STIGA MCS 474 Pedestrian Controlled Lawnmower Instruction Manual

STIGA MCS 474 Pedestrian Controlled Lawnmower

SAFETY REGULATIONS

please follow meticulously

TRAINING

1. WARNING! Read these instructions carefully before op-erating the machine. Become acquainted with the controls and the proper use of the machine. Learn how to stop the engine quickly. Failure to follow the warnings and instruc-tions may result in fire and/or serious injury.  Save all warn-ings and instructions for future reference.
2. Never allow children or persons unfamiliar with these in-structions  to  use  the  machine.  Local  laws  can  restrict  the minimum age of the operator.
3. Never use the lawnmower while people, especially chil-dren, or pets are nearby.
4. Never  use  the  machine  if  the  user  is  tired  or  unwell,  or has  taken  medicine,  drugs,  alcohol  or  any  substances which  may  slow  his  reflexes  and  compromise  his  judge-ment.
5. Bear in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or unexpected events occurring to other people or their property. It is the user’s responsibility to assess the potential  risk  of  the  area  where  work  is  to  be  carried  out, and to take all the necessary precautions to ensure his own safety  and  that  of  others,  particularly  on  slopes  or  rough, slippery and unstable ground.
6. If  the  machine  is  sold  or  lent  to  others,  make  sure  that the  operator  looks  over  the  user  instructions  contained  in this manual.

PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

1. While using the machine, always wear anti-slip and re-sistant  work  footwear  and  long  pants.  Do  not  operate  the machine  when  barefoot  or  wearing  open  sandals.  Avoid wearing  chains,  bracelets,  clothing  that  is  loose  fitting  or has hanging cords or ties. Tie hair back if it is long. Always wear protective earplugs.
2. Thoroughly  inspect  the  entire  work  area  and  remove anything  that  could  be  thrown  by  the  machine  or  damage the  cutting  unit  or  engine  (stones,  branches,  iron  wire, bones, etc.).
3. WARNING: DANGER! Petrol is highly flammable.
   • Store the fuel in special containers;
   • Add  fuel,  using  a  funnel,  only  outdoors;  do  not  smoke during this operation and each time fuel is handled;
   • Top-up with fuel before igniting the engine; never remove the  tank  cap  or  add  fuel  while  the  engine  is  running  or when it is hot;
   • If you have spilled some fuel, do not attempt to ignite the engine but move the machine away from the area of spill-age and avoid creating any source of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and fuel vapours have dissipated:
   • Always put the tank and fuel container caps back on and tighten well;
4. Replace faulty silencers.
5. Before  using  the  machine,  check  its  general  condition and in particular:
   • the  appearance  of  the  cutting  means,  and  check  that the  screws  and  cutting  unit  are  not  worn  or  damaged. Replace  the  entire  cutting  means  and  all  damaged  or  worn  screws  to  preserve  balance.  Any  repairs  must  be done at a specialised centre
   • don’t  force  the  safety  lever  as  it  must  move  freely;  it should  return  automatically  and  rapidly  back  to  the neutral position, resulting in the stopping of the cutting means
6. Check  the  battery  status  regularly  (where  applicable). Replace  it  if  there  is  any  damage  to  the  casing,  cover  or terminals.
7. Before  starting  work,  always  fit  the  exit  guards  (grass catcher, side discharge guard or rear discharge guard).

DURING USE

1. Do  not  operate  the  engine  in  a  confined  space  where dangerous  carbon  monoxide  fumes  can  develop.  All  igni-tion operations have to be effected in an open or well-venti-lated area. Always remember that exhaust fumes are toxic.
2. Work only in daylight or with good artificial light in good visibility  conditions.  Keep  persons,  children  and  animals away from the working area.
3. If possible, avoid mowing wet grass. Avoid working in the rain and when there is a thunderstorm risk. Do not use the machine in bad weather conditions, especially when there is risk of lightening.
4. Make sure you have a steady foothold on slopes.
5. Never run, always walk. Do not allow the lawnmower to pull you along.
6. Pay special attention when approaching obstacles that could compromise visibility.
7. Always mow across a slope and never up and down it, being very careful when changing direction that the wheels do not hit any obstacles (such as stones, branches, roots, etc.) that may cause the machine to slide sideways or make you lose control of it.
8. The machine must not be used on slopes of over 20°, re-gardless of the mowing direction.
9. Be extremely careful when pulling the lawnmower toward you. Look behind you to make sure there are no obstacles before and during operations in reverse gear.
10. Immobilise  the  cutting  means  if  the  lawnmower  must be inclined for transport, when moving over surfaces other than grass and when the lawnmower is transported from or to an area that must be cut.
11. Pay  attention  to  traffic  when  using  the  machine  near roads.
12. Never  operate  the  machine  with  damaged  guards  or without  the  grass  catcher,  side  discharge  guards  or  rear discharge guards.
13. Be very careful near ravines, ditches or embankments.
14. Ignite  the  engine  carefully  following  the  instructions, keeping feet away from the cutting means.
15. Do not incline the lawnmower during ignition. Ignite the machine on a flat surface without obstacles or high grass.
16. Never place your hands and feet near or under rotating parts. Keep away from the discharge opening.
17. Do not lift or transport the lawnmower when the engine is running.
18. Do not tamper with or disable safety systems.
19. Do not change the engine settings or over-rev the en-gine.
20. Do not touch the engine parts as they get very hot when running. Danger of burns.
21. On  power-driven  models,  disengage  the  wheel  drive before igniting the engine.
22. Use manufacturer-recommended attachments only.
23. Don’t use the machine if the attachments/tools are not installed in their seats.
24. Disengage the cutting means, switch off the engine and unplug  the  spark  plug  cable  (making  sure  that  all  moving parts are stationary):
    • When transporting the machine;
    • Whenever  you  leave  the  machine  unattended;  also  re-move the key on models with electric ignition systems;
    • Before  clearing  blockages  or  unclogging  the  discharge chute;
    • Before checking, cleaning or working on the machine;
    • After  striking  a  foreign  object.  Inspect  the  machine  for damage and make repairs before using it again.
25. Disengage the cutting means and switch off the engine:
    • Before refuelling;
    • Whenever you remove or reattach the grass catcher;
    • Whenever  you  remove  or  reattach  the  side  discharge chute;
    • Before adjusting the cutting height, if this operation can not be performed from the driving seat.
26. When  working,  always  keep  a  safe  distance  from  the rotary cutting means, given by the length of the handle.
27. Reduce the throttle setting before stopping the engine. Shut off the fuel supply on completing the work, following the instructions in the engine manual.
28. WARNING –  If something breaks or an accident occurs whilst  working,  turn  off  the  engine  immediately  and  move the machine away to prevent further damage; if an accident occurs with injuries or third parties are injured, carry out the first  aid  measures  most  suitable  for  the  situation  immedi-ately and contact the medical authorities for any necessary health care. Carefully remove any debris that might cause damage or harm persons or animals should it not be seen.
29. WARNING –  The  noise  and  vibration  levels  shown  in these  instructions  are  the  maximum  levels  for  use  of  the machine.  The  use  of  an  unbalanced  cutting  means,  the excessive speed of movement, or the absence of mainte-nance have a significant influence on noise emissions and vibrations.  Consequently,  it  is  necessary  to  take  preven-tive steps to eliminate possible damage due to high levels of  noise  and  stress  from  vibration.  Maintain  the  machine well,  wear  ear  protection  devices,  and  take  breaks  while working.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. WARNING! –  Before  cleaning  or  doing  maintenance work, disconnect the spark plug cable and read the relevant instructions. Wear proper clothing and protective gloves whenever your hands are at risk.
2. WARNING! –  Never use the machine with worn or dam-aged  parts.  Faulty  or  worn-out  parts  must  always  be  re-placed and not repaired. Only use original spare parts: The use of non-original and/or incorrectly fitted parts will jeop-ardize the safety of the machine, may cause accidents or personal  injuries  for  which  the  Manufacturer  is  under  no circumstance liable or responsible.
3. Any  adjustments  or  maintenance  operations  not  de-scribed in this manual must be carried out by your Dealer or a specialized Service Centre with the necessary knowl-edge  and  equipment  to  ensure  that  the  work  is  done  cor-rectly  maintaining  the  machine’s  original  safety  level.  Any operations  performed  in  unauthorized  centres  or  by  un-qualified persons will totally invalidate the Warranty and all  obligations and responsibilities of the Manufacturer.
4. After  each  use,  disconnect  the  spark  plug  cable  and check for damage.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the ma-chine  is  in  safe  working  condition.  Routine  maintenance is essential for safety and for maintaining a high perform-ance level.
6. Check that the cutting means screws are properly tight-ened on a regular basis.
7. Wear work gloves when handling, disassembling and re-assembling all cutting means.
8. Keep the cutting means well balanced during sharpen-ing. All work on the cutting means (disassembly, sharpen-ing, balancing, reassembly and/or replacing) are demand-ing jobs that require special skills as well as special tools. For  safety  reasons,  these  jobs  are  best  carried  out  at  a specialised centre.
9. Be careful during adjustment of the machine to prevent entrapment of the fingers between moving parts of the cut-ting means and fixed parts of the machine.
10. Do not touch the cutting means until the spark plug ca-ble has been disconnected and the cutting means is com-pletely stationary. When servicing the cutting means, bear in  mind  that,  even  though  the  spark  plug  cable  is  discon-nected, the cutting means can still move.
11. Check  the  side  discharge  guard,  the  rear  discharge guard  and  the  grass  catcher  frequently.  Replace  them  if they are damaged.
12. Replace any instruction or warning message stickers, if damaged.
13. Store the machine out of the reach of children.
14. Do not store the machine with fuel in the tank in an area where the fuel vapours could reach an open flame, a spark or a strong heat source.
15. Allow the engine to cool down before storing in any en-closure.
16. To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine, silencer, bat-tery  compartment  and  petrol  storage  area  free  of  grass, leaves,  or  excessive  grease.  Always  empty  the  grass catcher and do not leave containers full of cut grass inside storage areas.
17. To  reduce  fire  hazards,  check  there  are  no  oil  and/or fuel leaks on a regular basis.
18. If the fuel tank has to be emptied, this should be done outdoors once the engine has cooled down.

TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING

1. Whenever the machine is to be handled, lifted, transport-ed or tilted you must:
   • Wear sturdy work gloves;
   • Grasp  the  machine  at  the  points  that  offer  a  safe  grip, taking  into  account  the  weight  and  relative  distribution of the same
   • Use  an  appropriate  number  of  people  for  the  weight  of the machine and the characteristics of the vehicle or the place where it must be placed or collected
   • Make sure that machine movements do not cause petrol leaks, damage or injuries.
2. During  transport,  fasten  the  machine  securely  with  ca-bles or chains.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

1. Environmental protection should be a priority of consid-erable importance when using the machine, for the benefit of  both  social  coexistence  and  the  environment  in  which  we live. Try not to cause any disturbance to the surround-ing area.
2. Scrupulously  comply  with  local  regulations  and  provi-sions for the disposal of packaging, oils, petrol, filters, dam-aged parts or any elements which have a strong impact on the  environment;  this  waste  must  not  be  disposed  of  as normal waste, it must be separated and taken to specified waste disposal centres where the material will be recycled.
3. Scrupulously  comply  with  local  regulations  for  the  dis-posal of waste materials after mowing.
4. When decommissioning, do not pollute the environment with the machine, but hand it over to a disposal centre, in accordance with the local laws in force

GETTING TO KNOW THE MACHINE

MACHINE DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION

• This machine is a garden tool and precisely a pedestrian-controlled lawnmower.
• The machine is essentially composed of an engine which drives a cutting means enclosed in a casing, equipped with wheels and a handle.
• The  operator  is  able  to  operate  the  machine  and  use  the main controls, always staying behind the handle at a safe distance  from  the  rotating  cutting  means.  If  the  operator leaves the machine, the engine and cutting means will stop within a few seconds.

Intended us

This machine was designed and manufactured for cutting grass in gardens and grassy areas, in areas in proportion to its cutting capacity, done by a pedestrian operator. This machine can:

•  mow, chop and deposit the grass on the ground (mulching effect);
•  mow the grass and discharge it sideways (for suitably equipped machines).

User types
This  machine  is  intended  for  use  by  consumers,  i.e.  non-professional operators. The machine is intended for “DIY” use only.

Improper use
Any other usage not in keeping with the above-mentioned ones  may  be hazardous  and  harm  persons  and/or  dam-age things. Examples of improper use may include, but are not limited to:

• transporting  persons,  children  or  animals  on  the  ma-chine;
• letting oneself be transported by the machine;
• using the machine to tow or push loads;
• using the machine to trim hedges, or for cutting vegeta-tion other than grass;
• use of the machine by more than one person;
• using the cutting means on surfaces other than grass.

IDENTIFICATION LABEL AND MACHINE COMPONENTS

• 1 Acoustic power level
• 2 Conformity marking
• 3 Year of manufacture
• 4 Type of lawnmower
• 5 Serial number
• 6 Name and address of Manufacturer
• 7 Article Code
• 8 Engine-rated power and maximum operating speed
• 9 Weight in kg
• 11 Chassis
• 12 Engine
• 13 Cutting means
• 14a. Side discharge chute (if provided)
  • 14b. Side discharge guard (if provided)
• 15 Handle
• 16 Variable speed drive
• 17 Engine brake lever/cutting means
• 18 Drive engagement lever

As soon as you have purchased the machine, do not forget to write the identification numbers (3 –  4 –  5) in the spaces on the last page of the manual. The example of the Declaration of Conformity is provided on the penultimate page of the manual.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS INDICATED ON THE CONTROLS

• 21. Slow
• 22. Fast
• 23. Choke
• 24. Engine stop
• 25. Drive on
• 26. Idle
• 27. Engine ignition

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS –  Your lawnmower should be used  with  due  care and  attention.  Therefore,  pictograms have  been  placed  on  various  parts of  the  machine  to  remind you of the main precautions to be taken. Their meaning is explained below. You are also asked to carefully read the safety regulations in the specific chapter of this manual. Replace damaged or illegible labels.

• 41.    Warning: Read the instruction handbook before using the machine.
• 42.   Risk of thrown objects. Keep all persons away from the work area whilst mowing.
• 43.   Danger  of  cutting  yourself.  Cutting  means  in  motion. Do not put hands or feet near or under the opening of the cutting means housing. Disconnect the spark plug cap and read the instructions before carrying out any maintenance or repairs.
• 46. Danger of cutting yourself. Cutting means. Do not put hands or feet near or under the opening of the cutting means.
• 47.  Beware of hot surfaces!

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

For information on the engine and the battery (if supplied), read the relevant owner manuals.
NOTE – The number which precedes each paragraph links the references in the text to the respective illustrations (listed on page iii and following pages).

COMPLETE ASSEMBLY

NOTE The machine can be supplied with some parts already assembled.
WARNING! Unpacking and completing the assembly should be done on a flat and stable surface, with enough space for moving the machine and its packaging, always making use of suitable equipment. Disposal of the packaging should be done in accordance with the local regulations in force.

Assembling the handle
Battery connection

• Electric push-button ignition models
• Insert the supplied battery in the relative engine compartment (par. 3.2b, “II - “III”).

CONTROLS DESCRIPTION

NOTE The meanings of the symbols on controls are explained in the previous pages.

2.2 Engine brake lever/cutting means

• The cutting means brake is controlled by the lever (1) which must be held against the handle during ignition and during lawnmower operations.
• The engine stops when the lever is released.

2.3 Drive lever (where applicable)

• On power-driven models, push the lever (1) toward the handle for forward movement.
• The  lawnmower  stops  moving  forward  when  the  lever  is released.
• The  engine  must  always  be  ignited  with  the  drive  disengaged.

WARNING! To prevent damage to the transmission, do not pull the machine backwards with the transmission engaged.

2.4 Converter control lever (if fitted)

In the models with drive systems, the converter control le-ver  (if  fitted) allows  the  operator  to  regulate  forward  gear speed. To do so, move the lever (1) following the indications provided near the control lever.

IMPORTANT The engine must be running and the drive engaged when switching from one speed to another.
Do not touch the converter control when the engine is stopped. Doing this could damage the converter.

NOTE If the machine does not move forward with the lever in the « » position, simply move the lever to « » and then immediately return to the « » position.

2.5 Cutting height adjustment

• The cutting height is adjusted by the levers (1).
• The four wheels must be adjusted to the same height. DO THIS WHEN THE CUTTING MEANS IS STATIONARY.

Cutting he

GRASS CUTTING

3.1a Preparation for mowing and mulching

On models with a side discharge: make sure that the side discharge guard (2) is lowered and blocked by the safety lever (1).

3.1b Preparation for mowing and side discharge of grass (if provided)

• Push the safety lever (1) slightly and lift the side discharge guard (2).
• Insert the side discharge chute (3) as shown in the figure.
• Close the side discharge guard (2) so that the side discharge chute (3) is locked in place.

To remove the side discharge chute:

• Push the safety lever (1) slightly and lift the side discharge guard (2).
• Release the side discharge chute (3).

3.2 Engine ignition

During ignition, follow the instructions in the engine manual.

Manual ignition models (“I”)

Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle and firmly tug the knob on the ignition cable (2).

3.2b

• Electric push-button ignition models (“II – III”)

  • Insert the supplied battery in the relative engine compartment (4); (follow the instructions provided in the engine manual).

  • Insert the key as far as possible (if fitted) (5).

  • Pull the engine cutting means brake lever towards the handle (1).
    NOTE Keep pulling the engine/cutting means brake or the engine will stop.

  • Press and hold the starter button until the engine switches on (6).

3.3 Mowing the lawn

The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate cutting in both directions at the same height. A machine that is equipped with a MULCHING system cuts the grass, chops it then distributes it over the lawn. It is not necessary to collect the cut grass.

For best MULCHING results, proceed as follows:

1. Never cut the grass too short. Only cut the grass by 1/3 of its height.
2. Keep the body shell perfectly clean (underneath).
3. Always use well-sharpened cutting means.
4. Avoid mowing wet grass. It accumulates more easily under the body shell and the mowing performance decreases considerably.

Lawn care recommendations
Each type of grass has different characteristics and may thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for the growing conditions in the work area. Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged and growth is more difficult. The following indications generally apply:

• cutting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a “spotted” appearance;
• in the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the ground from drying;
• do not cut wet grass; this could reduce cutting means efficiency due to sticky grass and tear the lawn.
• for particularly high grass, initially mow at the maximum height allowed by the machine then mow again after two or three days.

3.4 When work is finished

When work has been completed, release the brake lever (1) and disconnect the spark plug cap (2).

• Electric push-button ignition models
  Press the tab (5) and remove the consent key (4).
  WAIT UNTIL THE CUTTING MEANS STOPS before proceeding any further.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Store the lawnmower in a dry place.

IMPORTANT Routine and accurate maintenance, at least once a year, is essential in maintaining original machine safety and performance levels.
Adjustments or maintenance operations must only be performed with the engine switched off and the spark plug cable disconnected.

1. Wear  strong  protective  gloves  before  cleaning,  maintaining or adjusting the machine.
2. Accurately  wash  the  machine  with  water  after  cutting; remove grass debris and mud accumulated in the chassis  to  prevent  it  from  drying  and  causing  problems  the next time the lawnmower is used.
3. Paint  on  internal  chassis  parts  may  start  to  flake  over time due to the abrasive action of cut grass; if this happens, promptly touch up with rust-proof paint to prevent rusting that could corrode the metal.
4. If accessing the lower part is necessary, only tilt the machine  on  the  side  indicated  in  the  engine  manual,  following  the  relevant  instructions,  making  sure  that  the machine  is  perfectly  stable  before  performing  any  interventions.
5. Do not drip petrol onto the plastic parts of the engine or the machine to prevent damaging them and remove all traces of spilled petrol immediately. The warranty does not cover damage to plastic parts caused by petrol.
6. On  models  with  AVS:  If  the  handle  vibrates  unusually,  check  the  anti-vibration  sleeves  and  contact  your Dealer.
7. To  ensure  that  the  machine  will  function  properly  over time, it is highly recommended to change the engine oil regularly,  following  the  timing  indicated  in  the  engine’s Instruction Manual.
   The oil can be discharged at a specialized servicing  center,  or  by  using a  syringe  to  suction  the  oil  out through the filler spout, bearing in mind you may need to  repeat  the  operation  several  times  in  order  to completely empty the tank.
   Remember to top up with oil before using the machine again.

4.1 Cutting means maintenance

• All  interventions  on  the  cutting  means  must  be  done  at  a specialised Centre that has the most appropriate tools and equipment.
• Only cutting means bearing the code indicated in the table on page vi must be used on this machine.
• Given  product  evolution,  the  above  mentioned  cutting means may be replaced in time with others having similar interchangeable and operating safety features.

4.2 Drive adjustment

• Model 474:
  On  power-driven  models,  remove  the  guard  (1)  once  or twice  a  year by  unscrewing  the  screws  (2);  then  clean carefully using a brush or compressed air, removing the grass and dirt from the area around the transmission and belt. Always reassemble the guard (1).

• Model 504:
  On  power-driven  models,  remove  the  guard  (1)  once  or twice  a  year by  unscrewing  the  screws  (2)  and  releas-ing  the  fittings  (3).  Then clean  carefully  using  a  brush or compressed air, removing the grass and dirt from the area around the transmission and belt. Always reassem-ble the guard (1).

4.3 Battery recharging (where applicable)

• Electric push-button ignition models
  Read  the  engine  instruction  manual  for  instructions  re-garding autonomy,  recharging,  reinstating  and    mainte-nance of the battery.

4.4 Adjusting the converter cable (if fitted)

This adjustment is necessary when the lever (1) tends not to remain in the « » position. With the lever (1) in the « » position, turn the cable ad-juster (2) in the direction indicated by the arrow as needed to ensure the lever remains in position.

IMPORTANT
The adjustment must be made when the engine is off.

STORAGE

When the machine is to be stored away:

1. Start the engine outdoors and leave it running at idle until it stops in order to consume all the fuel left in the carburettor;
2. check the integrity of the machine;
3. store the machine:
   • in a dry place;
   • protected from inclement weather;
   • in a place out of children’s reach;
   • making sure that keys or tools used for maintenance are removed.

DIAGNOSTICS

What to do if ….

Problem description| Corrective Action
1. The petrol-driven lawnmower doesn’t work
No oil or fuel in the engine| Check the oil and petrol

levels

The spark plug and filter

are not in good condition

| Clean the spark plug and filter which may be dirty or replace them
The lawnmower’s fuel tank was not emptied at the end of the previous season| The float may be blocked; tilt the lawnmower on the carburetor side
2. Mowing is difficult
The cutting means is not in

good condition

| Have the cutting means

sharpened or replace it

3. The machine starts to vibrate abnormally
Damaged or loose parts| Stop the machine and disconnect the spark plug cable

Inspect for damage Check for and tighten any loose parts

Have all checks, repair work and replacements carried out by a specialized Centre only.

EC Declaration of Conformity

(Machine Directive 2006/42/EC, Annex II, part A)

1. The Company

2. Herby declares under its own responsibility that the machine:
   Pedestrian-controlled lawn mower / Grass cutting

   • Type / Base Model
   • Month / Year of manufacture
   • Serial number
   • Motor: petrol

3. Conforms to directive specifications:

   • Certifying body
   • EC examination of Type

4. Reference to harmonized Standards

   • Sound power level measured
   • Sound power level guaranteed
   • Range of cut
   • Person authorized to create the Technical Folder:
   • Place and Date

The content and images in this User Manual were produced expressly for ST. S.p.A. and are protected by copyright – any unauthorized reproduction or modification to the document, either partially or in full, is prohibited.

ST. S.p.A.
Via del Lavoro, 6
31033 Castelfranco Veneto (TV) ITALY

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