Hover Mower HM16R-2 User manual

EASTMAN INDUSTRIES
Model HM16R-2
Operator’s Manual

Contents
Pages
Foreword 2
SafetyRules 3
Assembly 4
StartingOperation 5
Mowing 6
Cutting Height Adjustment 7
Carrying the Mower 8
Removing the Impeller 8
GeneralMaintenance 9
Troubleshooting 10
MowerSchematics 11
MowerParts 12
WarrantyInformation 13

FOREWORD
Thank you for choosing an Eastman Industries HoverMower Model HMI6R-2. Your HoverMower~
is equipped with a Robin Engine Model EC04ER. We have included the Owner's Manual for the
engine in this packet for your convenience. Please read this manual carefully. It contains important
information on safety, operations and maintenance.
All information in this Manual is based on the latest product information available at the time of
publication. Due to improvements or other changes, there may be discrepancies between this Manual
and your HoverMower". We reserve the right to make changes in the procedures and specifications at
any time without notice. When ordering spare parts, specify the model and serial number of your
mower.
Thank you again for purchasing an Eastman HoverMower. Please contact us if you have any
questions or comments regarding your new HoverMower~.
2.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
IF NOT USED PROPERLY, THIS MOWER CAN BE DANGEROUS. This mower can cause serious injury or
death to the operator and others. The warnings and safety instructions must be followed carefully.
The operator is responsible for following the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the mower. Read the
entire Owner's Manual before assembling and using this mower. Restrict the use of this mower to persons who have
read, or been instructed in the use of, understand and will follow all warnings and Instructions issued with this mower.
OPERATOR'S SAFETY
1. Always wear long trousers, gloves and heavy shoes.
2. Only use the mower in the manner and for the functions described in these instructions.
3. Never operate the mower when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine.
4. Only allow persons over the age of 16 who have read the Owner's Manual to operate this mower.
5. Start the engine carefully following the "Starting Instructions", never start or run the engine inside a closed room or
building.
6. Keep handles free from oil and fuel.
FUELSAFETY
1. Use a container approved for the storage of gasoline.
2. Mix and fill fuel tanks outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
3. Do not remove gas cap or fill the Tank while the engine is running.
4. Do not smoke or allow smoking while you are filling the tank near stored fuel, the mower, or while using the
mower.
5. Avoid spilling fuel, wipe up any spillage immediately.
6. Move at least 10 feet away from the fueling site before starting the engine.
7. Empty the fuel tank before storing mower for the winter or an extended period of time.
8. Store mower and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces etc.
CUTTING SAFETY
1. Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove all objects such as stones, broken glass, nails, wire, branches
etc., which can be thrown or can damage the cutter system.
2. Keep others, including children, animals and bystanders a safe distance away from the mower. Stop the mower
immediately if you are approached.
3. Hold the mower firmly with both hands.
4. Only mow in daylight.
5. Keep a firm footing and balance, especially on wet or damp grass and on steeper slopes.
6. Keep the mower flat on the grass
when in use.
7. Do not overreach.
8. Do not walk backwards.
9. Exercise extreme caution on slopes, carefully following the instructions "USING THE MOWER ON SLOPES"
10. Stop the engine before taking the mower across any surface other than grass.
11. Never pick up or carry the mower while the engine is running.
12. Never leave the mower unattended while the engine is running.
13. Keep hands and feet away from the underside of the mower deck while the engine is running.
14. The cutter disc continues to rotate after the engine has been shut off.

MOWER SAFETY
1. Always be sure the mower is in a safe operating condition. Use only genuine HoverMower parts and accessories
specified for the product.
2. Use only a HoverMower'" cutter disc and never modify or exchange parts on the disc.
3. Inspect the cutter blades each time before use.
4. Do not use the mower if any parts appear to be damaged or are actually damaged or broken. Do not use the mower
if any bolts or fasteners are loose or broken.
5. Never use or attempt to fit a metal bar blade on your HoverMower ~
6. If the mower starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine immediately and investigate the cause. (If in doubt,
contact your authorized service dealer.)
7. Never allow grass to collect around the engine, especially the cooling air inlet and outlet. Overheating will damage
the engine.
8. Always inspect shoulder bolts holding cutter blades for looseness or excessive wear.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
1. Always switch off and disconnect the spark plug lead before performing any maintenance or cleaning.
2. Have all servicing, other than cutter blade replacement, carried out by a qualified service center.
3. Use only genuine HoverMower'" parts. Failure to do so could create a hazard and may invalidate your warranty.
4. Clean the mower thoroughly after use. Remove the grass from the underside of the deck and the cutter system.
Never clean your engine with water, just use a dry cloth or soft brush, never use cleaning fluids or solvents.
5. Allow the engine to cool before storing the mower. Store the mower in a dry, damp-proof, secure area, out of reach
of children.

ASSEMBLY
1.Fit the lower handle to the mower deck using the clevis and cotter pins as shown in
figure 1.
2.Fit the upper handle to the lower handle using the handle knob hardware as shown in
figure 2 and figure 3.
3. Secure the throttle cable to the lower handle using black tie wraps provided in your kit.
Your mower is now ready for operation.
Figure 1.
Figure 3.
Figure 2.
4.

STARTING
FUEL & OIL
Use unleaded gasoline containing no alcohol with at least 85 pump octane. Use a high quality 2 cycle oil. For
further instructions, refer to the Robin Owner's Manual.
MIXING RATIO
25 parts gasoline to 1 part oil
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Start the mower only on grass and avoid rocks, loose branches and other debris.
2. Check the fuel level to make sure the gas tank is full.
3. Thoroughly wipe off any fuel spillage on the deck.
4. Close the choke with choke lever if the engine is cold. See Figure 1.
5. Push the bubble beneath the choke lever several times until it fills with fuel.
6. Turn the ignition switch on. See Figure 2.
7. Push the throttle lever forward half way. See Figure 3.
8. Place your left foot on the mower deck, grip the lower handle with your left hand and push it forward
firmly. Firmly grip the starter rope with the right hand and pull slowly until you feel the starter engage.
When you feel it is engaged, pull the rope briskly to start the engine. See Figure 4.
9. Once the engine has started, open the choke fully, then push the throttle lever down slowly into full
throttle position. See Figure 5.
Figure 3.
Figure 1.
Figure 4.
Figure 2.
Figure 5.
5.

MOWING
Your HoverMower• is a unique and highly versatile equipment. It will allow you to mow difficult
terrain with ease and efficiency. Please follow these instructions for safe and effortless mowing.
GENERAL OPERATION OF MOWER
1. Make sure the mower is at full throttle for maximum hovering efficiency and ease of operation.
Your HoverMower• will not hover or operate well when not operated at full throttle. (See
starting instructions).
2. Operate the mower on grass only and avoid rocks, loose branches and other debris.
3. Mow by pushing the mower forward or from side to side around the garden edges, trees, or
shrubbery. Do not drag the mower behind you.
4. On deep grass or heavy wet grass, it may be easier to push the mower forward.
USING THE MOWER ON SLOPES
1. Exercise extreme caution while using this mower on slopes.
2. A slope is defined as uneven terrain on which the operator is unable to maintain a firm foot-
mg.
3. Do not use this mower on slopes which are wet or too steep to maintain firm footing.
4. Always use heavy shoes when mowing
5. Never push the mower up the slope. See figure 1.
6. Always keep the mower below you on the slope.
7. Always mow across slopes. When mowing across the slope, the mower will have the tendency to
move down hill. Stay above the slope and mow by moving the mower from side to side in a
pendulum action. See figure 2.
8. Exercise great care when changing directions on slopes.
3.
4.
Figure 1.
Don't
6.
Figure 2.
Do

ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
All adjustments must be carried out with the engine stopped and the spark plug lead disconnected. If
the machine has been used prior to adjustment, wait for the rotating cutter to stop and the exhaust
manifold to cool. The cutting height of your mower has been preset at 2 inches. If you prefer to
adjust the height of cut, follow these directions:
1. Make sure the gas cap is securely tightened and any gas vents are closed.
2. Disconnect the spark plug lead.
3. Tilt the mower on its side keeping the fuel tank on the upside.
4. Remove the retaining bolt, flat washer and cutter disc. See figure 1.
S To obtain a higher cut remove one or both height adjustment spacers from the impeller hub.
Remount the cutter disc on the impeller hub. Reposition the flat washer and replace the retaining
bolt with the shorter impeller bolt from your kit. Tighten securely. See figure 2.
6. To obtain a lower cut add one or two height adjustment spacer(s) between the impeller hub and
the cutter disc. Remount the cutter disc. Replace the flat washer and insert the longer impeller
retaining bolt from your adjustment kit.Tighten securely. See figure 3.
7. Use the 31/2" long impeller bolt when using two adjustment spacers.
Use the 3" long impeller bolt when using one adjustment spacer.
Use the 2 1/2" long impeller bolt when using no adjustment spacers.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
7
Figure 3.

CARRYING YOUR MOWER
Before carrying the mower, disconnect the spark plug lead. Carry the mower at the point of balance.
See figure 1. To avoid spilling the gas, make sure the mower is picked up with the gas cap in the up
position away from your body. Thoroughly wipe off any gas that may spill on the deck or other parts
of the mower.
Caution: Never carry the mower when it is running.
Avoid dragging your mower by the handle bars.
Figure 1.
REMOVING THE IMPELLER
The impeller hub is tapped out for easy removal of the impeller.
1. Remove the impeller bolt, the cutter disc and the height adjustment spacers.
2. Slowly thread an impeller removal bolt ( 3/8"- 16 x 3 1/2" long bolt) into the impeller hub.
The impeller should pull out easily.
3. To reassemble, be sure to properly place the Woodruff Key on the crank shaft, clean the
impeller hub and shaft thoroughly and lightly lubricate with an anti seize lubricant.
8.