makita PLM5120 Petrol Lawn Mower Instruction Manual

PLM5120 Petrol Lawn Mower
Instruction Manual
PLM5120
PLM5121

PLM5120 Petrol Lawn Mower

1A PLM5121
1B PLM5120

Explanation of general view

WARNING:
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.

SYMBOLS MARKED ON THE PRODUCT

** Read the operator’s manual.
Keep bystanders away.
Pay more attention to the operator’s hands and feet to avoid injury.
Fuel is flammable, keep the fire away. Do not add fuel to the running machine.
Toxic fumes; Don’t operate inside the house.
When mowing, please wear glasses and earplugs to defend the operator himself.
When repairing, please pick up the spark plug and then repair it according to the operational manual.
Caution** : Engine hot.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING : When using petrol tools, basic safety precautions, including the following, should always be followed to reduce the risk of serious personal injury and/ or damage to the unit. Read all these instructions before operating this product and retain these instructions for future reference.

WARNING : This machine produces an electromagnetic field during operation. This field may under some circumstances interfere with active or passive medical implants. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, we recommend persons with medical implants consult their physician and the medical implant manufacturer before operating this machine.

Training

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawn mower. Local regulations can restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

Preparation

• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which can be thrown by the machine.

• WARNING – Petrol is highly flammable.
  – Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
  – Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refueling.
  – Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
  – If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapors have dissipated.
  – Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.

• Replace faulty silencers.

• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts, and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.

Operation

• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

• Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where feasible.

• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.

• Walk, never run.

• For wheeled rotary machines, mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.

• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the lawn mower towards you.

• Stop the blade(s) if the lawn mower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the lawn mower to and from the area to be mowed.

• Never operate the lawn mower with defective guards, or without safety devices, for example, deflectors and/or grass catchers, in place.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine.

• Disengage all blades and drive clutches before starting the engine.

• Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade(s).

• Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine.

• Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge chute.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Never pick up or carry a lawn mower while the engine is running.

• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire, make sure that all moving parts have come to a complete stop, and, where a key is fitted remove the key:
  – Before clearing blockages or unclogging the chute.
  – Before checking, cleaning, or working on the lawn mower.
  – After striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the lawn mower.
  – If the lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).

• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire, make sure that all moving parts have come to a complete stop, and, where a key is fitted remove the key:
  – Whenever you leave the lawn mower.
  – Before refueling.

• Reduce the throttle setting during engine shutdown and, if the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.

Maintenance and storage

• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing it in any enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment, and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.

WARNING : Do not touch the rotating blade.
WARNING : Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.

PARTS DESCRIPTION (Fig. 1A & 1B)

Including
A: Spark plug wrench
B: Discharge channel

TECHNICAL DATA

LpA (SPL) at the site of the user
(k = 3 dB (A))| 79.2 dB (A)| 78.9 dB (A)
Guaranteed Sound Power level LwA| 98 dB (A)| 98 dB (A)
Vibration (k = 1.5 m/s² )| 2.305 m/s²| 2.056 m/s²

ASSEMBLY

5-1 ASSEMBLY OF THE FOLDING HANDLE

1. Fix the lower handlebars into the unit body with locking knobs as shown. (Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C, Fig. 2D)
2. Connect the upper handle and the lower handle with the locking knob. (Fig. 2E, Fig. 2F, Fig. 2G)
3. Attach the cable clamp to the position shown and then attach the cable. (Fig. 2H)

ADJUSTMENT OF CUTTING HEIGHT

Apply outward pressure to disengage the lever from the rack.
Move the lever forward or back to adjust the height.
The height (the blade to the ground) can be adjusted from 25 mm (1 position: the lowest position) to 70 mm (5 positions: the highest position), 5 height positions.
(Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B).
Stop the mower and disconnect the spark plug cable before changing the mower cutting height.

WARNING : Make this adjustment only when the blade is stopped.

ADJUSTMENT FOR AN APPROPRIATE HEIGHT (Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B)

1. Back out the locking knobs which fixed the lower handle, refer to Fig. 4A.

2. Refer to Fig. 4B move the lower handle up and down, and adjust it to the proper height.
   There are 3 adjusting heights to be chosen for this type of lawn mower; at position 1 height is the highest., and at position 3 height is the lowest.

3. Adjust to the proper height, then fix the lower handle by the locking knobs.

WARNING: The left side and right side of the lower handle must adjust to the same height.

STARTER HANDLE (Fig. 5)

Move the starter handle from the engine to the rope guide.

“2 IN 1”

9-1 RESETTING FOR SIDE DISCHARGE MOWING

1. Lift the sideward flap for side discharge. (Fig. 6A)
2. Mount the discharge guide for side discharge on the support pin of the sideward flap. (Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B)
3. Lower the sideward flap- the flap lies on the discharge channel. (Fig. 6C)

**** Only when the motor and cutter are at standstill!

9-2 MULCHING MOWER
What is mulching?
When mulching, the grass is cut in one working step, then finely chopped and returned to the grass strip as a natural fertilizer.
Hints for mulch-mowing:

• Regular cut-back by max. 2 cm from 6 cm to 4 cm grass height.
• Use a sharp cutting knife
• Do not mow wet grass
• Set max. motor speed
• Only move at a working pace
• Regularly clean mulching wedge, housing inner side, and mowing blade

WARNING : Only with a stopped motor and standstill cutter.

1. Raise the sideward flap and remove the discharge channel. (Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B)
   – The sideward flap automatically closes the discharge opening on the housing by means of spring force.
   – Regularly clean the sideward flap and discharge opening from grass rest and stuck dirt.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

10-1 BEFORE STARTING
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed in your mower. Read instructions carefully.

WARNING : Petrol is highly flammable.

Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Refuel outdoors only, before starting the engine, and do not smoke while refueling or handling fuel.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapors have dissipated.
Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Before tipping the lawn mower to maintain the blade or drain oil, remove fuel from the tank.

WARNING : Never fill the fuel tank indoors, with the engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least 15 minutes after running.

10-2 TO START THE ENGINE AND ENGAGE THE BLADE

1. The unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark plug, make certain the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

2. 1. For PLM5121:
   When starting the cool or warm engine, turn the throttle choke lever anywhere between “ ” position to “ ” position. When operating, turn the throttle choke lever to “ ” position. (Fig. 8B)
   2.2. For PLM5120:
   When starting cool, press the primer bulb 3-5 times before starting the engine, and turn the throttle choke lever to “ ” position.
   When starting the warm engine and operating, turn the throttle choke lever to “ ” position. (Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B)

3. Standing behind the unit grasp the brake control handle and hold it against the upper handle as shown in Fig. 8C.

4. Grasp the starter handle as shown in Fig. 8C and pull up rapidly. Return it slowly to the rope guide bolt after the engine starts.
   Release the brake control handle to stop the engine and blade. (Fig. 8D)

Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade.
Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine. Start the mower on a level surface, free of high grass or obstacles.
**** Keep hands and feet away from the rotating parts. Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge opening.

10-3 OPERATION PROCEDURES
During operation, tightly hold the brake handle with both hands.

NOTE : During operation, when the brake handle is released, the engine will stop and thus stopping the lawn mower from operating.

10-4 TO STOP THE ENGINE

CAUTION : The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.

1. Release the brake control handle to stop the engine and blade.
2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire as instructed in the separate engine manual to prevent accidental starting while the equipment is unattended.

10-5 CONNECTION FOR AUTO MOVE For PLM5121

Grip the Self-drive control handle, and the lawn mower will move forward automatically at about 3.6 km/h (Fig. 9), release the self-drive handle, and the lawn mower will stop moving.

CAUTION : Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height of no more than 250 mm.
Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall dry or wet grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up on the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust
presenting a potential fire hazard.

10-6 FOR THE BEST RESULTS WHEN MOWING

The clear lawn of debris. Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other foreign objects which could be accidentally thrown out by the mower in any direction and
cause serious personal injury to the operator and others as well as damage to property and surrounding objects. Do not cut wet grass. For effective mowing do not cut wet
grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck preventing proper mowing of the grass clippings. Cut no more than 1/3 the length of the grass. The recommended cut for mowing is 1/3 the length of the grass. Ground speed will need to be adjusted so the clippings can be dispersed evenly into the lawn. For especially heavy cutting in thick grass, it may be necessary to use one of the slowest speeds in order to get a clean well mowed cut. When mowing long grass you may have to cut the lawn in two passes, lowering the blade another 1/3 of the length for the second cut and perhaps cutting in a different pattern than was used the first time. Overlapping the cut a little on each pass will also help to clean up any stray clippings left on the lawn. The mower should always be operated at full throttle to get the best cut and allow it to do the most effective job of mowing. Clean the underside of the deck. Be certain to clean the underside of the cutting deck after each use to avoid a build-up of grass, which would prevent proper mulching. Mowing leaves. The mowing of leaves can also be beneficial to your lawn. When mowing leaves make sure they are dry and are not laying too thick on the lawn. Do not wait for all the leaves to be off the trees before you mow.

WARNING : If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage.
The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

10-7 DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt, or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion and may prevent proper mulching. The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

SPARK PLUG
Use only the original replacement spark plug. For best results, replace the spark plug every 100 hours of use.

LUBRICATION INSTRUCIONS

CAUTION : DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG BEFORE SERVICING.

1. WHEELS-Lubricate the ball bearings in each wheel at least once a season with light oil.
2. ENGINE-Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions.
3. BLADE CONTROL-Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions.

CLEANING

CAUTION : Do not hose the engine. Water can damage the engine or contaminate the fuel system.

1. Wipe the deck with a dry cloth.
2. Hose under the deck by tilting the mower so that the spark plug is up.

13-1 ENGINE AIR CLEANER

CAUTION : Do not allow dirt or dust to clog the air filter foam element. The engine air cleaner element must be serviced (cleaned) after 25 hours of normal mowing. The
foam element must be serviced regularly if the mower is used in dry dusty conditions. (Refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL)
To CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove the screw. (Fig. 10A, Fig. 10B)
2. Remove the cover.
3. Wash the filter element in soap water. DO NOT USE GASOLINE!
4. Air dry filter element.
5. Place a few drops of SAE30 oil on the foam filter and squeeze tightly to remove any excess oil.
6. Reinstall the filter.

NOTE : Replace filter if frayed, torn, damaged, or unable to be cleaned.

13-2 CUTTING BLADE

CAUTION : Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug

WARNING : Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object.
Replace when necessary.
For best results, your blade should be sharp. The blade may be retargeted by removing it and either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping it as close to the original bevel as possible. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. Improper blade balance will result in excessive vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully balance the blade after sharpening. The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Install the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Refer to Fig. 11. Place the blade with the part number facing away from the adapter. Align the washer over the blade and insert the hex bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:

13-3 BLADE MOUNTING TORQUE
Center Bolt 40Nm-50Nm, to ensure the safe operation of your unit. ALL nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
After prolonged use, especially in sandy soil conditions, the blade will become worn and lose some of its original shapes. Cutting efficiently will be reduced and the blade should be replaced. Replace with an approved factory replacement blade only. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
When you change the blade, you must use the original type marked on the blade (MAKITA 263001826) (for order the blade, pls. contact your local dealer or call our company).

WARNING : Do not touch the rotating blade.

13-4 ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.
The service air cleaner as per separate engine manual under normal conditions.
Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.
Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air cleaner should be serviced.
To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season; check the engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from the muffler area.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS (OFF-SEASON)

The following steps should be taken to prepare lawnmowers for storage.

1. Empty the tank after the last mowing of the season.
   a) Empty the petrol tank with a suction pump.
   CAUTION : Do not drain the petrol in closed rooms, in close proximity to the open fire, etc. Do not smoke! Petrol fumes can cause explosions or fires.
   b) Start the engine and let it run until it has used up all remaining petrol and stalls.
   c) Remove the spark plug. Use an oilcan to fill approx. 20 ml oil into the combustion chamber.
   Operate the starter to evenly distribute the oil in the combustion chamber. Replace the spark plug.

2. Clean and grease the lawn mower carefully as described above under “Lubrication”.

3. Slightly grease the cutter to avoid corrosion.

4. Store the lawn mower in a dry, clean, and frost-protected place, out of reach of unauthorized persons.

CAUTION : The engine must have completely cooled down before storing the lawn mower.

NOTE:

• When storing any type of power equipment in an unventilated or material storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts.
• Be careful not to bend or kink cables.
• If the starter rope becomes disconnected from the rope guide on the handle, disconnect and ground the spark plug wire, Depress the blade control handle, and pull the starter rope out from the engine slowly. Slip the starter rope into the rope guide bolt on the handle.

Transport
Turn the engine off. Ensure not to bend or damage the cutter when pushing the lawn mower over obstacles.

TROUBLES SHOOTING

position.
The fuel tank is empty.| Fill the tank with fuel: refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL.
The air cleaner element is dirty.| Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL.
A spark plug is loose.| Tighten the spark plug to 25-30 Nm.
The spark plug wire loose or disconnected from the plug.| Install a spark plug wire on the spark plug.
The spark plug gap is incorrect.| Set the gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm.
A spark plug is defective.| Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL.
The carburetor is flooded with fuel.| Remove the air cleaner element and pull the starter rope continuously until the carburetor dears itself and install the air cleaner element.
Faulty ignition module.| Contact the service agent.
Engine difficult to start or loses power.| Dirt, water, or stale fuel tank.| Drain fuel and clean the tank. Fill the tank with clean, fresh fuel.
The vent hole in the fuel tank cap is plugged.| Clean or replace the fuel tank cap.
The air cleaner element is dirty.| Clean air cleaner element.
The engine operates erratically.| A spark plug is defective.| Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL.
The spark plug gap is incorrect.| Set the gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm.
The air cleaner element is dirty.| Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL.
The engine idles poorly.| The air cleaner element is dirty.| Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL.
Air slots in the engine shroud are blocked.| Remove debris from shots.
Cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing are blocked.| Remove debris from cooling fins and air passages.
Engine skips at high speed.| The gap between the electrodes of the spark plug is too close.| Set the gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm.
Engine overheats.| Cooling airflow is restricted.| Remove any debris from slots in a shroud, blower housing, and air passages.
Incorrect spark plug.| Install RJ19LMC spark plug and cooling fins on the engine.
The mower vibrates abnormally.| The cutting assembly is loose.| Tighten blade.
The cutting assembly is unbalanced.| Balance blade.

WARRANTY

This product is warranted in accordance with legal regulations for a 12 months period effective from the date of purchase by the first user.
This warranty covers all material or production failures, it does not include defects from normal wear & tear parts, such as bearings, brushes, cables, plugs, or accessories like drills, drill bits, saw blades, etc.; damage or defects resulting from abuse, accidents or alterations; nor the costs for transport.
We reserve the right to reject any claim where the purchase cannot be verified or when it is clear that the product was not maintained properly. (Clean ventilation slots and carbon brushes serviced regularly.)

Your purchase ticket must be kept as proof of the date of purchase.
Your un-dismantled tool must be returned to your dealer in an acceptably clean state, in its original blow molded case if applicable to the unit, accompanied by your proof of purchase.

ENVIRONMENT

Should your machine need replacement after extended use, do not put it in the domestic waste but dispose of it in an environmentally safe way?

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

(For European countries only)
We Makita Corporation as the responsible manufacturer declares that the following Makita machine(s):
Designation of Machine: Petrol Lawn Mower Model No./ Type: PLM5120, PLM5121
Specifications: See “4. TECHNICAL DATA”
are of series production and
Conforms to the following European Directives:
2004/108/EC, 2006/42/EC, 2000/14/EC&2005/88/EC And are manufactured in accordance with the following standards or standardized documents:
EN ISO 14982, EN836
The technical documentation is kept by our authorized representatives in Europe who are:
Makita International Europe Ltd.
Michigan Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK15 8JD, England The conformity assessment procedure required by Directive 2000/14/EC was in accordance with Annex V. Notified Body:
TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH
Westendstraße 199, 80686 München, Deutschland
Identification Number: 0036
Model: PLM5120
Measured Sound Power level: 92.3 dB (A)
Guaranteed Sound Power level: 98 dB (A)
Model: PLM5121
Measured Sound Power level: 92.4 dB (A)
Guaranteed Sound Power level: 98 dB (A)

https://tm.by

30.11.2011
Tomoyasu Kato
Director
Makita Corporation
3-11-8, Sumiyoshi-cho,
Anjo, Aichi, JAPAN

Documents / Resources

| makita PLM5120 Petrol Lawn Mower [pdf] Instruction Manual
PLM5120, Petrol Lawn Mower, Lawn Mower, Petrol Mower, Mower, PLM5120
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References

• MAKITA Industrial Power Tools - The Leader In Cordless with 18V LXT Lithium-Ion

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