sunjoe MJ501M User manual

© 2019 by Snow Joe®, LLC
All rights reserved. Original instructions.
1
A Division of Snow Joe®, LLC
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Model MJ501M Form No. SJ-MJ501M-880E-MR5
R
MANUAL QUAD-WHEEL REEL MOWER
18-INCH | GRASS CATCHER | RAZOREEL
IMPORTANT!
Safety Instructions
All Operators Must Read These
Instructions Before Use
Always follow these safety guidelines. Failure to do so may
result in serious bodily injury or death.
General Safety WARNINGS!
When using this reel mower, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of personal injury. These
precautions include:
mWARNING! This unit can be dangerous! Careless or
improper use can cause serious injury.
mWARNING! Risk of dismemberment: keep hands and
feet away from the rotating blades and the cutting area.
Before using the reel mower, familiarize yourself with the
controls, especially how to stop the mower in an emergency.
The only individuals who should use the mower are those who
thoroughly understand these instructions and know how to
properly operate the unit. Children should never be allowed
access to the mower.
Retain this manual for future reference and reread it at the start
of each mowing season.
Safety Information
1. Never place hands, ngers, or feet inside the reel.
Although this mower is not powered by a motor, the reel
spins when the wheels turn, and it is sharp enough to
cause serious injury.
2. Never mow when the grass is wet as it can be slippery.
3. Do not use the reel mower while barefoot or while
wearing sandals.
4. Walk behind, never run, while using the reel mower.
Always keep proper footing and balance when using this
reel mower.
5. Do not intentionally strike or hit trees, fences, or
other objects. Doing so can cause severe injuries or
permanently damage the reel mower's mechanisms.
6. Make sure that the reel mower is in proper working order
prior to use. Do not attempt to operate this reel mower if it
is damaged. Contact your authorized Snow Joe®+
Sun Joe®dealer or call the Snow Joe®+ Sun Joe®
customer service center at 1-866-SNOWJOE
(1-866-766-9563).
IMPORTANT!
Safety Instructions for Walk-Behind
Reel Mowers
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine.
Always stay clear of the discharge opening.
• Only responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions should be allowed to operate this machine.
• Clear the mowing area of foreign objects such as rocks,
wire, toys, and other miscellaneous articles, which could
be picked up and thrown by the rotating blades.
• Make sure that the mowing area is clear of bystanders
before starting the mower. Stop the mower if anyone
enters the area.
• Always look down and behind before starting and while
moving backward with the mower.
• Do not operate the machine without safety protective
devices in place and in proper working order.
• Never operate the mower on wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; walk, never run, with the mower.
• Keep blades sharp.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting area.
• Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
• Objects struck by the reel mower blades can cause severe
injuries. The mowing area should always be carefully
examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
• Only use identical replacement blades.
Slope Operation
Slopes are major factors involved in slip and fall accidents.
Such accidents can cause severe personal injury. Operating
this mower on any inclined surface requires extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

2
• Mow across the face of a sloped surface; never mow
up and down a slope. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on a slope.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. These may cause an unexpected slip or fall.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
• Do not mow near drop-os, ditches, or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
• Stay alert and stop the reel mower if a child enters
the area.
• Never allow children access to the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
Service
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Regularly check
to ensure these devices are in place and in proper
working order.
• Keep the reel mower free from grass, leaves, or other
debris buildup.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the reel
mower. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Check the grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.
• The mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blades or wear
gloves when handling.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels
as needed.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

3
Safety Symbols
The following table depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
SAFETY ALERT – Indicates a
precaution, a warning, or a danger.
DANGER! Cutting/dismemberment
hazard – Keep feet away from the
rotating blades.
Keep bystanders and children a
safe distance away.
DANGER! Sharp blades can
sever ngers and toes. Keep
away from the cutting area.
Slip on slope hazard – Use extra
caution when mowing on slopes to
prevent slip and fall accidents.
CAUTION! Beware of stones and
other foreign objects that could be
thrown from the appliance.
DANGER! Cutting/dismemberment
hazard – Keep hands away from the
rotating blades.
Symbols SymbolsDescriptions Descriptions
READ THE OPERATOR'S
MANUAL(S) – Read, understand,
and follow all instructions in the
user manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate.

4
R
R
Know Your Manual Reel Mower
Read the owner’s manual and safety instructions carefully before operating the reel mower. Compare the illustration below to the
reel mower in order to become familiar with the location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
1. Foam grip
2. Upper handle
3. Upper handle knob and bolt (2)
4. Middle handle bar (2)
5. Lower handle knob and bolt (4)
6. Lower handle
7. Grass catcher
8. Height adjustment levers
9. Rear wheels
10. Front wheels
11. Reel mower body
12. Steel blades
2
1
3
4
7
9
10
11
6
5
8
12
Technical Data
Rotor....................................................... 5 steel blades
Cutting Width ......................................... 18 in. (45.7 cm)
Cutting Heights ...................................... 1.4 in. – 2.5 in.
(3.6 cm – 6.4 cm)
Wheel Size ............................................. Front: 10 in. (25 cm)
Rear: 6 in. (15 cm)
Grass Catcher Capacity ..........................7 gal (26.5 l)
Height Control .........................................9-position manual
height adjustment
Weight ..................................................... 29.3 lbs (13.3 kg)

5
Unpacking
Carton Contents:
• Reel mower body
• Upper handle
• Middle handle bar (2)
• Lower handle
• Handle knob and bolt (6)
• Grass catcher
• Hex wrench
• Paper test strips (20)
• Manual with registration card
1. Carefully remove the manual reel mower and check to see
that all of the above items are supplied.
2. Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping. If you nd damaged or
missing parts, DO NOT return the unit to the store. Please
call the Snow Joe®+ Sun Joe®customer service center at
1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
NOTE: Do not discard the shipping carton and packaging
material until you are ready to use your new manual reel
mower. The packaging is made of recyclable materials.
Properly dispose of these materials in accordance with
local regulations.
IMPORTANT! The equipment and packaging material are
not toys. Do not let children play with plastic bags, foils,
or small parts. These items can be swallowed and pose a
suocation risk!
Assembly
Fitting the handle
NOTE: Do not tighten the knobs completely until assembly is
complete.
1. Secure the two middle handle bars to the upper handle
using the rst set of knobs and bolts provided. Tighten the
knobs on each side to ensure a secure t (Fig. 1).
2. Attach the upper and middle handle assembly to the lower
handle using the remaining knobs and bolts provided.
Tighten the knobs on each side to ensure a secure t
(Fig. 2).
Upper handle
Middle
handle
bars
Knobs
Bolts
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Upper and
middle
handle
assembly
Lower handle
Knobs
Bolts
Bolts

6
3 After assembling the handle, line up the holes at the lower
end of each handle arm with the short posts that extend
from the side plates of the mower base (Fig. 3).
4. Pull both sides of the lower handle bars over the posts
on the mower body. Press inward on the handle bars to
ensure a secure t over the posts.
Fitting the grass catcher
1. Hook the pre-assembled grass catcher onto the mower
body by connecting the hooks to both ends of the steel
shaft (Fig. 4).
2. Secure the locking strap on the grass catcher to the center
bar on the lower handle of the mower. Adjust the strap to
an appropriate height so that the grass catcher does not
rub against the ground while mowing or transporting the
unit (Fig. 5).
NOTE: If you have any questions, please call the Snow Joe®+
Sun Joe®customer service department at 1-866-SNOWJOE
(1-866-766-9563) for assistance.
Operation
Cutting height adjustment
1. The cutting height of the 18" (45.7 cm) reel mower can be
adjusted from 1.4" to 2.5" (3.6 cm to 6.4 cm) by moving
the 9-position height adjustment levers to the desired
setting. The height adjustment levers are located next to
the smaller wheels.
2. In order to set the mower to its lowest cutting position,
pull the adjustment levers on both sides, one at a time,
and set them to position A (Fig. 6).
3. In order to set the mower to its highest cutting position,
move the adjustment levers on both sides to
position B (Fig. 6).
NOTE: The two adjustment levers MUST be set to the
same position (height).
Fig. 3
Post
Handle bars
R
Fig. 4
Steel shaft
Hook
Hook
Locking strap
Fig. 5
Highest
cutting
position
Lowest
cutting
position
Adjustment
Lever
Fig. 6 Position A
Position B

7
4. Other cutting heights are achieved by moving the
adjustment levers to the settings between the highest and
lowest positions.
Ensuring a clean cut
mWARNING! The steel blades are extremely sharp.
To avoid injury, do not touch the blades while making
adjustments.
NOTE: Although the blades are pre-adjusted prior to leaving
the factory, it is recommended that the adjustment be veried
prior to rst use.
NOTE: Vibrations during shipping can cause blade
misalignment, which often causes the blades to become too
loose or too tight. This will result in a rough, uneven cut, or
make the mower dicult to push (Fig. 7).
1. To verify proper blade alignment, place the mower on a
at surface. Remove the handles and the grass catcher.
Turn the mower reel upside down to expose the
cutting bar.
2. Using one of the twenty pieces of paper provided, insert
one of these pieces of paper between the cutting bar and
the reel blades, then slowly turn the wheel by hand
(Fig. 8).
3. All the blades should slice the paper evenly along the
entire length of the cutting bar while the reel is turned
smoothly.
4. If the mower cuts the paper intermittently, adjustment
should be made to the appropriate side of the blades to
achieve optimal cutting performance.
Adjusting the mower blades
1. Each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted separately.
2. The cutting bar blade, which is located under the reel,
is able to pivot. The two adjustment bolts located at the
back of the mower move the cutting bar away from the
blades when they are turned counterclockwise, and closer
to the blades when they are turned clockwise (Fig. 9).
mWARNING! Do not overtighten the adjustment bolts as
this could damage the cutting bar. Both adjustment bolts must
be tight on nal adjustment.
3. To loosen the blades, use the hex wrench provided and
turn both adjustment bolts by an equal amount
counterclockwise.
4. To tighten the blades, tighten both adjustment bolts by an
equal amount by turning them clockwise.
NOTE: If you have any questions, please call the Snow Joe® +
Sun Joe®customer service department at 1-866-SNOWJOE
(1-866-766-9563) for assistance.
5. Once the mower blades have been properly adjusted and
their alignment has been veried, you can now proceed
to use your reel mower. Align the cutting path indication
arrow with the previously cut path (Fig. 10).
NOTE: The width of the reel mower's actual cut is
indicated below. Do not use the mower's wheels as a
reference point for the grass cut line.
Quality
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Turn the wheel by hand
Paper
Fig. 9
Hex wrench
Adjustment bolts

8
Mowing Tips
Follow the 1/3 rule
The 1/3 rule is key to an enjoyable mowing experience and a
healthy lawn.
1. You should mow your lawn regularly, at least once a week,
during the growing season.
2. Be guided by observing the lawn and taking care not to
remove more than 1/3 of the total height of the turf at any
mowing session and never more than 1 inch at a time
(Fig. 11).
3. Following this rule will stimulate the turf’s root growth,
maintain its health, and encourage its natural ability to
crowd out unwanted weeds.
Tall grass requires incremental cutting
1. For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at the
mower's maximum setting for the rst pass, and then
reset it to the desired height and mow a second or third
time (Fig. 12).
2. Removing too much of the turf’s height, especially in the
heat of summer, can cause root shock and weaken the
lawn; bringing down the height by successive mowing
over two or more days can avoid this damage and
maintain the health of the turf.
3. If the lawn is overgrown (to higher than 4 inches) it may be
necessary to use a brush cutter to remove the excess turf
mass before resuming mowing at normal heights.
NOTE: Do not cover the grass surface with a heavy layer
of clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.
Care and Maintenance
1. Minimum care is required to ensure smooth operation of
your mower.
2. To avoid damage to the mower or cutting blades, keep the
area to be mowed free from debris.
3. For best results, regularly apply lubricant to the mower’s
cutting surfaces, cutting reel axle shaft, and wheels.
Sharpening the Cutting Blades
1. Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge
of the reel blades.
2. Adjust the cutting bar so that the blade has light but rm
contact across the full width of the bar.
mCAUTION! Do not overtighten the adjusting screws, as
this could damage the cutting bar. Tighten both screws during
nal adjustment.
3. Turn the reel blades until the front edge of the cutting bar
blade is polished.
Fig. 10
18 inches
1/3
1"
Fig. 11
Cut here on
rstpass Cut here on
second pass
Fig. 12

9
mWARNING! Clean any grinding compound or debris
from the cutting bar blade, reel blade, pinions, and pawls.
NOTE: Use industrial or valve lapping compound between 100
and 240 grit.
NOTE: Lubricate the axle and pinion with a light lm of wheel
bearing grease.
Cleaning and Storage
1. Clean the exterior of the machine thoroughly using a soft
brush and cloth before storing. Do not use water, solvents,
or polishes.
2. Turn the mower on its side to clean the blade area.
mWARNING! Do not place your hands inside or near the
cutting area. If grass cuttings are compacted in the blade area,
remove them using a wood or plastic cleaning tool appropriate
for blade cleaning.
3. Store the mower in a dry place. Do not place other objects
on top of the mower during storage.
Maintenance Tips
Reel mowers are relatively low maintenance. For consistent
cutting, follow the below instructions:
• Always keep the cutting bar properly adjusted. Refer to the
instruction manual for further directions.
• Regularly clean and lubricate cutting edges with light
spray oil.
IMPORTANT! Reel mowers have diculty cutting tall weeds,
such as dandelions, and will often bend, rather than cut, such
weeds. Cut often to prevent this.
Service and Support
If your Sun Joe®manual reel mower with grass catcher
requires service or maintenance, please call the Snow Joe®+
Sun Joe®customer service center at 1-866-SNOWJOE
(1-866-766-9563).
Model and Serial Numbers
When contacting the company or reordering parts, you will
need to provide the model and serial numbers of your product.
These are found on the decal axed to the housing of your reel
mower with grass catcher. Copy these numbers into the space
provided below.
Record the following numbers from the housing or handle of your
new product:
M J 5 0 1 M
Model #:
Serial #: