Talon AM3065 User manual

Rotary Lawnmower Owners Manual
Safety
Operation
Assembly
Maintenance
Model No. AM3065
Model No. AM3065
LAWN MOWER WARRANTY
The benefits conferred by this warranty are in addition to all other conditions and warranties in respect of
this product which the consumer may have taken under the Trade Practices Act 1974 or by any legislation
of a State or Territory of Australia. This product is warranted by Talon Tools Australia (ABN 12 099 520
939)(the “Company”) to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 24 months from
the date of original purchase. The Company during the period of the warranty, will at its option, and subject
to the conditions stated herein, repair or replace without charge this product or any component part, which
upon examination by an Authorised Service Agent or by the Company is found to be defective.
Warranty conditions
This warranty will not apply:
(i) where this product has been subjected to misuse, abuse, accident or want of care;
(ii) where this product has been used for a purpose for which it was not designed or is not suited;
(iii) where the service of this product has been undertaken by a person not authorised by the Company
to carry out such work or where parts that have not been approved by the Company have been used;
(iv) where this product has been used for industrial or commercial purposes.
Should service become necessary during the warranty period, the purchaser should contact an Authorised
Service Agent or the Company. In order to obtain warranty service, the purchaser must present the store
receipt showing the name of the retailer and the date of purchase together with a completed Warranty
Card. The period of the warranty begins from the original date of purchase, notwithstanding any
subsequent repair or parts replacement. No additional warranty or guarantee other than set out in this
document, whether written or verbal, is authorised to be made on the Company's behalf. The purchaser
shall be responsible for delivery or causing the product to be delivered to the Company or the Authorised
Service Agent and the purchaser shall be responsible for all charges in connection with re-delivery of the
product and/or the delivery of parts. Damage in transit is not covered by this warranty and purchasers
should remove from the product any liquids (if applicable) before sending and pack the product securely to
prevent damage.
Warranty exclusions
Normal wear parts or components are subject to separate terms as follows: Normal wear parts,
components or service required when performing normal and regular maintenance of this product are not
covered by warranty unless it is found to be defective by an Authorised Service Agent or by the Company.
Normal wear parts include, but are not limited to:
WARRANTY INFORMATION AU
Returns based on the above listed normal wear parts will not be accepted under this warranty as they
are considered consumable items and are at the expense of the purchaser.
1
Worn Blades.
Spark Plugs.
Carburetor Tune-ups.
Lubricants.
Engine Tune-ups.
Filters.
WARNING • PLEASE READ
For your own safety please read this manual before attempting to operate your new unit.
Failure to follow instructions can result in serious personal injury. Spend a few moments to
familiarize yourself with your mower before each use.

Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Talon product.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the Talon walk behind mowers. Please
read and understand this manual before using your new mower. If assistance is required,
please contact Talon Tools Australia or any Talon Tools mower servicing dealer.
To emphasise special information the WARNING and CAUTION icons are used, please
observe these carefully.
Trouble shooting _______________________________________________________ Pg 2
Specifications _________________________________________________________ Pg 4
General Identification ___________________________________________________ Pg 4
Safety Instructions _____________________________________________________ Pg 5
Assembly instructions ___________________________________________________ Pg 6
Preparing the engine____________________________________________________ Pg 10
Running the engine_____________________________________________________ Pg 12
Starting the engine _____________________________________________________ Pg 13
Cutting height control ___________________________________________________ Pg 15
Fitting the mulching plug to the mower______________________________________ Pg 16
Blade maintenance _____________________________________________________ Pg 17
Maintenance schedule __________________________________________________ Pg 18
Spark plug____________________________________________________________ Pg 18
Deck Cleaning_________________________________________________________ Pg 19
Engine air cleaner ______________________________________________________ Pg 20
Mowing tips ___________________________________________________________ Pg 21
TROUBLE SHOOTING
PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine does Throttle not in CHOKE position. Move throttle to CHOKE
not start. Fuel tank is empty. Fill tank with fuel.
Air cleaner element is dirty. Clean element or replace.
Spark-plug loose. Tighten spark-plug to 25-30 N•m.
Spark-plug leads loose or Install spark-plug lead on spark plug.
disconnected from plug.
Spark-plug gap is incorrect. Set gap between electrodes at
0.6 to 0.7mm.
Spark-plug is defective. Install new, correctly gapped plug.
Carburetor is flooded with fuel. Remove spark plug lead and remove
plug. Switch fuel tap off. Pull starter
rope 6 times to clear cylinder of fuel.
Clean and dry spark plug,then reinstall.
Faulty ignition module. Contact the service agent.
Engine difficult to Dirt, water or stale fuel tank. Drain fuel and clean tank. Fill
start or looses power. tank with clean, fresh fuel.
Vent hole in fuel tank cap is plugged. Clean or replace fuel tank cap.
Air cleaner element is dirty. Clean air cleaner element.
Engine operates Spark-plug is defective. Install new, correctly gapped plug.
erratically. Spark-plug gap is incorrect. Set gap between electrodes at
0.6 to 0.7mm.
Air cleaner element is dirty. Clean element or replace.
Engine idles poorly. Air cleaner element is dirty. Clean element or replace.
Air slots in engine shroud are blocked. Remove debris from slots.
Cooling fins and air passages Remove debris from cooling fins
under engine fan housing and air passages.
are blocked.
Engine skips at Gap between electrodes or Set gap between electrodes at high
speed. spark-plug is too close. 0.7 to 0.8mm
Engine overheats. Cooling air flow is restricted. Remove any debris from slots in
shroud, blower housing, air passages
and cooling fins on engine.
Incorrect spark-plug. Install correct spark plug.
(Part No. AO9295-305006)
Mower vibrates Cutting assembly is loose. Check and tighten blade and cutting
abnormally. plate bolts.
Cutting assembly is unbalanced. Check blade and cutting plate for
damaged wear. Replace all damaged
or worn components.
TROUBLESHOOTING AU AU
WARNING
Discharge openings must be guarded at all times. Do not hold the safety flap
up while mowing.
WARNING
Personal injury may result if information is disregarded.
CAUTION
Follow instructions to avoid mower damage and possible loss of warranty.
CONTENTS
32

• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones and other foreign, hard objects before mowing; they could be thrown by the blade.
• Never mow while barefoot or wearing open toe sandals or thongs.
Wear long trousers and heavy-duty shoes. It is advisable to wear suitable eye and hearing
protection.
• Read the Owner’s Manual carefully and know the controls. Learn how to stop the engine
quickly in an emergency.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead before attempting to clear blockages,
checking or working on the mower.
• Never attempt to adjust cutting height with the engine running.
• Never operate the equipment in wet grass, always be sure of your footings, keep a firm grip on
the handles and walk, never run and never walk backwards while cutting grass.
• Check all nuts, bolts and screws before starting. Always be sure your mower is in a safe
operating condition. Use only replacement parts made or guaranteed by Talon Tools.
• Refuel outdoors only. Do not smoke while refueling engine. Add fuel before starting the
engine. Never remove fuel cap with engine running or add petrol while the engine is
running. If petrol is spilt, do not attempt to start the engine. Clean all spilt fuel and move the
mower away from the spilled area. Avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapours
have dissipated.
•Replace worn or damaged blades, as worn blades and worn bolts are major hazards.
• Mow only in good daylight.
•Do not operate the engine in a confined space where exhaust fumes can collect, as they
can be lethal.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Always keep clear of the blades and
discharge opening.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower even for a moment, before cleaning and
when making any adjustments or inspections.
• Mow across the face of slope, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•Stop the engine when crossing gravel driveways, walks or roads.
• Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.
• Store fuel in a cool place in an approved container specifically designed for the purpose. In
AU
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AM3065
Engine: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Talon Optiva 550 OHV Four Stroke
Engine Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3600 r.p.m
Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .900ml
Oil Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500ml
Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paper Cartridge
Air Cleaner Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Handle Bar
Cutting Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .480cm (19”)
Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Swing Back
Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Position Single Lever
Cutting Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15mm to 66mm
Wheel Size (F/Rmm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200/200mm
Bearing Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ball Bearings
Tread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rubber
Grass Catcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53L Solid Plastic
Mulching Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yes
Under Deck Wash Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yes
Weight (Incl. Catcher) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39kg
GENERAL IDENTIFICATION
1
7
9
10
12
5
4
1. Adjustable Handle
2. Engine Control Lever
3. High Intake Air Cleaner
4. Air Tube
5. Locking Knob
6. Starter Handle
7. Fuel Filler Cap
8. Oil Filler Cap
9. Muffler Housing
10. Under Deck Wash Connector
11. Spark Plug
12. Cast Aluminium Ball Bearing
Wheels
13. Fuel Tap
AU
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
The safety of user and others involved. Personal injury may result if information is
disregarded.
5
2
3
4
6
11
8
13

general, plastic containers are unsuitable.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead before inspecting the mower if:
(a) the mower begins to vibrate abnormally, or
(b) after striking a foreign object.
• Check the catcher for wear and tear, and replace any worn or broken parts.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves and any spilt fuel.
• Shut the engine off and wait until the blades come to a complete stop before removing the
catcher or un-clogging the chute.
• Never pick up or carry a mower when it is operating.
• Replace worn or faulty silencers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that blades, blade bolts and cutter assemblies
are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve
balance.
• Do not mow whilst people, especially children, or pets are in the mowing area.
• Do not allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower.
• Store the mower in a well-ventilated room away from naked flames such as may be found
in hot water heaters.
• Do not over-speed the engine or alter governor settings. Excessive speed is dangerous and
shortens mower life.
• Turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing and reduce the throttle setting during engine
run-out.
•Never cut grass while walking backwards.
• Walk, never run.
• Never use the mower unless the grass catcher, or guards provided, are in position.
GRASS CATCHER
1. Position the two catcher halves as shown in
(Figure 1A).
Align the locating lugs marked 1 & 2 at the front of the
catcher. With the catcher base on the ground, push the
top section on each side of locator lug 1 until it clicks into
place. (Figure 1B).
Repeat this process for locator lug 2
2. Continue working from the front and push each locator lug
into position from number 1 through 8 until completed. i.e.
start with locator lug number 1 then 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
(Figure 1A)
3. WARNING:
DO NOT HIT THE CATCHER WITH YOUR HAND OR A
MALLET. This will break the plastic.
ALWAYS START AT POSITION 1. Do not try to
assemble the catcher from any other starting point as this
will make it difficult to assemble the clips.
4. Before use, check that all the lugs are completely clipped.
Test the assembly by holding the top handle and pushing
down of the base of the catcher. (Figure 1C)
FOLDING HANDLE
1. Loosen the locking knobs to release the handle bars for
folding. (Fig. 1D)
2. Straighten the handle and tighten locking knobs to lock
the handle bars in the operating position. (Fig. 1D)
GRASS CATCHER
1. To fit: Raise FLAP, grasp HANDLE and position catcher
against rear of mower.
2. To remove: grasp handle, lift FLAP, remove catcher. (Fig.
1E)
Figure. 1A
Figure. 1B
Figure. 1C
Figure. 1D
Figure. 1E
Locking
Knobs
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
AU
Please refer to the following sections when preparing the mower for it’s first use.
6 7
AU

AU
8
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1. Position the middle handle section (A) over the handle bracket (B) attached to the deck so
that the screw holes on both handles line up. (Fig. 2A)
2. To attach the middle handle section to the handle bracket you will requie two 51mm
screws(C), two knobs (D), 2 square inset clamps (E), and 2 circular inset clamps (F).
(Fig.2B)
3. Insert the 51mm screw into the square inset clamp, through both handles and circular
inset clamp and then tighten with knob. Repeat on other side (Fig. 2C)
(A)
(B)
D
E
F
C
Square
inset clamp
51mm
Screw
Circular
inset clamp
Knob
AU
4. To attach the top handle, slide the adjustment teeth of the top handle over the adjustment
teeth of the middle handle. Ensure the screw holes line up. (Fig. 2D)
5. Insert the 2 remianing 45mm screws(G) through the inside of the middle handle section
and then tighten with knobs. (Fig. 2E)
6. To attach the control unit to the top handle place the control unit in the handle adjustment
bracket ensuring that the 4 screw holes line up. Insert screws. (Fig 2)
9
G
Screws
Figure. 2A
Figure. 2B
Figure. 2C
Figure. 2D
Figure. 2E
Figure. 2F

FUEL
USE ONLY CLEAN FRESH PETROL AT ALL TIMES, preferably unleaded, with an octane
rating of at least 91. Four stroke (cycle) engines use straight fuel.
FUEL FILLING
1. Position the mower on a level surface in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean around the fuel tank.
3. Remove the fuel tank cap.
4. Place a clean funnel in the fuel filler.
5. Fill the fuel tank with unleaded petrol, allowing room in tank for fuel expansion.
6. Replace the fuel tank cap.
7. Clean up any spilt fuel.
AU
10
PREPARING THE ENGINE
Please read and understand the engine instructions prior to operating the lawnmower.
OIL – SAE30
Four stroke (cycle) engines are shipped without oil. Place the mower on a level position,
unscrew the ‘OIL FILL’ cap and slowly pour oil provided into the sump. Fill to the full mark on
the dipstick. The capacity is approximately 500ml. To check engine oil level first unscrew the
oil tank cap and wipe excess oil off. Insert cap into oil filler but DO NOT screw in. Remove
cap and observe oil level on dip stick. NOTE: There may be a small amount of oil in the
engine after draining. Fill using dip stick to avoid over filling.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL.
FOUR STROKE ENGINES should be checked for oil level every 8 hours running (or daily),
and the oil should be drained and replaced after every 50 hours of use.
See Engine Lubrication section for oil change information.
CAUTION
DO NOT START your four-stroke engine before making sure that it has been
filled with the right amount of the correct grade of oil.
Fig. 3
AU
Fig. 4
WARNING
Petrol vapour is highly flammable and explosive. Handle with extreme care.
Store in an approved container. Do not fill tank when engine is running or is
still hot. Do not allow open flame, matches or smoking nearby. Fill tank
outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Wipe away any spills and move the
mower away from any petrol fumes before starting engine.
CAUTION
When filling the fuel tank, always leave an air space of about 5mm to allow
for expansion of the fuel.
Oil Fill
11
FULL

Ensure that the engine has been prepared correctly and that the fuel tap is turned ON. We
recommend that you check the oil level before every mowing session.
COLD STARTING
1. Set the engine control to the “CHOKE” position.
2. Turn the fuel tap to the “ON” position. (Fig. 7)
3. Stand to the right of the mower. Hold the top handle firmly with your left hand to hold
mower stationary. Grasp the starter rope handle and pull slowly until resistance is felt.
Then pull briskly.
Do not pull the starter rope with a jerk or release it until fully rewound.
4. When engine has warmed up for a short time move the engine control lever to the desired
speed position for cutting.
Fuel
tap
Fig. 7
ENGINE.
Regular attention to a few simple items will ensure long and trouble-free service from your
mower. Carry out the regular maintenance described in the manual, and check the engine
mounting bolts regularly to be sure they are tight.
ENGINE CONTROL
This is mounted at the centre of the handle. It operates the choke, for starting, and allows
you to set the governed speed of the engine while cutting or to stop the engine.
You will not need to change the control setting constantly while mowing because the
governor holds the selected speed, even under varying cutting loads. The positions for
START, RUN, SLOW and STOP are marked.
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
AU AU
12 13
RUNNING THE ENGINE
WARNING
Never run the engine indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odourless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing away from moving parts.
STARTING THE ENGINE
WARNING
Before making any adjustments to your mower make sure that the engine is
turned off and that the blade has STOPPED ROTATING. Always disconnect the
spark plug wire and make sure it cannot accidentally contact the spark plug
before touching anything under the mower housing.

Turn mower off before adjusting cutting height. The single point cut height control adjusts all
four wheels simultaneously. To operate, steady the mower by grasping the handle with one
hand, pull the lever outwards from the mower with the other hand, and move it to the desired
setting.
For heavy or very long grass it is recommended setting the mower cut height to #4 or more
to avoid the possibility of clogging. If clogging becomes persistent because of unfavourable
conditions, try walking slower, cutting a narrower strip or raising the cutting height further.
Fig. 8A
Fig. 8B
HINTS FOR EASY STARTING
Stand the mower on a paved drive or path where the blade is clear of the grass. If you must
start on the lawn, move to an already cut area and/or raise the cutting height. Do not start the
mower on a gravel surface.
Start a warm engine with the control in the START position.
Keep the mower clean underneath
HARD START CHECKLIST
Look for these faults
Fuel 1. Insufficient fuel in tank
2. Fuel tap shut off
3. Stale fuel
4. Water or dirt in fuel
5. Blocked air vent in fuel tank cap
Ignition 1. Loose spark plug wire
2. Dirty spark plug electrodes
3. Incorrect spark plug gap
4. Incorrect spark plug type
Other 1. Choked air filter (dirt or oil)
2. Incorrect adjustment of engine control cable
3. Cutting blade obstructed
STOPPING
Move the engine control to STOP.
AU AU
14 15
CUTTING HEIGHT CONTROL LEVER

Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
Check the blade condition frequently, particularly if the mower has hit a foreign object or is
vibrating. Sub-standard cutting and catching will result from a neglected blade. Your
Authorised Dealer can replace blades as necessary, or if you prefer, supply the parts for you
to do yourself.
BLADE CHANGE
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Adjust the mower to the high cut position.
3. Lift the rear flap and prop open to give full access to the blades, use only Talon blade kit
number AO9228-305001.
4. Remove the blades, blade retaining bolts, nuts and washers and discard.
5. Fit the new blades, blade bolts, washers and nuts
in set sequence, refer drawing below (to loosen
rotate anti-clockwise, to tighten rotate clockwise).
Blade bolt torque : 14.8-22.0 ft-lb (20-30 N•m)
Fig. 10A
Fig. 10B
AU
BLADES
CAUTION
Always use genuine original equipment parts to ensure safety and proper
performance. Substitute parts can be disappointing and dangerous.
17
1. Stop the engine.
2. Make sure the discharge chute and the underside of the mower are clean. If not, clean the
mower.
3. Raise the flap with left hand, and using the hand-hold on the mulching plug, insert the
mulching plug, with the angled section to the mowers right, into the discharge chute. Make
sure the back of the plug is sitting on the rear axle, then lower the flap.
Fig. 9A
Fig. 9B
AU
FITTING THE MULCHING PLUG TO THE MOWER
16

DECK CLEANING
Wipe deck with a damp cloth.
UNDER DECK WASH CONNECTOR
1. Attach click on hose fitting to the connector. (Fig.11)
2. Start mower and set engine speed control to FAST.
3. Turn hose on.
4. Allow approximately ONE MINUTE to clean the underside of the deck.
5. Turn off hose and stop engine.
6. Disconnect hose from mower.
7. Allow mower to dry before storage.
AU
CAUTION
Do not over-tighten the spark plug as engine damage may occur.
CAUTION
Do not hose engine. Water can damage engine or contaminate the
fuel system.
19
Hose
Fitting
Wash
Connector
Fig. 11
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Check engine oil before every mowing session or every 8 hours or daily.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
First 5 Hours
Change engine oil - Oil SAE30. 500ml.
Every 25 Hours or Every Season
Change engine oil if operated under heavy load or in high ambient temperature above 35ÞC.
SAE30. 500ml.
Replace high air intake filter cartridge. (Part No. AO9183-306001)
Every 50 Hours or Every Season
Change engine oil. Use 500 ml of SAE30 oil.
Replace high air intake filter cartridge. (Part No. AO9183-306001)
Clean mower.
Mower service should be carried out by an authorised Talon service agent.
STORAGE
If mower is to be stored for over 60 days, you will need to drain the fuel, if full,
to prevent gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburettor parts.
Remove spark plug and pour about 10ml of engine oil into cylinder, replace spark plug and
turn engine over (pull cord slowly).
SPARK PLUG
Use only Talon replacement spark plug type AO9295-305006. For best results, replace the
spark plug every 100 hours of use.
1. Stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire.
2. Remove spark plug
3. Screw the replacement spark plug into the engine and tighten to 25-30 N•m torque and
replace spark plug wire.
4. Spark plug gap. 0.6 – 0.7mm
AU
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
Never tip mower sideways. To gain access to blades or cutting disc tilt backwards
so spark plug is up.
CAUTION
Failure to properly service your mower will reduce it’s operating performance and
could void warranty. Service costs are not covered by warranty.
18

• The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. By this time the grass has had a
chance to dry out. Also the sensitive newly cut grass area isn’t exposed to the direct sun.
• For healthy growth, grass should not be cut too short. Using the lowest settings can result
in destruction of the crown of grass, allowing flat lying weeds to develop.
• Vary your cutting pattern from week to week. One week mow your lawn from north to south,
the next week, mow your lawn from east to west. This will help prevent matting and
graining of the grass.
• For best performance, always keep the mower blade sharp. A blunt blade tends to tear, not
cut, the blades of grass.
• When cutting very long grass, a preliminary cut on a high setting, followed by a lower cut
(preferably a day or so later), will minimise the overall time required for the job.
• Do not try to cut too much off the grass at one time. This can cause excessive loads to be
put on the engine and also affect the mulching performance.
• It is recommended that the lowest cut height setting when mulching is #4. For best results
when mulching, cut off only the top third (or less) of the grass. Cutting lower than this will
have a detrimental effect on the mulching performance.
• When mulching, turning the mower at the end of a strip you may notice unmulched grass.
The mower deck is naturally tilted upward when turning so that the air-flow which holds the
grass in position for re-cutting is momentarily decreased. After mowing the lawn, you can
go back and mow only the turns so that the clippings are no longer visible.
• Clean the mowing chamber frequently to remove grass build-up. This will keep mowing
performance at its best, especially when mulching. Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action of the mower.
• If you are not collecting the cut grass, mow in a pattern that deposits the clippings on the
previously cut path. So, if your mower discharges clippings on the left, the next cut should
be to the right of the previous one, and vice-versa.
• When cutting close to obstructions such as tree trunks, and when mowing to the edge of a
lawn where there is no wheel support, use the left side of the mower, giving a useful blade
‘overhang’ for ready access to awkward areas.
AU
MOWING TIPS
21
ENGINE AIR CLEANER
The engine air cleaner element must be serviced (cleaned) after 25 hours normal mowing.
TO REPLACE HIGH INTAKE PAPER AIR FILTER (Part No. AO9183-306001)
1. Remove air filter housing cover by pushing down on air filter cover clip. (Fig.12A)
2. Remove old paper filter and dispose of properly.(Fig.12B)
3. Insert new filter into housing so that the end with the opening fits into the inner tube in the
housing.
4. Replace cover. Ensure cover is locked in place.
AU
CAUTION
Do not allow dirt or dust to clog the air filter element.
20
Clip Paper Filter
Fig. 12A Fig. 12B