Saber Edge LM-22AHD User manual

1
Warning
Read and Follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual before attempting to operate
this machine.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
Operator’s Manual
22” Aluminum Deck
Walk Behind/ Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Thank you for purchasing aSaber Edge Lawn Mower It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated andmaintained. 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 andmaintain the product
properly and safely to avoid injury andproperty damage.
You may contact Saber Edge Corporations directly at www.saberturf.com for product andaccessory
information, help �inding a dealer, or to register your product.
Whenever you need service, genuine Saber Edge parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized
Service Dealer or Saber Edge’s Customer Service and havethe model and serial numbers of your product ready.
Saber Edge Corporation www.saberturf.com
Walk Behind Models: LM-22ABS
Self Propelled Models: SPLM-22ABS
SPLM-22AHD
LM-22AHD

2
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge.......................................................................................................................................................................3
Safety ..................................................................................................................................................................................4
GeneralOperation...........................................................................................................................................................4
Slope Operation ...........................................................................................................................................................4
Children and Pets........................................................................................................................................................5
Service.................................................................................................................................................................................5
Safe Handling of Gasoline.........................................................................................................................................5
General Service............................................................................................................................................................5
Safety and Instructional 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
Adjusting the Cutting Heght.......................................................................................................................................8
Starting 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
Cutting Grass Tips...........................................................................................................................................................9
Mulching the Clippings .................................................................................................................................................9
Installing the Mulching Plug .......................................................................................................................................9
Mulching tips:...................................................................................................................................................................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
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

Never operate machine while under the

alcohol or drugs.
Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of
your footing; always walk while

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, removing
grass catcher, or unclog-
ging 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.
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
Slope Operation
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.
Shorts should never be worn while operating
•

5
Children and Pets
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children or pets. Children are
often 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 off 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
dart-ing 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
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is

on a water heater or on other appliances.
Do not fuel machine in an enclosed room or near

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
is running.
 
or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle

 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 times until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
  
tighten
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.
Safety Warning Label Danger Decal
1. Blade control bar
2. Traction Clutch Bar
3. Knob (4)
4. Grass Catcher
5. Cutting Height Lever
6. handle
Product Overview
Setup
Installing the Handle
Important: When folding or unfolding handle
be careful not to pinch or damage the cables.
Damaged cables will 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

bar facing upward.
Rotate lower handle to the operating position.
Align the lower handle hole with lower han-
dle bracket and insert two 5/16th x 1 inch

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.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. Warning- Read owners manual.
2. Thrown object hazard- keep bystanders a safe
distance from the machine.
3. Disconnect the spark-plug wire and read the in-
structions before servicing or performing mainte-
nance.
4. 

sparks.
5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot,
from mower blade- stay away from moving parts
and keep all guards and shields in place.
6. Wear eye, ear and head protection when operating
unit.
7. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot,
mower blade- do not mow up and down slopes,
only mow across; stop the mower and engine, pick
up debris before operating; look behind and down
when reversing.
Important: Remove and discard the protective
plastic sheet that covers the engine.

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,

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Remove the dipstick.
3. 
level reaches the Full line on the dipstick.
4. 

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

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

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
-
es the Full line on the dipstick.
4. -

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.

adjusting the cutting height.
Caution: If the engine has been running, the muf-


This Machine is equipped with 8 different cut set-
ting ranging from 7/8th inch to 3- 3/8th inch
located on the rear right side of the machine.
To Change Cutting Height:

8
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.
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.
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. Make sure mulching plug has been removed, if
not remove it before installing grass catcher.
3. Insert the grass catcher onto the handle bracket
rod.
4. .
Stop Engine Before removing or installing
discharge chute, grass catcher, or guard in place.
Do not mow without discharge chute, grass
catcher, or guard in place.
Removing the Grass Bag
1. 
2. Lift the grass-bag handle out from the bracket
rod and remove the bag from the machine.
3. 

9
Mowing
Mowing Tips
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.
 
with dirt and dust with use and catchers will
collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly
hose catcher off with water and let dry before
using.
Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clipping and chaff. This will help

Mulching the Clippings
If the grass catcher is on the machine, remove it before
mulching the clippings and install the mulching plug.
Installing the Mulching Plug
1. 
2. Insert in the mulching plug into the discharge
3. 
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

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. Make sure
mulching plug has been removed from the mower
deck before installing grass catcher ( 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.

10
Maintenance
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance
Service Maintenance Procedure
 • 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. After 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. Snap 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. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When
-
ciently dry.
4. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
5. 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 off-season.
6. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a
torque wrench to 15 ft-lb (20 N-m).
7. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.