Qualcast MEB1434M User manual

Instruction Manual
Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
These instructions contain important information that will help you get the best from
your mower, ensuring it is assembled correctly and safely.
If you need help or have damaged or missing parts, call the Customer Helpline
on 0345 077 8888.
Qualcast
1400W Electric Rotary Mower (Model: MEB1434M)
310472
Sep 2014
UK/Ireland 0345 077 8888
Republic of Ireland 0124 77708
Web www.homebasepares.co.uk
After Sales Support

Contents
2
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Safety Information.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings Symbols .......................................................................................................................................3
General Safety..............................................................................................................................................5
Personal Safety ............................................................................................................................................6
Operating and Maintenance Safety..........................................................................................................11
In the Box .......................................................................................................................................................12
Parts............................................................................................................................................................12
Assembly ........................................................................................................................................................13
Step 1 - Bottom Handle Support Assembly.............................................................................................13
Step 2 - Top Handle Assembly..................................................................................................................14
Step 3 - Grass Collector Assembly...........................................................................................................15
Step 4- Fitting / Removing the Grass Collector.......................................................................................16
Operating Instructions & Tips .......................................................................................................................17
Grass Full Indicator....................................................................................................................................17
Setting the Cutting Heights.......................................................................................................................18
ON/OFF Operation.....................................................................................................................................21
To Stop the Machine..................................................................................................................................21
Mowing Advice...........................................................................................................................................22
Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................23
Cleaning & Maintenance ...........................................................................................................................23
Blade Maintenance....................................................................................................................................23
Carbon Brushes .........................................................................................................................................24
Maintenance and Storage .........................................................................................................................24
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................25
General Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................25
Technical Data................................................................................................................................................26
Technical Data Table..................................................................................................................................26
Disposal..........................................................................................................................................................26
Disposal and Recycling.............................................................................................................................26
Getting Help ...................................................................................................................................................26

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
3
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
The following warning symbols appear throughout this
assembly manual and indicate the appropriate safety
measures you should take when assembly and operating
the mower.
Take extra care, beware of hazards.
Read instruction manual.
Wear eye and ear protection.
Do not use the machine in the rain or leave it outdoors
when it is raining.
Pay attention that bystanders are not injured by objects
thrown out from the machine.
Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine.
Sharp blade. Beware of injury to toes or ngers.
Disconnect from the mains supply before any maintenance
work.
Warning. Beware of electric shocks.
Keep the mains supply cord away from the cutting blade.
Warnings Symbols
Safety Information

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
4
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Wait until all moving parts have stopped completely before
touching them. The blade may continue to rotate after the
machine is switched off, a rotating blade can cause injury.
Noise level specication Lwa in dB.
Protection class II
Do not dispose of electrical equipment in domestic waste.
Cutting width
Important! When using equipment, the following safety
precautions must be followed to avoid injuries and damage.
• Read all operating instructions carefully and comply with
them. It is important to understand these instructions
and to acquaint yourself with the machine, its correct
usage and all safety requirements.
• Keep this manual in a safe place so that the information
is available at all times.
• If you give the equipment to any other person, give them
these operating instructions as well.
We accept no liability for damage or accidents which result
from non-compliance with these instructions.
Warnings Symbols (continued)
Safety Information
34 cm

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
5
Intended usage
This lawn mower if designed for use in private gardens.
The machine is to be used for its prescribed purpose only.
Any other use is deemed to be a case of misuse. The
user / operator and not the manufacturer will be liable for
any damage or injuries of any kind caused as a result of
misuse.
Please note that this equipment has not been designed
for use in commercial, trade or industrial applications.
Your warranty will also be voided if the machine is used in
commercial, trade or industrial businesses or for equivalent
purposes.
Assembly
The push handles and the grass collector must be fully
assembled, undamaged and in correct working order
before using the lawn mower.
Follow the operating these instructions step-by-step and
use the pictures provided as a visual guide to assemble
these parts.
Power supply
Before you connect the equipment to the mains supply
ensure that the data on the rating plate corresponds to
your mains supply.
General Safety
Safety Information

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
6
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
5
Note! Only supply power to the equipment through circuit
protected by an RCD with a maximum trip current of 30 mA.
• Use only plugs or connectors approved for outdoor
usage.
• Extension cables must comply to H07RN-F requirements
as described in DIN 57 282/VDE 0282 and must have
a minimum cross-section of 1.5 mm2. The plug must
have an earth and any connection must also be earthed
and splashproof. Before use, check the cables for signs
of damage and ageing. Never use the mower if the
cables are not in perfect condition (this also applies to
the supply cable on the mower). If the cable is damaged
whilst the mower is working, disconnect the mains plug
from the power supply immediately and then check the
extent of the damage.
• Never allow children or others who are no familiar with
the operating instructions to use the lawn mower. Local
regulations may stipulate the minimum age of the user of
this type of machinery.
• In areas where the mains supply is weak or bearing
a high load, this mower may cause further voltage
uctuations as it starts. In extreme cases, this can cause
damage to other equipment working from the same
supply. In this case we recommend to temporarily switch
off any unneeded equipment or connect it to a different
circuit.
• This machine is not designed to be used by people
(including children) with limited physical, sensory or
mental capacities or those with no experience and/
or knowledge unless they are supervised by a person
who is responsible for their safety or they have received
instructions from such a person in how to use the
Personal Safety
Safety Information

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
7
machine safely. Children must always be supervised in
order to ensure that they do not play with the machine.
• Always check the mower for signs of damage before
each usage.
• Always disconnect the mains lead from the electrical
supply before carrying out any inspection, servicing or
maintenance work.
• Ensure that all the guards are securely tted and in good
working order.
• Check the grass collector at regular intervals for signs of
wear and to ensure that it is always in perfect working
order.
• Before each use, inspect the mower to check the cutting
blade, fastening bolts and the entire cutting unit for
any signs of wear or damage. To prevent imbalance or
vibration, worn or damaged cutting blades and fastening
bolts must always be replaced in full.
• Damaged parts on the mower must be replaced by
qualied personnel. Use only genuine spare parts.
• Repair work on the electrical parts of the lawn mower
may only be carried out by a qualied electrician.
• Follow the instructions to t or remove the blade and
wear protective gloves.
• The user remains responsible for any injury to third
parties within the working area of the lawn mower whilst
the lawnmower is being used.
• Only work in good daylight or appropriate and adequate
articial light.
• Never use the mower when you are tired.
Personal Safety (continued)
Safety Information

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
8
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
• Never run the mower in enclosed or poorly ventilated
rooms or if there are inammable or explosive uids,
vapours or gases nearby.
• Switch off the motor and disconnect the mains lead
before clearing blockages in the grass ejection area and
before you inspect it if the mower has struck a foreign
body.
• Always use the lawn mower with the grass collector
correctly tted.
• Check the site on which you intend to use the lawn
mower and remove all objects that may be caught
or thrown up by the mower. Foreign bodies must be
removed before you start mowing. Keep an eye of the
power cable and keep it away from the cutting blade at
all times.
• Ensure that you do not push the mower over areas that
might damage or snare the power cable.
• Never lift the lawn mower when you start the motor.
• Before you lift the lawn mower to transport it, switch off
the motor, disconnect the mains lead and wait until the
blade has come to a complete standstill.
• When you start the motor, the lawn mower should not
be tilted unless the grass is particularly long. In this case
only tilt it up as far as is really necessary and only raise
the side that is furthest away from the user.
• Never reach towards rotating parts with your hands or
feet. Always keep away from the discharge chute.
• Before you attach or empty the grass collector, switch
off the motor and wait until the blade has come to a
complete standstill.
Personal Safety (continued)
Safety Information

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
9
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
• Make sure you keep your feet at a safe distance from the
mower blade at all times! Do not stand near the grass
ejection chute if the grass collector is not tted.
• The safety distance from the moving blade produced by
the push handle must be maintained at all times.
• If you use the mower on a small incline, mow across the
slope (not in an up and down direction). Always be sure
of your footing on slopes.
• Be particularly careful when changing direction with the
mower whilst working on a slope.
• Do not use the lawn mower on gradients of over 15
degree.
• Ensure that you have safe footing at all times whilst
working with the mower.
• Always wear strong, anti-slip footwear and long trousers
when using the mower. Never mow in bare feet or in
open-toed sandals.
• When the mower is running ensure that no person or
pet, particularly children and animals, is in the immediate
vicinity of the lawn mower. Ensure that you keep
everybody at least 10meters away from the mower when
it is working.
• Switch off the motor and disconnect the plug from
the power supply if the mower strikes a foreign body.
Check the mower for signs of damage and carry out all
necessary repair work before you start the mower again.
Personal Safety (continued)
Safety Information

Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
10
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
• If the lawn mower begins to vibrate abnormally, switch
it off immediately, disconnect the plug immediately and
check it carefully. Ensure that all the nuts, bolts and
screws are tight and that the mower is in a safe condition
for use.
• Do not leave the mower out in the rain. The lawn must
not be wet or very damp.
• Only push the mower at a normal walking pace.
• Be particularly careful when you change the direction of
the mower or pull it towards you. Avoid pulling it towards
you while the blade is moving.
• Switch off the mower if it has to be pushed over surfaces
other than grass, and when moving the mower to and
from the area you wish to mow.
• Carefully actuate the starter switch in accordance with
the instructions. (See Operating Instructions)
• Do not switch the mower on and off frequently over a
short period of time, and in particular do not play with
the ON/OFF switch.
• Do not touch the cutting blade until the machine has
been disconnected from the mains and the cutting blade
has reached a complete standstill.
• Never lift or carry the mower whilst the motor is running.
• Switch off the motor and disconnect the plug whenever
you leave the lawn mower.
• Keep the lawn mower in a dry place which is
inaccessible to children at all times.
• Before you adjust or clean the mower or check whether
the mains lead is kinked or damaged, switch off the
mower and disconnect the plug from the power supply.
Personal Safety (continued)
Safety Information

12
11
Important - Please read these instructions fully before starting assembly
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
11
Operating and Maintenance Safety
Safety Information
CAUTION! Read all safety requirements and instructions.
Any errors made in following the safety requirements and
instruction may result in an electric shock, re and serious
injury.
Keep all safety regulations and instructions in a safe place
for future use.
• Do not use the lawnmower if the cords are damaged or
worn.
• Do not connect a damaged cord to the mains supply or
touch a damaged cord before it is disconnected from
the mains supply. A damaged cord could allow parts to
become live and cause a risk of electrocution.
• Do not attempt to touch the blades before the machine
is disconnected from the supply and the blades have
come to a complete stop.
• Keep extension cords away from the blade. The blade
can cause damage to cords and lead to contact with live
parts.
• Disconnect from the mains supply (i.e. remove the plug
from the mains socket)
• Disconnect from the mains supply (i.e. remove the plug
from the mains socket)
whenever leaving the machine unattended,
before cleaning a blockage,
after striking a foreign object,
whenever the machine starts vibrating abnormally.

12
11
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
11
1Lock-off safety
button
2Start / Stop switch
levers
3Cable strain-relief
device
4Switch box housing
5Top, curved handle
section
6Quick release levers
(4 x lever, bolt &
washer)
7Grass box top
8Grass collector
9Cutting height
adjuster
10 Bottom handle
supports
11 Grass box handle
12 Deector guard
13 Carrying handle
14 Housing
15a Back wheels
15b Front wheels
In the Box
Parts
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9
15a
15b
10
11
12
13
14
1

14
13
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
• The bottom handle support 10 is attached to the deck on either side using a bolt, washer and
plastic quick release lever. If the handle is not pre-tted in the box push the bolt (from the inside
towards the outside) through the deck, handle, then washer, and fasten into the metal retainer in
the plastic lever, in that order.
• Ensure all the plastic quick release levers are unfolded. Hold the bottom handle support at the
desired angle (2a) for operation. Fix the handle in this position by tightening the quick release levers
(clockwise) and then locking them into position by folding the levers snug against the handle.
These levers should be folded in towards the bar using moderate force to lock them in position. If
they feel too tight when you fold them, turn them anti-clockwise to loosen them and then attempt
to fold them again. Do not use excessive force.
• To tighten turn clockwise, or to loosen turn anticlockwise, before folding them.
Step 1 - Bottom Handle Support Assembly
Assembly
10

14
13
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
• The top, curved handle section 5is assembled to the bottom handle supports 10 using a
bolt, washer and quick release lever 6on either side. Adjust the height to suite the operator as
necessary by inserting the bolt into the required holes on the handle (2c).
• Hold the curved handle in the desired operating position (g 2c). Fix the handle in this position
by tightening (clockwise) the quick release levers then fold them against the handle. These levers
should be folded in towards the handle using moderate force to lock them in position. When
locked there should be no play between the top and bottom handle assemblies.
To tighten, unfold these lever, turn them clockwise, then fold them back (2d).
To loosen, unfold these levers, turn anticlockwise, then fold them back in (2d).
Several adjustments may be needed to nd the correct setting. Do not force.
Step 2 - Top Handle Assembly
Assembly
5
6
10
6
2c 2d

16
15
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Step 3 - Grass Collector Assembly
Assembly
3a
11
7
3b
17
18
3c
17
16
19

16
15
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Step 3 - Grass Collector Assembly (continued)
Assembly
3a. Insert the collector handle 11 into the slots on the plastic top of the grass collector 7.
3b. Clip the plastic retainers 17 two sides of the cloth grass collector onto the metal frame 16
Fully insert the rods of the metal frame 16 into the slots 18 on either side of the plastic base of the
grass collector
3c.There is a hole 19 in the bottom of the grass collector to hang it up if required.
The grass collector is also designed to collapse into a compact size to reduce storage space when the
lawnmower is not in use.
To do this reverse stage 3b.
Remove the metal frame 16 from the slots 18 on either side of the plastic base of the grass collector.
Unclip the plastic retainers of the cloth grass collector from the metal frame. Fold grass collector.
Step 4- Fitting / Removing the Grass Collector
Fitting the grass collector
Lift the deector guard 12 and hold it up. Fit the grass collector onto the supporting hooks 20 on the
rear of the mower, then, release the deector guard. Ensure the deector ts snuggly on the grass
collector 8.
Removing and emptying the grass collector
Lift the deector guard and hold it up, grip the grass collector handle and lift it off to empty it.
4
820
12

18
17
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Operating Instructions & Tips
Grass Full Indicator
Your mower may be tted with a grass full indicator. This is a small red ap on the top side of the
grass collector.
When this ap remains open as you work, it means that the grass collector is not full (air owing
freely through the grass collector).
When this ap remains closed it means that the grass collector is full and needs to be emptied (no
airow through the grass collector)

18
17
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Setting the Cutting Heights
Operating Instructions & Tips
6

20
19
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
Setting the Cutting Heights (continued)
Operating Instructions & Tips
IMPORTANT!Ensure the power cord is disconnected from the mains supply before adjusting the
cutting height.
To adjust the cutting height, gently pull the height adjustment lever towards you to disengage it from
its existing position and move it to the desired cutting height position. Ensure it clicks back rmly
into position.
Before you begin to mow, check to ensure that the blade is not blunt or damaged and that none
of the fasteners are lose. To prevent any imbalance, replace blunt and/or damaged blades. Always
ensure the blade is at a standstill and the motor disconnected from the mains before checking the
blade.
A higher cut height should generally be selected for the rst cut of the season. When cutting longer
grass, cut the grass in 2 or more passes by lowering the cutting height gradually at each pass.
These techniques will help to a avoid over-stressing your grass.
Position Cutting height
1 20 mm
2 30 mm
3 40 mm
4 50mm
5 60mm
6 70mm

20
19
Customer Helpline 0345 077 8888
1. Press on the lock-off safety button 1to unlock the on/off lever 2.
2. Then operate the on/off lever 2to switch the mower on.
ON/OFF Operation
Operating Instructions & Tips
7
1
2