Country Home Products DR WHISPER LITE User manual

i

DR®WHISPER LITE®CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions i
And congratulations on your purchase of a new DR®
WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower!
We have done our utmost to ensure that your DR®
WHISPER LITE® will be one of the most trouble-free
and satisfying pieces of equipment you have ever
owned. Please let us know of any questions or
problems you may have. We want to answer or correct
them as quickly as possible. (When you do call or
write, please have your order number handy—it will
speed things up!) We also hope to hear from you on
how much you like your new helper.
And, please tell your friends about your new DR®
WHISPER LITE®! Having DR®Owners spread the
word about our products and our way of doing business
is the best advertising we can have, and the best way to
help us provide even better service in the years to come.
Thanks once again!
for all of us at...
COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS®

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
ii
Important Safety Instructions
!WARNING: We want you to enjoy years of safe and productive use from your DR®WHISPER
LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower. We don’t want you to get injured, so please take a few
moments to read the following guidelines for safely operating your new machine.
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Protect those around you
·Do not allow children, other bystanders or pets in your work area when the mower is being
operated.
·Only adults and teenagers with a thorough understanding of these instructions should operate the
mower.
Dress Appropriately
·We recommend using safety glasses. Use a face or dust mask if operating in dusty conditions.
·Always wear substantial footwear and long pants. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They
can get caught in the moving parts.
Preparation
·Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the DR®WHISPER LITE® before
operating it.
·Never operate the DR®WHISPER LITE®mower without the proper guards, safety switches or
other safety and protective devices in place and properly connected. Inspect to determine that
these safety devices are properly installed, in good repair, and operate properly. If the condition
or operation of these devices is questionable, they must be repaired or replaced before using the
mower.
·Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
dog bones, pet supplies or lawn toys, and other foreign objects which could be thrown by the
mower blade. Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe injuries. Also note the
location of holes, stumps and other possible hazards.
·Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Operation
·The length of time that a battery pack can hold its charge while mowing a lawn depends upon
lawn conditions; tall, thick, or wet grass make the mower work harder and the battery pack
discharge faster.
·Before starting the mower, adjust the cutting height to cut 1" to 2" of grass at a time. Cut thicker
grass at a greater cutting height, or cut a narrower swath. Do not force the lawn mower forward

DR®WHISPER LITE®CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions iii
in thick grass. The DR®WHISPER LITE®will do a better and safer job when cutting at a steady
rate.
·Your mower can operate as a mulcher or bagger. Learn how to use the proper cutting blade, and
how to use the grass catcher or discharge chute block for the right application.
·Do not insert the SAFETY KEY into the mower until you are ready to operate the mower. Store
the safety key away from children and people not authorized to use the mower.
·The cutting blade turns when the motor is running (there is no clutch to allow the blade to stop
while the motor is running). Learn how to quickly stop the mower's motor and note that the
blade will continue to rotate for up to three seconds after the motor has stopped.
·Stop the blade and remove the safety key whenever you leave the operating position (behind the
handlebar) for any reason, including clearing grass and making any inspections, adjustments or
repairs to the mower.
·Do not put your hands and feet near or under rotating parts or when the safety key is still inserted.
Keep clear of the discharge area while the motor is running.
·Before cleaning, repairing, inspecting, adjusting the height of the cut, or exchanging the
discharge chute block and grass catcher, be sure the motor is off, remove the safety key and make
certain the blade has stopped rotating.
·Do not operate the mower in the rain or when the grass is wet.
·Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. It is designed to be pushed forward while
cutting only.
·USE EXTREME CAUTION when maneuvering backwards. Always look first to check your
footing and release the operator presence bar before moving backwards.
·Mow across slopes, never up and down. Exercise caution when changing directions on slopes.
Do not mow steep slopes or other areas where stability or traction is in doubt.
·Stop the motor when crossing over loose materials such as gravel drives, walks or roads. Objects
discharged by the mower can be hazardous.
·After striking a foreign object or if the mower vibrates abnormally, stop the motor and remove
the safety key. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the lawn mower. Vibration is generally a sign of trouble.
·Stay alert and watch what you are doing. Do not operate the lawn mower when you are tired or
under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
·Remove the safety key when the mower is not in use.
·Allow the motor to cool for at least 5 minutes before storing the mower in any type of tight space
or enclosure.
·Do not use the DR®WHISPER LITE®for any job other than those for which it is intended.

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
iv
Maintenance and Storage
!WARNING: ALWAYS remove the safety key before performing any adjustments or repairs.
·Maintain the lawn mower with care—keep cutting edges sharp and clean for the best and safest
performance. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the mower is in safe operating
condition. Follow the instructions in this manual for changing accessories.
·Periodically inspect the exposed cords on the charger unit and the handlebar for damage. If
damage occurs, do not use the mower until the cords have been replaced or repaired.
·Do not operate the mower if it does not start normally or does not stop normally when the
operator presence bar is released.
·Use identical replacement blades only. Check the blade and motor mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness.
·Keep mower clean and dry. Use a damp cloth when cleaning. Never use water, gasoline,
solvents or other petroleum-based or solvent-based products for cleaning.
·When not in use, store the lawn mower indoors in a dry place and out of the reach of children.
·To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.
Battery Safety
·Do not charge the lawn mower battery pack in the rain or in wet locations.
·Exercise care in handling the battery pack in order not to short circuit it with conducting
materials such as rings, bracelets and keys. When short circuited, the battery or conductor may
overheat and cause burns.
·Do not attempt to replace individual batteries inside the battery pack. Mixing fresh and
discharged batteries could increase internal cell pressure and rupture the discharged battery.
Improper wiring within the battery pack could result in leakage or explosion.
·Do not dispose of batteries in a fire: the battery cells may explode. Do not open or mutilate the
batteries. Released electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive and will cause damage to eyes, skin or
clothes. Battery acid is toxic if swallowed or if the fumes are inhaled.
Battery Disposal
Please dispose of used batteries responsibly, according to your local hazardous
materials regulations.

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 1
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................................................................II
PROTECT THOSE AROUND YOU..........................................................................................................................................II
DRESS APPROPRIATELY....................................................................................................................................................II
PREPARATION...................................................................................................................................................................II
OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................................................II
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE .........................................................................................................................................IV
BATTERY SAFETY............................................................................................................................................................IV
BATTERY DISPOSAL.........................................................................................................................................................IV
ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS...........................................................................................................................................2
ASSEMBLY........................................................................................................................................................................3
TO ASSEMBLE YOUR LAWN MOWER................................................................................................................................3
BATTERY CARE & CHARGING...................................................................................................................................6
BATTERY PACK ................................................................................................................................................................6
CHARGING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................................................6
INITIAL CHARGING............................................................................................................................................................7
RECHARGING AFTER EACH USE OF THE MOWER..............................................................................................................9
RECHARGING TO A FULL CHARGE FOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE.........................................................................................9
BATTERY DISPOSAL..........................................................................................................................................................9
CONTROLS & FEATURES ...........................................................................................................................................10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................................................................................13
PRE-START CHECKS .......................................................................................................................................................13
TO START THE MOTOR AND ENGAGE THE BLADE...........................................................................................................13
TO STOP THE MOTOR AND THE BLADE ...........................................................................................................................14
ADJUSTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT ..................................................................................................................................14
USING THE GRASS CATCHER ..........................................................................................................................................15
MULCHING......................................................................................................................................................................16
USING THE DISCHARGE FLAP..........................................................................................................................................16
MOWING & LAWN CARE TIPS..................................................................................................................................17
MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................................................18
CLEANING.......................................................................................................................................................................18
REMOVING AND ATTACHING THE BLADE........................................................................................................................18
TO SHARPEN THE BLADE ................................................................................................................................................19
TO BALANCE THE BLADE ...............................................................................................................................................20
LUBRICATION .................................................................................................................................................................20
REMOVING AND REPLACING THE BATTERY PACK...........................................................................................................20
STORAGE.........................................................................................................................................................................21
TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................................................................................................................22
PARTS LIST.....................................................................................................................................................................24
SCHEMATIC DRAWING...............................................................................................................................................26

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
2
Assembly Components
Figure 1

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 3
Assembly
Before beginning the assembly, please check that you have all of the components
listed below. If anything is missing, please call Country Home Products®Toll-Free
1(800)DR-OWNER(376-9637).
Package Contents:
• Mower
• Battery Charger
• Lower Handlebars
• Upper Handlebar
• Quick Connect Hardware for Upper and
Lower Handlebars
• Bag with Safety Key, Safety & Operating
Instructions and 36mm wrench
• Grass Catcher Components (steel frame,
plastic cover, polyester mesh cover)
• Optional Mulching Blade (if purchased)
• Optional Discharge Chute Block (if
purchased)
Assembly Tools Needed:
• enclosed 36mm wrench, or
• 1/2" wrench or socket
• Phillips head screwdriver
To Assemble Your Lawn
Mower
Step 1. Attach the Lower Handlebars
Note: For easier access, set the cutting
height to the highest adjustment position.
1. Set the upper handlebar aside, being
careful of the black control cable.
2. Remove the bolt, lock washer and square
washer from the mounting hole in the
mower frame (Figure 2).
Note: There is a right and left lower
handlebar. When attached, the
indentation in the lower handlebar should
be facing out.
3. Position one of the lower handlebars, with
the indentation facing out, against the
frame of the mower. Slide it down into
the slot in the frame until the bolt holes
line up (Figure 3).
4. Mount the bolt, lock washer and square
washer and tighten with a wrench.
5. Repeat on the other side.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Please Note:
There is a wire attached to both the shipping
box and the charger receptacle on the mower.
This wire was installed so the manufacturer
could charge the battery after the mower was
boxed. Please remove it from the mower before
beginning assembly. You will not need this wire
for future charging.

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
4
Step 2.Attach the Upper Handlebar
Note: The black control cable should be on
the outside of the lower right handlebar
before attaching the upper handlebar.
1. Position the upper handlebar over the
lower handlebars. The upper handlebar is
cupped and should fit snuggly against the
lower handlebars. Line up the holes with
the lower handlebars and loosely insert the
bolts to hold the upper handlebar in place
during assembly.
2. Starting with the right side, install the
clamp on the black control cable so it is
positioned near the bolt hole where the
two handlebars are joined (Figure 5). Remove the bolt from the handlebar, insert it through the
cable clamp, then reinsert the bolt through the handlebars.
3. Mount the threaded insert into the quick
control handle (Figure 4), add the washer,
then screw the quick control handle onto
the bolt (Figure 5).
Note: There should be several threads
showing between the handlebar and the
quick control handle. If you tighten the
handle t too much it will not lock properly.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Lock handlebars in place.
Step 3. Assemble & Attach the Grass Catcher
1. Install the steel frame on the mesh bag.
The squared corners on the steel frame
should fit snugly into the plastic tubing on
the bag. The bend in the steel frame
should point toward the inside of the mesh
bag when installed (Figure 6).
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 5
2. Attach the bend in the steel frame to the
plastic cover (Figure 7).
3. Attach the mesh bag to the plastic cover.
Starting with the back side (away from the
frame), center the mesh bag and carefully
feed the edges into the groove in the
plastic cover (Figure 7).
4. Raise the hinged discharge guard on the
rear of the mower (Figure 8). If the plastic
discharge chute block is installed, pull it
out by its handle. (The block is seated in
the chute by "press fit" and it may be
necessary to pull quite hard.)
5. While keeping the discharge guard raised,
insert the grass catcher into the holes on
both sides of the mower (Figure 8).
6. Lower the discharge guard so the stud fits
into the hole on the grass catcher handle to
lock it in place (Figure 8).
7. Lock the grass catcher in place by sliding
the black tab on the handle (Figure 7) over
the discharge guard.
Step 4. Recharge the Mower Before First Use
You MUST recharge the battery pack before the first use of the machine, or the battery pack
may suffer permanent damage. Read the section Initial Charging on page 5 of this manual before
you operate the mower.
Step 5. Read these Safety & Operating Instructions Before Using the Mower.
Anyone operating the DR®WHISPER LITE CORDLESS Electric Mower should be thoroughly
familiar with these instructions.
Figure 7
Figure 8

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
6
Battery Care & Charging
Before charging the battery pack, read all instructions and cautionary markings in
this manual and on your mower. Do not operate your mower until you have read and
understand all instructions and the battery pack has been fully charged.
Battery Pack
The battery pack in your DR®Whisper Lite CORDLESS electric mower is composed of two
completely sealed 12V lead acid batteries inside a pack connected serially to a 24V motor. There is
no hazardous chemical which can leak from the battery pack, regardless of the position in which the
mower is stored. The battery pack is completely maintenance free. Water never needs to be added.
However, as with all rechargeable batteries, after years of use they will eventually need replacement
for optimal performance. Please refer to the Maintenance section of this manual for more
information.
!WARNING: Do not alter the individual batteries in any way, or remove them from the battery
pack.
There are important guidelines with regard to how and when the battery pack should be charged, and
how it should be stored. By following these simple guidelines the life expectancy of the battery pack
will be maximized and your average annual cost for batteries will be minimized.
Charging Instructions
Before you charge the mower:
1. Always charge the mower indoors in a garage or other covered area where it will be dry and
protected from the weather.
2. Only charge the mower when the temperature is at least 32°F (0°C) but not more than 104°F
(40°C). Charging in lower or higher temperatures can be harmful to the battery pack. (Follow
temperature guidelines for storage in the Maintenance section of this manual.)
3. Always keep the mower away from water, heat sources (stoves, radiators, open flames, etc.), and
hazardous chemicals.
4. When storing the battery pack after removal from the mower follow the storage guidelines on
page 19 of this manual.
5. Never attempt to charge your mower with a charger other than a Whisper Lite ES360 charger.
The charger is specifically designed to give optimal performance of your DR®Whisper Lite
CORDLESS electric mower's battery pack. Never use the charger with any other product. Never
operate the charger if it is damaged. If a cord or the charger unit has been damaged, replace it or
have it repaired.

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 7
Initial Charging
IMPORTANT! The battery pack in your mower has been charged at the factory.
However, you must recharge the battery pack and make sure it is fully charged
before initial operation of the mower. Failure to do so may cause permanent damage
to the battery pack.
!WARNING: Make sure the electrical power supply is normal household voltage (110 volts).
Plug the charger directly into an electrical outlet. Do not abuse the cords. Never carry the charger
by the cord. Always disconnect cords from the electrical outlet (wall outlet) and from the charger by
pulling the plug, not the cord.
Note: If an extension cord is used for the charger, use a heavy-duty extension cord of a type
"suitable for outdoor use" (though you should never charge the mower in the open outdoors).
IMPORTANT! ALWAYS connect the charger to the battery pack first, and then plug it into the wall
outlet. When unplugging, ALWAYS unplug the charger from the wall outlet first, and then
disconnect it from the battery pack.
There are two charging methods. Either method is acceptable.
1. Charging with the Battery Pack in the Mower
·With all four wheels on the mower
touching the floor, plug the round plug
from the charger into the charger
receptacle (center hole) in the mower's key
hole (Figure 9). Then plug the charger
into the wall receptacle. The mower
cannot be charged when the safety key is
plugged in since it covers the charging
receptacle. Likewise, the mower's motor
cannot be operated during charging since it
is impossible to have the safety key
plugged in at the same time as the charger.
·The yellow light in the mower's LED
panel will come on when the charger is connected to the mower to confirm that the charger is
working properly.
Note: The red light on the battery pack only indicates that the battery pack is being charged—it
will not automatically turn off when charging is complete.
·Charging may take up to 12 hours depending on the battery power remaining prior to recharging.
·The charger is always warm to the touch during the first approximately 5 hours of a typical 12-
hour charge cycle. This is normal and not an indication of a problem.
Figure 9

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
8
·When the charging is complete, after about 12 hours or less, the green light in the LED panel on
the mower will come on. The yellow light will also be on. Both the green and yellow lights will
be illuminated continuously until the charger is disconnected from both the wall outlet and the
battery pack.
Note: After disconnecting the charger from the mower, the green LED light will stay on for up
to three minutes before going out. This is normal.
·The mower can not be overcharged, and will not be damaged if the charger is left on for a few
days after the battery pack has been fully charged. However, in order to get the maximum life
out of the battery pack it is recommended that you disconnect the charger soon after the battery
pack is fully charged and then periodically recharge it if the mower is not used. See the Storage
section on page 21 for more information.
2. Charging with the Battery Pack Removed from the Mower
·Remove the battery pack from the mower
to recharge (Figure 10). Connect the
charger plug to the charger receptacle on
the battery pack (Figure 11), then plug the
charger into a wall outlet. A red light on
the battery pack will indicate the battery
pack is being charged.
Note: The red light on the battery pack
only indicates that the battery pack is
being charged—it will not automatically
turn off when charging is complete.
·Charging may take up to 12 hours
depending on the battery power remaining
prior to recharging.
·The charger is always warm to the touch
during the first 5 hours or so of a typical
12-hour charge cycle. This is normal and
not an indication of a problem.
IMPORTANT! Always keep the battery pack
in a dry place.
Disconnecting the Charger
!WARNING: Always disconnect the
charger from the electrical (wall) outlet
FIRST, and then disconnect the round
charger plug from the mower's charger
receptacle or the battery pack. If the round charger plug is removed first, the exposed connector
can be accidentally short circuited by foreign material which may in turn cause a fire.
Figure 10
Figure 11

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 9
Recharging After Each Use of the Mower
IMPORTANT! Always recharge the mower to a full charge immediately after each use, no
matter how short a time it was used, even if the battery power indicator on the control panel
is still green. (Green means only 30% or more of the battery power is remaining.) This is
important in order to maintain maximum mower performance and extend maximum battery pack
life. If the mower is stored with a depleted battery pack, the batteries will become permanently
damaged within a short time.
Recharging to a Full Charge for Off-Season Storage
1. Always recharge the mower to a full charge before putting it away for off-season storage. After
giving the batteries a full charge (at least 12 hours of charging) you may leave the mower in
storage for the entire off-season (up to 6 or 7 months) without adverse effect on the battery pack,
provided the storage temperature is within the acceptable range (see below). The battery pack
used in your DR®WHISPER LITE CORDLESS Electric Mower has much less self-discharging
during storage than conventional lead acid batteries. Also remember to give the battery pack a
full charge before first using the mower next season.
2. Owners of cordless electric mowers often ask if they may leave the charger on for weeks or
months at a time, or even during the entire off-season of more than six months. The answer is
that while leaving the charger on for several weeks will not damage the mower, leaving it on for
an entire off-season is not as good for the battery pack life as periodic recharging. The
manufacturer of the DR®WHISPER LITE CORDLESS Electric Mower's battery pack therefore
makes the following recommendation:
The method most likely to contribute to a long battery life is to recharge for up to 12
hours about once every three or four months during off-season storage.
3. Storage temperature range. It is important for good battery performance that the mower is
always stored in an environment between –4°F (–20°C) and +104°F (+40°C). Make sure the
storage temperatures will never be outside these limits. The lower the storage temperature is
within the specified range the better, since the self-discharge is slower at low temperatures.
4. We do not recommend removing the battery pack from the mower during storage.
5. See page 21 for more storage information.
Battery Disposal
Please dispose of used batteries responsibly, according to your local hazardous
materials regulations.

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
10
Controls & Features
Make yourself, and all other operators, familiar with the controls, parts and operation of the DR®
WHISPER LITE®CORDLESS Electric Mower before using it.
Figure 12

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions 11
Key Hole/Charger Receptacle
The key hole is the receptacle for both the external battery charger and the safety key, which is
inserted to run the motor. The key hole is designed so that you can never connect the external battery
charger and insert the safety key at the same time (Figures 12 & 13).
Safety Key
The safety key must be inserted to run the
motor. The safety key has a built-in circuit
breaker to protect the motor. When the built-
in circuit breaker is tripped, the white button
on top of the safety key will pop up. Before
attempting to restart the mower, push the
white button all the way down until it locks in
place. Any time the circuit is tripped you'll
need to reset the white button on the safety
key. There is no replacement fuse inside the
safety key.
The safety key can be inserted either way—
there is no front or back (Figure 13).
Front & Rear Yellow Buttons
The front and rear yellow buttons are used to start the motor. After depressing the buttons they will
return to their original position.
Operator Presence Control Bar
The operator presence control bar is a safety feature. When the bar is engaged the motor will
continue to run and the blade will spin. When the bar is released, the motor will shut off and the
blade will stop spinning within three seconds (Figure 12).
Battery Status Lights
Green Light On
When the green light is on the battery pack is between 30% and 100% charged (Figure 14).
Yellow Light On
When the yellow light is on, the battery pack power has declined, and there is now between 5% and
30% of the charge remaining (Figure 14).
Red Light On
When the red light is on, there is 5% or less of
the power remaining. This is a signal that you
should stop mowing and recharge the battery
pack immediately. As a further reminder, the
mower will emit an intermittent audible signal
("beep-beep") at the same time the red light is
on.
Figure 13
Figure 14

DR®WHISPER LITE® CORDLESS Electric Mower Safety & Operating Instructions
12
Do not operate the mower again until the battery pack is fully charged or it may suffer permanent
damage.
If you continue to mow with the red light on, the motor will shut off automatically. This feature is
added because there is a danger of permanent damage to the battery pack if it becomes fully depleted.
Check the LED panel lights regularly while mowing and be alert to the red light and audio signal
coming on (Figure 14).
Quick-Connect Handlebar Levers
The quick-connect levers (Figure 12) allow you to easily fold the handlebar over for storage.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The cutting height adjustment lever (Figure 12) allows you to easily adjust how high or low you cut
the grass.
Blade Brake Safety Feature
When the operator presence control lever is released, and the blade does not stop within three
seconds, the red LED will flash and the audible "beep" signal will come on, followed very soon by
automatic motor shut-off. If this happens, a relay will need to be replaced. For safety reasons, the
mower cannot be restarted until the relay is replaced.
Please call us TOLL-FREE 1(800)DR-OWNER(376-9637) for more information and replacement
parts.