EASTMAN WMS20-H User manual

EASTMAN INDUSTRIES
20” Commercial Slope Mower
Model WMS20-H
Operator’s Manual

2
Contents
Pages
Safety Instructions
GeneralOperations 4
SlopeOperations 5
Children 5
Service 6
Assembly
InstallingtheHandle 9
Filling the Crankcase with Oil 10
Filling the Fuel Tank with Gasoline 11
Operation
Throttle Controls 12
Starting the Engine 12
Adjusting the Cutting Height 13
OperatingTips 14
Maintenance
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 15
Checking the Engine Oil Level 16
Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower 16
Servicing the Air Filter 16
Changing the Engine Oil 17
Maintaining the Cutting Blade 18
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor 19
Servicing the Spark Plug 20
Storage 20
Troubleshooting 22
Warranty 24

3
WARNING!
This mower, when oriented in positions shown below, is capable of
continuous operation on slopes reaching 45 degrees incline. The
use of this mower on inclines steeper than those shown will cause
severe damage to the engine VOIDING ALL APPLICABLE
WARRANTIES.
FRONT 30º
30º 45º
45º

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or
death.
General Operations
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the mower before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
3. Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the
mower.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
and thrown by the blade.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the mower if anyone enters the
area.
6. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial
footwear.
7. Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Look down and behind before
and while moving backwards.
8. Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety
protective devices in place.
9. Read the Operator’s Manual for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use
accessories approved by Eastman Industries.
10. Shut the engine off when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
11. Shut the engine off whenever you leave the mower.
12. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the grass chute.
13. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk; never run.
16. If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
17. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower.

5
Slope Operations
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing directions on slopes.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the mower. 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.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small
children.
4. Never allow children to operate the mower.
5. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects
that may obscure vision.

6
Service
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. Gasoline is highly
flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only approved containers.
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine
to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel the mower indoors.
d) Never store the mower or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, such as a water heater.
e) Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a
plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your
vehicle before filling.
f) When practical, remove the mower from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
g) 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.
h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
2. Never run an engine inside a closed area.
3. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
6. Keep mower free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage on the mower. Allow mower to cool before storing.
7. Stop and inspect the mower if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.

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8. Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with Eastman’s recommended parts, when
necessary.
10. Mower blade is sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing it.
11. Blade sharpening and balancing, including blade removal and replacement,
require specific competence and special equipment. For safety reasons these
procedures should be carried out by an authorized service dealer.
12. Do not change the engine governor setting or over speed the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary.
WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
Consult the engine manual for more complete instructions
regarding engine maintenance and operation.

8
Introduction
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly.
The information in this manual can help you and others avoid injury and product damage.
Although Eastman designs and produces safe products, you are responsible for operating
the product properly and safely.
When you need service, genuine Eastman parts, or additional information, contact an
Authorized Eastman Dealer or Eastman’s Customer Service and have the model and
serial numbers of your mower ready. For the Model and Serial numbers refer to the
silver tag attached to the rear of the mower housing.
Eastman Industries
83A Bell Street
Portland, Maine 04103
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.eastmanmowers.com
Write the product model and serial numbers in the space below.
Model # _______________________________
Serial #________________________________

9
Assembly
Installing the Handle
1. Mount the lower handle on the handle brackets with four (4) 5/16”- 18 x 3/4”bolts and nuts
(Fig 1). Do not tighten the bolts yet.
Figure 1
1. Handle Bracket 2. Lower Handle
3. Handle adjustment holes
2. Attach the upper handle to the lower handle, with four (4) 5/16”-18 x 1 ½” shoulder bolts and
wing nuts (Fig 2)
Figure 2
3. Adjust the handle height for comfortable operation by inserting the bolts into appropriate
handle adjustment holes in the handle brackets
4. Tighten all the Handle Bracket bolts.
5. Attach the Grass Chute to the mower deck using two (2) ¼”-20 x ¾” bolts and nuts.

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Preparing the Engine
IMPORTANT: The Engine is shipped without oil.
Fill the engine with oil prior to startup in order to avoid
serious damage to the engine.
Consult the engine manual for more
complete instructions regarding engine
maintenance and operation.
Filling the Crankcase with Oil
The crankcase holds 0.58 US quarts (0.55 L) of oil. Use only high-quality SAE 10W30 weight
detergent oil that has the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classification SF, SG, or
equivalent. SAE 30W oil is recommended for ambient temperatures exceeding 80° F.
Before each use, ensure that the oil level is between the Lower and Upper limit marks on the
dipstick (Fig. 3)
Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick
Figure 3
To add oil:
1. Move the lawn mower to a level surface.
2. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop.
3. Clean around the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

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6. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck without screwing it in. Remove the dipstick and read
the oil level. (Fig. 3)
7. If the oil level reading is below the Lower Limit mark on the dipstick, slowly pour only
enough oil into the filler hole to raise the oil level to the Upper Limit mark on the dipstick.
Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and run the engine; engine damage will result. Drain
the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is within the limit.
8. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the cap clockwise until it is tight.
Filling the Fuel Tank with Gasoline
•Use clean, fresh, lead-free gasoline with an octane rating of 86 or higher. Using unleaded
gasoline results in fewer combustion deposits and longer engine life.
•Do not use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, 10% ethanol, or 15% MTBE. Using
fuels containing a higher percentage of these additives will damage the engine and void
manufacturer’s warranty.
•Do not use gasoline that is stale or has been stored since the last mowing season or longer.
Figure 4
1. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop.
2. Clean around the fuel tank. (Fig. 4)
3. Remove the cap from the tank.
4. Fill the fuel tank to within ¼ to ½ inch (6 to 13 mm) from the top of the tank. Do not fill
into the filler neck.
5. Install the cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.

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Operation
WARNING
Before mowing, make sure the safety control lever (bail) operates properly. When
bail is released, the engine and the cutting blade should stop immediately. If they do
not, contact your Authorized Servicing Dealer. Do not attempt to repair the safety
control device yourself.
Safety Bail & Throttle Control
The safety bail control and the throttle control are on the upper handle. (Fig.5)
Figure 5
1. Safety Bail 2. Throttle Control
Starting the Engine
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. Open the fuel valve. (Fig. 6)
Fuel Valve Lever
Figure 6
3. Move the throttle control to the (Choke) position (Fig. 7)
Throttle Control in choke position Figure 7

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4. Pull the safety bail control up toward the handle grip and hold it securely with your left hand.
5. Pull the starter handle lightly until you feel resistance, and then pull it sharply.
6. Push the throttle control out of choke position after engine starts and into operating position.
(Fig. 8) THIS ENGINE IS EQUIPPED WITH A FIXED THROTTLE.
Figure 8
Throttle control in operating position
Stopping the Engine
1. Release the safety bail control to shut off the engine.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug if you do not use the lawn mower or if you leave it
unattended.
3. Shut the fuel valve.
Adjusting the Cutting Height
Each wheel is adjusted individually with a wheel height adjustment lever. Cutting heights are
adjusted from approximately ¾” to 3 1/2” (1.9 cm – 8.9 cm)
1. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop before adjusting the cutting height.
2. Do not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height.
4. Pull the wheel height adjustment lever up and move the lever to a desired setting. (Fig 9)
Figure 9
1. Adjustment Lever 2. Adjustment positions

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5. Release the lever to lock the adjuster in position.
6. Repeat this procedure for all the wheels.
7. Adjust all the wheels to the same cutting height setting.
Operating Tips
•Review the safety instructions and read this Manual carefully before operating the lawn
mower.
•Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches and other debris that the blade could hit or
throw.
•Keep everyone, especially children and pets, away from the area of operation.
•Avoid striking trees, walls, curbs or other solid objects. Never deliberately mow over any
object.
•If the lawn mower strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately stop the engine,
disconnect the wire from the spark plug and examine the lawn mower for damage.
•Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season. Periodically file down nicks and burrs
on the blade.
•Replace the blade when necessary with an original Eastman replacement blade.
•Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause
the lawn mower to plug or the engine to stall.
•Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and come in contact with the blade.
•Clean the grass chute, grass catcher and the underside of the lawn mower deck after each
mowing. Keep the engine in good running condition.
•Set the engine speed to the fastest position for the best cutting results.
•Clean the air filter frequently. Mulching stirs up more clippings and dust which clogs the air
filter and reduces engine performance.
•Consult the engine manual for more complete instructions regarding engine
maintenance and operation.

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Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.
Service Interval Maintenance Procedure
Check the engine oil level
Check the air cleaner.
Each Use Check the stopping time of the blade. The engine must shutdown and
the blade must stop within three seconds of releasing the bail; if it does
not, contact an Authorized Service Dealer for repair.
Remove the grass clippings and dirt from under the housing.
Clean the discharge chute.
5 Hours Check the blade and the engine mounting fasteners. Tighten them if
they are loose.
25 Hours Clean the air cleaner. (1)
Change the engine oil. (2) (3)
Clean – replace the air cleaner. (1)
50 Hours Sharpen or replace the blade; maintain it more frequently if the edge
dulls quickly in rough or in sandy conditons.
Clean the fuel filter.
Check for leaks in the fuel system and/or a deteriorating fuel hose.
Replace parts if necessary.
Inspect the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
Clean – replace the air cleaner. (2)
100 Hours
Clean the cooling system; remove grass clippings, debris, or dirt from
the engine air cooling fins and starter. Clean the system more
frequently in dirty or high-chaff conditions.
Replace the air filter. Replace it more frequently in dusty conditions.
150 Hours
Replace the spark plug.
Storage Empty the fuel tank before repairs or before storage.
(1) Service more frequently when used in dusty conditions.
(2) Change the engine oil after the first five operating hours (first oil change only).
(3) Change the engine oil every 25 hours when used under heavy load or high ambient temperature.

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Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you use the lawn mower, make sure that the oil level is between the Upper and the Lower
marks as shown on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the Lower mark, add oil.
Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower Housing
To ensure the best performance, keep the underside of the lawn mower housing clean.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and drain the fuel tank.
2. Tip the lawn mower toward the muffler with the carburetor and air cleaner away from the
ground.Remove the grass thoroughly and return the mower to up-right position.
Servicing the Air Filter
Clean the air filter every 25 operating hours. Replace the air filter every season or every 150
operating hours; replace it more frequently in dusty conditions.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Press the latch tabs on the top of the air filter cover and remove the cover. (Fig. 10)
Figure 10
4. Clean the cover thoroughly.
5. Remove the air filter. Tap the filter several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or
blow compressed air not exceeding 30 PSI through the filter from the clean side that faces the
engine. (Fig. 11) Never try to brush off dirt.

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Figure 11
6. Wipe dirt from air cleaner base using a moist rag. Do not allow any dirt to enter into the
carburetor air duct.
7. Install the air filter and cover
Changing the Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first month or after 5 operating hours and then after every 6 months or
every 50 operating hours (more frequently in dusty or dirty conditions).
1. Run the engine to warm the engine oil.
2. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
3. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
4. Turn the fuel valve to off position.
5. Place a suitable drain pan under the oil filler neck.
6. Remove the dipstick and drain the oil by tipping the engine toward the oil filler neck. (Fig.
12)
Figure 12

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7. Recycle the used oil according to local codes.
8. Fill the crankcase to the Upper Limit line on the dipstick with fresh oil.
9. Wipe up any spilled oil.
Maintaining the Cutting Blade
Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing or shredding the
grass blades.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank.
4. Tip the lawn mower onto its right side with the carburetor and air cleaner away from the
grass.
Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear, especially where the flat and the curved
parts meet. Because the sand and abrasive material can wear away the metal that connects the flat
and curved parts of the blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower. Replace a worn or
damaged blade, with a genuine Eastman part.
•Inspect the blade periodically for wear and damage. A worn or damaged blade can break and
be thrown into operator’s area causing serious injury or death.
Removing the Blade
Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a padded glove. Remove the blade retaining bolt,
washer and the blade. This service should be performed by your authorized servicing dealer.
Balancing the Blade
1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center hole of the blade over a nail or
screwdriver shank clamped horizontally in a vise.
2. If either end of the blade rotates downward, file that end (not the cutting edge or the end near
the cutting edge). The blade is properly balanced when neither end drops.

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Installing the Blade
1. Install a sharp, balanced blade, the washer and the blade-retaining bolt. The sail of the blade
must point toward the top of the lawn mower housing for proper installation. Torque the
blade retaining bolt to 15 to 30 ft-lb. This service should be performed by your authorized
servicing dealer.
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor
Clean the fuel filter element every 50 operating hours.
1. Stop the engine and wait for it to cool down.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Remove the carburetor bowl drain bolt and gasket with a 10mm wrench and drain the fuel
into an approved fuel container (Fig. 13)
4. Do not force the carburetor bowl off the carburetor body.
Figure 12
5. Open the fuel valve by turning the lever to the open position.
6. Drain the gasoline completely from the tank, the fuel line and the carburetor into an approved
fuel container.
7. Install the drain bolt and gasket and tighten securely.

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Servicing the Spark Plug
Replace the spark plug after every 150 operating hours. Use an NGK BPR6ES spark plug or
equivalent.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Clean around the spark plug.
4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.
5. Set the gap on the plug to 0.028 – 0.036 in. (0.70 – 0.80 mm).
6. Install the spark plug and the gasket seal.
7. Torque the plug to 17 ft-lb.
8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Storage
To prepare the lawn mower for storage, perform the recommended maintenance procedures.
Refer to Maintenance on page 15.
Store the mower in a dry place. To avoid gum deposits, run mower until it is out of fuel, or empty
fuel completely from the mower into an approved fuel container.
1. Remove the spark plug cap from spark plug.
2. Empty the fuel from the fuel tank with a pump or siphon.
3. Fit the plug cap on the spark plug securely.
4. Start and run the engine at idle speed to use up the any remaining fuel.
Preparing the Engine
1. While the engine is still warm, change the oil from the crankcase.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Using an oil can, add about one tablespoon of oil to the crankcase through the spark plug
hole.
4. Slowly rotate the engine several times, using the starter rope, to distribute the oil.
5. Install the spark plug. Do Not connect the wire to the spark plug.
6. Slowly pull the recoil starter grip until you feel compression and leave it there.