American Lawn Mower Co 1204-14GC 14 Inch 5 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower User Guide

American Lawn Mower Co 1204-14GC 14 Inch 5 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

SAFETY RULES

• Read all instructions in this manual before using the mower.
• Inspect your lawn for any debris or foreign objects and remove them before mowing.
• Never place your hands, fingers or feet inside the reel. Although not powered by a motor, when the wheels turn, the reel cuts.
• Never mow when the grass is wet enough to be slippery.
• Don’t place your hands or feet near a moving part of the mower.
• Don’t operate the mower while barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Walk slowly, never run. Always be sure of your footing when operating the mower.
• Never intentionally strike or ram trees, fences, etc. This can cause injuries or severely damage the mower.
• Remember that this mower is a precision piece of lawn care equipment. Treat it as such by exercising caution when using it.
• Make sure your mower is in safe operating condition. Don’t attempt to operate the mower if it is damaged; have it repaired first.

California Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

How to Assemble

Handle

• Enclosed in the carton are the mower handle parts (2 upper handlebar pieces and 2 lower pieces) and hardware package (for contents, see back cover).
• Lay out the parts of the handle as shown in Figure 1.
• Fasten the 2 lower handle pieces to the upper portion of the handle using the 2 – M6X55 bolts and wing nuts.
• Fasten the 2 upper handlebar pieces together using the M6X45 bolt and wing nut.
• Lubricate the inside of the 2 handle grips with soapy water (for easier application) and slide onto the handle.

Attaching the handle to the mower
DO NOT attempt to attach the handle to the bolts on the roller assembly at the rear of the mower. This is incorrect! (refer to figure 3) As you follow the instructions below, refer to Figure 2 for more information.

• After assembling the handle, fit the holes at the end of the lower portion of the handle on the left and right side, over the short posts extending out from the side plates.
• When the handle is in place over the posts, snap the “E” rings onto the slotted posts on both sides to prevent the handle from coming off.

Usage and Care

Minor cutting height adjustments
The cutting height on these units can be adjusted simply by adjusting the roller assembly.

• Model 1204-14 can be adjusted from 1/2″ (1.27 cm) to 1 3/4″ (4.45 cm) and Model 1304-14 can be adjusted from 1″ (2.54 cm) to 2 1/4″ (5.72 cm).
• Keep in mind that the same adjustment must be performed on both sides of the mower. As you follow the instructions below, refer to Figure 4 for more information.
• To achieve the lowest cutting position, loosen and remove the nuts on both sides of the roller assembly.
• Position the bolt through the bottom hole of the plastic roller bracket and the top hole of the mower side plate. Retighten nuts on both sides.
• To achieve the highest cutting position, loosen and remove the nuts on both sides of the roller assembly.
• Position the bolt through the top hole of the plastic roller bracket and the bottom hole of the mower side plate. Retighten nuts on both sides.
• Other cutting heights can be obtained by positioning the bolts through other hole locations.

Mower blade adjustment

The blades have been adjusted before leaving the factory Misalignment can occur resulting in blades that are too loose or too tight. If this happens, you will notice a rough, uneven cut or a hard-pushing mower. All adjustments are made from the rear of the mower (opposite from the bar with the logo decal). Each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted separately. As you follow the instructions below, refer to Figure 5 for more information.

Usage and Care

• The cutting bar blade (located under the reel)pivots. The front screws move the cutter bar away from the blades, while the rear screws move the cutter bar toward the blades.
• Adjusting the screws is a very sensitive procedure. 1/16th of a turn is considered a major adjustment.
• Before tightening one adjusting screw, be sure to loosen the opposing screw an equal amount.

Loosening the blades
The cutting bar blade must be moved further from the cutting reel.

• Loosen both back screws equally by turning them counterclockwise.
• Tighten both front screws equally by turning them clockwise.

Tightening the blades

• The cutting bar blade must be moved closer to the cutting reel.
• Loosen both front screws equally by turning them counterclockwise.
• Tighten both back screws equally by turning them clockwise.

Checking adjustments

• Turn the mower upside down.
• Insert a piece of paper (i.e., writing or newspaper) between the cutter bar and the reel blades, and carefully turn the reel blades by hand.
• All blades should slice the paper evenly the entire length of the cutter bar while the reel turns smoothly.
• If the mower has an intermittent cut, adjustments should be made to the appropriate side of the blades to attain proper cutting action.

General care

• Minimum care is required to ensure the smooth operation of your mower.
• To avoid damage to the mower or cutting blades, keep the area to be mowed free from any debris.
• We suggest a routine application of oil or lubricant (i.e. WD-40). This should be applied to all cutting surfaces, the cutting reel axle shaft and wheels.

Sharpening the cutting blades

• When the mower is properly lubricated and adjusted, sharpening should not be necessary for several years. However, the following steps will allow you to do the procedure yourself at relatively little expense.

• Remove the “E” rings, wheels and pinion from both sides of the mower (refer to Figure 6).

• Remove both pawls from the rectangular\ slots in the reel shaft and reverse their positions (refer to Figure 7).

• Reverse the placement of the pinion gears.

• Place the left pinion on the reel shaft.

• Replace the wheels and “E” rings.

• Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge of the reel blades.

• Adjust the cutter bar blade so it has light but firm contact with the reel blades across the full width of the cutter bar (refer to Figure 8).
  CAUTION: Do not overtighten the adjusting screws, as this could damage the cutter bar. Both screws must be tight on the final adjustment.

• Push the mower backward on a smooth surface (such as a sidewalk or paved driveway). Continue to do this until the reel blades rotate relatively free and the front edge of the cutter bar blades are polished.

• Remove wheels; reverse pinions and pawl are on the right. CAUTION: Clean any grinding compound or debris from the cutter bar blades, reel blades, pinion and pawl. Lubricate axle and pinion with a light film of wheel bearing grease and replace wheels and “E” rings.
  NOTE: It is recommended to use an industrial or valve-lapping compound between 100-240 grit. This is usually available at an industrial or automobile supply store. If professional sharpening is required, consult your local Yellow Pages for lawn mower repair services.

How to Order Parts

Specify the following information when ordering parts:

1. Complete model number (found on the identification decal on the rear of the cutter bar).
2. Color of the parts you are ordering.
3. Cutting the width of your unit.

If you are uncertain of the number of tarts to be replaced, you can make sure to receive the exact part(s) you need by mailing the broken part(s) prepaid to the factory along with your order. Be sure that when you are sending parts enclose your name, address and telephone number in the package. ALL PARTS ARE SOLD FACTORY DIRECT. THE MINIMUM CHARGE FOR ANY ORDER IS US$2.00 EXCLUDING SHIPPING. ALL SHIPPING CHARGES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PURCHASER.

31

| Complete Handle Assembly Montaje completo de la manija Poignée assemblée complète|

A10529A

|

A10529A

32

| Lower Handle Section Sección inferior de la manija Section du bas de la poignée|

A30989-4A

|

A30989-4A

33

| Handle Bolt M6X55

Perno para la manija, M6X55

M6X55 Boulon pour la poignée

|

A 30991-1A

|

A30991-1A

34

| Wing Nut M6 Tuerca de mariposa Écrou à oreilles|

A31269A

|

A31269A

34a

| Washer Arondela Rondelle|

A31270A

|

A31270A

35

| Handle Bolt M6X45

Perno para la manija, M6X45

M6X45 Boulon pour la poignée

|

A30991A

|

A30991A

36

| Upper Handle Section

Sección superior de la manija

Section supérieure de la poignée

|

A30988-3A

|

A30988-3A

37

| Handle Grip

Puño de la manija

Manchon de la poignée

Assembly Hardward Package Paquete de ferretería Nécessaire de quincaillerie

|

A31274A

A10526A

|

A31274A

A10526A

37A

| Handle Plug

Tapón de la manija

Bouchon de la poignée

|

A31273A

|

A31273A

WARNING
Some dust and debris created by the use of this tool could contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

• Some examples of these chemicals are:
• chemicals in fertilizers
• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
• Your risk from exposure to these chemicals varies, depending on how often you do this type of work.
• To reduce your exposure, work in a well-ventilated area and with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Mower Parts

Part Nos. & ID Guide

1A

| Ball Cup

Receptáculo del cojinete

Support du coussinet

| ****

A30122A

| ****

A30122A

1B

| Ball Cup

Receptáculo del cojinete

Support du coussinet

| ****

A31203A

| ****

A31203A

2

| Ball Bearing Assembly

Mantaje de la arandela

Assemblage billes de roulement

| ****

A30137A

| ****

A30137A

3

| Bearing Cone Receptáculo del cojinete Cone du coussinet| ****

A31199A

| ****

A31199A

4

| Spring, reel adjustment Resporte de ajuste del cilindri Ressort d’adjustment (moyeu)| ****

31202-1

| ****

31202-1

5

| Dust Washer

Arandela de orteccion contra el polvo

Bague de protection contre la poussiere

| ****

A31200A

| ****

A31200A

6

| Bearing Washer Arondela de conjinete Rondelle de roulement| ****

A31201A

| ****

A31201A

7

| Ratchet Pawl Trinquete Encliq a rochete| ****

A30316A

| ****

A30316A

8

| Reel Assembly (key#3-6)

Montaje del cilindro (nos. de 3-6)

Assemblage du moyeu (compris les no 3-6)

| ****

A10505A

| ****

A10513A

9

| Snap Ring, Axle Aro en “E” del eje Anneau à pression| ****

A30317-1A

| ****

A30317-1A

10

11

| Wheel, Rueda, Roue Tire, Llanta, Pneu| incl. in 11A se incluye en 11A compris dans 11A| incl. in 11A se incluye en 11A compris dans 11A

11A

| Wheel and Tire Assembly Montaje de la rueda y llanta Roue et pneu assemblée| ****

31271

| ****

10426P

12

| Hex Head Bold M8X16 Perno de cabeza hexagonal Boulon à tête héxagonal|

A30019-7A

| ****

A30019-7A

13

| Left Side Plate, Axle and Cover Plate

Placa lateral derecho,

eje y placa de la cubierta

Fixation laterale gauche essieu, pague de couverture

| ****

A10509-1A

| ****

A10509-1A

13A

| Right Side Plate, Axle and Cover Plate

Placa lateral izquierda,

eje y placa de la cubierta

Fixation laterale droit essieu paque de couverture

| ****

A10102-40A

| ****

A10102-40A

14

| Retaining Ring

Aro de retención

Anneau de retenue

| ****

A30990A

| ****

A30990A

15

| Tie Rod/Torsion Bar

Barra de conexión/Barra de tornión

Barre de connection/Barre de torsion

| ****

A30610-1A

| ****

A30610-1A

16

| Left Pinion Gear

Engranaje del piñón izquierdo

Engenage à pignon droit

| ****

A30737-3A

| ****

A30737-3A

17

| Adjustment Screw M8X25 (incl. in 13 & 13A)

Tornillo de ajuste (se incluye en 13 y 13A)

Vis de’ajustement (compris dans 13 et 13A)

| ****

A30300A

| ****

A30300A

18

| Right Pinion Gear Engranaje del piñón derecho Engrenage à pignon droit|

A30737-2A

| ****

A30737-2A

19

| Cutter Bar Bolt M10X30 Tornillo de la barra de corte Boulon – barre des lames| ****

A31039A

| ****

A31039A

20

| Cutter Bar Stud (inc. in no’s. 13 & 13A)

Espárrago de la barra de corte

( se incluye en los nos. 13 y 13A)

Rivet – barre des lames (compris dans les nos. 13 et 13A)

| ****

A30519A

| ****

A30519A

21

| Cutter Bar Assembly Montaje de la barra de corte Barre des lames| ****

A10305-1A

| ****

A10305-1A

22

| Nyloc Nut M8 Tuerca hex. de nilón Écrou en nylon| ****

A31043A

| ****

A31043A

22A

| Hex Nut M8 Tuerca hex. Écrou héx| ****

A30120A

| ****

A30120A

23| Roller Bracket, Poporte del rodillo, Loquet| A30321A| A30321A

24

| Carriage Bolt M8X25 Perno de carruaji Boulon| ****

A 30119-5A

| ****

A30119-5A

25

| Roller Spacer Espaciador del rodillo Rondelle du rouleau| ****

A30071-2A

| ****

A30071-2A

26

| Roller Section Sección del rodillo Section du rouleau| ****

A30320A

| ****

A30320A

27

| Roller Tube Tubo del rodillo Tube du rouleau

Complete Roller Assembly Montaje completo del rodillo Assemblage pour rouleau

| ****

A30319-1A

A10016-5A

| ****

A30319-1A

A10016-5A

28

| Roller Bracket Clamp

Sujetador del soporte del rodillo

Serre joines du rouleau

| ****

31321

| ****

31321

Customer Responsibilities
Always use care when operating your lawn mower and keep clear of moving parts. Avoid striking or running into solid objects or debris in the area to be mowed. Be sure the mower is clear and follow a regular maintenance schedule to provide efficient and safe operation. A well-cared-for lawn mower will last long and operate more efficiently

LIMITED WARRANTY

There are no warranties that extend beyond the product description except that the lawn mower sold thereunder is warranted as follows:

1 YEARS LIMITED WARRANTY
For 1 yeyearrom purchase, Great State Lawn Mower Company will replace frthe ee of charge to the original buyer, any parts) found defective in material and/or workmanship upon examination by our factory or a factory-authorized service centre. Parts sent to the factory for replacement must be shipped pre-paid by the buyer.

THERE IS NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO 90 DAYS FROM THE PURCHASE AND THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUDED. THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES UNDER ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES. Warranty is limited to manual push walk-behind application and specifically excludes any non-manual powered propulsion of any kind or any commercial/non-residential applications.

ANY NON-RESIDENTIAL USE OF THIS PRODUCT VOIDS ALL WARRANTY

ANDLE ASSEMBLY HARDWARE PACKAGE

U.S. Patent No. 6668533
www.americanlawnmower.com
830 Webster St Shelbyville, IN 46176 1-800-633-1501
www.earthwisetools.com

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