine to cool. When cooled, clean and undertake any
maintenance.
4. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment and petrol
storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher and deflector frequently for wear or deterioration.
6. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety. Genuine parts should always be used as parts
of inferior quality can damage the equipment and compromise safety.
7. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors. Always ensure engine is
completely cooled before starting this task.
8. If the blade needs to be removed, wear strong gloves to prevent injury to hands and
fingers. Check the blades balance after sharpening.
9. When transporting the machine make sure you close the fuel cut off. Be careful to ensure
weight is evenly distributed. Wear strong gloves.
10. When tilting the machine never tilt towards the air filter as this may become damaged
with fuel.
11. Never crank the engine when the spark plug is removed.
12. Frequently check the fuel lines and fittings for damage and cracks, replace if necessary
13. Never start the engine with the air filter cover removed.
14. Carefully clean the mower and grass bag after use to remove debris as this can damage
and corrode.
Fertilisers and top dressings are particularly corrosive.
15. In time your chassis may peel because of the abrasive action of the debris making
contact. This can be remedied by touching up paintwork where necessary to prevent
corrosion.
16. Improper maintenance, use of non-conforming replacement components, or the removal
or modification of safety components can damage the lawnmower and injure the operators
seriously.

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17. Only use the recommended blades and spare parts by the manufacturer. The use of
non-genuine parts can damage the machine and injure the operators. Keep the lawnmower
in good working condition.
18. If the blade stopping device doesn’t work, please contact service centre for help.
Warning: Do not touch a rotating blade.
Warning: Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.

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3. PARTS DESCRIPTIONS
Notice: the illustrations may vary from your present model
1. Throttle lever 5. Lower handle 9. Grass box collector 13. Engine
2. Upper handle 6. Release for handle 10. Front roller Switch
3. Drive clutch lever 7. Fuel cap 11. Cutting cylinder
4. Cylinder clutch lever 8. Exhaust 12. Height of cut control

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FIG.2
4. ASSEMBLY
Unpacking:
Remove the mower, fixings, tools and other items from the carton.
Warning: The mower is heavy. Take care when lifting and handling.
Warning: Ensure that cables are not pinched or damaged whilst removing from the
package.
Assembly of handlebar:
1. Align the upper handle with the lower handle as shown.
2. Fit the quick release lever with one washer on the outside and the other on the inside of the
handlebar. Fit the nut.
3. Tighten with a 13mm spanner.
4. Repeat for the other side.

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FIG. 5
FIG. 6
Fitting the throttle cable:
Follow the steps below to install the throttle control cable to the engine.
1. Remove the air filter cover (Fig. 5)
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 6)
3. Remove 2 screws from the air filter base. Refer to red circles in Fig. 7
4. Remove air filter base. Refer to Fig. 8
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 7 Fig. 8

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FIG. 11
FIG. 12
FIG. 10
FIG. 9
5. When mounting up the throttle cable there is two options,
- Option 1- Z shape cable to be mounted in hole on throttle linkage. Refer to red circle in Fig.
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- Option 2 –Cut Z shape off throttle cable and mount into linkage slot nut.
Refer to red circle in Fig. 10
6. Clamp down throttle cable. Refer to red circle in Fig. 11
7. Reinstall the air filter base, screws, air filter and air filter cover. (Check that air filter seal is in
place. Refer to red circle in Fig. 12)
Fig.9 Fig. 10
Fig. 11 Fig. 12

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5. PREPARING FOR USE
Filling with Engine Oil
Warning:
The mower is shipped from the factory with the oil drained out. Check and fill the engine
with the correct oil type and volume. Check the oil level regularly. Read the engine
instruction manual. Running the engine without the correct engine oil to the required level
will damage the engine.
1. Ensure mower is on level ground.
2. Fill the oil to the top of the crankcase with SAE 30 Engine Oil. Refer to Fig. 13
- Refer to the appropriate diagram below.
- Fill the oil between upper and lower limit.
Fig. 13 Loncin Engine –Fortis 14L
Fig. 13 Briggs and Stratton Engine
Fortis 17B, 20B and 20B
Filling with
Petrol
Warning: Petrol is highly flammable.
Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Refuel outdoors only, before starting the engine and do not smoke while refueling or handling
fuel. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when the

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FIG. 28
engine is hot.
If petrol 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 petrol vapors have dissipated.
Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Before tipping the lawn mower to maintain the blade or drain oil, remove fuel from tank.
Fill the fuel tank with Unleaded fuel. Use a funnel to avoid spills and do not overfill.
Check the Spark Plug connector
The spark plug connector should be firmly located on the spark plug. See the engine manual for
maintenance of the spark plug and the correct gap settings.
Before completing any maintenance or changing cartridge cassettes always disconnect the spark
plug connector to prevent the engine starting.
Check and Tighten Fixings
Before operating the mower inspect all fixings. Check screws, nuts and bolts and tighten as
necessary.
Fit the Grass Collector
Fit catcher by hooking the base of the catcher over the support studs (A) on the body of the
mower. The collector rests on the lower supports (B).
Fig. 14
6. OPERATION INSTRUCTION
Starting Procedure
Lawnmowers with the Loncin Engine

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Fig. 15 –Select the ‘ON’ position on the engine switch.
Fig. 17 –Move the throttle control about 1/3 of the way toward the ‘FAST’position.
Fig. 18 –Move the fuel valve to ‘ON’ to allow the fuel to flow to the carburetor.
Fig. 19 –For a cold engine move the choke lever to the ‘CLOSE’ position. To restart a warm
engine leave the choke lever in the ‘OPEN’ position.

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Fig. 20 - Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull quickly. Return the starter
grip gently. Repeat until the engine starts.Adjust the choke as required to avoid the carburetor
becoming flooded (Fig.19).
Once the engine has started, gradually move the ‘CLOSE’ choke lever to ‘OPEN’ as the engine
warms up.
For Lawnmowers with the Briggs and
Stratton Engine
Fig. 21 –Move the fuel valve to ‘ON’
Fig. 22 - For a cold engine move the choke
lever to the ‘CLOSE’ position. To restart a
warm engine leave the choke lever in the
‘OPEN’ position.
Once started gradually move the ‘CLOSE’
choke lever to ‘OPEN’ as the engine warms
up.
Fig. 23 –Move the throttle control to the
‘FAST’ position.
Fig. 24 –Select the ‘ON’ position on the
engine switch control

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Fig. 25 - Pull the starter grip lightly until you
feel resistance, then pull quickly. Return the
starter grip gently.
Repeat until the engine starts. Adjust the
choke as required to avoid the carburetor
becoming flooded (Fig.22).
Once the engine has started, gradually move the ‘CLOSE’ choke lever to ‘OPEN’ as the engine
warms up.

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Lawnmowing Procedure
Preparation
Warning:
Check the area to be mowed thoroughly to remove debris from the lawn which may be projected
from the mower. Stones, twigs, wire, and other debris will damage the lawnmower.
Operators must be familiar with the controls before taking control of the lawnmower. Bystanders
and animals should be a safe distance away from the mowing area.
Check that the safety controls operate correctly. Check the drive and cutting system disengages
when releasing the controls.
Fig. 26
Mowing Controls
Cylinder control lever:
Engage the cutting cylinder control by moving the lever slowly towards the handle bar. The
cylinder blade will start to rotate. Release the cylinder control to stop the cylinder.
Warning: The blades continue to rotate after disengaging
Drive control lever:
Engage the power drive by moving the lever slowly towards the handle bar. The lawnmower will
start to move forwards. Release the drive control lever and the mower will stop.
Throttle control:
The throttle control lever adjusts the speed of the engine, the cylinder and the drive. Set the
speed towards the ‘FAST’ position gradually. Set the speed to suit the conditions and the
operators requirements.

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How to Stop the Lawnmower
Warning: The blade and drive will not stop immediately.
Fig. 26
In the case of an emergency ‘STOP’ release both the cutting cylinder and drive control
levers. The engine will continue to run but the cutting cylinder and power drive will stop.
For a planned stop:
1. Slow the engine speed by moving the throttle lever to the ‘SLOW’ position.
2. Release the power drive clutch gradually. The drive will slow down to a stop.
3. Release the cutting cylinder control lever. The cylinder blade will stop.
4. Turn engine switch to ‘OFF’ –the engine will cut-out. Turn the fuel valve to the ‘OFF’ position.
Fitting and Emptying the Grass Collector
Warning: Turn the engine off before fitting or emptying the collector.
Fig. 27
1. Ensure the engine is stopped prior to removing or refitting the grass collector.
2. The grass collector is fitted by holding the top of the box and hooking the bottom section to the
locating pegs (A), the catcher then sits on the rubber stops (B) either side of the chassis.

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3. To remove the catcher, disengage the blade driver lever and stop the engine.
4. Lift the catcher from the top section and empty.
Changing the Height of Cut
Warning: Switch off the engine and disconnect the spark plug connector before
making any adjustments of maintenance.
Fig. 30 Fig. 31
The height of cut is adjusted by turning the height control. The scale marked provides a guide to
the cutting height set in mm. The height of cut operates by moving the position of the roller
relative to the bottom blade.
-Turn the control knob clockwise to raise the cutting height.
-Turn the control knob anti-clockwise to lower the cutting height.
The ‘L’ marked are the scale indicates ‘Low’ for use with specific cartridge cassettes requiring the
lowest operating height.
Cylinder to Bottom Blade Gap Adjustment
Warning: Switch off the engine and disconnect the spark plug connector before
making any adjustments of maintenance. Wear safety gloves to protect against cuts from
the blades.
The Fortis Cylinder mower cutting system is designed for efficient and precise cutting. To
maintain the cutting precision follow the instructions below. The cylinder blade should always cut
cleanly and evenly when set correctly. The blades are a wearing item and as such will need
periodic sharpening to maintain the cut precision.
- Empty the fuel from the tank and switch off at the engine switch
- Disconnect the spark plug connector.
- Tilt the mower backwards towards the handles
The cylinder blades should be adjusted so that they lightly touch the bottom blade. Test with
paper at several positions across the bottom blade to ensure it is adjusted correctly across the
width of the blade. Place the test paper between the cylinder and the bottom blade. The paper
should cut cleanly and the cylinder rotates easily.