Ryobi RLM4617SME User manual

RMT1201
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
TRADUCTION DES INSTRUCTIONS ORIGINALES
ÜBERSETZUNG DER ORIGINALANLEITUNG
TRADUCCIÓN DE LAS INSTRUCCIONES ORIGINALES
TRADUZIONE DELLE ISTRUZIONI ORIGINALI
VERTALING VAN DE ORIGINELE INSTRUCTIES
TRADUÇÃO DAS INSTRUÇÕES ORIGINAIS
OVERSÆTTELSE AF DE ORIGINALE INSTRUKTIONER
ÖVERSÄTTNING AV DE URSPRUNGLIGA INSTRUKTIONERNA
ALKUPERÄISTEN OHJEIDEN SUOMENNOS
OVERSETTELSE AV DE ORIGINALE INSTRUKSJONENE
ПЕРЕВОД ОРИГИНАЛЬНЫХ ИНСТРУКЦИЙ
TŁUMACZENIE INSTRUKCJI ORYGINALNEJ
PŘEKLAD ORIGINÁLNÍCH POKYNŮ
AZ EREDETI ÚTMUTATÓ FORDÍTÁSA
TRADUCEREA INSTRUCŢIUNILOR ORIGINALE
TULKOTS NO ORIĢINĀLĀS INSTRUKCIJAS
ORIGINALIŲINSTRUKCIJŲVERTIMAS
ORIGINAALJUHENDI TÕLGE
PRIJEVOD ORIGINALNIH UPUTA
PREVOD ORIGINALNIH NAVODIL
PREKLAD ORIGINÁLNYCH POKYNOV
ПРЕВОД ОТ ОРИГИНАЛНИТЕ ИНСТРУКЦИИ
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ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
TRADUCTION DES INSTRUCTIONS ORIGINALES
ÜBERSETZUNG DER ORIGINALANLEITUNG
TRADUCCIÓN DE LAS INSTRUCCIONES ORIGINALES
TRADUZIONE DELLE ISTRUZIONI ORIGINALI
VERTALING VAN DE ORIGINELE INSTRUCTIES
TRADUÇÃO DAS INSTRUÇÕES ORIGINAIS
OVERSÆTTELSE AF DE ORIGINALE INSTRUKTIONER
ÖVERSÄTTNING AV DE URSPRUNGLIGA INSTRUKTIONERNA
ALKUPERÄISTEN OHJEIDEN SUOMENNOS
OVERSETTELSE AV DE ORIGINALE INSTRUKSJONENE
ПЕРЕВОД ОРИГИНАЛЬНЫХ ИНСТРУКЦИЙ
TŁUMACZENIE INSTRUKCJI ORYGINALNEJ
PŘEKLAD ORIGINÁLNÍCH POKYNŮ
AZ EREDETI ÚTMUTATÓ FORDÍTÁSA
TRADUCEREA INSTRUCŢIUNILOR ORIGINALE
TULKOTS NO ORIĢINĀLĀS INSTRUKCIJAS
ORIGINALIŲINSTRUKCIJŲVERTIMAS
ORIGINAALJUHENDI TÕLGE
PRIJEVOD ORIGINALNIH UPUTA
PREVOD ORIGINALNIH NAVODIL
PREKLAD ORIGINÁLNYCH POKYNOV
ПРЕВОД ОТ ОРИГИНАЛНИТЕ ИНСТРУКЦИИ
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RLM4617SME

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and
understand the operator’s manual.
WARNING
Do not attempt to operate this mower until you have read
thoroughly and understood completely all instructions,
safety rules, etc., contained in this manual. Failure to
comply may result in accidents involving electric shock,
fire, and/or serious personal injury.
PERSONAL SAFETY
■This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and
feet, and throwing objects. Failure to observe all safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
■Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the
instructions to use the machine. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
■Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common
sense when operating the lawn mower. Do not operate
the mower while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A lapse in concentration while
operating the machine may result in serious personal
injury.
■Wear heavy, long trousers, long sleeves, boots,
and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short
trousers, sandals, or go barefoot.
■Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Use face
mask if operation is dusty.
■Always be sure of your footing. Keep firm footing and
balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in
loss of balance.
■Walk, never run.
■Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
■Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, excessively steep
slopes, or embankments. Poor footing could cause a
slip and fall accident.
■Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, public pavements, bystanders and the
like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction, which may cause the material to ricochet
back toward the operator.
WORK AREA SAFETY
■Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
■Always mow in the daylight or in good artificial light.
■Do not operate the machine in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. The tool create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
■Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause
severe injuries to persons. Thoroughly inspect the area
where the machine is to be used and remove all rocks,
sticks, metal, wire, bones, toys, or other foreign objects.
■Do not operate the machine in wet grass or in the rain.
■Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
■Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted
to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
■Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
■Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
■Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the
instructions to use the machine.
■Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view.
■Keep work area clean.
■Keep work area well lit.
■Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
GARDEN TOOLS USE AND CARE
■Before using, always visually inspect to ensure blades,
blade bolts, and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged.
■Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to
preserve balance.
■Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
■Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
■Replace worn or damaged parts.
■Do not force the product. It will do the job better and
safer at the speed for which it was designed.
■Do not overload your mower. Mowing long thick grass
may cause the motor speed to drop, or the power to cut
out. When mowing in long thick grass a first cut with the
cutting height set higher will help reduce the load. See
adjusting the blade height.
■Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
■Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely
necessary. If you must back the machine away from a
wall or obstruction, first look down and behind to avoid
tripping or pulling the machine over your feet.
■Stop the blade(s) if the machine has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass,
and when transporting the machine to and from the

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area to be mowed.
■Never operate the machine with defective guards
or shields, or without safety devices, for example
deflectors and/or grass collector, in place.
■Switch on the motor according to instructions and keep
hands and feet away from cutting area. Keep clear of
the discharge opening at all times.
■Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the engine
is running.
■Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, property stakes, or
other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip
and fall accident.
■When not in use, mower should be stored in a well-
ventilated, dry, locked up place-out of the reach of
children.
■Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
SAFETY RULES FOR PETROL LAWN MOWERS
■Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
■Stop the engine if the lawnmower has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass,
and when transporting the lawnmower to and from the
area to be mowed.
■Do not change the engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine.
■Start the engine carefully according to instructions and
with feet well away from the blade.
■Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine.
■Do not start the engine when standing in front of the
discharge chute.
■Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and
wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before
removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge
chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few
seconds after the engine is shut off. Never place any
part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the
blade has stopped rotating.
■Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes to
a complete stop before cleaning the lawn mower,
removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge guard.
■If the machine strikes a foreign object, follow these
steps:
●Stop the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire.
●Thoroughly inspect the mower and grass catcher
for any damage.
●Repair any damage before restarting and continuing
to operate the mower.
■If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble. Check the condition of the blade,
as an unevenly worn or damaged blade can cause
abnormal vibration. Unevenly worn or damaged blades
should be replaced immediately to avoid the risk of
serious injury.
■Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
■To reduce the risk of fire, keep the engine, muffler, and
petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, and excessive
grease.
■If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done
outdoors.
■Disconnect the spark plug wire before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, transporting,
or storing the lawn mower. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the product
accidentally.
SERVICE
■Service on the product must be performed by qualified
repair personnel only. Service or maintenance
performed by unqualified personnel could result in a
risk of injury to the user, or damage to the machine.
■Use only identical replacement parts when servicing the
product. Use of unauthorised parts may create a risk
of serious injury to the user, or damage to the product.
NOTE: Only perform the tasks listed in this manual. For
other service or repair, it should be done by a qualified
person.
WARNING
If any parts are missing, do not operate the unit until the
missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result
in possible serious personal injury.
Save this manual for future reference. Refer to them
frequently and use them to instruct others who may use
this product. If you lend someone this unit, lend them these
instructions also.
INTENDED USE
This product is intended for domestic lawn mowing. The
cutting blade should rotate approximately parallel to the
ground over which it is being wheeled. All four wheels
should touch the ground while mowing. It is a pedestrian
controlled walk behind mower.
NOTE: The mower should never be operated with the
wheels off the ground, it should not be pulled or ridden on.
It should not be used to cut anything other than domestic
grass lawns.
DESCRIPTION
See figure 1.
1. Side discharge deflector
2. Primer bulb
3. Spark plug boot
4. Oil cap/dipstick

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5. Fuel cap
6. Height adjustment lever
7. Handle knob
8. Starter grip
9. Power lever
10. Handle
11. Rope guide knob
12. Rear discharge door
13. Grass catcher
14. Male hose connector
15. Air filter
16. Mulching plug
17. Pins
18. Side discharge door
19. Hooks of side discharge deflector
20. Side discharge door opening
21. Fuel valve
22. Self propel bail
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
■Carefully remove the product and any accessories from
the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing
list are included.
■Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage
or damage occurred during shipping.
■If any parts are damaged or missing, please call your
Ryobi service centre for assistance.
WARNING
Do not use this product if any parts on the packing list
are already assembled to your product when you unpack
it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by
the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use
of a product that may have been improperly assembled
could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Using a product
with damaged or missing parts could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING
Do not attempt to modify the product or create
accessories not recommended for use with the product.
Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could
result in a hazardous condition leading to possible
serious personal injury.
WARNING
Never attach or adjust any accessory while the mower
is running. Failure to stop the engine may cause
serious personal injury.
WARNING
To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury, always disconnect the engine spark
plug wire from the spark plug when assembling parts.
WARNING
Never operate the mower without the proper safety
devices in place and working. Never operate the mower
with damaged safety devices. Operation of this product
with damaged or missing parts could result in serious
personal injury.
INSTALLATION OF THE PANEL
See figure 1a.
■Use a wrench and socket set (not provided) with the
bolts and nuts to secure the panel on the handle.
INSTALLATION OF THE HANDLE
See figure 2.
1. Place handles in correct operating position and tighten
handle knobs to secure.
2. Loosen rope guide knob, place starter rope in guide on
handle, then retighten knob to secure.
3. Install grass catcher or mulching plug.
INSTALLING THE MULCHING PLUG (FOR MULCHING
OPERATION)
See figure 3.
NOTE: When using the mulching plug, do not install the
grass catcher.
1. Lift and hold up the rear discharge door.
2. Grasp the mulching plug by its handle and insert it at a
slight angle, as shown.
3. Push the mulching plug securely into place.
4. Lower the rear discharge door.
ASSEMBLING THE GRASS CATCHER
1. Slide plastic clips over the metal frame.
2. Snap the rest of the grass catcher parts into place.
INSTALLING THE GRASS CATCHER (FOR REAR BAG-
GING OPERATION)
See figure 4.
NOTE: When using the grass catcher, do not install either
the side discharge deflector or the mulching plug. Also,
ensure side discharge door is closed securely.
1. Lift the rear discharge door.
2. Lift the grass catcher by its handle and place under the

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rear door, so that the hooks on the grass catcher frame
are seated into the slots in the handle bracket.
3. Release the rear door. When installed correctly, the
hooks on the grass catcher will rest securely in the slots
on the handle brackets.
INSTALLING SIDE DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR (FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE OPERATION)
See figure 7.
NOTE: When using the side discharge deflector, do not
install the grass catcher. The mulching plug should remain
installed.
1. Lift the side discharge door.
2. Align the hooks on the deflector with the hinge rod on
the underside of the door.
3. Lower the deflector until the hooks are secured on the
mulch door hinge rod.
4. Release the deflector and side discharge door.
SETTING BLADE HEIGHT
See figure 6.
When shipped, the wheels on the mower are set to a low-
cutting position. Before using the mower for the first time,
adjust the cutting position to the height best suited for your
lawn. The average lawn should be between 3 and 6 cm,
depending on the season.
■To raise the blade height, grasp the height adjustment
lever and move it toward the back of the mower.
■To lower the blade height, grasp the height adjustment
lever and move it toward the front of the mower.
OPERATION
MOWING TIPS
■Make sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wires, and
other objects that could damage the lawn mower blades
or engine. Such objects could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause serious personal
injury to the operator and others.
■For best performance, always cut off one-third or less of
the total height of the grass.
■When cutting long grass, reduce walking speed to allow
for more effective cutting and a proper discharge of the
clippings.
■Do not cut wet grass, it will stick to the underside of the
deck and prevent proper bagging or mulching of grass
clippings.
■New or thick grass may require a higher cutting height.
■Clean the underside of the mower deck after each use
to remove grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and any other
accumulated debris. Refer to “Cleaning the underside
of the mower deck“ section later in this manual.
SLOPE OPERATION TIPS
See figure 8.
■Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents that can result in severe injury. Operation on
slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it. For your safety, do not attempt to
mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
■Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
■Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles. Remove all objects such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc., which could be tripped over or thrown by the blade.
■Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the power lever immediately.
■Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments;
you could lose your footing or balance.
FUEL AND REFUELLING
WARNING
Always handle petrol with care; it is highly flammable.
■Use fresh fuel.
■Mix and store fuel in containers specifically designed
for this purpose.
■Always refuel outdoors where there are no sparks and
flames. Do not inhale fuel vapour. Do not smoke and
stay away from open flames and sparks when filling fuel
tank or when handling fuel.
■Do not let petrol or oil come in contact with your skin.
■Keep petrol and oil away from the eyes. If petrol or oil
comes in contact with the eyes, wash them immediately
with clean water. If irritation is still present, see a doctor
immediately.
■Clean up spilled petrol immediately.
FILLING THE TANK
See figure 5.
WARNING
Always shut off engine before fuelling. Never remove the
cap of the fuel tank or add petrol to a machine with a
running or hot engine. Move at least 9 m (30 ft) from
refuelling site before starting the engine. Do not smoke.
Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING
After fueling, never tilt the mower more than 25 degrees
for this could result in fuel leakage and risk of fire, etc.
1. Clean surface around fuel cap to prevent contamination.
2. Loosen fuel cap slowly to release pressure and to keep

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fuel from escaping around the cap. Rest the cap on a
clean surface.
3. Carefully pour petrol into the tank. Avoid spillage.
4. Clean and inspect the gasket, then replace all fuel and
container caps securely.
5. Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m away from
refuelling site before starting engine.
NOTE: It is normal for smoke to be emitted from a new
engine during and after first use.
ADDING/CHECKING ENGINE OIL
See figure 5.
Engine oil has a major influence on engine performance
and service life. For general, all-temperature use, SAE
10W-30 is recommended. Always use a 4-cycle motor oil
that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service
classification SJ.
NOTE: Non-detergent or 2-cycle engine oils will damage
the engine and should not be used.
To add engine oil:
1. Be sure mower is level and area around oil cap/dipstick
is clean.
2. Remove the cap and seal from oil bottle.
3. Unscrew the oil cap/dipstick and remove.
4. Slowly add oil. Fill to the “Full” line on dipstick. Do not
overfill.
NOTE: When checking the oil level, seat the dipstick in the
oil fill hole but do not screw in.
5. Reinstall the oil cap/dipstick and secure.
To check engine oil:
■Be sure mower is level and area around oil cap/dipstick
is clean.
■Remove the oil cap/dipstick. Wipe clean and reseat in
oil fill hole but do not screw in.
■Remove the oil cap/dipstick again and check oil level.
Add oil as needed.
STARTING OR STOPPING THE MOWER
See figure 5.
WARNING
Never start or run the engine inside a closed or poorly
ventilated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
Starting the engine
1. Check the fuel valve is set to open.
2. Press the primer bulb 3 times.
NOTE: This step is not usually necessary when starting
an engine that has already run for a few minutes.
3. Hold the power lever bar down against the handle.
4. Pull the starter grip until the engine starts. Release the
starter cord slowly so the rope does not snap back.
NOTE: It may be necessary to repeat priming steps in
cooler weather. In warmer weather, overpriming may
cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood
the engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to
start and do not repeat priming steps.
Stopping the engine
Release the power lever and allow the engine to come
to a stop.
EMPTYING THE GRASS CATCHER
See figure 9.
1. Stop the mower and wait for the blade to come to a
complete stop.
2. Lift the rear discharge door.
3. Grasp grass catcher by its handle and lift to remove
from mower.
4. Empty grass clippings.
5. Lift the rear discharge door and reinstall the grass
catcher.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance, stop the mower,
allow the blade to come to a complete stop, and
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING
When servicing, use only authorised replacement parts.
Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
■Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types
of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their
use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease,
etc.
■Periodically check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness
to ensure safe operation of the mower.
■Remove any buildup of grass and leaves on or around
the engine and engine cover. Wipe the mower clean
with a dry cloth occasionally.
WARNING
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or
destroy plastic which may result in serious personal
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CLEANING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE MOWER DECK
1. Raise the mower to full height.
2. Connect a female water hose connector (not supplied)
to the male hose connector on the mower deck.
3. Turn on the water supply.
4. Start the mower and run at full revolutions, but do not
engage the self-propel bail.
5. Run the engine in place for approximately 30 seconds.
6. Shut off the engine.
7. Turn off the water supply.
8. Inspect the underside of the mower deck for cleanliness,
and repeat the cleaning procedure if desired.
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this product are lubricated with
a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of
the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no
further bearing lubrication is required.
WARNING
Always protect hands by wearing heavy gloves and/or
wrapping the cutting edges of the blade with rags and
other material when performing blade maintenance.
Contact with the blade could result in serious personal
injury.
REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADE
See figure 10.
For best results, the mower blade must be kept sharp.
Replace a bent or damaged blade immediately.
WARNING
Only use replacement blades approved by the
manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not
approved by the manufacturer of your mower is
hazardous and could result in serious injury, damage
your mower, and void your warranty.
WARNING
Drain the fuel first before tilting the mower to replace
the blade.
1. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Allow blade to come to a complete stop.
2. Turn the mower on its side (carburetor facing up).
3. Wedge a block of wood between the blade and mower
deck to prevent the blade from turning.
4. Using a 9/16-in. wrench or socket (not provided), loosen
the blade bolt by turning the bolt in a counterclockwise
direction as viewed from the bottom of the mower.
5. Remove the blade bolt, lock washer, flat washer, and
blade.
6. Place the new blade on the shaft. Make sure it is
installed with the curved ends pointing up toward the
mower deck and not down toward the ground.
7. Replace the flat washer, lock washer, and blade bolt
on the shaft. Finger tighten the bolt by turning in a
clockwise direction as viewed from the bottom of the
mower.
NOTE: Make certain all parts are replaced in the exact
order in which they were removed.
8. Torque the blade bolt down using a torque wrench (not
provided) to ensure the bolt is properly tightened.
9. The recommended torque for the blade bolt is 48–55
Nm (35–40 ft.lb.).
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening the blade,
but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced before
reinstalling.
REPLACING THE WHEELS
See figure 14.
1. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Allow blade to come to a complete stop.
2. Remove the hub cap.
3. Remove the nut from the wheel axle, then remove the
wheel.
4. Replace with new wheel and reinstall nut to secure.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
See figure 12.
For proper performance and long life, keep the air filter
clean.
1. Remove the air filter cover by pushing down the latch
while gently pulling out the cover.
2. Remove the air filter and clean it in warm soapy water.
Rinse and let dry completely.
3. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the air filter, then
squeeze it out using an absorbent cloth or paper towel.
4. Reinstall the air filter into the air filter base.
5. Replace and secure the air filter cover.
NOTE: The filter should be replaced annually for best
performance.
WARNING
A leaking fuel cap is a fire hazard and must be replaced
immediately.
The fuel cap contains a non-serviceable filter and a
check valve. A clogged fuel cap will cause poor engine
performance. If performance improves when the fuel
cap is loosened, check valve may be faulty or clogged.
Replace fuel cap if required.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
See figure 13.
Engine oil should be changed after every 25 hours of use.
Change the oil while the engine oil is still warm, but not hot.
This allows the oil to drain quickly and completely.
1. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick.
2. Tip mower onto its side and allow oil to drain from the oil

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fill hole into an approved container.
3. Place mower upright and refill with oil.
NOTE: Used oil should be disposed of at an approved
disposal site. See your local oil retailer for more
information.
MAINTAINING THE SPARK PLUG
See figure 11.
The spark plug must be properly gapped and free of
deposits in order to ensure proper engine operation. To
check:
1. Remove spark plug boot.
2. Clean any dirt from around base of spark plug.
3. Remove spark plug using a 13/16 in. spark plug socket
(not provided).
4. Inspect spark plug for damage, and clean with a wire
brush before reinstalling. If insulator is cracked or
chipped, spark plug should be replaced.
NOTE: If replacing, use the following recommended
plugs are Torch E7RTC is NGK BPR6HS.
5. Measure plug gap. The correct gap is 0.028 −0.031 in.
To widen gap, if necessary, carefully bend the ground
(top) electrode. To lessen gap, gently tap ground
electrode on a hard surface.
6. Seat spark plug in position; thread in by hand to prevent
cross-threading.
7. Tighten with wrench to compress washer. If spark plug
is new, use 1/2 turn to compress washer appropriate
amount. If reusing old spark plug, use 1/8 to 1/4 turn for
proper washer compression.
NOTE: An improperly tightened spark plug will become
very hot and could damage the engine.
8. Reinstall spark plug boot.
MAINTAINING THE DRIVE GEAR
See figure 15.
To ensure smooth operation of wheels, the wheel assembly
should be cleaned before storage.
1. Remove the nut and wheel and set aside.
2. Remove dust cover, e-ring, washer, pins, and wheel
gear. Clean any dirt from these items and the end of
the drive shaft by wiping with a dry cloth. If necessary,
rubbing alcohol may be used to remove any stubborn
dirt.
WARNING
Do not lubricate any of the components of the wheel.
Lubrication may cause the wheel components to fail
during use, which could result in mower damage and/or
serious personal injury to the operator.
3. Reinstall wheel gear with the arrows facing the front
of the mower. Reinstall pins, washer, e-rings, and dust
cover.
4. Reinstall wheel and nut. Tighten nut to secure.
STORING THE PRODUCT
When storing the mower for 30 days or more:
■If using fuel stabilizer, follow stabilizer manufacturer’s
directions to add stabilizer to petrol in fuel tank. Run
engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to
allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor.
WARNING
Do not store the lawn mower with petrol in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark.
■If not using fuel stabilizer, allow the engine to run until
the mower is completely out of petrol.
■Once the engine has stopped, allow the blade to come
to a complete stop and disconnect the spark plug wire.
■Turn the fuel valve to the closed position.
■Turn mower on its side (with carburetor facing up) and
clean grass clippings that have accumulated on the
underside of the mower deck.
■Clean the underside of the mower deck.
■Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth.
■Check all nuts, bolts, knobs, screws, fasteners, etc., for
tightness.
■Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage, and wear.
Have repairs made on any damaged or missing parts.
■Store the mower in a well-ventilated area that is clean,
dry, and out of the reach of children.
■Do not store near corrosive materials such as fertilizer
or rock salt.
To lower the handle before storing:
■Loosen the starter rope guide knob. Remove starter
rope from guide and allow to retract into engine.
■Fully loosen the handle knobs on the sides of the
handle and fold the upper handle down.
■Unscrew the lower handle lock nuts.
■Fold the lower handle forward, making sure not to bend
or kink the control cables.