Exmark exmark 30" User manual

COMMERCIAL30
ForSerialNos.
408,644,346&Higher
PartNo.4505-171Rev.A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Useofthisproductmaycauseexposure
tochemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
Important:ItisaviolationofCaliforniaPublic
ResourceCodeSection4442or4443touse
oroperatetheengineonanyforest-covered,
brush-covered,orgrass-coveredlandunlessthe
engineisequippedwithasparkarrester,as
denedinSection4442,maintainedineffective
workingorderortheengineisconstructed,
equipped,andmaintainedforthepreventionof
re.
Toacquireasparkarresterforyourunit,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
ForallmodelsthatdonothaveExmarkengines,
pleaserefertotheenginemanufacturer's
informationincludedwiththemachine.
FormodelswithExmarkengines,refertothis
manualforinformation.
Thegrossornethorsepower(ortorque)of
thisenginewaslaboratoryratedbytheengine
manufacturerinaccordancewiththeSociety
ofAutomotiveEngineers(SAE)J1940orJ2723.
Asconguredtomeetsafety,emission,and
operatingrequirements,theactualengine
horsepower(ortorque)onthisclassofmower
willbesignicantlylower.
©2020ExmarkMfg.Co.,Inc.
415IndustrialRow
Beatrice,NE683102
Contactusatwww.Exmark.com.
PrintedintheMexico
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.
Tomaximizesafety,performance,andproper
operationofthismachine,itisessentialthatall
operatorscarefullyreadandfullyunderstandthe
contentsoftheOperator’smanualprovidedwith
theproduct.Failuretocomplywiththeoperating
instructionsorreceivepropertrainingmayresult
ininjury.Gotohttps://www .Exmark.comfor
additionalsafeoperationinformation,suchassafety
tips,trainingmaterials,andOperator’smanuals.
Ifadditionalinformationisneeded,orshould
yourequiretrainedmechanicservice,contactyour
authorizedExmarkequipmentdealerordistributor.
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.
g024060
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
Forcompletewarrantydetails,see
https://www.Exmark.com.Youmayalsocall
us402-223-6375torequestawrittencopyofthe
product’swarranty.
3

Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
GeneralSafety.................................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.......................6
Specications.........................................................8
Systems...........................................................8
Dimensions.....................................................8
ProductOverview..................................................9
Operation...............................................................9
Controls..........................................................9
BeforeOperation...........................................11
OperatingInstructions...................................12
DuringOperationSafety.................................12
AfterOperation..............................................20
Maintenance..........................................................21
MaintenanceSafety.............................................21
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)............22
PeriodicMaintenance........................................22
EngineMaintenance.......................................22
EngineSafety.................................................22
CheckEngineOilLevel..................................22
ChecktheMowerBlade..................................23
ChecktheBladeBrakeClutch.........................24
CheckforLooseHardware.............................25
CheckAirFilter.............................................25
ServiceAirFilter............................................25
ChangeEngineOil.........................................25
ChangeOilFilter............................................26
CheckConditionOfBelts...............................26
ChecktheBladeDriveSystem.........................26
ChangeBladeBrakeClutch(BBC)
Belt............................................................27
ChangeTransmissionBelt..............................28
CheckSparkPlugs..........................................30
EmptyingtheFuelTankandCleaningthe
FuelFilter...................................................30
Adjustments......................................................31
AdjustingtheSelf-PropelDrive......................31
AdjustingtheBladeBrakeCable.....................31
AdjustingtheTransmission–ForModels
withKawasakiEngine................................32
AdjustingtheParking-BrakeCable..................32
Cleaning............................................................33
CleaningandStoringSafety.............................33
CleanEngineandExhaustSystem
Area...........................................................33
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck.................33
CleaningtheDischargeTunneland
Plug............................................................34
CleaningUndertheBeltAccessPanel..............34
CleanDebrisFromMachine...........................34
WasteDisposal...............................................35
Storage..................................................................36
PreparingtheFuelSystem...............................36
PreparingtheEngine......................................36
GeneralStorageInformation..........................36
RemovingtheLawnMowerfrom
Storage.......................................................36
Troubleshooting....................................................37
CaliforniaProposition65Warning
Information...............................................39
4

Safety
Safety
Thislawnmowerhasbeendesignedinconformance
withtheConsumerProductSafetyCommission
(CPSC)bladesafetyrequirementsforwalk-behind
rotarymowersandtheAmericanNational
StandardsInstituteB71.4forCommercialTurfCare
Equipment–SafetySpecications.
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents.
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
g000502
Figure2
SafetyAlertSymbol
Thesafetyalertsymbolappearsaboveinformation
whichalertsyoutounsafeactionsorsituations
andwillbefollowedbythewordDANGER,
WARNING,orCAUTION.
DANGER:Indicatesanimminentlyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Willresultindeathor
seriousinjury.
WARNING:Indicatesapotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Couldresultindeath
orseriousinjury.
CAUTION:Indicatesapotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich,ifnotavoided,Mayresultinminor
ormoderateinjury.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizes
generalinformationworthyofspecialattention.
GeneralSafety
Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand
feetandofthrowingobjects.Alwaysfollowallsafety
instructionstoavoidseriouspersonalinjuryordeath.
•Read,understand,andfollowallinstructions
andwarningsintheOperator’sManualand
onthemachine,engine,andattachments.All
operatorsandmechanicsshouldbetrained.If
theoperator(s)ormechanic(s)cannotreadthis
manual,itistheowner’sresponsibilitytoexplain
thismaterialtothem;otherlanguagesmaybe
availableonourwebsite.
•Onlyallowtrained,responsible,andphysically
capableoperatorsthatarefamiliarwiththesafe
operation,operatorcontrols,andsafetysignsand
instructionstooperatethemachine.Neverlet
childrenoruntrainedpeopleoperateorservice
theequipment.Localregulationsmayrestrictthe
ageoftheoperator.
•DoNotoperatethemachineneardrop-offs,
ditches,embankments,water,orotherhazards.
•Keepbystandersandchildrenoutoftheoperating
area.
•DoNotputyourhandsorfeetnearmovingparts.
•Donotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Parkmachineonlevelground,setparkingbrake
(ifequipped),stopengine,anddisconnectspark
plugwire.Waitforallmovingpartstostop
beforeleavingtheoperator’sposition.Allow
themachinetocoolbeforeservicing,adjusting,
fueling,cleaning,orstoring.
5

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.
decal93-7009
93-7009
1.Warning—donotoperatethemowerwiththedeector
uporremoved;keepthedeectorinplace.
2.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,mower
blade—stayawayfrommovingparts.
decal94-8072
94-8072
decal116-7127
116-7127
1.Heightofcut
decal116-7581
116-7581
1.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,mower
blade-stayawayfrommovingparts.ReadtheOperator’s
Manualbeforeadjustingservicing,orcleaning.
decal116-8528
116-8528
1.ReadtheOperator’s
manualbefore
performingany
maintenance.
2.Checkbelttensionevery
50hours.
decal120-9570
120-9570
1.Warning—stayawayfrommovingparts,keepallguards
andshieldsinplace.
6

Safety
decal130-9656
130-9656
1.Choke3.Slow
2.Fast4.Engine—stop
decal133-8062
133-8062
decal139-5405
139-5405
1.Parkingbrake—engage2.Parking
brake—disengage
decal116-7583
116-7583
1.Warning—readtheOperator’sManual;donotoperatethis
machineunlessyouaretrained.
4.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,mower
blade—stayawayfrommovingparts;keepallguardsin
place.
2.Thrownobjecthazard—keepbystandersaway.5.Warning—wearhearingprotection.
3.Thrownobjecthazard—donotoperatethemowerwithout
thereardischargeplugorbaginplace.
6.Cutting/dismembermenthazardofhandorfoot,mower
blade—donotoperateupanddownslopes;operateside
tosideonslopes;shutofftheenginebeforeleavingthe
machine;pickupanydebrisbeforemowing;lookbehind
youwhenmovinginreverse.
7

Specications
Specications
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•EngineOilType:Exmark4–CyclePremium
EngineOil
•RPM:3500RPM(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:1gallon(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:ReplaceableIn-line
•FuelShut-OffValve:1/4turn
SafetyInterlockSystem
EquippedwithBladeBrakeClutch(BBC).
Transmission
Variable
SpeedRange:0–4.0mph(6.4km/hr)
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:30inches(76cm)
•BladeBrake:Whenthebladeengagementcontrol
ismovedtothedisengagedpositionafriction
brakepadstopstherotationoftheblades.
•BladeSize:(2ea.):15.40inches(39.1cm)
•Deck:30inchesrigid.Deckdesignallowsfor
bagging,mulchingorsidedischarge.
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:
Adjustsfrom11/2inch(3.8cm)to5inches(12.7
cm)in1/2inch(1.3cm)increments.
•MulchingKit:Highperformancemulchkit
optional
Dimensions
CurbWeight:
170lb(77kg)
OverallWidth:
31.9inches(81cm)
OverallLengthandHeightat
11/2inchCuttingHeight:
HandleSettingLengthHeight
High62.60inches
(159.0cm)
41.75inches
(106.0cm)
Medium66.00inches
(167.6cm)
38.25inches
(97.2cm)
Low68.60inches
(174.2cm)
34.75inches
(88.3cm)
8

Operation
ProductOverview
g235121
Figure3
1.Grassbag4.BladeControlBail
2.Handle5.Dischargedoor
3.DriveBail6.Frontwheelheight
adjuster
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
Becomefamiliarwithallthecontrolsbeforestarting
theengineandoperatingthemachine.
BladeControlBail
LocatedontheupperhandleasshowninFigure4.
Whenthebladecontrolbailisdepressed,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorisinthenormaloperator's
position.
Whenthebladecontrolbailisreleased,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthenormal
operatingpositionandwillstoptheblade.
g235252
Figure4
1.Bladecontrollocklever
2.Bladecontrolbail
3.Handle
4.Drivebail
Self-PropelDriveBail(Self-Propelled
UnitsOnly)
LocatedontheupperhandleasshowninFigure4.
Whentheself-propeldrivebailissqueezedagainst
thehandle,theunitgroundspeedwillchangebased
9

Operation
onthedistancebetweenthebailandthehandle.
Whenthisbailisreleasedtheunitwillstopmoving.
Throttle-Choke-EngineStopControl
Thethrottle-choke-enginestopcontrolislocatedon
theleftsideoftheengineasshowninFigure5and
Figure9.
g288875
Figure5
1.Throttle-Choke-Engine
stopcontrol
2.Fuelvalve
Theleverisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Movingthe
levertothefullforward(Choke)positionwillplace
theleverinthechokeposition.Thechokeaidsin
startingacoldengine.Movingthethrottlecontrol
forwardwillincreaseenginespeedandmovingitto
therearwilldecreaseenginespeed.
Thethrottle-choke-enginestopcontrolalsoincludes
anengineshutdownposition.Movingtheleverinto
thefullrearward(Off)positionwillshutdownthe
engine.
BladeControlLockLever
Thebladecontrollockleverislocatedontheright
sideofthehandlenexttotheBladeControlBailas
showninFigure4.
Movingthebladecontrollockleverintothefull
forwardpositionreleasesthebladecontrolbail.
Squeezingthebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle
engagestheblade.Releasingthebladecontrolbail
automaticallydisengagestheblade.Thebladecontrol
lockleverwillresettolockthebladecontrolbail.
ParkBrakeLever
LocatedontheupperhandleofmodelswithKohler
enginesonly.
Engagetheparkingbrakebypullingthebrakelever
uptowardsthehandle.
g288835
Figure6
Disengagetheparkingbrakebypushingthebrake
leverdownawayfromthehandle.
g288933
Figure7
FuelShut-OffValve
Thefuelshutoffvalveislocatedbetweenthe
carburetorandthefueltank.Thefuelshutoffvalve
shutsofftheowoffuelwhenthemachinewill
notbeusedforafewdays,whenparkinginsidea
building,andduringtransporttoandfromthejob.
Rotatethevalve1/4turnclockwisetoshutofffuel.
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
onfuel.
g011590
Figure8
1.Rotateclockwisetoclose
2.Rotatecounterclockwisetoopen
10

Operation
BeforeOperation
BeforeOperationSafety
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbyExmark.
•Inspecttheareawherethemachineistobeused
andremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,bones,
andotherforeignobjects.Thesecanbethrown
orinterferewiththeoperationofthemachine
andmaycausepersonalinjurytotheoperatoror
bystanders.
•Thismowerwasdesignedforoneoperatoronly.
DoNotcarrypassengers.
•Wearappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment
suchassafetyglasses,longpants,substantial
slip-resistantfootwear,andhearingprotection.
Tiebacklonghairandavoidlooseclothingand
loosejewelrywhichmaygettangledinmoving
parts.
•Thismachineproducessoundlevelsinexcessof
85dBAattheoperator’searandcancausehearing
lossthroughextendedperiodsofexposure.Wear
hearingprotectionwhenoperatingthismachine.
•Checkthatthefollowingitemsareinplaceandin
properworkingcondition:theoperatorpresence
controls,safetyswitches,guards,shields,discharge
deectorand/ortheentiregrasscatchersystem.
Donotoperatethemachineunlesstheyarein
properworkingcondition.Replacewornor
deterioratedpartswithgenuineExmarkparts
whennecessary.
DANGER
Itisessentialthatoperatorsafetymechanisms
beconnectedandinproperoperating
conditionpriortouse.Contactingtheblade
canresultinseriouspersonalinjury.
Shutofftheengineandwaitforallmoving
partstostopbeforeleavingtheoperating
position.Whenthebladecontrolbailis
released,thebladeshouldstopwithin3
seconds.Ifnot,stopusingthemachine
immediatelyandcontactanAuthorized
ServiceDealer.
•DoNotoperatethemowerwhenpeople,
especiallychildren,orpetsareinthearea.Shut
offthemachineandattachment(s)ifanyone
entersthearea.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithouttheentire
grasscollectionsystem,dischargedeector,
orothersafetydevicesinplaceandinproper
workingcondition.Grasscatchercomponents
aresubjecttowear,damageanddeterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjects
tobethrown.Frequentlycheckforwornor
deterioratingcomponentsandreplacethemwith
themanufacturer’srecommendedpartswhen
necessary.
FuelSafety
DANGER
Gasolineisextremelyammableandvaporsare
explosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburnyou,
others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsonlevelground,
inanopenarea,whentheengineiscold.If
fuelisspilled,DoNotattempttostartthe
engine.Moveawayfromtheareaofthespill
andavoidcreatinganysourceofignitionuntil
fuelvaporshavedissipated.
•DoNotrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosedtrailer.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,and
stayawayfromanopenameorwhere
gasolinefumesmaybeignitedbyspark.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Never
removethecapofthefueltankoraddfuel
whenengineisrunningorwhentheengine
ishot.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainerand
keepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•DoNotoperatewithoutentireexhaustsystem
inplaceandinproperworkingcondition.
•Incertainconditionsduringfueling,static
electricitycanbereleasedcausingasparkwhich
canignitegasolinevapors.
–DoNotllcontainersinsideavehicleorona
truckortrailerbedwithaplasticliner.Always
placecontainersonthegroundandawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforelling.
11

Operation
–Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelsonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline
dispensernozzle.
–Ifagasolinedispensernozzleisused,keepthe
nozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltank
orcontaineropeningatalltimesuntilfueling
iscomplete.DoNotuseanozzlelockopen
device.
•DoNotoverllthefueltank.Fillthefueltankto
thebottomofthellerneck.Theemptyspacein
thetankallowsgasolinetoexpand.Overlling
mayresultinfuelleakageordamagetotheengine
oremissionsystem.
•Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporsmaycauseserious
injuryandillness.
–Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
–Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
–Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Tohelppreventres:
–Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.
–Cleanupoilandfuelspillsandremovefuel
soakeddebris.
–Allowthemachinetocoolbeforestoringthe
machineinanyenclosure.DoNotstorethe
machineorfuelcontainer,orrefuel,where
thereisanopename,spark,orpilotlight
suchasonawaterheaterorotherappliance.
OperatingInstructions
DuringOperationSafety
GeneralSafety
Theoperatormustusetheirfullattentionwhen
operatingthemachine.DoNotengageinanyactivity
thatcausesdistractions;otherwise,injuryorproperty
damagemayoccur.
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythemufer,
becomeextremelyhot.Severeburnscanoccur
oncontactanddebris,suchasleaves,grass,
brush,etc.cancatchre.
CleanthemachineasstatedintheMaintenance
section.Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.
•Operatetheengineonlyinwell-ventilatedareas.
Exhaustgasescontaincarbonmonoxide,whichis
anodorlessdeadlypoison.
•Donotoperatethemachinewhileill,tired,or
undertheinuenceofalcoholordrugs.
•Operatethemachineonlyingoodvisibilityand
appropriateweatherconditions.Donotoperate
themachinewhenthereistheriskoflightning.
•Keepawayfromholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,and
otherhiddenhazards.Usecarewhenapproaching
blindcorners,shrubs,trees,tallgrassorother
objectsthatmayhideobstaclesorobscurevision.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachineor
causetheoperatortolosetheirbalanceorfooting.
•Starttheenginewithyourfeetwellawayfrom
theblades.
•Donotoperatethemachinewithoutallsafety
shields,guards,switches,andotherdevicesin
placeandinproperworkingcondition.
•Keepyourhandsandfeetawayfromthemoving
parts.Keepclearofthedischargeopening.
•Donotmowwiththedischargedeector
raised,removed,oralteredunlessthereisa
grass-collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•Neverraisethedeckwithbladesrunning.
•Beawareofthemowerdischargepathanddirect
dischargeawayfromothers.Avoiddischarging
materialagainstawallorobstructionasthe
materialmayricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
Stoptheblades,slowdown,andusecaution
whencrossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
transportingthemowertoandfromtheareato
bemowed.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhen
makingturns.Donotmowinreverseunlessit
12

Operation
isabsolutelynecessary.Alwayslookdownand
behindyoubeforemovingthemachineinreverse.
•Parkthemachineonlevelground.Stopengine,
waitforallmovingpartstostop,andremovethe
sparkplugwire(s).
–Beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
mower.
–Afterstrikingaforeignobjectorabnormal
vibrationoccurs(inspectthemowerfor
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestarting
andoperatingthemower).
–Beforeclearingblockages.
–Wheneveryouleavethemower.DoNotleave
arunningmachineunattended.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop:
–Beforerefueling.
–Beforedumpingthegrasscatcher.
–Beforemakingheightadjustments.
•Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot
alerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenare
oftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing
activity.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
whereyoulastsawthem.
–Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand
underthewatchfulcareofanotherresponsible
adult,nottheoperator.
–Bealertandturnthemachineoffifchildren
enterthearea.
–Beforeandwhilebackingorchanging
direction,lookbehind,down,andside-to-side
forsmallchildren.
–Neverallowchildrentooperatethemachine.
–DoNotcarrychildren,evenwiththeblades
shutoff.Childrencouldfalloffandbe
seriouslyinjuredorinterferewiththesafe
operationofthemachine.Childrenthathave
beengivenridesinthepastcouldsuddenly
appearintheworkingareaforanotherrideand
berunoverorbackedoverbythemachine.
SlopeSafety
•Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrol
androlloveraccidents,whichcanresultinsevere
injuryordeath.Theoperatorisresponsiblefor
safeslopeoperation.Operatingthemachineon
anysloperequiresextracaution.Beforeusingthe
machineonaslope,theoperatormust:
–Reviewandunderstandtheslopeinstructions
inthemanualandonthemachine.
–Evaluatethesiteconditionsofthedayto
determineiftheslopeissafeformachine
operation.Usecommonsenseandgood
judgmentwhenperformingthisevaluation.
Changesintheterrain,suchasmoisture,can
quicklyaffecttheoperationofthemachine
onaslope.
•Operateacrossslopes,neverupanddown.Avoid
operationonexcessivelysteeporwetslopes.Poor
footingcouldcauseaslipandfallaccident.
•Identifyhazardsatthebaseoftheslope.Do
Notoperatethemachineneardropoffs,ditches,
embankments,waterorotherhazards.The
machinecouldsuddenlyrolloverifawheelgoes
overtheedgeortheedgecollapses.Keepasafe
distancebetweenthemachineandanyhazard.
Useahandheldtooltooperateintheseareas.
•Avoidstarting,stoppingorturningthemachine
onslopes.Avoidmakingsuddenchangesinspeed
ordirection;turnslowlyandgradually.
•DoNotoperateamachineunderanyconditions
wheretraction,steeringorstabilityisinquestion.
Beawarethatoperatingthemachineonwetgrass,
acrossslopesordownhillmaycausethemachine
tolosetraction.Lossoftractiontothedrive
wheelsmayresultinslidingandalossofbraking
andsteering.Themachinecanslideevenifthe
drivewheelsarestopped.
•Removeormarkobstaclessuchasditches,holes,
ruts,bumps,rocksorotherhiddenhazards.Tall
grasscanhideobstacles.Uneventerraincould
overturnthemachine.
•Ifyoulosecontrolofthemachine,stepawayfrom
thedirectionoftravelofthemachine.
•Alwayskeepthemachineingearwhengoing
downslopes.DoNotcoastdownhill.
HandleAdjustment
Theheightofthehandlecanbeadjustedfor
comfortableoperation.Standbehindthehandleto
determinetheheight.Toadjustthehandleheight,
positionthehardwareintooneofthethreeholesin
thehandlebracket.
13

Operation
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
thefuelon.
StartingtheEngine
1.Connectthewiretothesparkplug.
g288912
Figure9
1.Mufer6.Oillter
2.Oilll/dipstick7.Aircleaner
3.Recoilstarterhandle8.Primerbulb
4.Fueltankcap9.Sparkplug
5.Throttle-choke-engine
stopcontrol
2.Openthefuelvalve.
3.Movethethrottle-choke-enginestopcontrolto
thefullforward(Choke)position.
Note:DoNotusethechokewhentheengine
iswarm.
4.Pullthestarterhandlelightlyuntilyoufeel
resistance,thenpullitsharply.Allowtheropeto
returnslowly.
5.Whentheenginestarts,movethe
throttle-choke-enginestopcontroltothe
Fastposition.
StoppingtheEngine
1.Bringtheunittoafullstop.
2.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Thebladeshould
stopwithinthreeseconds;theenginewillcontinue
torun.Movethethrottle-choke-enginestop
controltotheStoppositiontokilltheengine.
Note:Ifthebladedoesnotstopwithin3seconds
afterreleasingthebladecontrolbail,contactan
AuthorizedServiceDealer.
3.Closethefuelshut-offvalve,ifequipped,when
themachinewillnotbeinuseforafewdays,
whentransporting,orwhentheunitisparked
insideabuilding.
OperatingtheSelf-PropelDrive
Thelawnmowerisvariablespeed,themoreyou
squeezethedrivebailagainstthehandlethefaster
themachinetravels.
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.
OperatingtheBladeControlLever
1.Starttheengine.
2.Pushandholdthebladecontrollockleverforward
toreleasethebladecontrolbail(Figure10).
14

Operation
g012606
Figure10
1.Bladecontrollocklever4.Push
2.Lockedposition5.Unlockedposition
3.Bladecontrolbail6.Squeezeagainsthandle
3.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle
andreleasethebladecontrollocklever;theblade
shouldengage.
4.Releasethebladecontrolbailtodisengagethe
blade.Thebladecontrollockleverwillresetto
lockthebladecontrolbail.
CheckingtheBladeBrakeClutch
ChecktheBladeBrakeClutch(BBC)systembefore
eachusetoensurethatitisoperatingproperly.
NormalTest:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
2.Movethelawnmowerontoapavedsurfacein
anon-windyarea.
3.Setallfourwheelstothe21/2inches(6.4cm)
cuttingheight(seeFigure12andFigure14).
4.Takeahalfsheetofnewspaperandcrumple
itintoballsmallenoughtogounderthedeck
(about3inchesor7.6cmindiameter)asshown
inFigure11.
g019295
Figure11
1.Crumplednewspaper2.5inches(12.7cm)
5.Placetheballofnewspaper5inches(12.7cm)in
frontofthelawnmower.
6.Starttheengine.
7.Pushthebladecontrollockleverforwardto
releasethebladecontrolbail(Figure4).
8.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle;
thebladeshouldengage.
9.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Youshouldheara
“bang.”Thebladeshouldstopinthreeseconds.
Thebladecontrollocklevershouldresettolock
thebladecontrolbail.
10.Immediatelypushthelawnmoweroverthe
newspaperball.
11.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
12.Walkaroundthelawnmowertocheckforthe
newspaperball.Iftheballdidnotgounderthe
deck,repeatsteps6through11.
13.Pullthelawnmowerawayfromthenewspaper.
Ifthenewspaperballunravelsorisshredded,
thebladehasnotproperlystopped,resulting
inanunsafeoperatingcondition.Contactan
AuthorizedServiceDealer.
15

Operation
DANGER
Ifthebladebrakeclutchsystemisinoperative,
thebladewillcontinuetorotatewhenyou
releasethebladecontrolbail.Contactwith
thebladecouldoccur,causingseriousinjury.
•ChecktheBBCoperationbeforeeachuse.
•NeverusetheBBC-equippedlawnmower
withaninoperativesafetysystem.
•TakeyourlawnmowertoanAuthorized
ServiceDealerforrepairifthesafety
systemfailstooperateproperly.
TestUsingtheGrassBag
1.Ifthemulchplugisinstalledonthemower,
removeit(refertoRemovingtheMulchPlug).If
thesidedischargedeectorison,removeitand
installthesidedischargedoor(refertoUsingthe
SideDischargeDeector).
2.Installtheemptygrassbagontherearofthe
mower(refertoInstallingtheGrassBag).
3.Starttheengine.
4.Pushthebladecontrollockleverforwardto
releasethebladecontrolbail(Figure4).
5.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle.
6.Thebagshouldbegintoinate,indicatingthat
thebladeisengagedandrotating.
7.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Ifthebagdoesnot
immediatelydeate,itindicatesthatthebladeis
stillrotating.Thebladebrakeclutchmechanism
maybedeteriorating,and,ifignoredcouldresult
inanunsafeoperatingcondition.Havethelawn
mowerinspectedandservicedbyanAuthorized
ServiceDealer.
8.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
AdjustingtheCuttingHeight
Therearwheelsareadjustedtogetherwithaheight
adjustmentrodlocatedonthemowerhousingby
theleftrearwheel.Thefrontwheelsareadjusted
separatelybyremovingthefrontwheelshaft
assemblies,adjustingtheheight,andthenreplacing
theshaftassemblies.Thecuttingheightcanbe
adjustedfrom11/2inches(38mm)to5inches(127
mm)in1/2inch(12.7mm)increments.
WARNING
Adjustingthecuttingheightleverscouldbring
yourhandsintocontactwithamovingblade.A
movingbladecancauseseriousinjury.
•Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovementto
stopbeforeadjustingthecuttingheight.
•DoNotputyourngersunderthehousing
whenadjustingthecuttingheight.
•RearWheelAdjustment:
1.Pullthewheelheightadjustmentrodupward
toreleasethepinfromthenotchinthe
adjustmentbracket(Figure12).
g016436
Figure12
1.Pullupward4.Pin
2.Wheelheightadjustment
rod
5.Rotatetodesiredsetting
3.Indicator
2.Applydownwardpressureorliftthehousing
torotatetheheightadjustmentbrackettothe
desiredsetting.
3.Releasethewheelheightadjustmentrodtoset
thepinsecurelyinthedesirednotch.
16

Operation
g016520
Figure13
•FrontWheelAdjustment
1.Pullupontheheightlockandpullthefront
wheelshaftassemblyoutwardasshownin
Figure14.
g195299
Figure14
1.Frontwheelshaft
assembly
4.Frontquadrantblockcut
heights
2.Pullup5.Pulloutward
3.Heightlock6.Shaftgroove
2.Insertthefrontwheelshaftassemblyintothe
desiredcutheightsettinginthefrontquadrant
block.Lowertheheightlockintothegroove
onthefrontwheelshaft.Pullandpushthe
wheelshaftassemblytomakesureithas
lockedintoplace.
g016521
Figure15
1.Frontquadrantblock2.Cuttingheights
UsingtheGrassBag
•InstallingtheGrassBag
1.Releasethebladecontrollockleverandwait
forthebladeandallmovingpartstostop.
2.Ifthemulchplugisinstalledonthemower,
removeit(refertoRemovingtheMulchPlug).
Ifthesidedischargedeectorison,removeit
andinstallthesidedischargedoor(referto
UsingtheSideDischargeDeector).
3.Openthereardischargedoor.
4.Graspthehandleonthebagandsettherear
ofthebagframeontothehandlebracket
notch(Figure16).
g017969
Figure16
1.Bag4.Handlebracketnotch
2.Handle5.Reardoor
3.Bagframe6.Lower
5.Oncethebagisseated,lowertherear
dischargedoorontothebag.
17

Operation
•MowingwiththeGrassBag
WARNING
Aworngrassbagcouldallowsmallstones
andothersimilardebristobethrowninthe
operator’sorbystander’sdirection.Thrown
objectscanresultinseriouspersonalinjuryor
deathtotheoperatororbystanders.
Checkthegrassbagfrequently.Ifitis
damaged,installanewExmarkreplacement
bag.
Cutthegrassuntilthebagisfull.Toseeifthe
grassbagisfull,releasethebladecontrollock
leverandwaitforthebladetostop.Feelthebagto
determinewhetherthebagneedstobeemptied.
Note:DoNotoverllthebag.
•RemovingtheGrassBag
1.Releasethebladecontrollockleverandwait
forthebladeandallmovingpartstostop.
2.Raisethereardischargedoorandgraspthe
handleonthebag.
3.Liftthebagoffofthelawnmowerandlower
thereardischargedoor.
4.Graduallytipthebagforwardtoemptythe
clippings.
5.Toinstallthebag,refertothesectionon
InstallingtheGrassBag.
DANGER
Ifthereardischargedoordoesnotclose
completely,thelawnmowercouldthrow
objects.Thrownobjectscanresultin
seriouspersonalinjuryordeathtothe
operatororbystanders.
•Neveropenthedoortotherear
dischargeopeningwhenthebladesare
stillmoving.
•Ifyoucannotclosethedoorbecause
thegrassclippingsclogthedischarge
area,stoptheengineandgentlymove
thedischargedoorhandlebackand
forthuntilyoucanclosethedoor
completely.Ifyoustillcannotclosethe
door,removetheobstructionwitha
stick,notyourhand.
UsingtheMulchPlug
Occasionallyyoumaywishtousethemulchplugto
mulchthegrassandleafclippingsbackintothelawn.
•InstallingtheMulchPlug:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Ifthegrassbagisonthemower,removeit
(refertoRemovingtheGrassBag).Iftheside
dischargedeectorison,removeitandlower
thesidedischargedoor(refertoUsingthe
SideDischargeDeector).
3.Raisethereardischargedoorandinsertthe
mulchplugintothedischargeopening.The
plugwillsnapintothemowerhousing.
g019296
Figure17
1.Mulchplug2.Reardischargedoor
4.Lowerthedischargedoor.
•RemovingtheMulchPlug:
Note:Whengrassisthickandlush,clippings
maycollectonandaroundthedischargetunnel
plug.Thismaymakeitdifculttoremovethe
plug.Cleantheplugthoroughlyaftereachuse.
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Raisethereardischargedoorandpullthe
mulchplugoutofthedischargetunnel.
3.Lowerthedischargedoor.
UsingtheSideDischargeDeector
Usethesidedischargeforcuttingverytallgrass.
18

Operation
WARNING
Thebladesaresharp;contactingthebladescan
resultinseriouspersonalinjury.
Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stopbeforeleavingtheoperatingposition.
•InstallingtheSideDischargeDeector:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Removethegrassbagifitisinstalledonthe
mower(refertoRemovingtheGrassBag).
3.Installthemulchplug(refertoInstallingthe
MulchPlug).
4.Liftandholdthesidedischargespringin
the“up”positionandpulloutwardonthe
dischargedoortoremove(seeFigure18).
g019315
Figure18
1.Sidedischargespring3.Pulloutward
2.Liftandholdin“up”
position
4.Sidedischargedoor
5.Withthesidedischargespringheldinthe
“up”position,placethedischargedeector
ontothemowerhousingovertheopening.
Allowthespringtoloweroverthetabsonthe
dischargedeector.Makesurethedischarge
deectorissecurelyinplace(seeFigure19).
g019316
Figure19
1.Dischargedeectortabs
2.Lowersidedischargespring
3.Securedposition
Important:Makesurethemulchplugis
inplacebeforeusingthesidedischarge
deector(seeFigure17).
DANGER
Anuncovereddischargeopeningwillallow
objectstobethrowninanoperator'sor
bystander'sdirection.Also,contactwith
thebladecouldoccur.Thrownobjectsor
bladecontactcancauseseriousinjuryor
death.
Neveroperatethemowerwiththeside
dischargedoorraised,removed,oraltered
unlessthereisadischargedeectorand
mulchpluginplaceandworkingproperly.
•RemovingSideDischargeDeector:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Liftandholdthesidedischargespringin
the“up”positionandpulloutwardonthe
dischargedeectortoremoveit(reference
Figure18).
3.Withthesidedischargespringheldinthe“up”
position,placethedischargedoorontothe
mowerhousingovertheopening.Allowthe
springtoloweroverthetabsonthedischarge
door.Makesurethedischargedoorissecurely
inplace.
19

Operation
AfterOperation
GeneralSafety
•Parkmachineonlevelground,setparkingbrake
(ifequipped),stopengine,anddisconnectspark
plugwire.Waitforallmovingpartstostop
beforeleavingtheoperator’sposition.Allow
themachinetocoolbeforeservicing,adjusting,
fueling,cleaning,orstoring.
•Cleangrass,leaves,excessivegreaseoroil,and
otherdebrisfromthemowerdeck,mufer,drives,
grasscatcher,andengineareatohelpprevent
res.
•Closethefuelshut-offvalvebeforestoringor
transportingthemachine.
TransportingtheMachine
•Useextremecarewhenloadingandunloadingthe
machineintoatrailerortruck.
•Usefullwidthrampsforloadingthemachineinto
atrailerortruck.
•Tiethemachinedownsecurelyusingstraps,
chains,cableorropes.Ifpossiblebothfrontand
rearstrapsshouldbedirecteddownandoutward
fromthemachine.
•Besurethefuelshut-offvalveisclosedduring
transport.
20