LAWN STAR LSM 4540 L User manual

M-851-40
PETROL LAWNMOWER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MODELS: LSM 4540 L

Thank you for purchasing the Lawn Star Lawnmower which is one of the finest and most advanced
lawnmowers today’s technology can produce. Before you begin using it, please read this manual carefully
and familiarise yourself with the control and the proper use of this product to ensure you get the best possible
performance from it. The operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Inspect your lawnmower and all its parts before each operation. If any part is damaged or worn, repair or
replace before operation. Use only genuine Lawn Star (Pty) Ltd. replacement parts when servicing or
repairing the unit. These parts are available from your supplying dealer or service agent. Use only genuine
Lawn Star replacement cutting blade Part No. M-256-00.
WARNING: Petrol and its vapours are highly flammable. Always stop the engine before refuelling.
Do not smoke or light any flames while refuelling. Wipe off any fuel that may have spilled. Start the engine
away from the place where it was refuelled. Ensure the tank cap is tightened properly.
Disconnect the lead from the spark plug before servicing or when changing parts such as the blade.
CAUTION: Exhaust fumes are toxic and asphyxiating. Inhalation may be lethal. Do not start the engine in
enclosed or poorly ventilated environments.
The operator must wear protective clothing, long trousers and sturdy, non-slip footwear.
Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Do not use your lawnmower for any jobs other than those for which it was intended.
Do not use unless the entire grass catcher is attached or the rear guard is in place.
Do not start the engine unless all four wheels are resting squarely on the lawn being mowed. Do not tilt or
lift the mower while the engine is running. Stop the engine before pushing over surfaces other than grass.
Do not force your lawnmower. If engine labours, mow in multiple passes at different height settings.
Keep hands and feet well clear of rotating blades while the mower is in use. Cutting blades continue to rotate
for a few seconds after switch-off. Never pick up or carry mower while the engine is running.
Inspect the area to be cut and remove all debris that could be entangled in the cutting blades. Also remove
any solid objects, e.g. stones, sticks, wires and bones that the unit may sling during cutting.
Exercise extreme caution when mowing. Always walk, never run. Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards yourself. Do not walk backwards while mowing, you may trip.
Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use the unit in poor light or in damp or wet locations. Do not use in
the rain. Do not use on steep slopes, especially if damp. Work across slope faces, not up and down. Do not
over-reach. Ensure that good footing and balance are maintained.
Never operate the lawnmower when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow children under the age of 16, nor anyone who is not familiar with these instructions to use the
lawnmower. Children, pets and onlookers should be kept at least 15 meters away from the work area, unless
shielded by an effective solid barrier.
Before storage allow the engine to cool. Store the unit indoors in a dry, ventilated and locked place, out of
reach of children.
PREPARATION FOR USE
Remove the lawnmower, handles, grass catcher and all other contents from the box. Remove the spanner,
bolts and nuts supplied from the bag.
Unfold the handles and tighten the knobs (Fig.1).Attach the handle ends to the lawnmower chassis, insert the
four bolts provided and tighten the nuts using the spanner (Fig.2 No.1). Note: ensure the bolts point
outwards.
Assemble the two parts of the grass catcher (Fig.3) making sure that all the clips are fully clicked into
position.
Lift the rear guard flap (Fig.4 No.1) and attach the grass catcher (Fig.4 No.2) ensuring that the grass catcher
latches onto the two mounting hooks.
Check that the blade bolt is securely tightened.
Refer to the enclosed Engine Operating & Maintenance Instructions for further details on preparing the
engine for use.
CAUTION: THE ENGINE IS SUPPLIED WITHOUT ENGINE OIL. FILL OIL SUMP WITH OIL
BEFORE STARTING. STARTING THE ENGINE WITHOUT OIL WILL DAMAGE IT AND VOID
ALL WARRANTIES.

Stop
Run
Start
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 4
Fig. 7
Fig. 6
Fig. 5
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
2
1
Pull Start
for starter
cord
Fig. 3
Fig. 10
2
1

FUELLING & OILING
Refer to the enclosed Engine Operating & Maintenance Instructions for details.
This product is equipped with a 4-stroke engine which requires 600 ml of engine oil to be filled in the
separate oil sump. Do not start the lawnmower before ensuring it has been filled with the right amount of
correct grade oil. Do not over-fill. Check engine oil level before starting engine (Fig.11 No.3). Use SAE 30
engine oil. Use clean, fresh regular lead-free petrol with a minimum of 87 Octane rating. Always refuel the
lawnmower outside in a well ventilated environment. Do not smoke! Always stop the engine and allow it to
cool for 2 minutes before refuelling. Do not light any flames while refuelling. Wipe off any fuel that may
have spilled. Start the engine away from the place where it was refuelled. Ensure the tank cap is tightened
properly.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE
Refer to the enclosed Engine Operating & Maintenance Instructions for details.
1. Move the throttle control lever all the way forward to the START position (Fig. 5).
2. Push primer bulb 5 times to prime.(Fig. 11)
3. Pull the starter cord (Fig.6) sharply until the engine runs. Wait one or two seconds between repeated
pulls.
4. Let the engine run for 10 seconds then set the throttle control lever to the RUN position (Fig.5).
5. To stop the engine move the throttle control lever all the way back to the STOP position and wait for the
engine to stop (Fig.5).
MOWING PROCEDURES
The ideal time to mow your lawn is in the cooler late afternoon. The grass is dry and the sensitive new cut
area is not exposed to direct sun.
Start mowing at the edge of the lawn and work your way away from it (Fig.7).
Cut your lawn at the same height most of the time. Adjust the cutting height (Fig.2 No.2) based on the
weather. If your lawn is getting a lot of water you can cut a little closer. If the temperature is high and things
are dry, allow the grass to grow a little longer so that the soil retains more moisture and the roots will
penetrate deeper into the soil in search of this moisture.
Tall and thick grass should be cut in multiple passes with the mower set at different heights.
Best results are achieved with regular mowing. Do not let the grass grow too long between mowings and do
not set the cutting height too low as this will scalp the lawn.
Avoid cutting wet grass as this is potentially dangerous and will block the discharge chute.
Ensure that the blades are sharp. A sharp blade makes a nice clean cut. A dull blade shatters the leaf and
impairs the healthy growth of your lawn.
To improve the appearance of your lawn, alternate your cutting pattern.
CAUTION
Allow the motor to reach maximum RPM before cutting grass. Do not start the engine in tall grass.
Periodically clean the under side of the mower chassis with a brush. Built–up grass cuttings become
corrosive when they decompose and will promote rust. Do not use water to clean. Wear gloves.
REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADE –Part No M-256-00
Disconnect the lead from the spark plug and turn the mower on its side. Hold the cutting blade firmly with
one hand and loosen the centre bolt with the spanner provided by turning it in an anti-clockwise direction
(Fig.8). Remove the bolt, spring washer, blade washer and blade. Inspect and replace damaged or worn
parts. Re-assemble in the reverse order and ensure the bolt is securely tightened.
ENSURE THE BLADE IS CORRECTLY ASSEMBLED AND TIGHTENED, AND THAT THE
MOWER IS RETURNED TO ITS NORMAL POSITION BEFORE USING.

CARE, MAINTAINANCE, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
Refer to the enclosed Engine Operating & Maintenance Instructions for details.
Complete Service Kit including oil and spark plug are available.
Oil level: Check every time before use. Replace the oil after the first 20 hours of use and then at 100 hourly
intervals or every season.
Spark plug: Check every 12 months or if starting problems are experienced. When the engine is cold,
remove the lead & cap (Fig.11) and unscrew the spark plug with a suitable spark plug socket. If the
electrodes are excessively soiled or worn then replace with an equivalent new spark plug (e.g. Torch F7RTC
OR Equivalents). Replace spark plug and screw in by hand to avoid stripping of thread, then tighten with
socket.
Air filter: Clean air filter regularly. Unclip air filter cover (Fig.10) and remove foam filters. Wash foam
filters with soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Lightly oil foam filters with clean oil, squeeze out
excess oil and replace filters into housing.
Transport and storage: If the lawnmower is unused for more than 2 months or being transported, then
empty the fuel tank. Before storage allow the engine to cool. Store the unit indoors in a dry, ventilated and
locked place, out of reach of children.
Check blade regularly: If damaged or worn replace with genuine Lawn Star replacement blade Part No. M-
256-00.
Check the grass catcher regularly for damage and replace if necessary.
Store in a dry place out of reach of children and unauthorised persons.
THE USE OF THIS LAWNMOWER FOR COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL PURPOSES WILL
INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY.
Fig. 11

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM
PROBABLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine won’t start
No fuel
No fuel flows then pipes blocked.
Have serviced.
Flooded engine
Move throttle lever to Run position,
pull starter cord until engine runs
Throttle lever in STOP
position
Move throttle lever to START
position
No spark
Ensure cap is attached to spark plug
Blocked fuel filter
Have serviced
Engine won’t stop
when the throttle
lever is moved to the
STOP position
Throttle control
assembled incorrectly
Carefully remove the spark plug cap
(Fig.11 No.5) to stop the engine. Have
the throttle control reset by an
authorised service dealer.
Engine overheats
Spark plug loose
Re-tighten spark plug and check
connection to lead
Dirty air filter
Remove, clean and replace
Dirty cooling fins
Brush clean
Excessive vibration
Blade incorrectly
assembled
Disconnect cap from spark plug and
check assembly and fitment.
Blade damaged
Disconnect cap from spark plug and
replace with new blade
Blade clogged with dirt
Disconnect cap from spark plug,
remove, clean and replace
Poor grass collection
Blade dull or damaged
Disconnect cap from spark plug and
replace with new blade
Mower clogged with
dirt
Disconnect cap from spark plug, clean
underside of chassis, fan and grass
collection chute
Grass catcher clogged
with dirt
Disconnect cap from spark plug, clean
grass collection box or replace if
necessary

LAWN STAR ( PTY ) LTD.
WARRANTY CARD
LSM 4540 L
Please read carefully
This card is required for warranty repair claims. Please fill in this card and keep it in a safe place, stapled to
the original proof of purchase. The original proof of purchase (ie. receipt, invoice, docket, etc.) must show
the original date of purchase and clearly identify the product.
WITHOUT THIS CARD AND ORIGINAL PROOF OF PURCHASE, ANY WARRANTY
BECOMES NULL AND VOID.
Make:………………..Serial No:……………….Date of Purchase:………………….
Model:……………….
PURCHASER PURCHASED FROM
NAME: NAME:
ADDRESS: ADDRESS:
PHONE: PHONE:
LIMITED DOMESTIC USE WARRANTY
Lawn Star (Pty) Ltd. guarantees this unit to be free from defects in material and workmanship. If any such
defect should become apparent during a period of
12 MONTHS
from the date of the original purchase, we undertake to repair this unit free of charge or replace this unit with
a factory reconditioned unit at our discretion. This does not prejudice your rights in terms of the Consumer
Protection Act.
Transport costs to our service centre and back to the owner, should such costs occur, will be carried by the
owner of the unit.
The repaired or replaced unit will be covered by this warranty for the remainder of the original warranty
period.
This warranty covers only the original purchaser of this unit.
This warranty becomes invalid if:
- the unit has been used commercially or for rental purposes;
- damage has been caused by misuse, abuse, accident or normal wear and tear;
- spares and accessories other than specified by us are used with this unit;
- the unit has been opened, altered or otherwise tampered with;
- the engine has been run without engine oil as per instruction
Lawnmower blades and grass collection box are wearing parts and are not covered by Warranty.
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL TOGETHER WITH THE
ENGINE OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU OPERATE THIS UNIT.

LAWN STAR ( PTY ) LTD.
For service and warranty repairs please contact your nearest Service
Agent listed below:
CUSTOMER CARE : 0860-LAWNSTAR
HEAD OFFICE : 98 Bofors Circle, Epping 2 South, Cape Town
PO Box 496, Parow, 7499
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
EASTERN CAPE: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
FREE STATE : Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
GAUTENG : Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
KZN : Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
WEST COAST : 082-826-0316
NORTHERN CAPE: 082-826-0316
OVERBERG : 084-609-7341
NAMIBIA : Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
BOTSWANA : [phone]
ZIMBABWE : [phone]/646
For more information visit: www.lawnstar.co.za