Saber Edge SLM-21SBS 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
21” Steel Deck
Walk Behind 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 Model : SLM-21SBS, LM-21SBS

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
To Change Cutting Height.............................................................................................................................................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
Engaging the Mulching Lever / Using Side Discharge.........................................................................................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 dnot 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.