Victa 881873 User manual

Not for
Reproduction
WARNING! Read this manual before operating your Classic Cut Lawnmower.
Lawnmower
Assembly and
Owner’s Manual
MODEL
881873

Not for
Reproduction
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
4 Stroke Label
Engine must have SAE 30 Oil added to the Engine Sump before starting.
Refer to the Engine Manual for oil filling information.
Please use the engine's dipstick to ensure correct oil fill level.
Failure to add oil to your engine before attempting to start it will
damage the engine and void the Engine Warranty.
The following warning labels are attached to your mower on purchase.
Please read labels before discarding.
Labels

Not for
Reproduction
Table of Contents
Important Notes 1
Unit Details
Safety & Handling 2
Transporting the mower
Before using the mower
Operating the mower
Maintaining the mower
Refuelling the mower
Hazards
Personal Safety Equipment
Assembly Procedures 5
Fabric Grasscatcher Assembly
Fitting the Grasscatcher
Handle Knobs/Toggles
Handle assembly parts
Attaching the lower handles
Attaching upper handle
Attaching the throttle control
Attaching the clutch cable
Operating Instructions 8
Starting & Stopping
Height Adjustment
Maintenance & Care 9
Cleaning
Blade Replacement
Maintenance Chart
Troubleshooting
Warranty
See Separate Leaflet

Not for
Reproduction
IMPORTANT NOTES
1
Congratulations on your purchase of a top quality RAPID MULCHER lawnmower. This
instruction manual will aid in the assembly, operation and maintenance of your new
lawnmower.
Please read carefully to ensure safety and the long life of your product.
Do not operate the unit before reading this manual.
Do not operate before reading the ‘Engine Manual’.
Keep this instruction manual in a safe place for future reference or if service is required on your
unit.
Please read the Warranty leaflet carefully
Unit Details
When unpacking the unit, ensure that all component parts listed below have been provided.
Should there be a problem, notify the place of purchase.
You should find the following enclosed:
• 1 Lawnmower
• 1 Grasscatcher
• 1 Engine manual
• 1 Mulching plug
• 1 Lower handles and accessories pack
• 1 Warranty Leaflet

Not for
Reproduction
2
Safety Instructions
Transporting the mower
• Turn the engine off, by moving the throttle lever to the 'STOP' position and switching the
fuel tap off (where fitted).
• Disconnect the spark plug lead and wedge it away from the spark plug.
• Do not transport the mower in a vehicle if there is fuel in the fuel tank.
Before using the mower
• Read the engine manual.
• For the 4 stroke engines, SAE 30 oil must be placed in engine sump before
starting engine. Please refer to engine Manual, for filling volume and method.
Failure to do so will cause engine damage and will void engine warranty.
NOTE: Please refer to engine manufacturer's manual.
• Do not start the mower until you have studied the instruction manual.
• Know the mower controls. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in an emergency by
moving the throttle to the 'STOP' position.
• Do not allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower.
• Before using the mower, ensure that the blade assembly is not worn or damaged.
Always replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve correct balance.
Damaged or worn blades and bolts are major hazards. Use genuine spare parts only.
• Please note blades may be tucked under blade disc for safety and transport
reasons before use. Once the engine is started they will relocate themselves for
cutting.
• Check all fasteners regularly. Always ensure the mower is in a safe operating condition.
• Check for grass build up around the engine and muffler which may cause overheating
and/or a fire hazard.
• Do not start the engine unless the rear flap and/or grasscatcher are securely in position.
Operating the mower
• Do not mow while people, especially children, or pets are in the vicinity of the mower or
within the mowing area. Ensure that bystanders are a minimum of 15 metres away.
• Do not mow in bare feet or open shoes. Wear long trousers and heavy footwear.
• Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones, bones, wire and debris before mowing.
These could be thrown by the blades and cause injury or damage.
• Start the engine carefully with feet well clear of blades. Do not tilt the mower when
starting the engine.

Not for
Reproduction
3
Safety Instructions cont'd
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even for a moment.
• Mow only in good daylight.
• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts beneath mower when engine is running.
• Do not over speed the engine or alter the governor settings. Excessive engine speed is
dangerous and shortens mower life.
• Never lift, carry or tilt the mower when the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before pushing the mower across gravel, paths or roads. Stop the
engine before the mower leaves the lawn.
• Stop the engine before adjusting the cutting height.
• Mow across the face of a slope, never up or down. Use extreme caution when changing
direction on a slope. Do not mow on excessively steep slopes.
• Never mow by pulling the mower towards you. You may slip and pull the mower on top
of your feet. Never mow grass while walking backwards.
• Walk with the mower, never run.
• The safety distance determined by the guiding handles must be maintained at all times.
• At the conclusion of mowing, always turn the mower off using the throttle lever then turn
fuel tap off (where fitted).
Maintaining the mower
• If the mower begins to vibrate abnormally, or if it strikes a foreign object - STOP the
engine, disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug and carefully wedge it away
from the spark plug. Inspect the mower and blades for any damage.
• Replace worn or faulty mufflers as they adversely affect engine performance and increase
emissions.
• It is recommended that all maintenance, repair and inspection work be carried out by an
Authorised Service Centre.
• Store the mower in a well ventilated area, away from any naked flames such as those
found in hot water heaters.
Refuelling the mower
• Refuel the mower outdoors only.
• Do not smoke when refuelling the engine. Never add fuel or remove the fuel cap while
the engine is running or hot. If fuel is spilt, do not start the engine. Move the mower
away from the area of the spill. Do not create any source of ignition until fuel vapours
have dissipated.
• Store fuel in a cool place and in a container specifically designed for the purpose. A 5
litre fuel can is supplied as an optional extra. Plastic containers are unsuitable, except
those specifically designed to hold fuel.

Not for
Reproduction
Recommended personal protection equipment to wear when working with your lawnmower:
A set of ear muffs.
A pair of protective gloves.
A pair of safety boots.
Eye protection.
4
The following safety precautions must be strictly observed to avoid the risk of damage or
personal injury.
• Do not smoke while operating or refuelling the mower. Never add fuel or remove the fuel
cap while the engine is running or hot. If fuel is spilt, do not start the engine. Move the
mower away from the area of the spill. Do not create any source of ignition until the fuel
vapours have dissipated.
• Check all fasteners regularly. Always ensure that the mower is in safe operating condition.
Use genuine spare parts only.
• Do not operate the mower in confined spaces where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide)
can collect.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even if only for a moment.
• Stop the engine when emptying the grasscatcher. Never try to clear grass from inside the
mower while the engine is running.
• Never lift, carry or tilt the mower when the engine is running.
• Bystanders must be at least 15 metres away during operation of the mower, as rocks
and other materials may be thrown at high velocities. Switch the unit off immediately if
approached.
• Never use the mower unless the grasscatcher and/or the rear flap are correctly
assembled and fitted.
Hazards
Personal Protection Equipment

Not for
Reproduction
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
5
Your hard topped fabric catcher comes fully assembled.
Grasscatcher - fabric Type
Grasscatcher - fabric type
Clip edge Ato frame.
Grasscatcher
Fitting the Grasscatcher
• Stop the engine.
• Raise the rear flap and hook the grass catcher on the bar at the rear of the mower as
shown in the above figure.
• To remove the grasscatcher, lift the rear flap and grasp the handle on the grasscatcher
and unhook from the rear bar.
Never use the mower unless the grasscatcher and/or the rear
flap are correctly assembled and fitted.
STOP the engine before fitting or removing the grasscatcher.

Not for
Reproduction
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
6
Mowers will have knobs to fix the handles in
position. Refer to the instructions below to
assemble the upper handles.
• Tighten the handle knobs to secure the upper
handle to the lower handle.
• Flip the handle toggles to secure the upper
handle to the lower handle.
• On some models the knobs/toggles have to be
consumer fitted.
Handle Knobs/Toggles
When folding or unfolding the handles, ensure that the Throttle cable
is not caught or stretched.
(Your lawnmower should include a kit with the following parts).
Handle assembly parts
2 Arc head bolts
4 Handle
knobs or toggles
2 Bolts
Cable clamp
Throttle control bolt,
2 washers & cap nut
Upper handle
Looped lower handle
Attaching the lower handles
CAUTION!
Ensure the spark plug is disconnected.
Ensure the lower handle is securely fastened to the bracket using the
fasteners supplied.
Handle/Toggle
Lower handle
Chassis
Arc-Head Bolt
Arc-Head Bolt
Bracket
Handle/Toggle
Lower handle

Not for
Reproduction
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
7
Attaching upper handle
Upper handle
Lower handle
Knob
Bolt
Attaching the throttle control
Attach the upper handle
to the lower handles
using the knobs and bolts
provided. The knobs should
be on the outside.
Lower
handle
Upper
handle
Upper
handle
Attach the throttle
control to the
inside of the
upper handle, so
that the lever lifts
upwards toward
the user.
Lower
handle
Secure the throttle
cable to the lower
handle with the
cable clamp.

Not for
Reproduction
8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1
2
Starting & Stopping
Height Adjustment
See engine manual and procedure below.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Move the throttle control lever to the STOP position.
Height adjustment allows lawn to be cut at different
lengths. Set cut height by adjusting the height lever.
STEP-2 Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull
briskly.
CAUTION!
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against
the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the
starter.
STOP the engine before adjusting
the cutting height
STEP-1. Move the throttle control lever to the start/run position. See fig 1.
COLD START: press the primer bulb three times pausing each time. (where fitted)
HOT START: priming may only be necessary if the mower fails to start.
FIGURE-1
S
Do not operate the machine in an
enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
as the exhaust gas contains toxic
substances. Keep hands, feet,
hair and clothing away from all the
moving parts of the machine. The
exhaust and other parts of the
machine will become hot during use.
Make sure that the blade is securely
fastened before starting the engine.
CAUTION!

Not for
Reproduction
9
CHOKE
• Remove grass build up from the air intakes on the top of the mower cowl, around the
engine and carburettor, and around the air filter body.
• The underside of the mower should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and grass build
up, as any build up will adversely affect grass catching and mulching performance and can
promote corrosion on steel baseplates.
• When cleaning the underside of the mower, always tilt handle back to ground level so
the front wheels are off the ground and spark plug is pointing to the sky. Tilting in other
directions can cause the oil to contaminate the fuel & damage air filter causing starting
difficulties.
•A hose may be used on the underside of your mower ONLY. Care must be taken to NOT
get water into the engine, as it may damage the magneto or get into the fuel system.
• To prevent chassis corrosion, the underside of your mower should be cleaned immediately
after mowing an area which has been recently dressed with sulphate of ammonia or
fertiliser.
• After cleaning, run the engine briefly to dry off excess moisture before storing.
4 Stroke mower
primer button
Spark
plug
4 Stroke
mower
primer button
Spark
plug
Spark
plug
Cleaning
Before cleaning the mower, ensure the throttle lever is in the 'STOP'
position. Disconnect the spark plug lead and wedge it away from the
spark plug, and disconnect the battery on Keystart models.

Not for
Reproduction
10
Blade Replacement
For Your Safety
• Never use the mower unless the grasscatcher or the guards supplied by the
manufacturer are in position.
• Before starting the mower check blades and bolts for damage or wear.
• If you strike an obstruction, stop the engine and check the blades for damage.
Worn and damaged blades are major hazards.
• Before reassembling the blade and the blade adaptor to the unit, lubricate the engine
crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adaptor with light oil.
1. Fit key to keyway on engine shaft.
2. Fit spacer sleeve into sleeve.
3. Slide sleeve onto engine shaft aligning the key and keyway in sleeve.
3. Fit blade to sleeve aligning location pegs. It will not fit upside down.
4. Fit the Belleville washer and bolt, torque to 40-50Nm.
DO NOT lay mower on side.
• CAUTION: Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire before working on
the cutting blade to prevent accidental engine starting. Protect hands by using heavy
duty gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.
We recommend that the blade bar, washer and bolt be replaced when changing the
blade bar tighten to 40-50Nm.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adaptor for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
Use only genuine replacement parts made and guaranteed by Briggs
& Stratton. Insist on them from your parts and service dealer.
Detailed fitting instructions are printed on genuine Briggs & Stratton
blade packs. Use of non-genuine blades may void your warranty, and
could result in damage or injury.
KEY
SLEEVE
SPACER
BLADE WASHER
HEX BOLT

Not for
Reproduction
11
Maintenance Chart
Before carrying out maintenance, STOP the engine, disconnect the
spark plug lead from the spark plug and wedge it between the
cylinder head fins. Remove the starter key from the ignition switch of
Keystart models and disconnect the battery.
Never attempt maintenance that is not outlined in this manual.
All repair work must be carried out by an Authorised Service Centre.
Before start After finish Refuelling Weekly/20 hrs Monthly/80 hrs If faulty If damaged As required
Refer to the following table for routine
maintenance.
Time Period
Features Requirements
Lawnmower Visual inspection (leaks) • •
Throttle lever Check operation •
Remote air filter hose Check • •
Cutting system Inspect and check assembly •
(Blades) Replace • •
Rear flap Inspect and check assembly • •
Chassis Check for buildup of grass •
Clean •
Replace •
Air filter Check •
Clean •
Replace • •
Engine cylinder fins Clean • •
Spark plug Replace • •
All accessible fasteners Check •
Retighten •
Engine mounting bolts Check and retighten •
Mulching plug Inspect and check assembly • •
Muffler Inspect • •
Replace • •
Grasscatcher Check •
Clean •
Replace •
Check oil Check •

Not for
Reproduction
12
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible cause Correction
Does not start Out of fuel Refill tank with correct fuel
Throttle lever in incorrect position Refer to 'Starting Procedures'
Spark plug lead not connected Press terminal cover fully onto
the spark plug
Engine flooded Turn fuel tap 'OFF'. Pull starter cord
until engine starts, then turn fuel
tap 'ON'
Dirty spark plug Replace spark plug
Stale fuel in tank from last season Contact Service Centre
Water in fuel tank Contact Service Centre
Service required Contact Service Centre
Engine worn Contact Service Centre
Low or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil
Loss of power Incorrect throttle setting Set throttle lever in the 'RUN' position
Dirty air filter element Clean or replace
Too low height adjustment Raise cutting height
Low or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil
Poor cutting or Blades worn or damaged Replace
catching Blade disc loose Contact Service Centre
Slow running Refer to 'Loss of Power' above
Blades restricted by grass and dirt Remove spark plug lead and clean
accumulated under the baseplate under the baseplate
Blocked vents in grasscatcher Clean vents
Excessive vibrations Build up of grass and dirt on upper Clean
surface of blade disc
Blades out of balance Replace both blades
Bent or damaged disc or blade Replace disc or both blades
Looseness of assembly Check all nuts for tightness
Low or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil
Engine stops Fuel supply blocked Check fuel line
frequently Engine worn or seized Contact Service Centre
Fuel cap not venting Check / Loosen cap slightly
Low or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil
If running difficulties continue, please contact Customer Service on (1800 356 632).
New Zealand Customers Phone [phone].

Not for
Reproduction
LR02558A-C
©2016 Briggs & Stratton
ABN 13 006 576 656
All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced by any means
without prior written permission. All information herein is subject to change without notice.
1964 C PL GKL REVISED 16/06/16
1964 B PL GKL REVISED 14/06/16
1964 A PL GKL RELEASED 31/05/16
ECR ISS DRN CKD DESCRIPTION DATE