Exmark COMMERCIAL 21 User manual

COMMERCIAL21
ForSerialNos.
312,000,000&Higher
PartNo.4500-927Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Important:Theengineinthisproductisnot
equippedwithasparkarrestermufer.Itisa
violationofCaliforniaPublicResourceCode
(CPRC)Section4442touseoroperatethis
engineonanyforest-covered,brush-covered,
orgrass-coveredlandasdenedinCPRC4126.
Otherstatesorfederalareasmayhavesimilar
laws.
Toacquireasparkarresterforyourunit,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
Thissparkignitionsystemcomplieswiththe
CanadianstandardICES-002.Cesystèmed’allumage
parètincelledevèhiculeestconformeàlanorme
NMB-002duCanada.
TheenclosedEngineOwner’sManualis
suppliedforinformationregardingTheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)and
theCaliforniaEmissionControlRegulationof
emissionsystems,maintenanceandwarranty.
KeepthisengineOwner’sManualwithyourunit.
ShouldthisengineOwner’sManualbecome
damagedorillegible,replaceimmediately.
Replacementsmaybeorderedthroughthe
enginemanufacturer.
Exmarkreservestherighttomakechangesor
addimprovementstoitsproductsatanytime
withoutincurringanyobligationtomakesuch
changestoproductsmanufacturedpreviously.
Exmark,oritsdistributorsanddealers,accept
noresponsibilityforvariationswhichmaybe
evidentintheactualspecicationsofitsproducts
andthestatementsanddescriptionscontained
inthispublication.
©2011ExmarkMfg.Co.,Inc.
IndustrialParkBox808
Beatrice,NE683102
Contactusatwww.Exmark.com.
PrintedintheUSA
AllRightsReserved

Introduction
CONGRATULATIONSonthepurchaseofyour
ExmarkMower.Thisproducthasbeencarefully
designedandmanufacturedtogiveyouamaximum
amountofdependabilityandyearsoftrouble-free
operation.
Thismanualcontainsoperating,maintenance,
adjustment,andsafetyinstructionsforyourExmark
mower.
BEFOREOPERATINGYOURMOWER,
CAREFULLYREADTHISMANUALINITS
ENTIRETY.
Byfollowingtheoperating,maintenance,andsafety
instructions,youwillprolongthelifeofyourmower,
maintainitsmaximumefciency,andpromotesafe
operation.
Ifadditionalinformationisneeded,orshould
yourequiretrainedmechanicservice,contactyour
authorizedExmarkequipmentdealerordistributor.
Exmarkpartsmanualsareavailableonlineat
http://www.exmark.com
AllExmarkequipmentdealersanddistributorsare
keptinformedofthelatestmethodsofservicing
andareequippedtoprovidepromptandefcient
serviceintheeldorattheirservicestations.They
carryamplestockofservicepartsorcansecurethem
promptlyforyoufromthefactory.
AllExmarkpartsarethoroughlytestedandinspected
beforeleavingthefactory,however,attentionis
requiredonyourpartifyouaretoobtainthefullest
measureofsatisfactionandperformance.
Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineExmarkparts,
oradditionalinformation,contactanAuthorized
ServiceDealerorExmarkCustomerServiceandhave
themodelandserialnumbersofyourproductready.
Figure1identiesthelocationofthemodelandserial
numbersontheproduct.Writethenumbersinthe
spaceprovided.
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
3

Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
SafeOperatingPractices..................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.......................9
Specications........................................................11
ModelNumbers.............................................11
Systems..........................................................11
Dimensions....................................................11
ProductOverview.................................................12
Operation..............................................................13
Controls.........................................................13
Pre-Start.........................................................14
OperatingInstructions...................................15
Maintenance..........................................................21
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)............21
PeriodicMaintenance........................................22
CheckEngineOilLevel..................................22
CheckingtheBladeBrakeClutch(Blade
BrakeClutchOnly).....................................22
ChecktheMowerBlade..................................22
CheckforLooseHardware.............................24
ChecktheBladeBrakeClutchBail
Operation(BladeBrakeClutchUnits
Only)..........................................................24
ServiceAirFilter(KawasakiUnits)..................25
ServiceAirFilter(ECXHNBBC21and
ECXHN21Units)......................................25
ChangeEngineOil.........................................26
ChangeOilFilter(ECXKA21and
ECXKABBC21)........................................27
CheckConditionOfBelt(Self-Propelled
UnitsOnly)................................................27
CheckSparkPlugs..........................................27
EmptyingtheFuelTankandCleaningthe
FuelFilter...................................................28
Adjustments......................................................28
AdjustingtheSelf-PropelDrive
(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly).........................28
AdjustingtheBladeBrakeCable(Blade
BrakeClutchUnitsOnly)............................29
Cleaning............................................................30
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck.................30
CleaningtheDischargeTunneland
Plug............................................................30
CleaningUndertheBeltCover
(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly).........................30
CleaningtheBladeBrakeClutchShield
(BladeBrakeClutchUnitsOnly).................31
CleaningUndertheCoverPlate(Non-Blade
BrakeClutchUnitsOnly)............................31
WasteDisposal...............................................32
Storage..................................................................33
PreparingtheFuelSystem...............................33
PreparingtheEngine......................................33
GeneralStorageInformation..........................33
RemovingtheLawnMowerfrom
Storage.......................................................33
Troubleshooting....................................................34
4

Safety
Safety
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThislawnmowermeetsorexceedstheConsumer
ProductSafetyCommission(CPSC)bladesafety
requirementsforwalk-behindrotarymowersand
theB71.4specicationsoftheAmericanNational
StandardsInstituteineffectatthetimeofproduction.
Exmarkdesignedandtestedthislawnmowertooffer
reasonablysafeservice;however,failuretocomply
withthefollowinginstructionsmayresultinpersonal
injury.
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents.
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
Figure2
SafetyAlertSymbol
Thesafetyalertsymbolappearsaboveinformation
whichalertsyoutounsafeactionsorsituations
andwillbefollowedbythewordDANGER,
WARNING,orCAUTION.
DANGER:Whitelettering/Redbackground.
Indicatesanimminentlyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Willresultindeathorseriousinjury.
WARNING:Blacklettering/Orangebackground.
Indicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Couldresultindeathorseriousinjury.
CAUTION:Blacklettering/Yellowbackground.
Indicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Mayresultinminorormoderateinjury.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizes
generalinformationworthyofspecialattention.
SafeOperatingPractices
Training
•ReadtheOperator’sManualandothertraining
material.Iftheoperator(s)ormechanic(s)can
notreadEnglishitistheowner’sresponsibilityto
explainthismaterialtothem.
•Becomefamiliarwiththesafeoperationofthe
equipment,operatorcontrols,andsafetysigns.
•Alloperatorsandmechanicsshouldbetrained.
Theownerisresponsiblefortrainingtheusers.
•Neverletchildrenoruntrainedpeopleoperate
orservicetheequipment.Localregulationsmay
restricttheageoftheoperator.
•Onlyadultsandmatureteenagersshouldoperate
amower,andevenmatureteenagersshouldhave
adultsupervision.Besureateenager:
1.hasreadandunderstandstheOperator's
Manualandrecognizestherisksinvolved;
2.issufcientlymaturetousecaution;and
3.isofsufcientsizeandweighttooperate
thecontrolscomfortablyandtomanagethe
mowerwithouttakingrisks.
•Theowner/usercanpreventandisresponsible
foraccidentsorinjuriesoccurringtohimselfor
herself,otherpeopleorproperty.
Preparation
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbyExmark.
•Wearappropriateclothingincludingsafetyglasses,
substantialfootwear,longtrousers,andhearing
protection.DoNotoperatewhenbarefootor
whenwearingopensandals.Longhair,loose
clothingorjewelrymaygettangledinmoving
parts.
CAUTION
Thismachineproducessoundlevelsinexcess
of85dBAattheoperator’searandcancause
hearinglossthroughextendedperiodsof
exposure.
Wearhearingprotectionwhenoperatingthis
machine.
5

Safety
•Inspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe
usedandremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,
bones,andotherforeignobjectswhichcanbe
thrownbythemachineandmaycausepersonal
injurytotheoperatororbystanders.
DANGER
Incertainconditionsgasolineisextremely
ammableandvaporsareexplosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburn
you,others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsonlevelground,
inanopenarea,whentheengineiscold.
Wipeupanygasolinethatspills.
•Neverrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosed
trailer.
•DoNotllthefueltankcompletely
full.Addgasolinetothefueltankuntil
thelevelis1/4to1/2inch(6–13mm)
belowthebottomofthellerneck.This
emptyspaceinthetankallowsgasoline
toexpand.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,and
stayawayfromanopenameorwhere
gasolinefumesmaybeignitedbyspark.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainer
andkeepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Never
removethecapofthefueltankoradd
fuelwhenengineisrunningorwhenthe
engineishot.
•Iffuelisspilled,DoNotattempttostart
theengine.Moveawayfromtheareaof
thespillandavoidcreatinganysourceof
ignitionuntilfuelvaporshavedissipated.
•DoNotoperatewithoutentireexhaust
systeminplaceandinproperworking
condition.
DANGER
Incertainconditionsduringfueling,static
electricitycanbereleasedcausingaspark
whichcanignitegasolinevapors.Areor
explosionfromgasolinecanburnyouand
othersandcausepropertydamage.
•Alwaysplacegasolinecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
lling.
•DoNotllgasolinecontainersinsidea
vehicleoronatruckortrailerbedbecause
interiorcarpetsorplastictruckbedliners
mayinsulatethecontainerandslowthe
lossofanystaticcharge.
•Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelson
theground.
•Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma
gasolinedispensernozzle.
•Ifagasolinedispensernozzlemustbe
used,keepthenozzleincontactwiththe
rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.
WARNING
Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporshascaused
cancerinlaboratoryanimals.Failuretouse
cautionmaycauseseriousinjuryorillness.
•Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
•Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
•Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Neversiphonbymouth.
•Checkthattheoperator'spresencecontrols,
safetyswitches,andshieldsareattachedand
functioningproperly.DoNotoperateunlessthey
arefunctioningproperly.
6

Safety
Operation
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythemufer,
becomeextremelyhot.Severeburnscanoccur
oncontactanddebris,suchasleaves,grass,
brush,etc.cancatchre.
•Allowengineparts,especiallythemufer,to
coolbeforetouching.
•Removeaccumulateddebrisfrommuferand
enginearea.
•Installandmaintaininworkingordera
sparkarresterbeforeusingequipment
onforest-covered,grass-covered,or
brush-coveredunimprovedland.
WARNING
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,
whichisanodorlessdeadlypoisonthatcankill
you.
DoNotrunengineindoorsorinasmallconned
areawheredangerouscarbonmonoxidefumes
cancollect.
•Operateonlyindaylightorgoodarticiallight,
keepingawayfromholesandhiddenhazards.
•Starttheenginecarefullyaccordingtoinstructions
withfeetwellawayfromtheblade.
•Neverraisedeckwithbladerunning.
•Neveroperatethemowerwithdamagedguards,
shields,orcovers.Alwayshavesafetyshields,
guards,switchesandotherdevicesinplaceandin
properworkingcondition.
•Nevermowwiththedischargedoorraised,
removedoralteredunlessthereisagrass
collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttowear,
damageanddeterioration,whichcouldexpose
movingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Frequentlycheckthecomponentsandreplace
themwiththemanufacturer’srecommendedparts
whennecessary.
•DoNotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor
overspeedtheengine.
•Neverattempttomakewheelheightadjustments
whiletheengineisrunning.
•Parkthemachineonlevelground.Stopengine,
waitforallmovingpartstostop,andremovethe
sparkplugwire(s).
–Beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
mower.
–Afterstrikingaforeignobjectorabnormal
vibrationoccurs(inspectthemowerfor
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestarting
andoperatingthemower).
–Beforeclearingblockages.
–Wheneveryouleavethemower.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop:
–Beforerefueling.
–Beforedumpingthegrasscatcher.
–Beforemakingheightadjustments.
WARNING
Hands,feet,hair,clothing,oraccessoriescan
becomeentangledinrotatingparts.Contact
withtherotatingpartscancausetraumatic
amputationorseverelacerations.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithout
guards,shields,andsafetydevicesinplace
andworkingproperly.
•Keephands,feet,hair,jewelry,orclothing
awayfromrotatingparts.
•Keepclearofthedischargeopeningatalltimes.
•Thismowerwasdesignedforoneoperator
only.Keepallothersawayfrommowerduring
operation.
•DONOToperatethemowerwhenpeople,
especiallychildren,orpetsareinthearea.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhen
makingturns.Lookbehindandtothesidebefore
changingdirections.
•Stoptheblades,slowdown,andusecaution
whencrossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
transportingthemowertoandfromtheareato
bemowed.
•Beawareofthemowerdischargepathanddirect
dischargeawayfromothers.
•DoNotoperatethemowerundertheinuence
ofalcoholordrugs.
7

Safety
•Useextremecarewhenloadingorunloadingthe
machineintoatrailerortruck.
•Usecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscurevision.
SlopeOperation
UseExtremecautionwhenmowingand/orturning
onslopesaslossoftractionand/ortip-overcould
occur.Theoperatorisresponsibleforsafeoperation
onslopes.
DANGER
Operatingonwetgrassorsteepslopescan
causeslidingandlossofcontrol.Lossofcontrol
and/orlossofoperator'sfootingcouldresultina
fallwithanarmorleggettingunderthemower
orenginedeckwhichmayresultinseriousinjury,
deathordrowning.
•Mowacrossslopes,neverupanddown.
•DoNotmowslopeswhengrassiswet.
•DoNotmowneardrop-offsornearwater.
•DoNotmowexcessivelysteepslopes.
•Reducespeedanduseextremecautionon
slopes.
•Avoidsuddenturnsorrapidspeedchanges.
•Whenfeasible,avoidoperatingtheequipmentin
wetgrass.
•Progressivelygreatercareisneededastheslope
increases.
•Removeormarkobstaclessuchasrocks,tree
limbs,etc.fromthemowingarea.Tallgrasscan
hideobstacles.
•Watchforditches,holes,rocks,dipsandrisesthat
changetheoperatingangle,asroughterraincould
overturnthemachine.
•Useextremecarewithgrasscatchersor
attachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machineandcauselossofcontrol.
MaintenanceandStorage
•Stoptheengineandremovethesparkplug
wire(s).Waitforallmovementtostopbefore
adjusting,cleaningorrepairing.
•Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.Thesematerialscanbecome
combustibleandmayresultinare.
•LetenginecoolbeforestoringandDoNotstore
nearameoranyenclosedareawhereopenpilot
lightsorheatappliancesarepresent.
•Shutofffuelwhilestoringortransporting.Do
Notstorefuelnearamesordrainindoors.
•Parkmachineonlevelground.Neverallow
untrainedpersonneltoservicemachine.
•Removesparkplugwirebeforemakingany
repairs.
•Usecarewhencheckingblades.Wraptheblade(s)
orweargloves,andusecautionwhenservicing
them.Onlyreplacedamagedblades.Never
straightenorweldthem.
•Keephandsandfeetawayfrommovingparts.
Ifpossible,DoNotmakeadjustmentswiththe
enginerunning.
•Keepallguards,shieldsandallsafetydevicesin
placeandinsafeworkingcondition.
•Checkallboltsfrequentlytomaintainproper
tightness.
•Frequentlycheckforwornordeteriorating
componentsthatcouldcreateahazard.
WARNING
Removingstandardoriginalequipmentparts
andaccessoriesmayalterthewarranty,traction,
andsafetyofthemachine.Failuretouseoriginal
Exmarkpartscouldcauseseriousinjuryor
death.Makingunauthorizedchangestothe
engine,fuelorventingsystem,mayviolateEPA
andCARBregulations.
Replaceallpartsincluding,butnotlimitedto,
tires,belts,blades,andfuelsystemcomponents
withoriginalExmarkparts.
8

Safety
SafetyandInstructionalDecals
•Keepallsafetysignslegible.Removeallgrease,
dirtanddebrisfromsafetysignsandinstructional
labels.
•Replaceallworn,damaged,ormissingsafety
signs.
•Whenreplacementcomponentsareinstalled,be
surethatcurrentsafetysignsareafxedtothe
replacedcomponents.
•Ifanattachmentoraccessoryhasbeeninstalled,
makesurecurrentsafetysignsarevisible.
•Newsafetysignsmaybeobtainedfrom
yourauthorizedExmarkequipmentdealeror
distributororfromExmarkMfg.Co.Inc.
•Safetysignsmaybeafxedbypeelingoffthe
backingtoexposetheadhesivesurface.Apply
onlytoaclean,drysurface.Smoothtoremove
anyairbubbles.
•Familiarizeyourselfwiththefollowingsafetysigns
andinstructionlabels.Theyarecriticaltothesafe
operationofyourExmarkcommercialmower.
68-7410
94-8072
103-6327
ECXHN21
1.Choke–on
2.Throttle–fast
3.Continuousvariablesetting
4.Throttle–slow
109-8191
ECXKABBC21,ECXKA21
9

Safety
109-9317
116-1922
117–2718
116-2737
10

Specications
Specications
ModelNumbers
SerialNos:312,000,000andHigher
ECSKAP21;ECSKA21;ECXKA21;ECXHN21;ECXKABBC21;ECXHNBBC21
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•EngineOilType:Exmark4–CyclePremium
EngineOil
•RPM:3300RPM(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:
ECSKA21andECSKAP21Units:
2.0qt(1.9L)
Allotherunits:4.0qt(3.8L)
•FuelRecommendations:
–Forbestresults,useonlyclean,fresh,unleaded
gasolinewithanoctaneratingof87orhigher
((R+M)/2ratingmethod).
–Oxygenatedfuelwithupto10%ethanolor
15%MTBEbyvolumeisacceptable.
–DoNotuseethanolblendsofgasoline(such
asE15orE85)withmorethan10%ethanol
byvolume.Performanceproblemsand/or
enginedamagemayresultwhichmaynotbe
coveredunderwarranty.
–DoNotusegasolinecontainingmethanol.
–DoNotstorefueleitherinthefueltankor
fuelcontainersoverthewinterunlessafuel
stabilizerisused.
–DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
•FuelFilter:Non-replaceable,intank
•FuelShut-OffValve:
ECSKA21andECSKAP21UnitsDoNothavea
shut-offvalve.
Allotherunitshaveashut-offvalve.
SafetyInterlockSystem
ForunitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:Operator
musthavethebladecontrolbaildepressedtostart
theengine.Releasingthebladecontrolbailwillcause
theenginetostop.
Transmission(SelfPropelledUnits)
Variable
SpeedRange:0–4.2mph(6.8km/hr)
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:21inches(53.3cm)
•BladeBrake:Whenthebladeengagementcontrol
ismovedtothedisengagedpositionafriction
brakepadstopstherotationoftheblades.
•BladeSize:(1ea.):20.88inches(53.0cm)
•Deck:21inchesrigid.Deckdesignallowsfor
bagging,mulchingorreardischarge.
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:
Adjustsfrom1inch(2.5cm)to41/2inches(11.4
cm)in1/2inch(1.3cm)increments.
•MulchingKit:StandardonECXKA21;
ECXHN21;ECXKABBC21,and
ECXHNBBC21Units
Dimensions
CurbWeight:
98-122lb(44-55kg)Weightsmayvaryslightly
dependingonengineoption.
OverallWidth:
22inches(55.9cm)
11

ProductOverview
OverallLengthandHeightat
21/2inchCuttingHeight:
HandleSettingLengthHeight
High61.00inches
(154.9cm)
39.00inches(99.1
cm)
Medium63.00inches
(160.0cm)
37.50inches(95.3
cm)
Low64.50inches
(163.8cm)
35.00inches(88.9
cm)
ProductOverview
Figure3
1.Grassbag5.Dischargedoor
2.Handle6.Rearwheelheight
adjustment
3.DriveBail
(Self-PropelledUnits
Only)
7.Frontwheelheight
adjuster
4.BladeControlBail
12

Operation
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
BladeControlBail
LocatedontheupperhandleasshowninFigure4.
Whenthebladecontrolbailisdepressed,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorisinthenormaloperator's
position.
•ForUnitswithaBladeBrakeClutch:When
thebladecontrolbailisreleased,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthe
normaloperatingpositionandwillstoptheblade.
•ForUnitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:
Whenthebladecontrolbailisreleased,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthe
normaloperatingpositionandwillkilltheengine.
Figure4
BladeBrakeUnitShown
1.Bladecontrollocklever(BladeBrakeUnitsOnly)
2.Bladecontrolbail
3.Handle
4.Drivebail(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly)
Self-PropelDriveBail(Self-Propelled
UnitsOnly)
LocatedontheupperhandleasshowninFigure4.
Whentheself-propeldrivebailissqueezed,the
unitwillmoveforwardbasedonhowfarthebail
isdepressedtowardthehandle.Whenthisbailis
releasedtheunitwillstopmoving.
Throttle-ChokeLever(ECXHN21)
Locatedontheleftsideofthehandlebar.
Theleverisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thethrottletothefullforward(Choke)positionwill
placetheleverinthechokeposition.Thechokeaids
instartingacoldengine.Movingthethrottlecontrol
forwardwillincreaseenginespeedandmovingitto
therearwilldecreaseenginespeed.
ChokeControl(ECXHNBBC21)
Locatedonthefrontleftsideoftheengineasshown
inFigure9.
Thechokeaidsinstartingacoldengine.Pulling
outwardwillplacethecontrolinthechokeposition.
Pushingthecontrolinwardshutsoffthechoke.
BladeControlLockLever(Blade
BrakeClutchUnitsOnly)
Thebladecontrollockleverislocatedontheright
sideofthehandlenexttotheBladeControlBailas
showninFigure4.
Movingthebladecontrollockleverintothefull
forwardpositionreleasesthebladecontrolbail.
Squeezingthebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle
engagestheblade.Releasingthebladecontrolbail
automaticallydisengagestheblade.Thebladecontrol
lockleverwillresettolockthebladecontrolbail.
EngineStopSwitch
Locatedontheleftsideoftheengineinfrontofthe
fueltankasshowninFigure5.Theenginestopswitch
isusedonECXHNBBC21andECXKABBC21(see
Figure9andFigure10).
Presstheswitchto“STOP”tokilltheengine.Press
“|”beforestartingtheengine.
13

Operation
Figure5
Clearplasticcoverremovedforclarity
1.Enginestopswitch
2.Press“STOP”tokillengine
3.Press“I”beforestartingengine
FuelShut-OffValve
Thefuelshutoffvalveislocatedbetweenthe
carburetorandthefueltank.Thefuelshutoffvalve
shutsofftheowoffuelwhenthemachinewill
notbeusedforafewdays,whenparkinginsidea
building,andduringtransporttoandfromthejob.
Figure6
KawasakiUnit
1.Fuelvalve
OnECXKA21andECXKABBC21units,rotatethe
valve1/4turnclockwisetoshutofffuel.Rotatethe
valve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturnonfuel.
Figure7
1.Rotateclockwisetoclose
2.Rotatecounterclockwisetoopen
OnECXHN21andECXHNBBC21units,thefuel
shutoffvalveislocatedontheengineasshownin
Figure8.Rotate1/4turnclockwisetoshutofffuel.
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
onfuel.
Figure8
1.Fuelvalve
Pre-Start
Fillfueltanks.SeeFuelRecommendationsin
theSpecicationssectionforadditionalgasoline
information.
DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
DoNotoverllfueltank.Fillthefueltanktothe
bottomofthellerneck.Theemptyspaceinthe
tankallowsgasolinetoexpand.Overllingmayresult
infuelleakageordamagetotheengineoremission
system.
Makesureyouunderstandthecontrols,their
locations,theirfunctions,andtheirsafety
requirements.
RefertotheMaintenancesectionandperformallthe
necessaryinspectionandmaintenancesteps.
14

Operation
OperatingInstructions
HandleAdjustment
Theheightofthehandlecanbeadjustedfor
comfortableoperation.Standbehindthehandleto
determinetheheight.Toadjustthehandleheight,
positionthehardwareintooneofthethreeholesin
thehandlebracket.
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
thefuelon(ifequipped).
StartingtheEngine
1.Connectthewiretothesparkplug.
Figure9
Hondaunit
1.Mufer
2.Oilll/dipstick
3.Fueltankcap
4.Recoilstarterhandle(locatedonhandlebarforzone
startunits)
5.Enginestopswitch(ifequipped)
6.Airlter
7.Choke(BBConly)
Throttle/Choke(locatedonhandlebarforzone
startunits)
8.Sparkplug
Figure10
Kawasakiunitswithlargefueltankshown
1.Mufer
2.Oilll/dipstick
3.Recoilstarterhandle(locatedonhandlebarforzone
startunits)
4.Fueltankcap(fueltankvaries)
5.Enginestopswitch(ifequipped)
6.Oillter(ifequipped)
7.Aircleaner
8.Primerbulb
9.Sparkplug
2.Openthefuelvalve.
3.ForECXKABBC21Units:Turntheenginestop
switchto“|”(seeFigure5).
4.ForKawasakiUnits:Presstheprimerbulbtwo
times(seeFigure11).
Figure11
ForECXHNBBC21Units:Turntheengine
stopswitchto“|”andpulloutwardonthechoke
control.
ForECXHN21Units:Movethechoke/throttle
controlforwardtothechokeposition.
Note:DoNotusethechokewhentheengine
iswarmedup.
15

Operation
5.ForunitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:Hold
thebladecontrolbailtothehandle.
6.Pullthestarterhandlelightlyuntilyoufeel
resistance,thenpullitsharply.Allowtheropeto
returnslowly.
7.ForECXHNBBC21Units:Graduallypushin
thechokecontrolastheenginewarmsup.
8.ForECXHN21Units:Whentheenginestarts,
movethechoke/throttlecontrolbacktothefast
position.
StoppingtheEngine
1.Bringtheunittoafullstop.
•ForunitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:
Releasethebladecontrolbail.Boththe
engineandthebladeshouldstopwithinthree
seconds.
•ForunitswithaBladeBrakeClutch:Press
theswitchto“STOP”tokilltheengine(see
Figure5).
Note:Ifthebladedoesnotstopwithin3seconds
afterreleasingthebladecontrolbail,contactan
AuthorizedServiceDealer.
2.Closethefuelshut-offvalve,ifequipped,when
themachinewillnotbeinuseforafewdays,
whentransporting,orwhentheunitisparked
insideabuilding.
OperatingtheSelf-PropelDrive
(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly)
Thelawnmowerisvariablespeed,themoreyou
squeezethedrivebailthefasterthemachinetravels.
1.Starttheengine.
2.Squeezethedrivebailagainstthehandle(see
Figure4).
Note:Youcanvarythegroundspeedby
increasingordecreasingthedistancebetween
thegroundspeedcontrolbailandthehandle.
Lowerthecontrolbailtodecreasetheground
speedwhenyouaremakingaturnorifthelawn
mowerismovingtoofastforyou.Ifyoulower
thecontrolbailtoofarthelawnmowerstops
self-propelling.Squeezethegroundspeedcontrol
bailclosertothehandletoincreasetheground
speed.Whenyouholdthegroundspeedcontrol
bailtightagainstthehandle,thelawnmower
self-propelsatthemaximumgroundspeed.
Releasethedrivebailtostopmovingwhenyou
usethelawnmowerfortrimmingorwhenever
youleavethelawnmower.
3.Todisengagetheself-propeldrive,releasethe
drivebail.
Note:Themowercomeswithfreewheeling
clutcheswhichmakeiteasiertopullthemower
rearward.Todisengagetheclutches,youmay
needtopushthemowerforwardoneinch(2.5
cm)ormoreafteryoureleasetheself-propeldrive
bail.
OperatingtheBladeControlBail
(UnitsWithoutBladeBrakeClutch)
1.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle.
2.Starttheengine.
3.Whenthebladecontrolbailissqueezedagainst
thehandle,thebladeshouldengage.
4.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Boththeengine
andthebladeshouldstop.
OperatingtheBladeControlLever
(BladeBrakeClutchUnitsOnly)
1.Starttheengine.
2.Pushandholdthebladecontrollockleverforward
toreleasethebladecontrolbail(Figure12).
Figure12
1.Bladecontrollocklever4.Pushforward
2.Lockedposition5.Unlockedposition
3.Bladecontrolbail6.Squeezeagainsthandle
3.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle
andreleasethebladecontrollocklever;theblade
shouldengage.
4.Releasethebladecontrolbailtodisengagethe
blade.Thebladecontrollockleverwillresetto
lockthebladecontrolbail.
16

Operation
UsingtheMulchPlug
Occasionallyyoumaywishtousethemulchplugto
mulchthegrassandleafclippingsbackintothelawn.
•InstallingtheMulchPlug:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Removethegrassbagifitisonthemower.
3.Raisethedischargedoorandinsertthemulch
plugintothedischargeopening.Thelipon
theplugwillsnapintothemowerhousing.
Figure13
1.Mulchplug3.Lip
2.Dischargedoor4.Mowerhousing
4.Lowerthedischargedoor.
•RemovingtheMulchPlug:
Note:Whengrassisthickandlush,clippings
maycollectonandaroundthedischargetunnel
plug.Thismaymakeitdifculttoremovethe
plug.Cleantheplugthoroughlyaftereachuse.
1.Toremovethemulchplug,raisethedischarge
doorandpullthemulchplugoutofthe
dischargetunnel.
2.Lowerthedischargedoor.
CheckingtheBladeBrakeClutch
(BladeBrakeClutchUnitsOnly)
ChecktheBladeBrakeClutch(BBC)systembefore
eachusetoensurethatitisoperatingproperly.
NormalTest:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
2.Movethelawnmowerontoapavedsurfacein
anon-windyarea.
3.Setallfourwheelstothe21/2inches(6.4cm)
cuttingheight(seeFigure15andFigure16)
4.Takeahalfsheetofnewspaperandcrumple
itintoballsmallenoughtogounderthedeck
(about3inchesor7.6cmindiameter)asshown
inFigure14.
Figure14
1.Crumplednewspaper2.5inches(12.7cm)
5.Placetheballofnewspaper5inches(12.7cm)in
frontofthelawnmower.
6.Starttheengine.
7.Pushthebladecontrollockleverforwardto
releasethebladecontrolbail(Figure4).
8.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle.
bladeshouldengage.
9.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Youshouldheara
“bang.”Thebladeshouldstopinthreeseconds.
Thebladecontrollocklevershouldresettolock
thebladecontrolbail.
10.Immediatelypushthelawnmoweroverthe
newspaperball.
11.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
12.Walkaroundthelawnmowertocheckforthe
newspaperball.Iftheballdidnotgounderthe
deck,repeatsteps6through11.
13.Pullthelawnmowerawayfromthenewspaper.
Ifthenewspaperballunravelsorisshredded,
17

Operation
thebladehasnotproperlystopped,resulting
inanunsafeoperatingcondition.Contactan
AuthorizedServiceDealer.
DANGER
Ifthebladebrakeclutchsystemisinoperative,
thebladewillcontinuetorotatewhenyou
releasethebladecontrolbail.Contactwith
thebladecouldoccur,causingseriousinjury.
•ChecktheBBCoperationbeforeeachuse.
•NeverusetheBBC-equippedlawnmower
withaninoperativesafetysystem.
•TakeyourlawnmowertoanAuthorized
ServiceDealerforrepairifthesafety
systemfailstooperateproperly.
TestUsingtheGrassBag
1.Installtheemptygrassbagonthedischarge
tunnel.
2.Starttheengine.
3.ForunitswithaBladeBrakeClutch:Pushthe
bladecontrollockleverforwardtoreleasethe
bladecontrolbail(Figure4).
4.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle.
5.Thebagshouldbegintoinate,indicatingthat
thebladeisengagedandrotating.
6.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Ifthebagdoesnot
immediatelydeate,itindicatesthatthebladeis
stillrotating.Thebladebrakeclutchmechanism
maybedeteriorating,and,ifignoredcouldresult
inanunsafeoperatingcondition.Havethelawn
mowerinspectedandservicedbyanAuthorized
ServiceDealer.
AdjustingtheCuttingHeight
Therearwheelsareadjustedtogetherwithaheight
adjustmentrodlocatedonthemowerhousingby
theleftrearwheel.Thefrontwheelsareadjusted
separatelybyremovingthefrontwheelshaft
assemblies,adjustingtheheight,andthenreplacing
theshaftassemblies.Thecuttingheightcanbe
adjustedfrom1inch(25mm)to41/2inches(114
mm)in1/2inch(12.7mm)increments.
WARNING
Adjustingthecuttingheightleverscouldbring
yourhandsintocontactwithamovingblade.A
movingbladecancauseseriousinjury.
•Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovementto
stopbeforeadjustingthecuttingheight.
•DoNotputyourngersunderthehousing
whenadjustingthecuttingheight.
•RearWheelAdjustment:
1.Pullthewheelheightadjustmentrodupward
toreleasethepinfromthenotchinthe
adjustmentbracket(Figure15).
Figure15
1.Pullupward4.Pin
2.Wheelheightadjustment
rod
5.Rotatetodesiredsetting
3.Adjustmentbracket6.Indicator
2.Applydownwardpressureorliftthehousing
torotatetheheightadjustmentbracket.Use
theindicatortodeterminethedesiredsetting.
3.Releasethewheelheightadjustmentrodtoset
thepinsecurelyinthedesirednotch.
•FrontWheelAdjustment
1.Pullupontheheightadjusterandpullthe
frontwheelshaftassemblyoutwardasshown
inFigure16.
18

Operation
Figure16
1.Frontwheelshaft
assembly
4.Frontquadrantblockcut
heights
2.Pullup5.Pulloutward
3.Heightadjuster6.Shaftgroove
2.Insertthefrontwheelshaftassemblyintothe
desiredcutheightsettinginthefrontquadrant
block.Lowertheheightadjusterintothe
grooveonthefrontwheelshaft.Pulland
pushthewheelshaftassemblytomakesureit
haslockedintoplace.
UsingtheGrassBag
•InstallingtheGrassBag
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Openthereardoor.
3.Graspthehandleonthebagandsettherear
ofthebagframeontothehandlebracket
notch(Figure17).
Figure17
1.Bag4.Handlebracketnotch
2.Handle5.Reardoor
3.Bagframe6.Lower
4.Oncethebagisseated,lowerthereardoor
ontothebag.
•MowingwiththeGrassBag
WARNING
Aworngrassbagcouldallowsmallstones
andothersimilardebristobethrowninthe
operator’sorbystander’sdirection.Thrown
objectscanresultseriouspersonalinjuryor
deathtotheoperatororbystanders.
Checkthegrassbagfrequently.Ifitis
damaged,installanewExmarkreplacement
bag.
Cutthegrassuntilthebagisfull.
Note:DoNotoverllthebag.
•RemovingtheGrassBag
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Raisethereardischargedoorandgraspthe
handleonthebag.
3.Liftthebagoffofthelawnmowerandlower
thereardischargedoor.
4.Graduallytipthebagforwardtoemptythe
clippings.
5.Toinstallthebag,refertothesectionon
InstallingtheGrassBag.
19

Operation
DANGER
Ifthedischargedoordoesnotclose
completely,thelawnmowercouldthrow
objects.Thrownobjectscanresultin
seriouspersonalinjuryordeathtothe
operatororbystanders.
•Neveropenthedoortothedischarge
openingwhentheengineisrunning.
•Ifyoucannotclosethedoorbecause
thegrassclippingsclogthedischarge
area,stoptheengineandgentlymove
thedischargedoorhandlebackand
forthuntilyoucanclosethedoor
completely.Ifyoustillcannotclosethe
door,removetheobstructionwitha
stick,notyourhand.
OperatingTips
•ReviewtheSafetysectionandreadthismanual
carefullybeforeoperatingthelawnmower.
•Settheenginespeedtothefastestpositionfor
thebestcuttingresults.
•Maintainasharpbladethroughoutthecutting
season.Periodicallyledownnicksontheblade.
Replacethebladewhennecessarywithanoriginal
Exmarkreplacementblade.
•Cleantheairlterfrequently.Mulchingstirsup
moreclippingsanddustwhichclogstheairlter
andreducesengineperformance.
CuttingGrass
•Grassgrowsatdifferentratesatdifferenttimes
oftheyear.Inthesummerheat,itisbesttocut
grassatthe21/2inch(64mm),3inch(76mm),
or31/2inch(90mm)cuttingheightsettings.Cut
onlyaboutathirdofthegrassbladeatatime.Do
Notcutbelowthe21/2inch(64mm)setting
unlessthegrassissparseoritislatefallwhen
grassgrowthbeginstoslowdown.
•Whencuttinggrassover6inches(15cm)tall,
rstmowatthehighestcuttingheightsettingand
walkslower;thenmowagainatalowersettingfor
thebestlawnappearance.Ifthegrassistoolong
andthegrassclumpontopofthelawn,thelawn
mowermayplugandcausetheenginetostall.
•Alternatethemowingdirection.Thishelps
dispersetheclippingsoverthelawnforeven
fertilization.
•Ifthenishedlawnappearanceisunsatisfactory,
tryoneormoreofthefollowing:
–Sharpentheblade.
–Walkataslowerpacewhilemowing.
–Cutthegrassmorefrequently.
–Overlapcuttingswathsinsteadofcuttinga
fullswathwitheachpass.
–Setthedesiredcuttingheightonthefront
wheels.Settherearwheelsonetotwonotches
higher.Forexample,setthefrontwheelsat2
1/2inches(64mm)andtherearwheelsat3
inches(76mm).
CuttingLeaves
•Aftercuttingthelawn,ensurethathalfofthe
lawnshowsthroughthecutleafcover.Youmay
needtomakemorethanonepassovertheleaves.
•Forlightleafcoverage,setallthewheelsatthe
samecuttingheightsetting.
•Iftherearemorethan5inches(12.7cm)ofleaves
onthelawn,setthefrontcuttingheightoneor
twonotcheshigherthantherearcuttingheight.
Thismakesiteasiertofeedtheleavesunderthe
lawnmowerdeck.
•Slowdownyourmowingspeedifthelawnmower
doesnotcuttheleavesnelyenough.
•Ifyoumowoveroakleaves,youcanaddlimeto
thegrassinthespringtoreducetheacidityofthe
oakleaves.
20