Twin-Drive REEL MOWER User manual

TWIN-DRIVE
REEL MOWER
OWNERS MANUAL

LIST OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................1
COMPLIANCE ..................................................................................................1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.....................................................................................2
SYMBOLS........................................................................................................4
OPERATING THE REEL MOWER........................................................................5
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC) ............................................................. 5
IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS ......................................................................... 5
HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENT................................................................................ 6
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................ 6
CUTTING CYLINDER TO BOTTOM BLADE ADJUSTMENT ..................................... 6
GRASS CATCHER ................................................................................................ 7
MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................8
CLEANING AND STORAGE..............................................................................12
GRASS CUTTING FAULTS ...............................................................................13
TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................14
WARRANTY ..................................................................................................15
VER 6 : 4-12-08

-1-
INTRODUCTION
The ‘Twin-Drive’ Reel Mower is a precision built machine, designed for a high quality of
finish and long service life. The way in which the machine is operated and maintained will
have a profound effect on its performance and reliability.
This manual contains advice on the safe operation of your ‘Twin-Drive’ Reel Mower, which
is offered for the guidance and protection of all those operating and servicing the machine.
In the pursuit of continuous development and product improvement, the Supplier reserves
the right to alter specifications without notice.
COMPLIANCE
The Twin Drive Reel mowers have been tested for Noise Emission in accordance with Annex
H of UNI EN 836:2003
Test Results
400 B 2.4
500 B 2.4
500 Golf
660 B 4.0
500 H 5.5
500 Golf
660 H 5.5
B 4.0
H 5.5
95 db(A)
96 db(A)
97db(A)
97 db(A)
96 db(A)
97db(A)
97 db(A)
The Twin Drive Reel mowers have been tested for Vibration values in accordance with
EN 1033:1995
Test Results
400 B 2.4
500 B 2.4
500 Golf B 4.0
660 B 4.0
ahw,x = 3.12 m/s2
ahw,x = 4.04 m/s2
ahw,x = 3.93 m/s2
ahw,x = 5.25 m/s2
ahw,y = 3.73 m/s2
ahw,y = 1.52 m/s2
ahw,y = 0.61 m/s2
ahw,y = 1.19 m/s2
ahw,z = 3.74 m/s2
ahw,z = 2.17 m/s2
ahw,z = 2.25 m/s2
ahw,z = 2.34 m/s2
500 H 5.5
500 Golf H 5.5
660 H 5.5
ahw,x = 5.52 m/s2
ahw,x = 5.76 m/s2
ahw,x = 7.31 m/s2
ahw,y = 1.80 m/s2
ahw,y = 1.98 m/s2
ahw,y = 1.21 m/s2
ahw,z = 3.49 m/s2
ahw,z = 2.15 m/s2
ahw,z = 2.48 m/s2

-2-
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING THE REEL MOWER, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT OPERATORS
STUDY IT FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY.
THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS. A CAREFUL
OPERATOR WHO USES COMMON SENSE IS THE SAFEST OPERATOR.
1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and use of the equipment.
2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the machine.
3. Never operate the machine while people or animals are nearby.
4. The operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
property.
5. While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks,
wires, bones and any other foreign objects.
7. Check that the mower is in good working order before using. Always visually inspect to
see that the cutting blade, blade bolts and cutting cylinder are not worn or damaged and
regularly check that all nuts, bolts, linkages and connections are tight and secure. Repair or
replace excessively worn or damaged components with genuine TWIN DRIVE Spare Parts
only.
8. Always add fuel before you start mowing. Refuel and lubricate outdoors only. Never
remove the fuel cap or attempt to add fuel while the engine is running. Thoroughly clean
any fuel spillages before starting the engine. After refuelling or topping up with engine oil,
ensure that the filler caps are replaced securely.
9. Do not operate the mower in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes
can collect.
10. Mow only in daylight hours or in good artificial light.
11. Replace worn or faulty silencers.

-3-
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
12. Never cut grass while walking backwards.
13. Always wear suitable eye protection and ear muffs when operating the mower.
14. When mowing on slopes, only mow across the face, never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction and do not attempt to mow excessively steep
gradients.
15. Never lift or carry the mower while the engine is running.
16. Keep hands and feet well clear of rotating blades and components.
17. Always stop the engine when you leave the mower unattended and disconnect the
cutting reel drive when crossing roads, pathways or gravel drives.
18. Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug before attempting to clean the
mower, un-block the cutting mechanisms, carry out maintenance or repairs, inspecting the
mower after abnormal vibrations or after striking a foreign object.
19. Do not adjust throttle or governor settings, as this will have a detrimental effect on the
mower’s cutting ability and ultimately shorten the mower’s working life.
20. Store fuel in a cool place away from direct sunlight in a suitable container.
21. Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields or without safety protection
devices in place and in good working order.
22. Disengage drive to the cutting reel when transporting or not in use
HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK: This reel mower has been designed and constructed so that,
in so far as reasonably practical, it will not endanger the safety and health of those working
with it, This is however subject to the machine being properly used and maintained
according to the conditions stated in this manual and elsewhere, which have been found
necessary as a result of the research and testing of the Supplier.

-4-
SYMBOLS
MEANING OF THE SYMBOLS SHOWN ON THE MOWER
Warning
Read Operating Instructions before starting operations
Be careful of object thrown from the mower
Keep other people away from the danger zone
Disconnect spark plug before carrying out any maintenance
Attention –Danger Keep hands and feet away from cutting blades
Be careful of hot surfaces
Attention –Danger Do Not touch hot surfaces

-5-
OPERATING THE REEL MOWER
SAFETY NOTICE
WARNING: PREVENT ACCIDENTS
Before operating the mower it is essential that:-
The operator reads and understands this manual.
The daily maintenance checks have been properly carried out and the mower is in good
working order.
The operator should wear safety clothing and eye protection. Failure to do so could
result in damage and risk to health and safety.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC)
Drive to the cutting cylinder is only possible when the operator actuates the reel clutch
lever ‘Y. If the operator releases the lever, the drive to the cutting cylinder is disengaged.
IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS
Throttle Control Lever
The throttle control lever is located at the top the central handle tube. To start a cold
engine fitted with a choke system, push the throttle control lever forward and move the
choke lever situated on the carburettor to fully on position. After starting, slowly move the
choke lever to the run position. Do not use the choke when starting warm engine. Note
that the engine speed dictates the speed and operation of travel and cutting reel.
Reel Clutch Lever
The reel clutch lever ‘Y’ is located on the LH side of the upper
handlebar ‘Z’ and is sprung to the disengage position. Squeeze the
lever toward the handlebar to engage the drive to the cutting
cylinder. Release the lever to disengage the drive to the cutting
cylinder.
Roller Clutch Lever.
The roller clutch lever ‘X’ is located on the RH side of the upper handlebar ‘Z’ and is sprung
to the disengage position. Drive to the rear roller is engaged when the lever is squeezed
towards the upper handlebar. Releasing the lever disengages drive to the rear roller. When
the reel and rear roller clutch Levers are squeezed both levers ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are interlocked in
position. The levers remain engaged if any one of the levers is held squeezed. This enables
one hand operation of the mower. Both drives are disengaged with the release of the
levers.

-6-
OPERATING THE REEL MOWER
Recoil Start Handle.
Refer to the engine manufacturer’s owners’ handbook for details.
HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENT
The clutch cables and levers are factory fitted to the upper handle and mower. The upper
handle assembly is transported separated at the handlebar pivot point. On assembly,
remove the handle locking lever, position the upper handle assembly, and fit the handle
locking lever and clamp the upper handle in place. The height and position of the handlebar
may be changed to suit individual operators requirements by loosening the bolts retaining
the lower handlebar to the mower frame and pivoting it in the slot provided. The nuts and
bolts must be secured in the position required.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The cutting height is gauged by the
position of the front and rear rollers.
It is variable between 7 - 30mm and
adjusted by means of a plastic
handwheel. The cutting height is
increased by rotating the handwheel
in a clockwise direction and vice-versa.
If a particular cutting height is
required it is necessary to bridge the
rear and front rollers and measure the
normal height to the cutting point of the bottom blade and adjusting the handwheel to
obtain the correct height of cut.
CUTTING CYLINDER TO BOTTOM BLADE ADJUSTMENT
It is essential that the relationship between the bottom blade
and cutting cylinder is kept in good adjustment and that
cutting edges are kept sharp to ensure good cutting
performance, minimum power consumption and prolonged
life for the cutting edges. Carry out the following procedures
before commencing work and re-check the settings every 2-3
hours of mowing or when the cutting performance is
noticeably reduced.

-7-
OPERATING THE REEL MOWER
Razor Cut System
Check that the cutting cylinder is correctly set in relation to the bottom blade by a piece of
2 thou (0.05 mm) shim between the cutting cylinder and the bottom blade. Carefully rotate
the cylinder by hand and check that the shim is being touched by points along the length of
the blade. Hold the shim flat on the bottom blade:-
If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows:-
Turn adjusting screw ‘A’ in a clockwise direction each end alternatively, whilst rotating the
cutting cylinder, with the shim on the bottom blade and is in fleeting contact with the
cutting cylinder along its entire length. Re-check this procedure making marginal
adjustments to screw ‘A’ as necessary.
NOTE:
There should always be a clearance of 2 thou (0.05 mm) between the bottom blade and
cutting cylinder to create a scything cut for a better finish. This clearance also eliminates
the noise created by the blades. DO NOT over tighten the bearing housing retaining nyloc
nuts B and C.
When the grass is not being cut cleanly it will be necessary to regrind the front of the
bottom blade. This procedure must be carried out by your authorised service agent on a
quality, well maintained bottom blade grinding machine. If the wearing is excessive both
the cutting cylinder and bottom blade will need regrinding.
GRASS CATCHER
Always shut off the engine whilst fitting or removing the grass catcher. The Twin Drive Reel
Mower can be operated with the grass catcher fitted or removed. Generally the quality of
sward will be improved with the grass catcher removed, hence re-clipping the grass. To fit
the grass catcher, position the catcher in front of the mower and support the catcher by its
front handle and its top edge. Lift the catcher into position engaging the hooks over the
catcher studs at each end of the mower frame. Finally lower the catcher into place,
ensuring it is sitting level on the mower. Reverse this procedure to remove the catcher.

-8-
MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT PREVENT DAMAGE: Regular maintenance is essential for the continued safe
operation of the machine. Correct servicing will prolong the working life of the machine
and safeguard the Twin Drive Warranty. Always fit genuine ‘Twin Drive Service Parts’ as
these are accurately matched to the required duty.
Engine
Refer to the manufacturer’s operators’ manual for engine maintenance information.
Fuel
If the fuel has to be drained for maintenance or any other reason, this should be done
outdoors.
Check engine oil level
Before the first use, every Twin Drive mower will require the addition of engine oil, as they
leave the factory in a ‘dry’ condition. Engine oil requires changing after the initial first five
hours of use, and then every 50 hours of normal use and 25 hours of heavy use thereafter.
With the mower in a level position, remove the oil dipstick, if the engine oil level is below
the minimum mark on the dipstick, top up with the correct grade of engine oil to the full
mark on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL. Then screw the dipstick securely back into place.
Clean the air cleaner
Remove and clean the air filter cartridge at three monthly intervals or every 25 hours of
use. The air filter cartridge may require servicing more often under dusty operating
conditions. To service the air cleaner cartridge, follow the procedures. Loosen the screws
and remove the cartridge. Blow a gentle air line through the cartridge in the opposite
direction to normal engine operation. If the cartridge is excessively dirty, it should be
replaced.
Check spark plug
Clean and reset the spark plug gap every 100 hours of operation. Remember, in small
engines, difficult starting and erratic running is most often attributable to a dirty, oily or
carbonated spark plug. Do not file or sand blast the spark plug electrode but clean by
scraping or wire brushing, then cleaning with a commercial solvent.
Rotating screen
Through prolonged operation, the rotating screen may become clogged with grass and
debris. Clean the screen in line with the engine manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid
over heating and possible engine damage.