Saber Edge LM-22ABS User manual

1
Warning
Read and Follow all safety rules and instrucons in this manual before aempng to operate this machine.
Failure to comply with these instrucons may result in personal injury
Operator’s Manual
22” Aluminium Deck
Walk Behind/ Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Thank you for purchasing a Saber Edge Lawn Mower It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
perfomance when properly operated and maintained. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained
lawns on residential or commercial properties. It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses.
Before operating your new Saber Edge it is strongly recommended all operators carefully read this manual in
its entirety before operating the equipment. This manual explains how to operate and maintain the product
properly and safely to avoid injury and property damage.
You may contact Saber Edge Corporations directly at www.saberturf.com for product and accessory
informa
Whenever you need service, genuine Saber Edge parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized
Service Dealer or Saber Edge’s Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready.
Saber Edge Corporation www.saberturf.com
Walk Behind Model : LM-22ABS
Self Propelled Model: SPLM-22ABS

2
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Safety ............................................................................................................................................................4
General Operaon ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Slope Operaon ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Children and Pets ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Service...........................................................................................................................................................5
Safe Handling of Gasoline ........................................................................................................................... 5
General Service .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety and Instruconal Decals ......................................................................................................................6
Product Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Setup ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Installing the Handle...................................................................................................................................... 6
Installing the Recoil-starter Rope in the Rope Eyelet ...................................................................................... 7
Filling the Engine with Oil .............................................................................................................................. 7
Filling the fuel Tank ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Checking the Engine Oil Level ........................................................................................................................ 8
To Change Cung Height ............................................................................................................................... 8
Starng the Engine ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Stopping the Engine ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Forward Travel............................................................................................................................................... 8
Installing the Grass Bag ................................................................................................................................. 8
Removing the Grass Bag ................................................................................................................................ 8
Mowing .........................................................................................................................................................9
Mowing Tips .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Cung Grass Tips .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Mulching the Clippings .................................................................................................................................. 9
Installing the Mulching Plug........................................................................................................................... 9
Mulching ps: ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Bagging the Clippings .................................................................................................................................... 9
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Recommended Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................................................ 11
Preparing for maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 10
Servicing the Air Cleaner ............................................................................................................................. 11
Changing the Engine Oil ............................................................................................................................... 11
Replacing the Blade ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Preparing the Machine for Storage .............................................................................................................. 12

3
Slope Gauge
USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE
IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!
To check the slope, proceed as follows:
1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.
2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building,
fence, tree, etc.)
3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).
4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).
5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).
WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe
injury or death.
Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution.
Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

4
General Operation
NOTE: Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference.
•Do not operate machine without the entire grass
catcher, proper guards, plates or other safety
protective
devices securely in place and working.
•See manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and
installation of accessories. Only use
accessories approved
by the manufacturer.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under the
machine.
•Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with the
instructions, to operate this machine.
•Never leave a running machine unattended.
•Be sure the area is clear of people and pets before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, sticks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be thrown by the
blade. Stay behind the
handle when the engine is
running.
•Always wear substantial footwear while operating.
Never operate the machine barefooted or while
wearing
sandals or open toes shoes.
•Always wear protective eyewear (safety googles/
safety glasses with side shields) while operating
machine.
•Shorts should not be worn while operating.
Read and understand the contents of this manual
before
you start the engine.
Obey all safety messages
that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death.
Improperly using
or maintaining this mower could result in
injury
or death. To reduce this potential, comply with the
following safety instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted
from the
ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1-2003.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating
hands
and feet and of throwing objects.
Failure to observe
the following safety instructions
could result in serious
injury or death.
Safety
•Do not pull machine backward unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before
and
while moving backward.
•Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator. Stop the
blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
•Operate machine only in daylight or good
articial light.
•Never operate machine while under the inuence
of
alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure
of
your footing; always walk while keeping a rm
hold on the handle; never run.
•Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before
starting the engine.
•If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop
the engine and check for the cause
immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you
see
lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not
operate the
machine; seek shelter.
•Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes to
a
complete stop before cleaning the machine, re-
moving
grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge
guard.
Warning: Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury.
Operation on all slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep
slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall
accident.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, exposed
roots or other hidden
objects. Uneven
terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.
Slope Operation

5
Children and Pets
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the
presence of children or pets. Children are of-
ten attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children and pets will remain
where you last saw them.
•Be alert and turn mower o if a child or pet enters
the area.
•Keep children and pets out of the mowing area
and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the
operator.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child or pet.
•Be especially watchful of children and pets
darting into the area while operating.
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline
Gasoline is extremely 
are explosive.To avoid personal injury or property
damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Warning: Exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
an orderless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed
area
• Exnguishallcigarees,cigars,pipes,andother
sourcesofignion.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerwhere
thereis
 anopename,spark,orpilotlightsuchason
awater  heateroronotherappliances.
• Donotfuelmachineinanenclosedroomornear
openames.Assureadequatevenlaon.Outdoor
refuelingisrecommended.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Allowenginetocoolbeforerefueling.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengine
running.
• Neverllcontainersinsideavehicleoronatruckor
trailerbedwithaplascliner.Alwaysplacecontainers
on  thegroundawayfromyourvehiclebeforelling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor
trailer
 andrefuelitontheground.Ifthisisnot
possible,then  refuelsuchequipmentwithaportable
container,rather  thanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
•Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefuel
tankorcontaineropeningatallmesunlfuelingis
complete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
• Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changeclothing
immediately.
• Neveroverllfueltank. Replacegascapandghten
securely.
General Service
• Never operate machine indoors or a closed area.
Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,
deadly poison that can kill you.
• California Proposition 65 Warning. The engine
exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before starting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the
engine
running. Disconnect the spark-plug wire
and ground
against engine to prevent unintended
starting.
• Check grass catcher components and the
discharge guard
frequently and replace with
manufacturer’s recommended
parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels,
as necessary.

6
Safety'and'
Instructional'Decals'
Important:'All'damaged'or'illegible'safety'and!
instruction'decals'should'be'replaced.!
They'are'located'near'areas'of'potential'danger.!
Product'Overview!
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A# 4&+'%(
Safety!Warning!Label!
Danger!Decal!Setup!
Important: Remove and discard the protective
plastic sheet that covers the engine.
Installing'the'Handle!
Important: When folding or unfolding handle be careful
not to pinch or damage the cables. Damaged cables will
1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7!
"# B&-+1+=C!D(&'!*E+(-;!F&+3&%
/# 04-*E+!*.G(),!4&H&-'C!I((J!.K;,&+'(-;!&!;&L(!'1;,&+)(!L-*F!,4(
F&)41+(
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;(-@1)1+=!*-!J(-L*-F1+=!F&1+,(+&+)(#
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*3,'**-;#!O(@(-!+(&-!*J(+!L%&F(!*-!;J&-I;#
<# 23,,1+=P'1;F(F.(-F(+,!4&H&-'!*L!4&+'!*-!L**,Q!F*E(-
.%&'(;,&K& E&K!L-*F!F*@1+=!J&-,;!&+'!I((J!&%%!=3&-';!&+'
;41(%';!1+!J%&)(.
A# B(&-!(K(Q!(&-!&+'!4(&'!J-*,(),1*+!E4(+!*J(-&,1+=!3+1,#
R# 23,,1+=P'1;F(F.(-F(+,!4&H&-'!*L!4&+'!*-!L**,Q!F*E(-
.%&'(C!'*!+*,!F*E!3J!&+'!'*E+!;%*J(;Q!*+%K!F*E!&)-*;;S!;,*J!,4(
create unsafe operating conditions!
If the cable[s] is damaged do not use the machine and
contact an Authorized Service Dealer
• Remove top handle and spin handle around and
lay on the ground flat with blade control bar
facing upward.
• Rotate lower handle to the operating position
Align the lower handle hole with lower handle
bracket and insert two 5/16th x 1 inch carriage
bolts on both sides using 5/16th flat washer and
nut and tighten.
• Securely tighten all four lower handle bolts
• Install upper handle to lower handle using 5/16th
x 2 inch carriage bolts and handle knobs. Making
sure cable is on top of the handle.
•Snap on the two cable clamps
to the handle one on the top
handle and other on lower
handle securing the cable to
the handle.
F*E(-!(+=1+(Q!J1)I!3J!'(.-1;!.(L*-(!*J(-&,1+=T!%**I!.(41+'!&+'
'*E+!E4(+!-(@(-;1+=#

7
Installing the Recoil-starter
Rope in the Rope Eyelet
Important: To start the engine safely and easily
whenever you use the machine, install the
recoil-starter rope in the rope guide.
Hold the blade control bar to the upper handle and pull
the recoil-starter rope and thread it through
the rope eyelet on the handle
Filling the Engine with Oil
Important: Your machine does not come with
oil in the engine. Before starting the engine,
fill the engine with oil.
1. Move the machine to a level surface
2. Remove the dipstick
3. Slowly pour oil into the oil ll tube until the oil
level reaches the Full line on the dipstick.
4. Note: Do not overll. (type: SAE 30W detergent
oil with an API service classication of SF, SG, SH,
SJ, SL or higher.)
5. Install the dipstick securely
Warning: If the oil level in the crankcase is too
low or too high and you run the engine, you may
damage the engine.

operating hours; change it yearly thereafter.
Refer to changing the engine oil.
Filling the Fuel Tank
Refer to engine manual


burn you and others.
•To prevent a static charge from igniting the
gasoline, place the container and/or machine directly
on the ground before lling not in a vehicle or on
an object.
1. Rope Starter
2. Rope Eyelet
•Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is cold.
Wipe up spills
•Do not handle gasoline when smoking or around
an open ame or sparks.
•Store gasoline in an approved fuel container, out
of the reach of children.
•For best results use clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline, with a minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI
(91RON).
•Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is
acceptable
•For more information refer to engine manual.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Always check oil level before starting lawn mower.
1. Move the machine to a level surface
2. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and fully
insert the dipstick
3. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level. If the
oil level is below the full line , slowly pour oil into
the oil ll tube until the oil level reaches the Full
line on the dipstick.
4. Note: Do not overll. (type: SAE 30W detergent
oil with an API service classication of SF, SG,
SH, SJ, SL or higher.)
5. Install the dipstick securely
Adjusting the Cutting Height
Warning: Adjusting the cutting height may bring
you into contact with the moving blade,
causing serious injury.
Make sure to stop the engine and wait for all moving
parts to stop.
Never place your ngers under the housing when
adjusting the cutting height
Caution: If the engine has been running, the muer
will be hot and can severely burn you.
Keep away from the hot muer.
is Machine is equipped with 8 dierent cut setting
ranging from 7/8th inch to 3- 3/8th inch
located on the rear right side of the machine.

8
To Change Cutting Height:
First unlock the setting by pulling the leaver away from
the mower out towards the right.
You can now move the leaver either towards the front
wheel (increasing the height) or
back towards the rear bag (decreasing the height) .
Starting the Engine
1. Hold the Blade- control bar against the handle
Stopping the Engine
To stop the engine, Release the blade control bar and
wait for all moving parts
to stop before leaving the operating position.
Important: When releasing the blade control bar
both the blade and engine should stop within 3
seconds. If they both do not stop properly discontinue
use of the machine and contact an authorized Service
Dealer.
Forward Travel
To travel forward
Pull lever to handle and hold
To stop Travel Forward
Release Lever
Note: Do not pull mower backwards when you are
using the self-propelled travel.
Installing the Grass Bag
1. 
2. 
not remove it before installing grass catcher.
3. Insert the grass catcher onto the bracket rod.
4. .
Stop Engine Before removing or installing dis-
charge chute, grass catcher, or guard in place.
Do not mow without discharge chute, Grass
catcher, or guard in place.
Removing the Grass Bag
1. Li up the rear deector.
2. Li the grass-bag handle out from the bracket rod
and remove the bag from the machine.
3. Close the rear deector.
1st=7/8thinch
2nd=1-3/8thinch
3rd=1-1/2inch
4th=1-7/8thinch
5th=2–1/4thinch
6th=2-½inch
7th=2-7/8thinch
8th=3-3/8thinch
2. Pull the recoil- start handle
Important: If the machine does not start after
multiple attempts contact your Authorized Service
Dealer.

9
• Make sure to clear the area of stones, sticks,
branches, wire and other debris that the blade
could hit.
• Never deliberately mow over any object. Avoid
striking solid objects with the blade.
• If the machine strikes an object or starts to
vibrate, immediately stop the engine, disconnect
the wire from the spark plug, and examine the
machine for damage.
• For best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins.
• Replace the blade when necessary with a Saber
Edge replacement blade.
Cutting Grass Tips:
• Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time.
Do not cut below the 4th setting (1- 7/8th inch)
unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when
grass growth begins to slow down.
Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.
• When cutting grass over 6 inches tall, mow at the
highest cutting height setting and walk slower;
then mow again at a lower setting for the best
lawn appearance. If the grass is too long, the
machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.
Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and
leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause
the machine to plug or the engine to stall.Cut the
grass more frequently.
• Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full
swath with each pass.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of
cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow
slowly.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become lled
with dirt and dust with use and catchers will
collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose
catcher o with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean
of grass clipping and cha. is will help engine
airow and extend engine life.
Mulching the Clippings
Ifthegrasscatcherisonthemachine,removeitbefore
mulchingtheclippingsandinstallthemulchingbae.
Installing the Mulching Plug
1. Li the rear deector up
2. Insert in the mulching plug into the discharge
3. Close the rear deector securely.
Mulching tips:
Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass
tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching
action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly
cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height
so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third
of the grass blades. If the lawn is over-grown it will be
necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy
mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping
previously cut path and mow slowly.
Certain types of grass and grass conditions may
require that an area be mulched a second time to
completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut,

Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow
north to south one week then change to east to west
the next week. This creates a criss cross affect helping
prevent matting of the lawn.
Bagging the Clippings
Use the grass bag when you want to collect grass
and leaf clippings from the lawn. Move the leaver to
bagging position and install Bag (see installing grass
catcher page)
Warning: A worn grass bag could allow small
stones and other similar debris to be thrown in the
operator’s or bystander’s direction and result in
serious personal injury or death to the operator or
bystanders.
Check the grass bag frequently. If it is
damaged, install a new Saber Edge replacement
bag.
Mowing
Mowing Tips

10
Maintenance
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Service Maintenance Procedure
After the rst 5 hours • Change the engine oil.
Before each use or daily
• Check the engine oil level.
• Ensure that the engine stops within 3 seconds after releasing the blade
control bar.
• Remove grass clippings and dirt from under the housing
Every 25 hours
• Check the air cleaner for dirty, loose, or damaged parts, and clean or
replace them if necessary.
Every 50 hours • Change the engine oil.
Every 100 hours
• Replace the air-cleaner element (more frequently when operating the
machine in dusty or dirty operating conditions).
• Clean the cooling system (refer to your engine owner’s manual).
• Replace the spark plug.
Before storage
• Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed and before annual storage.
Yearly
• Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls
quickly) by an Authorized Saber Edge Dealer .
• Refer to your Engine Operator’s Manual for any additional yearly
maintenance procedures.
Preparing for maintenance
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug before performing any maintenance
procedure.
3. Aer performing the maintenance procedure(s), connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.
Important: Before tipping the machine to change the oil or replace the blade, allow the fuel tank to run dry
through normal usage. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a
hand fuel pump to remove
the fuel. Always tip the
machine onto its side with the dipstick down.

cause personal injury.
Run the engine dry or remove the gasoline with a hand pump, never siphon.

11
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Service Interval: Every 25 hours/Yearly (whichever

or damaged parts, and clean or replace them if
necessary.

1. Perform the pre-maintenance procedures;
2. Unscrew and open the air-cleaner cover.
3. Replace the air-cleaner element.
4. Install the air-cleaner cover.

Changing the Engine Oil


- Refer to engine manual
Run the engine a few minutes before changing the

more contaminants.
1. Perform the pre maintenance procedures, refer to
preparing for maintenance.
2. Remove the dipstick
3. 

tube.
4. After drain the used oil, return the machine to
the normal operating position.
5. 
level reaches the FULL line on the dipstick. Do

6. Wipe off dipstick end with a clean cloth.
7. 
8. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level on
the dipstick. Once it has reached the full line,
9. Install the dipstick securely
10. Dispose of the used oil properly at a local
recycling center.
Note: For best results use clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline, with a minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91RON).
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is
acceptable
For more information refer to engine manual.
Warning: If the oil level in the crank case is
too low or too high and you run the engine, you
may damage the engine.
Replacing the Blade
Service Interval: Yearly
Warning: The blade is sharp; contacting
the blade can result in serious personal injury.
To replace or sharpen the blade it is strongly
recommended to have an Authorized Service Dealer
perform this task.
Examine the blade whenever you run out of
gasoline. If the blade is damaged or cracked, have it
replaced immediately by an Authorized Service
Dealer. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have
it sharpened or replaced by Authorized Service
Dealer.

12
Preparing the Machine for
Storage
WARNING: Gasoline vapors can explode.
Do not store gasoline more than 30 days.


Allow the engine to cool before storing it
1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer
to the fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.
2. Run the machine until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
3. Prime the engine and start it again.
4. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you
can no longer start the engine, it is suciently dry
5. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
6. Remove the spark plug, add 1 oz. (30 ml) of oil
through the spark plug hole, and pull the starter
rope slowly several times to distribute oil
throughout the cylinder to prevent cylinder
corrosion during the o-season.
7. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque
wrench to 15 -lb (20 N-m).
8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.