AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-B Gasoline Lawn Mower Instruction Manual

: June 3, 2024
: AL-KO

AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-B Gasoline Lawn Mower

Operating Instructions

AL-KO-Comfort 46.0 SP-B-Gasoline-Lawn-Mower-15

About this handbook

Read through these operating instructions before starting up the machine. This is a prerequisite for safe and trouble-free working. Before use, familiar-ize yourself with the control elements and the correct use of the machine.
You should save these instructions, and also pass them on to any subsequent users.
Observe the safety and warning signs on the machine.

Pictogram description
Caution!

Strict following of these warning alerts can prevent injury to persons and/or materials.
Special information for better understanding and handling.
The camera symbol The camera symbol refers to illustrations refers to illustrations

Product description

This document describes various models of petrol lawnmowers. Some models are equipped with a grass catcher and/or are suitable for mulching.
Please identify your particular model in the product illustrations and descriptions of the various options.
Proper use
This equipment is intended for moving lawns on private property and should be used on dry grass only.
Use for any other purpose is considered improper use.
Incorrect use

This lawnmower is not suitable for use in public spaces, parks, sports grounds, farming or forestry
Safety devices must not be removed or bypassed
Do not use the equipment on damp grass, or if it is raining
The equipment is intended for domestic use only

Safety and protection devices

Caution – Risk of injury!
Safety/protection devices should not be disabled!

Safety brake handle
The lawnmower is equipped with a safety brake. Release the brake handle if there is an immediate danger.
Lawnmower without blade coupling:

Mower blade is stopped
Motor is stopped
Lawnmower with blade coupling:
Mower blade is stopped
Motor continues running

Deﬂector plate
The deﬂector plate provides protection against any projectiles thrown up.

AL-KO-Comfort 46.0 SP-B-Gasoline-Lawn-Mower-01

Starter cable
Wheel drive*
Safety brake handle
Fill level indicator*
Deflector plate*
Grass catcher*
Cutting height adjustment*
Variotransmission*
Operating instructions
Outlet shaft insert*
Cover flap*
Mulch kit*

Symbols on the device

Caution!
Be particularly careful when handling.
Before initial startup read the instructions for use!

Keep other people out of the danger area!

Keep hands and feet away from the cutting gear!

Keep away from the danger area.

Remove the spark plug connector before working on the cutting gear.

Release the motor brake.

Switch on the wheel drive.

Caution! Risk of electric shock.

AL-KO-Comfort 46.0 SP-B-Gasoline-Lawn-Mower-10 Keep the connection line away from the mower blades.

If the cable is damaged, or when carrying out maintenance work, always disconnect the equipment from the mains supply.

Safety instructions

Caution!
Use the equipment only if it is in correct operating condition!

Caution – Risk of injury!
Safety/protection devices should not be disabled!

Caution – risk of ﬁ re!
After fuelling, do not store the machine in buildings where the petrol fumes might come into contact with naked ﬂ ames or sparks!
Keep the area around the motor, exhaust, battery case, and fuel tank clear of grass cuttings, petrol and oil.

Keep other people out of the danger area
The machine operator or user is responsible for any accidents affecting other people or their property
Children, or any persons who have not read these operating instructions, should not be allowed to use this machine
Follow the local regulations regarding the minimum age for operators of this type of machine
Do not use the equipment if under the inﬂuence of alcohol, drugs or medication
Wear appropriate work clothes
Long trousers
Hard, non-slip shoes
Hearing protection
If working on slopes
always make sure you are positioned securely
always work across the slope, never upward or downward
do not work on slopes where the gradient is greater than 20°
Take particular care when turning
Only use the lawnmower if there is sufﬁ cient daylight or artiﬁ cial lighting
Keep the body, limbs and clothing away from the cutting gear
Follow the hours of use regulations applying in the country concerned
Do not leave the equipment unattended when ready to operate
Only use the lawnmower if the mower blade is sharp
Do not operate the equipment if the safety devices / protective grilles are damaged
Never operate the equipment if the safety devices are not fully assembled (e.g. deﬂector plate, grass catching devices)
Before each use, check the equipment for damage; replace any damaged parts before using again
Switch off the motor, wait for the equipment to come to a standstill, then pull out the spark plug connector
if leaving the equipment unattended
if a fault has occurred
before clearing blockages
before removing obstructions
if the lawnmower has run into foreign objects
if malfunctions or unusual vibrations occur on the machine

Check the lawnmower Check the lawnmower for damage, and carry out r damage, and carry out the necessary repairs bathe necessary repairs before restarting or using before restarting or using the lawnmothe lawnmower again .wer again.

Insert the spark plug connector and start the motor
after correcting the fault (see Faults table) and checking the equipment
after cleaning the equipment
Carefully check the ground to be mowed, and remove any foreign objects
Take particular care when turning the lawnmower around, or if pulling it towards you
Do not mow over obstacles (such as branches, tree roots)
Remove cuttings only when the motor has stopped
Switch off the motor / mower blade when passing over areas other than those that have to be mowed
Never lift or carry the equipment while the motor is running
Do not eat or drink when topping up the petrol or motor oil
Do not inhale the petrol fumes
Move the machine at walking speed
Before use, ensure that all nuts, screws and bolts are securely fastened.

Assembly

Follow the accompanying assembly instructions.

Caution!
The equipment can be used only after complete assembly.

Fuelling

Fill the lawnmower with fuel before the initial startup.

Warning – risk of ﬁ re!

Petrol and oil are highly inﬂammable!
Always observe the operating instructions sup-plied by the motor manufacturer.

Operating ﬂuids

Safety

Warning!
Never leave a motor running in an enclosed space. Toxic hazard!

Store petrol and oil only in containers intended for this purpose
Only add or drain oil in the open air, and when the motor has cooled down
Do not add petrol or oil while the motor is running
Do not over ll the tank (petrol expands)
Do not smoke when refueling
Do not open the tank lock when the motor is running or when hot
Replace the tank or tank lock if damaged
Always close the tank cap ﬁrmly
If petrol has been spilt:
Do not start the motor
Do not start the equipment
Clean the equipment
If motor oil has been spilled:
Do not start the motor
Soak up the spilled oil with an oil binding agent and dispose of appropriately
Clean the equipment

Used oil shushed oil should not befoul not be:

disposed of with disposed of with domestic rubbishdomestic rubbish
poured into the sew poured into the sewage system, drains, or gee system, drains, or onto the onto the ground ground

We recommend to collect the used oil in a closed container and to deliver it to a suitable recycling or service station.

Adding petrol

Unscrew the tank cap, and keep in a clean place.
Pour in petrol using a funnel.
Firmly replace the cap on the ﬁller opening and clean it.

Adding motor oil

Unscrew the ﬁller cap, and keep in a clean place.
Pour in oil using a funnel.
Firmly replace the cap on the ﬁller opening and clean it.

Initial startup

Caution!
The equipment should not be used if the cutting gear and/or fastenings are loose, damaged or worn.
Carry out a visual inspection before each start-up.
The camera symbol on the following page refers to the illustrations on Page 4–7.

Adjusting the cutting height
Caution – Risk of injury!
Adjust the cutting height only with the motor switched off and when the mower blade has come to a standstill.

Always set all the wheels to the same cutting height.
Cutting height adjustment depends on the particular model.

Axle adjustment or central adjustment (

To release the lever, press to the side and hold.
Push the lever to the left or right to select the desired cutting height.
Let the lever click into position.
Check that all wheels are set to the same position.

Quick adjustment of individual wheels or axle adjustment ( 3)

To release the lever, press to the side and hold.
Push the lever to the left or right to select the desired cutting height.
Let the lever click into position.
Check that all wheels are set to the same position.

Central axle adjustment ( 4)

Place a thumb at each end of the axle.
Place the ﬁngers under the mower housing.
Using both thumbs, press the axle out of its present height setting notch.
Using both thumbs, push the axle to the desired height setting notch, then allow it to engage.
Check that all wheels are set to the same position.
Mowing with the grass catcher
Caution – Risk of injury!
Attach/detach the grass catcher only when the motor is switched off and the mower blade has come to a standstill.
Lift the deﬂector plate and insert the grass catcher in the holders ( 6).

Important!
Only a correctly attached and undamaged grass collector offers sufﬁcient protection against ﬂying objects!

Fill level indicator
The ﬁll level indicator is pushed upward by the air ﬂow when mowing
If the grass catcher is full, the indicator points to the box ( 5b). The grass catcher must be emptied.
Emptying the grass catcher

Lift the deﬂector plate.
Unhook the grass catcher and pull backward to remove ( 6).
Empty the grass catcher.
Lift the deﬂector plate and insert the grass catcher in the holders ( 6).

Mowing without the grass catcher
Caution!
Only work without the grass catcher if the deﬂector plate torsion spring is working correctly.

The deﬂector plate is held to the mower housing by spring force. This causes the mowed grass to be thrown backward and downward.

Mulching with the mulch kit (optional)
When mulching, the grass cuttings are not collected, but are left on the lawn. The grass mulch prevents the soil from drying out, and supplies it with nutrients.
The best results are obtained by cutting back regularly by about 2 cm. Only young grass with a soft leaf texture decomposes quickly.

Grass height before mulching: 8 cm maximum
Grass height after mulching: 4 cm minimum

Adapt your walking pace to the mulching process, do not walk too fast.

Inserting the mulch kit
Caution – Risk of injury!b
Insert/remove the mulch kit only with the motor switched off and when the mower blade has come to a standstill.

Remove the grass catcher
Lift the deﬂector plate and insert the mulch kit in the outlet shaft ( 7). It must lock into place.

If the mulch kit is not locked into position, both the mulch kit and the mower blade may be damaged.

Removing the mulch kit

Lift the deﬂector plate.
Release the lock on the mulch kit
Pull out the mulch kit

Mowing with side discharge unit (option)
Important – Danger of injury!
Attach or remove the side discharge unit only when the motor has been switched off and the cutting blade is at a standstill.

Fitting the side discharge unit

Remove the grass collector and ﬁ t the mulching kit.
Press the release lever on the cover of the side discharge unit ( 9/1).
Open and hold the cover of the side discharge unit ( 9/2).
Fit the side discharge tunnel (
Slowly close the cover.
The cover secures the side discharge tunnel to prevent it from falling out.

Removing the side discharge unit

Open and hold the cover of the side discharge unit ( 9/2).
Remove the side discharge unit and close the cover

Starting the motor
Caution – risk of poisoning!
Never leave a motor running in an enclosed space.

Caution – Risk of injury!
Do not tilt the lawnmower while starting.

Start the motor only when the blade is mounted (the blade acts as a ﬂ ywheel mass)
If starting the motor when hot do NOT use the choke or primer button
Do not change the motor controller settings
Do not start the equipment if the outlet shaft is not covered by one of the following parts:
Grass catcher
Deﬂector plate
Mulch kit
Be particularly careful when operating the starter switch – follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Keep your feet at a safe distance from the cutting gear
Start the lawnmower where the grass is shorter

Starting manually
without remote throttle control, with primer ( 10)

Press the primer button 3 times at intervals of about 2 seconds ( 10). If the temperature is below 10 °C, press the primer button 5 times.
Pull in the safety brake handle on the handlebar and hold it ( 11) – the brake handle does not lock.
Pull out the starter cord sharply, then allow it to slowly rewind ( 12).

  * Motor speed (rpm value) is ﬁxed.
  * Motor speed cannot be adjusted.

without remote throttle control, without primer/choke

Pull in the safety brake handle on the handlebar and hold it ( 11) – the brake handle does not lock.
Pull out the starter cord sharply, then allow it to slowly rewind ( 12).
Motor speed (rpm value) is ﬁ xed.
Motor speed cannot be adjusted.

Electrostart without primer/choke

Pull in the safety brake handle on the handlebar and hold it ( 11) – the brake handle does not lock.
Turn the ignition key fully to the right in the ignition lock ( 13).
As soon as the motor starts running, release the ignition key (it returns automatically to position “0”).

Turn the motor off

Release the safety brake handle ( 17)
The motor is switched off.
Caution – danger of serious cut injuries! The motor may continue running. After switching off, make sure the motor has stopped turning.

Wheel drive (optional) ( 14)
Caution!
Engage the transmission only when the motor is running.

Switching on the wheel drive

Press the transmission control handle against the handlebar and hold it ( 14) – the transmission control handle does not lock.
- The wheel drive is switched on.

Switching off the wheel drive

Release the transmission control handle (
- The wheel drive is switched off.

Vario transmission (Speed Control) (optional)

The Vario transmission allows continuous variation of the ground speed of the lawnmower.

Caution!
Operate the lever only when the motor is running. Operating the lever without the motor drive may damage the drive mechanism.

To increase the speed, pull the lever ( 15) towards ( 15/2)
To lower the speed, pull the lever ( 15) towards ( 15/1)

Always adjust the ground speed to suit the current ground and lawn conditions.

Maintenance and care

Caution – Risk of injury!

Before carrying our any care or maintenance work, always switch off the motor and pull out the spark plug connector.
The motor may continue running. After switching off, make sure the motor has stopped turning.
Always wear working gloves when carrying out maintenance or repair work.
Check the grass catcher regularly for wear, and to ensure it is working correctly
Clean the equipment after each use
Do not wash the equipment by hosing or spraying with water
Water inﬁltration can cause faults (in the ignition system, carburettor)
Check the mower blade regularly for damage
Always replace the mufﬂer if faulty

Tilting the lawnmower
Depending on the motor manufacturer:

the carburettor / air ﬁ lter must be facing upward ( 18)
the spark plug must be facing upward ( 19)

Follow the operating instructions of the motor manufacturer!

Resharpening/replacing the mower blade

Blunt or damaged blades should be resharpened / replaced only at a service point or by an authorized specialist
Resharpened blades must be rebalanced
Caution!
Blades that have not been rebalanced can cause serious vibrations, and may result in damage to the lawnmower.
Always have the equipment checked out by a professional in the following cases:
after bumping against an obstacle
if the motor stops suddenly
if there is damage to the transmission
if the V-belt is faulty
if the blade is bent
if there is warping of the motor shaft

Charging the starter battery (optional)

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.
Caution!
Use only the original battery charger supplied.
Charge the starter battery only in dry, well-ventilated rooms.
Do not start up the lawnmower while the battery is charging.

Care of the motor

Changing the motor oil

Have a suitable container ready to collect the used oil.
Drain or suction off all the oil through the oil ﬁ ller opening.
Dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment!
We recommend to collect the used oil in a closed container and to deliver it to a suitable recycling or service station.
Used oil should not be
- disposed of with domestic rubbish
- poured into the sewage system or drains
- poured out onto the ground

Changing the air ﬁlter

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.

Changing the spark plug

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.

Wheel drive (optional)

Adjusting the Bowden cable

If the wheel drive can no longer be switched on or off while the motor- is running, the related Bowden cable needs to be adjusted.

Caution!b
Adjust the Bowden cable only when the motor is switched off.

Turn the adjuster on the Bowden cable in the direction of the arrow ( 20).
To test the cable setting, switch on the motor and switch on the wheel drive.
If the wheel drive is still not working, the lawnmower must be taken to a service point or an authorised specialist.

Lubricating the drive pinion

From time to time, lubricate the drive pinion on the transmission shaft
The wheel drive gearing is maintenance free.

Storage

Caution – risk of explosion!
Do not store the equipment where there are naked ﬂames or heat sources.

Allow the motor to cool down
Store the equipment in an area which is kept dry, and which cannot be accessed by children or unauthorized persons
Store the starter battery where it will be protected from frost
Recharge the starter battery from time to time
Drain the fuel tank
Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.
Pull out the spark plug connector

Repairs

Repairs should be carried out only by a service point or an authorized specialist.

Disposal

Do not dispose of old equipment, batteries or accumulators as household waste!
Machine, packaging, and accessories were made with recyclable materials, and should be disposed of accordingly.

Faults and remedies

Caution!
The motor shaft and mower blade should not be aligned.

EC declaration of conformity

see assembly instructions

Warranty

If any material or manufacturing defects are found during the statutory customer protection period, we will either repair or replace the equipment, whichever we consider the more appropriate. This statutory period may vary according to the legislation in force in the country where the equipment was purchased.

Our warranty is valid only if:

The equipment has been used properly
The operating instructions have been followed
Genuine replacement parts have been used
The warranty is no longer valid if:
The equipment has been tampered with
Technical modiﬁcations have been made
The equipment was not used for its intended purpose (for example, used for commercial or communal applications)

The following are no covered by warranty:

Paint damage due to normal wear
Wear parts identiﬁed by a border XXX XXX (X) on the spare parts list
Combustion motors – these are covered by a separate warranty from the manufacturer concerned

To make a claim under warranty, please take this statement of warranty and proof of purchase to the nearest authorized customer service center. This warranty does not affect the usual statutory rights of the customer relative to the seller.