Sarlo BigMo 30 inch User manual

CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of your new Sarlo Mower. Your Sarlo is a powerful,
all-purpose power mower, designed, engineered and tested to provide years of trouble-free
operation. With proper handling and maintenance according to instructions in this manual, your
Sarlo will deliver years of dependable service, maximum performance and safety. Be sure to read
and understand all instructions before operation. Inspect mower components, mounting hardware
and lubrication before each use. Our commitment is that every Sarlo will perform to 100% of its
capabilities. We are confident your Sarlo will serve you well for many years to come.
Respectfully,
Tony Sarlo, President
Sarlo Power Mowers, Inc.  P.O. Box 1169  Fort Myers, Florida 33902
Phone: [phone]  800.749.5296  Fax: [phone]  www.SarloMower.com
Sarlo® BigMo™ 30” Hydro Walk-Behind
OWNER’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT:
Date Purchased:
Mower Model #:
Mower Serial #:
Engine Model #:
Engine Serial #:
Dealer:

OVERVIEW: (Fig. 1.)
1. Discharge Chute
2. Front Height of Cut Adjustment
3. Deck Drive Belt Guard
4. Operator Presence Control Bale
5. Wheel Drive Control Bale
6. Engine Throttle Control
7. Mower Blade Engagement Control (PTO Switch)
8. Ignition Switch
9. Engine Pull Start
10. Hour Meter
11. Hydro Release Lever
12. Rear Height of Cut Adjustment
Know Before You Mow!
Page 2 © 2016 Sarlo® Power Mowers, Inc.
Fig. 1
WARRANTY:
SARLO POWER MOWERS, INC. hereby warrants to the original retail purchaser ALL NEW products of its own manufacture to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of the original purchase, subject to the following conditions:
1. Engines are warranted by the respective engine manufacturer. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s warranty.
2. Transmission parts are warranted by the manufacturer, not Sarlo Power Mowers, Inc.
3. The warranty on belts, tires, throttle controls or any other item that is subject to normal wear is limited to 90 days.
4. No warranty is extended to any equipment which has been misused, neglected or damaged by accident. Sarlo shall not be responsible for
damage in transit or handling by any common carrier, and under no circumstances, within or without the warranty period, will the company
be liable for damage for loss, or damages resulting from delay or any consequential damage included but not limited to any cost or
expense of providing substitute equipment or service during periods of malfunction or non-use.
5. Sarlo Power Mowers will repair or replace, free of charge, any part or parts of the mower found upon examination by any Factory Author-
ized Dealer or by the factory to be defective in materials and/or workmanship for the term of the warranty.
6. The consumer is responsible for: (1) Normal maintenance such as greasing, gear case lubrication, minor adjustment and, (2) Transporta-
tion of any Sarlo product to and from the place warranty work is performed.
7. The Sarlo warranty WILL NOT APPLY to any product repaired or altered by anyone other than an Authorized Service Distributor or
Authorized Service Dealer.
8. Sarlo reserves the right to incorporate any changes in design into its products without obligation to make changes on units previously
manufactured.
9. The warranty is valid only if the Factory Warranty Card is returned and registered.

SAFETY:
While Sarlo Power Mowers, Inc. is dedicated to
building dependable, high-performance turf equipment,
our number one concern is SAFETY.
Users must carefully read this Owner’s Manual before
operating the machine. Never permit anyone to operate
the mower without a thorough understanding of the
controls and operation of the equipment.
The improper or irresponsible use of mowing equipment
can cause serious injury and even death. Owners and
users can prevent accidents or injuries to themselves,
other people and/or to property. Use common sense.
BEFORE YOU MOW:
Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes or boots. Do
NOT operate the mower when barefoot or in open-toed
sandals. Long hair, loose-fitting clothing and jewelry may
get caught and tangled in moving parts, causing serious
injury or death.
Wear safety glasses and use hearing protection during
operation. Do NOT listen to music or wear headphones
while operating the mower.
Inspect the area where the mower will be used. Evaluate
the terrain, paying special attention to slopes, water
hazards, drop-offs, ditches and embankments. Pay
attention to hazards, obstructions, holes, ruts and bumps.
Tall grass often hides dangerous obstacles. Look for
items such as rocks, sticks, wire or toys. When struck by
rapidly rotating blades, foreign objects become extremely
dangerous projectiles, thrown from the mower at high
speeds.
NEVER carry passengers, transport equipment or carry
fuel on the mower. Avoid mowing and shut the mower
down when bystanders or pets are present. Always be
aware of the direction of the mower’s discharge. Rapidly
turning blades and thrown objects present a danger to
operators, people and property nearby.
Check the machine each time before starting. Inspect the
tire pressure, fluid levels and the air filter. Service the
engine according to the separate instructions supplied by
the engine manufacturer. Always disconnect the spark
plug wire when inspecting or servicing the mower. Look
for any signs of damage or wear to the mower. Remove
excess dirt or debris before operation. Inspect the cutting
blades, making sure they are sharp and undamaged.
Check for the presence and tightness of all bolts, nuts,
pins and screws. Tighten or replace missing items.
TEST the Safety Interlock System, also known as the
Operator Presence Controls before each use to ensure
that the mower’s safety features are functioning properly.
KNOW BEFORE YOU MOW.
FUELING:
Always allow the engine to cool before fueling or
refueling. Never operate a gas engine inside an enclosed
area. Take special care when handling fuel. It is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Use only approved fuel containers and do not smoke.
Never refuel or drain the machine indoors or inside an
enclosed trailer. Don’t open the gas cap or fill with the
Fig. 2
engine running.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS:
Your Sarlo mower is equipped with Safety Alert Symbols
designed to remind and warn operators of specific safety
concerns.
Familiarize yourself with the location and intent of each
safety symbol and use extreme caution when in proximity
to these areas of concern.
You will find safety warnings and basic operating instruc-
tions at the mower controls adjacent to the throttle and
choke adjustment levers. (Fig. 2)
Failure to follow these safety precautions and operating
instructions may result in damage to the machine and/or
serious injury to operators and others.
Cutting deck edges are identified by DANGER symbols on
each side of the deck. (Fig. 3) Keep hands, feet and any
dangling or loose clothing away from the underside of the
deck.
The rotary cutting blades turn at approximately 18,500 fps;
contact with the spinning blades will cause serious injury or
death.
NEVER operate the mower with the Side-Discharge
Deflector Shield in the raised position without the grass
catcher, or if the deflector has been damaged or removed.
Debris may be thrown from the turning blades, causing
serious injury or property damage. (Fig. 4)
Only operate the mower with the Side-Discharge deflector
or the grass catcher attachment mounted and securely in
place.
BigMo™ Owner’s Manual Page 3
Fig. 3

Page 4 © 2016 Sarlo® Power Mowers, Inc.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 7 Fig. 9
Fig. 6
Additionally, caution must be used when operators are in
proximity to the turning belt and pulley system that drives
the cutting blade shaft. (Fig. 5) Fingers, hands, jewelry
and loose-fitting clothing can catch in the rapidly moving
machinery, causing injury or death.
The BigMo is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission
and an electric clutch blade brake. The Mower Blade
Engagement Control is a PTO (Power Take-Off) switch.
To enable the blades to turn for operation, compress the
Operator Presence Control Bale and pull the Mower
Blade Engagement Control knob up. To disengage
blades, push the knob down or in. BigMo is also
equipped with a 2-position Hydro Release Lever on the
rear of the machine that puts the transmission in Neutral
for easy transport. (Fig. 6)
ALWAYS be certain that the PTO control is disengaged,
the engine is off, the key is removed, and the spark plug
wire is disconnected before inspecting or servicing the
mower.
This Made in the U.S.A. decal has nothing to do with
operator safety. It’s just something we’re darn proud of.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM:
For additional safety protection, your Sarlo mower is
equipped with Operator Presence Controls, also known as
a Safety Interlock System.
The OPC system is designed to prevent the mower from
running with blades turning when left unattended, creating
unsafe conditions. The Wheel Drive Control Bale automat-
ically returns to Neutral upon
release.
The Operator Presence Bale
must be held continuously in
order to engage the mower
blades. (Fig. 8) If the Operator
Presence Bale is released while
the PTO or mower blades are
engaged, the engine will stop
running. If the PTO and mower
blades are disengaged, the
operator may release the mower
and leave the operator’s position
with the engine running
normally.
Starting the mower requires that
the Mower Blade Engagement
Control be in the OFF (down)
position and the Wheel Drive
Control Bale must be in the RELEASED (Neutral) position.
The Safety Interlock System should be checked for proper
function before each use and any deficiency corrected
before use. Disabling the Safety Interlock System will
immediately void the warranty of your mower.
GETTING STARTED:
Follow the assembly instructions included with this Own-
er’s Manual to install the handlebars, and to connect the
hydro control rod to your BigMo. Next, check oil and add
fuel.
Before operating the mower, become familiar with all of
the mower and engine controls. You may refer to the photo
and list of components in page 2 of this Owner’s Manual.
Understanding the function, location and operation of
these controls is key to the safe and efficient operation of
the equipment.
OPERATION:
Starting the Engine (Cold): Turn the key in the Ignition
Switch clockwise to “Run” and move the Engine Throttle
Control Lever to its forward-most position (choke). (Fig.9)
Fig. 8

If the Mower Blade Engagement Control is in the
“Off” (down) position, it is not necessary to hold the
Operator Presence Bale. The Wheel Drive Control Bale
should be released (in neutral). Vigorously pull engine
start handle until engine starts. After engine starts and
stabilizes, move the Engine Throttle Control Lever back to
the FAST position. If the engine is warm, there is no need
to use the choke.
Stopping the Engine: Turn off the mower deck and
stop blade rotation by pushing DOWN on the Mower
Blade Engagement Control. Move the Engine Throttle
Control Lever back to the SLOW position. Release the
Operator Presence Bale and turn the key in the Ignition
Switch counter-clockwise to the OFF position. Remove
the key.
Emergency Stopping: In an emergency, immediately
release all machine controls and carefully back away from
the mower.
Operating the Wheel Drive: The travel speed and
direction (forward and reverse) of your mower is
controlled by the Wheel Drive Control Bale. Your mower is
also equipped with an automotive-style differential to
make it exceptionally easy to steer and turn. The Wheel
Drive Control Bale automatically returns to Neutral
whenever it is released.
To move the machine FORWARD, rest your fingers of
both hands on the stationary Cross Bar and hook your
thumbs behind the Wheel
Drive Control Bale. (Fig. 10)
Gently press the bale forward
and the mower will begin to
move forward. Moving the bale
further forward will increase
the forward travel speed of the
mower. When the Wheel Drive
Control Bale is brought even
with the stationary Cross Bar,
the mower will travel at its
maximum forward speed.
To move the machine IN
REVERSE, firmly place one
hand on the stationary Cross
Bar to steer and stabilize the
mower. Using your other hand,
gently pull back on the Wheel
Drive Control Bale. Moving the bale further backward will
increase the reverse travel speed of the mower.
Release the Wheel Drive Control Bale to return to Neutral.
Engaging the Mower Blades: After confirming that the
area to mow is free of hazards and bystanders, move the
Engine Throttle Control to FAST, pull the Operator Pres-
ence Bale back to its engaged position and pull UP on the
Mower Blade Engagement Control. (Fig. 11) If the mower
blades are engaged, the Operator Presence Bale must be
held continuously in the engaged position. If the Operator
Presence Bale is released while the mower blades are
engaged, the engine will stop running.
BigMo™ Owner’s Manual Page 5
Fig. 10
Stopping the Mower Blades:
In an emergency, the mower
blades may be stopped by
releasing the Operator Pres-
ence Bale. Under normal con-
ditions, push DOWN on the
Mower Blade Engagement
Control and release the Oper-
ator Presence Bale. The en-
gine will continue to run.
Adjusting the Height of Cut:
Your Sarlo mower offers sev-
en cutting heights ranging
from 1.5 to 4.5-inches, in half-
inch increments. The height of
cut can be changed quickly
and easily without the need for
tools. The mower utilizes
adjusters at both the front and rear of the machine to
ensure a flat and level cut. All adjusters should be
placed in the same position.
CAUTION! BEFORE ADJUSTING HEIGHT OF
CUT, TURN OFF ENGINE AND REMOVE KEY!
To adjust the FRONT height of
cut, remove the circle cotter
retaining rings from the tops of
both Caster Fork shafts along
with any loose spacers and set
aside. With the front of the
mower deck lifted and secure-
ly supported with the wheels
off the ground, slide the Caster
Fork and Wheel assemblies
downward until they disen-
gage the support bearings in
the frame. (Fig. 12)
If the forks have not been
serviced, lightly lubricating the
shafts may help with this pro-
cess. Determine your desired
cutting height, bearing in mind
that the more spacers placed on the underside of the
fork raises the cutting position. For example:
Spacers Bottom Cutting Height
0 1.5”
1 2.0”
2 2.5”
3 3.0”
4 3.5”
5 4.0”
6 4.5”
To adjust the REAR height of cut, locate the two black
knobs (one on each side of the rear of the machine)
near the base of the handlebar support. Remove the
knobs and any washers and set aside. (Fig. 13) Hold up
lightly on the rear height of cut lift bar, and remove the
carriage bolts from the adjusters on both sides of the
machine.
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

At this point, the Rear Axle
Swing Arm of the mower is
free to move up and down,
allowing the rear height of cut
position to be changed. The
forward most hole in the
adjuster is Position 6 (High).
The rear most hole in the
adjuster is Position 0 (Low).
Pulling up or pushing down on
the Height of Cut Lift Bar,
pivot the adjuster until the
holes are aligned at the
position desired. Reinstall
bolts with washers and
securely tighten knobs. The
number position chosen on
the rear adjusters should
correspond with the number of spacers present on the
underside of the front caster forks.
For example, if using 4 spacers under the front caster
forks, select position 4 on the rear adjusters.
Disengaging the Transmission: The hydrostatic
transmission of your Sarlo mower has a Release Lever
on the back of the frame that allows it to be easily rolled
without the engine running.
To release the hydraulic pump, rotate the lever counter-
clockwise to the “Free Wheel” position. (Fig. 14) To
return to normal self-propel function, rotate the lever back
to the “Drive” position. The Hydro Release Lever may
also be operated using the foot.
Adjusting the Hydro Control Rod: The speed of the
mower’s hydro drive may be altered with simple adjust-
ments to the Hydro Control Rod.
The mower is adjusted at the factory to run at its maxi-
mum forward speed of 6 mph at “full grip.” Landscapers
will likely appreciate the speed but it may be too fast for
others, especially homeowners.
To adjust/reduce the maximum (full grip) speed of the
mower, shorten the length of the hydro control rod. When
the rod is shortened, it changes the at-rest position of the
hydro bale forward.
When the operator then grips the bale, it stops-out (goes
full grip) against the crossbar sooner than before,
because there is less travel. This limits the amount of
stroke on the hydro pump , which
in turn reduces the maximum
speed of the machine.
To change the length of the hydro
control rod, loosen the jam nut at
the end of the rod next to the ball
joint. (Fig. 15)
Since the rod is threaded RH/LH
at the ends, the center tube can
be turned, either taking up, or
letting out the overall length of
the rod.
Small changes in the length of
the rod produce a noticeable
change in the forward ground
speed of the mower. Owners
should adjust speed to individual
walking preferences.
MAINTENANCE:
Engine: For all Engine Maintenance Requirements and
Specifications, please refer to the manufacturer’s separate
engine manual provided with your mower.
Transmission: The hydrostatic transmission in your
mower was designed for extended use in a commercial
environment. It is a sealed unit and requires no routine
maintenance.
General Lubrication: Your Sarlo mower has three
grease fittings; one on each of the front caster wheels and
one on the mower blade spindle. (Fig. 16) The grease
fitting for the blade spindle is accessed from the underside
of the mowing deck.
The caster wheels should each be greased every 100
hours of operation. The mower blade spindle should
be greased every 40 hours of operation.
Sarlo recommends the use of high-temperature/high-
pressure “red” lithium grease.
Caster Fork Service: To make removal of the caster
forks easier (for height of cut adjustments), it is recom-
mended that operators occasionally remove the fork and
wheel assemblies from their support bearings in the frame.
Clean the shafts thoroughly of all accumulated dirt, rust
and debris with fine sandpaper, then lubricate the shafts
and bearing bores with a light lubricant such as WD-40 or
PB-Blaster.
Page 6 © 2015 Sarlo® Power Mowers, Inc.
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Drive Chain Lubrication: The wheel drive axle on your
mower is driven by a roller chain that should be thorough-
ly lubricated at regular intervals. Dirtier environments
require that the chain be lubricated more frequently. Sarlo
recommends a foaming molybdenum aerosol grease like
the kind commonly used for motorcycle chains. The chain
should be lubricated every 100 hours of operation.
Sharpening the Cutting Blade: A sharp blade is the
first step in achieving a beautiful cut.
CAUTION! BEFORE SERVICING BLADES OR PER-
FORMING ANY WORK UNDERNEATH THE CUTTING
DECK, TURN OFF ENGINE AND REMOVE KEY!
Tilt the mower back and support securely to access the
underside of the mowing deck. This task is done more
easily with the help of a friend. (Fig. 17)
Block the blade from rotation and using a 15/16” box-end
wrench or socket, remove the center retention bolt along
with its special cupped locking washer and set aside.
On a suitable grinder, reshape the original cutting edge
and angle and smooth away any nicks or dings. Always
seek to remove the minimal amount of material.
Reinstall the blade to the spindle making certain that the
airlift “wings” are to the upside and that the cupped side of
the washer faces “up” against the blade. The blade reten-
tion bolt should be tightened using a torque wrench with a
minimum setting of 55 Ft. Lbs.
Tire Air Pressure: For best traction and minimal track-
ing, the rear tires of your mower should be inflated to 12-
16 PSI. The front caster tires are urethane-filled (no-flats)
and require no inflation maintenance.
Belt Tensioning: The belt system is easy to access for
cleaning and belt replacement. The belt has automatic
spring tensioning and requires no adjustment. Never
access the belt and pulley system unless the engine is
turned off and the blades have stopped turning.
Cleaning: Clean your Sarlo after each use. Let the unit
cool, then wipe the grass and debris from mower and
engine. Tip the mower back to clean underneath deck.
Check the mower condition to prepare it for the next use.
Check the blade and mounting hardware at frequent inter-
vals for wear and tightness. If a pressure washer is used
for cleaning, we strongly advise caution around hubs and
bearings where pressurized water and contaminants
could be forced inside, leading to premature failure.
SERVICE, PARTS & ACCESSORIES:
Your Sarlo mower has been built with the finest materials
available to provide you with long life and enjoyable ser-
vice. Please replace any and all worn items with genuine
SARLO original equipment parts for safety and for best
performance.
Parts and accessories may be purchased through your
local Sarlo dealer. In the event no dealer is available, parts
can be ordered directly from our factory.
Accessories: The BigMo Standard Side Discharge may
be equipped with an optional grass catcher/bagger or a
mulch kit and mulch blades.
To place an order for genuine parts and accessories, or to
locate the Sarlo dealer nearest you, please contact us at
Sarlo Power Mowers, Inc.
www.sarlomower.com
Sarlo Power Mowers, Inc.
P.O. Box 1196
Fort Myers, FL 33902
Phone: [phone]
- - -
SARLO BigMoTM Service Parts List:
(Continued on Next Page)
BigMo™ Owner’s Manual Page 7
Fig. 17
Part # Description Quantity
10104 Weldment,
Caster Fork
2
10105 Spacer, Caster
Fork
12
10106 Bearing, Caster
Fork
6
10109 Caster Wheel/
Tire Assembly
2
10118 Weldment, Deck 1
10119 Belt, 30 Deck - 1
10120 Pulley, Deck Idler 1
10121 Blade, 30 BigMo 1
10130 Bushing, Deck 1
10131 Sleeve, Deck 1
10134 Spring, Deck 1

Page 8 © 2016 Sarlo® Power Mowers, Inc.
Part # Description Quantity
10140 Spindle
Assembly
1
10148 Control, Throttle 1
10150 Switch, Interlock 2
10152 Switch, Ignition 1
10160 Transmission,
Hydrostatic
1
10161 Chain, Drive - 41 1
10162 Sprocket, 9T - 41 1
10164 Knob 6
10165 Assembly,
Differential
1
10169 Weldment, Trans.
Idler Arm
1
10170 Spring, Trans.
Idler
1
10171 Bushing, Trans,
Idler
2
10172 Sleeve, Trans.
Idler Bushing
2
10173 Pulley, Trans.
Idler
1
10178 Wheel/Tire
Assembly
2
10179 Spacer, Wheel 2
10181 Belt,
Transmission
1
10184 Blade, 30”
Mulching
-
10199 Spring, Return 1
10214 Weldment, Chute
Bracket
1
10241 Clutch, Electric 1
Part # Description Quantity
10254 Spring, OP
Return
1
10256 Switch, Electric
Clutch
11
10257 Hour Meter 1
10259 Manual, Owner’s 1
10262 Weldment, Mulch -
10263 Grass Catcher -
SERVICE NOTES:
Date: Description: