SANLI SSP550 User manual

Please read this instruction manual carefully
before operating your new Sanli lawnmower.
Model number: SSP550
Self-Propelled 4-in-1
Mulch
or
Catch

4 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
Tips on mower safety.
WARNING! The information contained within this safety section is
extremely important. Personal injury to the user and to others may
result if this section is not read and acted upon at all times.
1. Before starting your mower inspect it carefully to ensure that there are no loose
parts and that it is in good working order.
2. Be sure of your footing. Always walk, never run, when operating the lawnmower.
3. Clear the area to be mowed of any stones, sticks, wire and debris before
beginning, and always ensure that you mow a safe distance away (over 14 metres)
from adults, children and animals.
4. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from the mower’s moving parts, and always
wear appropriate footwear (avoid sandals or open shoes). If your mower comes
with a mulching plug, t or remove the plug after rstly turning off the engine.
What you get with your Sanli mower.
• Self Propelled petrol engine mower
• Rear grass catcher
• 600ml container of SAE30 engine oil
• Detachable side chute
• Mulching plug
• Basic tool kit

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 5
5. Never put your hands or feet underneath the chassis of the lawnmower while the
engine is running.
6. Be aware that the machine’s exhaust area and other parts of the lawnmower get
very hot during, and right after use.
7. Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug cap before cleaning,
transporting, or making adjustments, and never leave the mower unattended.
8. Mow across the face of slopes, not up & down, and avoid mowing on very steep
slopes. We recommend you avoid mowing when it is raining, or after nightfall.
9. Do not operate the machine by pulling it towards you as you risk pulling it on to
your feet. Instead, always push and walk behind your lawnmower.
10. Do not ll the tank, or start the lawnmower indoors, or in a poorly ventilated area,
as exhaust gases contain poisonous substances and petrol fumes are ammable
and dangerous.
11. Always use 95 octane regular unleaded petrol not more than 3 months old. Fill
the tank using a funnel, but never completely. Clean up any overow or splashes
before starting.
12. To inspect the underside of your mower, only tilt the lawnmower to your right when
standing behind it (this is the side where the exhaust is near the ground) otherwise
oil may leak into inappropriate areas of the engine. Never tilt the lawnmower when
the engine is running.
13. Turn off the engine before emptying the grass-catcher, and before clearing any
grass caught in the rear ap where the mulching plug or catcher ts.
14. Do not alter engine governing settings or over-rev the engine, as excessive speed
is dangerous and can reduce engine life and void warranty.
15. Never open the fuel ller cap, or ll the tank, if the engine is still hot after use. And
please ensure that you securely tighten the petrol cap after lling.
16. Do not transport the mower in a vehicle if there is any petrol in the tank.
17. Store fuel and oil in a cool well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and not
near gas cylinders or hot water heater systems.
18. Do not smoke when lling the fuel tank, using the machine, or when petrol is in the
immediate area. And never use or store the mower near a naked ame.
19. Sanli recommends that you wear a safety helmet, ear protectors, safety goggles
and safety boots when using a lawnmower.
20. All servicing and repair work under warranty must be carried out by an Authorised
Sanli Dealer, otherwise the 2-year warranty may be void.

6 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
Assembly of handles
Fit the lower handles with bolts and nuts supplied.
Please note that there are three possible settings
for the angle of the bottom handle
to suit the operator. (See g.1)
Lock the top handle bar into position using the
quick-release clamps.
(See g. 2)
Fit the cable clamp to inside of the lower handle
with bolt supplied. (See g. 3)
Fit Zone starter guide to lower handle and attach
the starter cord. (See g.4 & 5)
Fig.1
Fig. 2
Fig. 4
Fig. 3
Fig. 5

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 7
Fitting the side chute
Lift the ap, placing the two hooks under the axis of the hinge (see g. 8) and let the ap
return to hold the chute in place. (See g. 9)
Fig. 8 Fig. 9
In its transmission-engaged position, the mower’s advance lever is pushed fully towards
the handlebar (see g. 6). An incorrectly-adjusted transmission cable can cause
premature wear to the mower’s drive system.
If the transmission cable is too tight, it will be difcult to move the advance lever
towards the handlebars. Conversely, if the transmission cable is not tight enough, the
transmission will function poorly and will lack power.
To adjust the tension of the cable transmission, increase or reduce the length of
the adjustment device using the wrench (see g. 7). Check the effectiveness of the
transmission and the resistance of the lever. Once proper adjustment has been reached,
secure the adjustment device by tightening the lock nuts.
Note: There should be about 2 cm of free-play before the advance lever engages drive.
Start to move forward manually and then slowly engage the advance lever. The mower
should begin to move forwards gradually from that point onwards.
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
Fitting and adjusting the throttle cable

8 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
Cutting height adjustment.
WARNING! Turn mower off before adjusting cutting height lever.
Adjusting the cutting height
For best results, always adjust the cutting height of your mower to suit the mowing
conditions and do not try to remove too much grass in one pass.
· Take hold of the height adjustment lever positioned on the mower’s right-hand
rear wheel.
· Move the lever outwards to release it from its locating notch (see g.10).
· Move the lever towards the front of the machine to decrease the cutting height
and towards the rear to increase the cutting height.
· Return the lever to the locating notch to set the desired cutting height.
· Make sure the handle ts snugly and securely into its serrated holder. Obstructions
such as grass clippings should not hinder this movement or positioning.
Fig. 10

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 9
Before you begin.
WARNING! The following procedures must be carried out before you
start the engine of your lawnmower.
1. Fill oil sump with oil.
The mower is NOT supplied with oil in the engine, however, a container with the
correct amount of oil (600ml) is supplied. It is essential that this is added before
starting the engine for the rst time.
Firstly, remove the warning label from under the dipstick, then remove the dipstick and
slowly pour the entire contents of the container into the engine via the oil ller (see g.11).
Replace the dipstick and tighten.
Before you use the mower each time, check the oil level and if necessary top up with
SAE30 engine oil. To check the oil level, just unscrew the yellow dipstick, wipe with a
clean rag and replace into the oil ller, but do not screw it back in place, and remove
again. The oil level must be on or just below the MAX mark on the dip stick, never
above (see g.12).
Fig. 11
Fig.12

10 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
2. Fill fuel tank with 95 octane
regular unleaded petrol.
Petrol is highly ammable so extreme caution must be
taken when handling it. Always store petrol in approved
containers and you must ensure that you use fresh
petrol that is less than three months old. Do not mix oil
with petrol.
To put petrol in the fuel tank, rstly remove the warning
label from under the petrol cap (see g.13). It’s best to ll
the tank using a clean funnel, but never ll it completely.
Instead, leave at least 13mm from the bottom of the ller
neck to allow for expansion. Ensure that you securely
tighten the petrol cap after lling.
3. Attach the grass catcher.
Just lift the rear ap with one hand and then gently slide the catcher into position
(see g.14) and hook over the hinge rod ends.
Never t grass catcher with mulch plug inserted.
Fig. 13
Fig. 14

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 11
Fitting the mulching plug.
WARNING! Turn off the mower before tting or removing the mulching plug.
Turn off your mower and then lift the rear ap to inspect the area inside, making sure it is
clean and free of any built-up grass deposits.
With one hand, raise the rear ap, and then hold the handle of the mulching plug with
your other hand and insert it downwards into the vacant area (see g.15).
Finally, ensure that the base of the mulching plug is xed rmly into place and is
positioned against the outside of the cutting deck. Then lower the ap.
For best mulching results, Sanli
recommends that you mulch on
cutting height setting number 7 or
above and avoid mulching wet grass.
Starting the engine.
WARNING! Keep hands, feet, and clothing well away from moving parts,
the exhaust, and the engine cowling. Refer to ‘Tips on mower safety’ on
pages 4 and 5 for more information.
Fig.15
Fig. 16 Fig. 17 Fig.18

12 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
1. Make sure that your mower is on a safe, at area (a paved area or path is ideal –
avoid thick wet grass and gravel surfaces) to make starting safe.
2. Move the throttle control lever located on the handle to the ‘Cold Start’ position
(see g.16 previous page).
3. Slide the ‘Red’ petrol tap lever to the left ‘On’ position (see g.17 previous page).
4. Firmly hold the top handle with one hand, and then with your other hand pull the
cord slowly until you feel resistance (see g.18 previous page). Then pull vigorously.
5. When the engine has been running for at least 3 seconds (slightly longer on cold
days) adjust the throttle control lever to the ‘Run’ position.
6. To turn off your mower, slide the throttle control lever down to the ‘Stop’ position.
After it has stopped, slide the ‘Red’ petrol tap lever to the right ‘Off’ position.
Engaging the self-propelled drive
Your SSP550 mower is equipped with a gearbox which allows the mower to be self-
propelled. When the transmission is activated, it engages the rear wheels of the mower
and the mower moves forward under its own power.
To activate the transmission, push the full-width advance lever at the rear of the
handlebar forwards so that the lever presses against the handlebar (see g.19).
While the machine is moving, hold the lever exibly so it can be released easily when
needed.
To stop drive to the wheels, release the advance lever.
Note: The transmission operates only
when the engine is running to use the
mower manually without driving the
wheels, do not touch the advance lever at
the rear of the handlebar.
When making U-turns, tight turns or
when nishing off, release the advance
lever and move the mower across the
ground manually.
Fig. 19

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 13
Basic maintenance made easy.
WARNING! If your mower is not serviced correctly, you could reduce
your mower’s ability to operate and void warranty.
1. Spark plug.
Firstly, wait until the engine has cooled
before disconnecting the spark plug cover
and then removing the spark plug with the
box spanner supplied (see g. 20). If it is
dirty, you can clean the plug with a wire brush.
For best results we advise you to replace
the spark plug after 100 hours of use. The
replacement spark plug is NGK BPR 6ES.
When retting the spark plug do not over-
tighten. If adjusting yourself, note the spark
plug gap must be set to 0.75mm.
2. Air lter.
Ensure the engine is cool, unscrew the
two top air lter nuts, using the small box
spanner supplied (see g. 21), lift up the
cover and remove the air lter element.
Put the cover back on the housing
immediately to prevent any objects falling
into the air intake.
Either carefully brush off any excess dirt
particles, or replace the air lter with a new
one (see g. 22). To protect your warranty,
only use a genuine Sanli air lter. We
recommend that you replace the air lter
after every 12 months of regular usage.
When the air lter has been cleaned or
replaced, screw-in the cover, taking care not
to over-tighten.
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22

14 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
3. Oil changing.
Sanli recommends that the rst oil change is carried out after the rst 5 hours of mower
use. Thereafter, change the oil after every 25 hours of use or at least once a year. Also
check your oil level before mowing every time to ensure that the engine is being fully
protected. Sanli mowers run on SAE30 engine oil.
Before changing the oil, leave the engine running outdoors for several minutes to warm
the oil and make it more uid. Warning: parts of the engine will become very hot and
can cause severe burns.
Remove the spark plug cap and unscrew the oil level dip stick. Place a suitable
container beneath the mower’s oil ller pipe and tilt the mower onto its side with the
air lter and carburettor uppermost (see g. 23). Allow the oil to drain completely into
the container. Return the mower back onto its four wheels and ll the engine with new
SAE30 engine oil as described on page 9.
4. Using and storing petrol.
After three months, unleaded petrol begins to break down and may make your
lawnmower difcult to start. If during the colder months you have not mowed in a while,
you should drain the remaining fuel and replace with fresh unleaded.
Remove the fuel cap, then release the spring clip on the black hose leading into the fuel
lter (see g. 24) and then disconnect the hose ensuring you squeeze it together rmly.
Then release your grip on the hose to allow the fuel to drain out into an appropriate
container.
Fig. 23 Fig. 24

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 15
5. Blades and cutting system.
Extreme care should be taken with blades.
Ensure the mower is off and the spark plug
lead is disconnected from the spark plug, to
prevent accidental ignition.
Remove the catcher or mulching plug, set the
cutting height lever to the highest level, and
then hold up the rear ap in order to inspect
your blades (see g. 25). Check every few
months to make sure they are not damaged,
loose, or overly worn. If loose, tighten, but
not over-tighten, the nuts and bolts.
If you are planning to change the blades yourself, use thick work gloves and take
extreme care at all times. A full range of parts is available from your Authorised
Sanli Dealer.
Technical specications.
Model number SSP550
Type of machine Self-propelled/single speed
Engine Sanli OHV550 Single Cylinder 4 stroke Air Cooled
Displacement 163cc
Engine max speed 3,250 rpm
Engine power 2.8 kW @ 3100 rpm
Fuel 95 octane regular unleaded
Fuel tank capacity 1 litre
Ignition Electronic
Spark plug NGK BPR 6ES
Spark plug gap 0.75mm
Engine oil SAE30
Engine oil capacity 600ml
Chassis Heavy duty steel
Cutting width 510cm (20in)
Adjustable cutting heights 10
Grass collection capacity 60 litres
Noise level 75 dB (A)
Weight (including catcher) 40.2kg
Fig. 25

16 Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide
Fast trouble shooting
Often, a depleted, loose, or dirty spark plug is responsible for a mower not being able
to start, but there can be a number of other reasons. Refer below to the list of potential
problems you may encounter, along with suggested remedies. For servicing and all
warranty work, contact your local Authorised Sanli Dealer.
Problem Likely cause Suggested remedy
Engine does
not start.
Throttle lever not set properly
Out, or almost out, of fuel
Spark plug depleted
Spark plug dirty
Spark plug not connected
Flooded engine
Old petrol in the tank
Water in the fuel tank
Dirty air cleaner lter
Set to ‘Cold Start’ for cold or a little lower when warm
Fill tank with 95 octane regular unleaded petrol
Replace with a suitable new spark plug
Clean or replace with a new spark plug
Press rmly on the spark plug cover
Turn fuel ‘off’ then zip until it starts, then turn ‘on’
Drain stale fuel and replace with new unleaded
Contact an Authorised Sanli Dealer
Clean or replace with a new Sanli air-lter
Engine stops
often
Blocked fuel supply
Fuel cap is not venting
Wrong type of fuel
Dirty air cleaner lter
Ensure the fuel line is not pinched or blocked
You may need to slightly loosen the fuel cap
Drain petrol tank and ll with new unleaded
Clean or replace with a new Sanli air-lter
Engine loses
power
Dirty air cleaner lter
Incorrect height adjustment
Blocked fuel cap vent holes
Clean or replace with a new Sanli air-lter
Raise the mower’s cutting height lever
Ensure the 3 holes in the fuel tank cap are clear
The engine
becomes
excessively
hot
Engine cooling ns blocked
Low oil level
Clean engine exterior carefully
Check the oil level
Transmission
drive
operates but
loses power
The transmission engagement
cable is loose
The drive V-belt is loose
Adjust the cable using the tensioning device
Contact a SANLI approved dealer
Mower
vibrates
too much
Loose cutting blade
Bent or broken disc/blades
Excessive grass/dirt build-up
Check and tighten bolts and nuts
Replace disc or blades
Clean and ensure underside clear of build up
Poor cutting
catching or
mulching
Disc or blades worn/damaged
Catcher not tted correctly
Incorrect cutting height set
Blocked grass catcher vents
Mulching plug not in correctly
Replace disc or blades
Reattach carefully and also check for damage
Adjust the cutting height
Clear and clean the vents
Reinsert carefully and also check for damage

Sanli Self-Propelled 4-in-1 User Guide 17
Mower features.
1 Throttle control lever 9Oil ller
2 Self-propelled drive lever 10 Petrol cap
3Grass catcher 11 Handle tightening levers
4Grass discharge ap 12 Handle assembly
5Warning labels 13 Side Chute
6Petrol tap 14 Side Chute Flap
7Spark plug cap 15 Starter Pull Cord
8 Height adjustment lever 16 Soft Comfort Grip
8
9
1413
12
7
11
11
15
5
6
2
16
1
1
10 34