Simplicity 16" WALK-BEHIND MOWER User manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
User manual
880427 TP-800-4418-0-WM-R
Model
880390X57NA
406 mm (16 in) Walker
Thank You for purchasing this quality Murray product. We understand that there are many brands today from
which you may choose, and we’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Murray brand. When
operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your Murray product will provide many years
of dependable service.
This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks
associated with lawn mowers and how to avoid them. This lawn mower is designed and intended only for lawn
mowing and should not be used for any other purpose. It is important that you read and understand these
instructions thoroughly before attempting to start or operate this equipment.
Some units may require final assembly before use. Refer to the Assembly section of this manual
for instructions on final assembly procedures. Follow the instructions completely.
Where to Find Us
You never have to look far to find support and service for your product. Consult the Commercial/Business pages
in your telephone book under “Engines--Gasoline”, “Gasoline--Engines”, “Lawn Mowers” or similar categories.
Additional information can be found online at www.briggsandstratton.com
For replacement parts or technical assistance, record below the model and serial numbers of your product along
with the date of purchase. These numbers are located on your product (see the “Features” page).
Date of purchase:
Product model number:
Product Serial number:
Engine model:
MM/DD/YYYY
Model: Code:Type:
Features Operation Maintenance Trouble shooting Specifications WarrantiesSafety Assembly
1
Table of Contents
Safety 2..............................................
Symbols And Warnings 2..........................................
Safety Instructions 5..............................................
Assembly 6...........................................
Parts Packed Separately In Carton 6................................
RemovalFromTheCarton 6.......................................
How To Assemble The Handle 6....................................
How To Assemble The Grass Bag 7.................................
How To Mount The Grass Bag 7....................................
Features 8............................................
Operation 9...........................................
Before Starting The Engine 9......................................
Oil Recommendation 9............................................
Check/Add Oil 9..................................................
Fuel Recommendations 10.........................................
Add Fuel 10......................................................
How To Change The Height Of Cut 12................................
HowToEmptyTheGrassBag 13....................................
Maintenance 14........................................
Maintenance Chart 14.............................................
How To Clean The Mower Housing 15................................
Lubrication 15.....................................................
Blade Service 15..................................................
How To Fold The Handle 16........................................
Storage (over 30 days) 17..........................................
Troubleshooting 18....................................
Specifications 19......................................
Warranty 20...........................................
Illustrated Parts List 22.................................
Safety
2
Safety
Symbols And Warnings
The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety
information about hazards that can result in personal
injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or
CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the
likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition,
a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of
hazard.
DANGERindicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNINGindicates a hazard which, if
not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTIONindicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, might result in minor or moderate
injury.
CAUTION,when used without the alert
symbol, indicates a situation that could result
in damage to the product.
This engine is shipped from Briggs & Stratton
without oil. If you start the engine without oil, the
engine will be damaged beyond repair and will not
be covered under warranty.
CAUTION
Explosion
Toxic Fumes
Moving Parts
Shock
Hot Surface
Kickback
Fire
Fuel Shutoff
Read
Manual
Choke
Oil
Fuel
On Off
Stop
Wear Eye
Protection
Slow
Fast
SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS PRODUCT
Thrown
Objects
Stop
Safety
3
Gasoline and its vapors are
extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death.
When Adding Fuel
Turn engine off and let engine cool at least 2
minutes before removing the gas cap.
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated
area.
Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to
approximately 1-1/2 inches below top of neck
to allow for fuel expansion.
Keep gasoline away from sparks, open
flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition
sources.
Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings
frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.
When Starting Engine
Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and
air cleaner are in place and secured.
Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST and crank until
engine starts.
When Operating Equipment
Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which
causes gasoline to spill.
Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
When Transporting Equipment
Transport with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel
shut-off valve OFF.
When Storing Gasoline Or Equipment With
Fuel In Tank
Store away from furnaces, stoves, water
heaters or other appliances that have pilot
light or other ignition source because they can
ignite gasoline vapors.
WARNING Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable
gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area, do
not start engine.
Do not use pressurized starting fluids because
vapors are flammable.
WARNING
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.
Start and run engine outdoors.
Do not start or run engine in enclosed area,
even if doors or windows are open.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback)
will pull hand and arm toward engine
faster than you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result.
When starting engine, pull the starter cord
slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
Remove all external equipment/engine loads
before starting engine.
Direct-coupled equipment components such as,
but not limited to, blades, impellers, pulleys,
sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING
Safety
4
Rotating parts can contact or entangle
hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
Operate equipment with guards in place.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling
drawstrings or items that could become
caught.
Before making adjustments or repairs, stop
the engine. Disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
Never leave the unit unattended while the
engine is running.
Keep bystanders away from machine.
WARNING
Running engines produce heat.
Engine parts, especially muffler,
become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on
contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves,
grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool
before touching.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler area
and cylinder area.
Install and maintain in working order a spark
arrester before using equipment on
forest-covered, grass-covered, brush-covered
unimproved land.
WARNING
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it
away from the spark plug.
Disconnect battery at negative terminal
(only engines with electric start.)
Use only correct tools.
Do not tamper with governor spring, links or
other parts to increase engine speed.
Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or
hard object because the flywheel may later
shatter during operation.
When testing for spark:
Use approved spark plug tester.
Do not check for spark with spark plug
removed.
Unintentional sparking can result in
fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in
entanglement, traumatic amputation,
or laceration.
WARNING
Thrown debris can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can cause severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while
you assemble, operate or do maintenance to
the unit.
WARNING
Do not move the choke control, if
equipped, to CHOKE to stop the
engine. Backfire, fire or engine
damage could occur.
To stop the engine, move the throttle control to
the stop position.
WARNING
Safety
5
Safety Instructions
1. Never mow while barefoot or wearing open
sandals, or thongs. Wear long trousers and heavy
shoes.
2. Know your controls. Read the owner’s manual
carefully. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in
any emergency.
3. Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones,
bones, wire and debris. They could be thrown by
the blade.
4. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire (on internal combustion engines) or
disconnect the mower from the mains (on electric
mowers) before clearing blockages, checking or
working on the mower.
5. Before using, always visually inspect to see that
blade(s), blade bolts and cutter assembly are not
worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged
blade(s) and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
Damaged blades and worn bolts are major
hazards.
6. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws often; always be
sure the mower is in safe operating condition. Use
only replacement parts made and guaranteed by
the original manufacturer of your mower.
7. Refuel outdoors only. Do not smoke while fueling
engine. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap from the fuel tank or add petrol
while the engine is running or the engine is hot. If
petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move machine away from the area of the spill
and avoid creating any source of ignition until
petrol vapors have dissipated.
8. Do not mow whilst people, especially children, or
pets are in the mowing area.
9. Replace worn or faulty silencers.
10.Mow only in good daylight.
11.Never use the mower unless the grass catcher, or
guards provided by the manufacturer, are in
position.
12.Start the engine carefully with feet well away from
the blades.
13.Do not operate engine in a confined space where
exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
14.Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower,
even for a moment.
15.Do not allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the mower.
16.Store the mower in a well-ventilated room away
from naked flames such as may be found in hot
water heaters.
17.Never use an electrically powered mower in the
rain or when grass is wet.
18.Never leave wind-up starters in a wound condition.
19.Do not over-speed the engine or alter governor
settings. Excessive speed is dangerous and
shortens mower life.
20.It is advisable to wear suitable eye protection
when operating a mower.
21.Turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing and
reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out.
22.Store fuel in a cool place in a container specifically
designed for the purpose. In general, plastics
containers are unsuitable.
23.Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire or
mains power cord, as applicable, and inspect the
mower if--
a. the mower begins to vibrate abnormally; or
b. after striking a foreign object.
24.Never cut grass while walking backwards.
25.Stop the engine before pushing mower across
gravel drives, walks or roads.
26.Walk, never run.
27.Mow across the face of slopes, never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Do not mow excessively steep
slopes.
28.Never pick up or carry a mower when it is
operating.
Assembly
6
Assembly
Parts Packed Separately In Carton
1 -- Owner’s Manual (not shown)
1 -- Container Of Oil 1 -- Container of Oil
Thrown debris can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can cause severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while
you assemble, operate or do maintenance to
the unit.
WARNING
Figure 1 shows the product completely assembled.
References to the right or left side are from the
viewpoint of the operator’s position behind the unit.
Removal From The Carton
1. Remove the grass bag and packing material from
the carton.
2. Remove the bottle of oil from the carton.
3. Cut down all four corners of the carton.
4. Assemble the unit on the carton or roll the unit out
of the carton and place on a hard level surface. Figure 1: Product Completely Assembled
How To Assemble The Handle
1. Raise the handle (A) to the operating position.
2. Tighten the handle knobs (B).
Be careful when you fold or raise the handle. Do
not damage the cable. A cable that is bent will not
work correctly. Before you use the unit, replace a
bent or damaged cable.
CAUTION
Figure 2: Handle Assembly
A
B
nAssembly Checklist
For the best performance and satisfaction from this
quality product, please review the following checklist
before you operate the product:
nAll assembly instructions have been completed.
nCheck carton. Make sure no loose parts remain
in the carton.
nAll fasteners have been properly tightened.
nAdd engine oil to the engine. See “Before
Starting Engine” in the Operation Section.
Assembly
7
How To Assemble The Grass Bag
1. Slide the grass bag frame (A) into the grass bag
(B). Make sure the handle (C) is on the outside of
the bag (Figure 3 and Figure 4).
Figure 3: Grass Bag Assembly
A
B
C
2. Attach the plastic clips (H) to the grass bag frame
(Figure 4).
Figure 4: Top Cover
B
D
C
HAH
How To Mount The Grass Bag
Rotating parts can contact or entangle
hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
Before mounting or removing the grass bag,
stop the engine. Disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
Never leave the unit unattended while the
engine is running.
Keep bystanders away from machine.
WARNING
1. To mount the grass bag (B) on the mower, raise
the rear door (E).
2. Hold the handle (C) of the grass bag. Put the grass
bag in the operating position (Figure 5).
3. Lower the rear door (E).
IMPORTANT: Make sure the hooks (F), on each side
of the frame assembly (A), are mounted on the pivot
rod (G). Figure 5: Mount Grass Bag
C
FG
B
E
Features
8
Features
A. Throttle Control
B. Handle
C. Handle Knob
D. Height Adjuster
E. Mower Housing
F. Grass Bag
G. Grass Bag Handle
H. Rear Door
I. Fuel Tank and Cap
J. Spark Plug
K. Muffler/Silencer
L. Air Filter
M. Rewind Handle
N. Primer Bulb
O. Product Model Number
G
F
A
B
C
D
E
D
I
K
L
H
J
M
N
O
Operation
9
Operation
Before Starting The Engine
This engine was shipped from the factory without
oil. If you start the engine without oil, the engine
will be damaged beyond repair and will not be
covered under warranty.
CAUTION
Eye Protection
Always wear safety glasses. If you wear eye glasses,
put a Wide Vision Safety Mask over your eye glasses.
Oil Capacity
The engine holds approximately 0.5 liter (18 ounces)
of oil.
Oil Recommendation
Do not use special additives.
Choose a viscosity from the following chart.
SAE 30 5ºC and higher (40ºF and higher)
is good for all purpose use above 40ºF, use below
40ºF will cause hard starting.
10W-30 --18 to 38ºC(0to100ºF)
is better for varying temperature conditions. This
grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may
increase oil consumption at 80ºF(27ºC) or higher.
Check oil level frequently at higher temperatures.
Synthetic 5W-30 --30 to 40ºC (--20 to 120ºF)
provides the best protection at all temperatures as
well as improved starting with less oil consumption.
5W-30 5ºC and below (40ºF and below)
is recommended for winter use, and works best in
cold conditions.
Check/Add Oil
Before adding or checking the oil
Place engine level.
Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
Dipstick (Figure 6)
1. Remove the dipstick (B) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Insert and tighten the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Make
sure the oil is at the FULL mark (C) on the dipstick.
4. To add oil, pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill
(D). DO NOT OVERFILL. After adding oil, wait
one minute and then recheck the oil level.
5. Fill to the FULL mark (C) on the dipstick.
6. Replace and tighten the dipstick. Figure 6: Dipstick
CBD
B
Operation
10
Fuel Recommendations
This engine is certified to operate on gasoline. The
emissions control system for this engine is EM
(Engine Modifications).
Gasoline must meet these requirements:
Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). If
operating at high altitude, see below.
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up
to 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), is
acceptable.
Use of any gasoline not consistent with the
requirements will void the engine warranty.
In some local areas, fuel pumps may be marked if the
gasoline contains alcohols or ethers. If you are unsure
about the gasoline you purchase, check with your fuel
provider.
Do not modify the engine fuel system or
carburetor to run on alternative fuels.
Never mix oil with gasoline.
All gasoline is not the same. If you experience starting
or performance problems after new gasoline has been
used in your engine, switch to a different fuel provider
or change fuel brands.
Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated fuels,
are fuels blended with alcohols or ethers. Excessive
amounts of these blends can damage the fuel
system or cause performance problems. If any
undesirable operating symptoms occur, use gasoline
with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
CAUTION
Fuel Stabilizer
To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix in
a fuel preservative when adding fuel. Briggs &
Stratton recommends using FRESH STARTtfuel
stabilizer, available as a liquid additive or a
concentrated liquid cartridge.
High Altitude use
At higher altitudes (over 5,000 feet), 85 octane/85
AKI (89 RON) gasoline can be used. Operation at
high altitude may require a high-altitude carburetor jet
kit to improve performance and decrease fuel
consumption.
Add Fuel (Figure 7)
Gasoline and its vapors are
extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death.
Turn engine off and let engine cool at least 2
minutes before removing the gas cap.
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
Keep gasoline away from sparks, open flames,
pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.
WARNING
1. Stop the engine. Before you remove gas cap (A),
let the engine cool at least 2 minutes.
2. Remove the gas cap. Fill the fuel tank (B) to
approximately 1-1/2 inches below top of neck to
allow for fuel expansion. Be careful, do not overfill.
3. Replace the gas cap before starting the engine.
A
B
Figure 7: Gas Cap
Operation
11
How To Start The Engine
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.
Start and run engine outdoors.
Do not start or run engine in enclosed area,
even if doors or windows are open.
WARNING
Rotating parts and belts can contact
or entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing,
or accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
Before starting the engine, raise the blade so
that it will not contact the ground.
WARNING
This engine was shipped from the factory without
oil. If you start the engine without oil, the engine
will be damaged beyond repair and will not be
covered under warranty.
CAUTION
1. Check the engine oil. See “Check/Add Oil” in the
Operation Section.
2. Move the throttle control lever (A), if equipped, to
the START position. For maximum performance
and engine life, operate the engine with the throttle
control lever in the fast position (Figure 8).
Figure 8: Throttle Control Lever
A
3. Firmly push the primer bulb (B) three (3) times
(Figure 9).
NOTE: When starting a new engine, push the primer
bulb five (5) times. If the engine floods, put the throttle
control lever in the START position and crank the
engine until it starts.
Figure 9: Primer Bulb
B
4. Firmly hold the starter rope handle (C) (Figure 10).
Slowly pull the starter rope handle until resistance
is felt, then pull quickly.
To prevent damage to the rewind starting system,
do not allow the starter rope to snap back. Let the
rope slowly rewind.
CAUTION
Figure 10: Rewind Start
C
Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward
engine faster than you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result.
When starting engine, pull the starter rope handle
slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
WARNING
Operation
12
How To Stop The Engine
1. On models equipped with a throttle control lever,
move the throttle control lever (A) to slow and
then to the STOP position (see Figure 11).
Figure 11: Throttle Control Lever
A
Do not move the choke control, if
equipped, to CHOKE to stop the
engine. Backfire, fire or engine
damage could occur.
To stop the engine, move the throttle control to
the stop position.
WARNING
How To Change The Height Of Cut
Rotating parts can contact or entangle
hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
The blade will rotate when the engine runs.
Before you change the height of cut, stop the
engine. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
WARNING
1. Move the throttle control lever to the STOP
position. Do not change the position of the height
adjuster lever (A) while the engine is running.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug.
3. Disengage the height adjuster lever.
4. Move the height adjuster lever to another position.
Make sure that each height adjuster lever is in the
same position so that the mower will cut level.
Figure 12: Height Adjuster
A
Operation
13
How To Empty The Grass Bag
Rotating parts can contact or entangle
hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
Before mounting or removing the grass bag,
stop the engine. Disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
Never leave the unit unattended while the
engine is running.
Keep bystanders away from machine.
WARNING 1. Raise the rear door (A) to a vertical position
(Figure 13).
2. Hold the handle (B) of the grass bag (C) and lift
the frame assembly. Continue to lift the frame
assembly until the hooks (D) are no longer
mounted on the pivot rod (E). Remove the grass
bag.
3. Empty the grass bag as shown in Figure 14.
4. To mount the grass bag on the mower, see “How
To Mount The Grass Bag” in the Assembly section.
B
Figure 13: Remove Grass Bag
DE
CA
Figure 14: Empty Grass Bag
C
B
Maintenance
14
Maintenance
Maintenance Chart
PROCEDURE
Before
Each
Use
First
5to8
Hours
Every
25
Hours
Every
50
Hours
Every
100
Hours
Before
Storage
MLubricate All Pivot Points √ √
M
OLubricate Wheel Axles √ √
O
WCheck Blade for Wear or Damage
ETighten All Fasteners
RSharpen Blade √ √
Oil, Check
EOil, Change √ √
N
G
Cooling System, Clean * √ √
G
I
Service Air Filter (see Engine manual) † √ √
I
N
Muffler/Silencer, Check
N
E
Inspect/Replace Spark Plug √ √
E
Inspect Spark Arrester
Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 50 hours. Change oil every 25 hours when operating the engine
under heavy load or in high temperatures.
* In dusty conditions, clean more often. Check every 25 hours.
In dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often. Replace air filter if it is very dirty.
Regular maintenance will improve the performance
and extend the life of the equipment. See any
Steelfort dealer for parts or service. Use only original
equipment replacement parts. Other parts may not
perform as well, may damage the unit, and may
result in injury. In addition, use of other parts may
void your warranty.
Follow the information in the Maintenance section
to keep the unit in good operating condition.
See the Engine manual for additional maintenance
and service information..
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
Stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and keep it away from the spark plug.
Use only correct tools.
Do not tamper with governor spring, links or
other parts to increase engine speed.
Unintentional sparking can result in
fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in
entanglement, traumatic amputation,
or laceration.
The blade rotates when the engine
runs.
WARNING
Engine Tipping (Figure 15)
When you service the engine, inspect the blade, or
clean the underside of the mower housing; make sure
to always tip the engine with the spark plug up.
Transporting or tipping the engine with the spark plug
down will cause:
Hard starting.
Engine smoking.
Spark plug fouling.
Oil or gas saturation of the air filter.
Figure 15: Engine Tipping
Maintenance
15
How To Clean The Mower Housing
Grass and other debris can keep the mower from
working correctly. After you mow, clean the mower
housing as follows.
1. Stop the engine.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Clean the top and the bottom of the mower
housing.
Lubrication
1. For maximum performance, lubricate the wheels
and all pivot points with engine oil every 25 hours.
2. To lubricate and service the engine, refer to the
Engine manual.
Blade Service
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it
away from the spark plug.
Use only correct tools.
When you hold the blade, use gloves or
cloth material to protect your hands.
Unintentional sparking can result in
fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in
entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
The cutting blade is sharp and can
result in traumatic amputation or
laceration to the hands.
WARNING
Frequently check the blade for wear or damage such
as cracks. Frequently check the bolt that holds the
blade. Keep the bolt tight. If the blade hits an object,
stop the engine. Disconnect the wire to the spark
plug. Check the blade adapter for damage. Check for
a bent or damaged blade, a badly worn blade, or
other damage. Before you operate the unit, damaged
parts must be replaced with factory replacement
parts. For safety, replace the blade every two years.
Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not
sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become
brown. Remove the blade as follows.
How To Remove The Blade (Figure 16)
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Lift the side of the mower that has the muffler or
spark plug.
3. Use a piece of wood to keep the blade from
rotating.
4. Remove the bolt (A) that holds the blade (B).
5. Check the blade and blade adapter (C) according
to the “Blade Service” instructions. If badly worn or
damaged, replace with factory replacement parts.
6. Mount the blade with the curved edges toward the
housing. If the blade is upside down, the blade will
not cut correctly and can cause an accident.
7. Fasten the blade with the original washer(s) (D)
and bolt. Make sure the outside rim of the
Belleville washer (D) is toward the blade.
8. Tighten the bolt that holds the blade to a torque of
41Nm (30 lbs-ft).
IMPORTANT: Always keep the bolt that holds the
blade tight. A loose bolt or blade can cause an
accident.
Figure 16: Blade Removal
A
B
C
D
B
A
D
C
Maintenance
16
How To Sharpen The Blade (Figure 17)
1. Sharpen the blade (B) two times a year or every
25 hours.
2. If the blade is on the unit, do not sharpen. Remove
the blade according to the instructions in “How To
Remove The Blade”.
3. Clean the blade with a brush, soap, and water.
Check the blade. Look for cracks, nicks, or other
damage. Replace a blade that is badly worn, bent,
or damaged with a factory replacement blade.
4. Sharpen the blade with a file (C). Make sure you
keep the original beveled cutting edge (Figure 17).
5. Make sure the blade is balanced. Use a
screwdriver (D) and hold the blade parallel to the
ground as shown. A blade that is balanced will
stay parallel to the ground. If the blade is not
balanced, the heavy end will rotate toward the
ground. Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.
6. A new blade will cut better than a badly worn
blade. Every two years replace the old blade with
a factory replacement blade.
Check The Level Of Cut
Test the unit in a small area. If the height of cut is not
level or if the cut grass is not discharged, the cause
can be: a. the blade is bent or damaged, b. the blade
is not sharp, c. a worn blade, d. or a broken blade
adapter. Before you use the unit, correct the problem.
Figure 17: Sharpen Blade
B
B
D
C
How To Fold The Handle (Figure 18)
Be careful when you fold or raise the handle. Do
not damage the cable. A cable that is bent will not
work correctly. Before you use the unit, replace a
bent or damaged cable.
CAUTION
For storage or to conserve space, fold the handle
forward over the engine.
How To Fold The Handle
1. Loosen the handle knobs (A).
2. Rotate the handle (B) forward over the engine.
Make sure the cable (C) is not damaged.
How To Raise The Handle
1. Raise the handle to the operating position.
2. Tighten the handle knobs.
Figure 18: Handle Storage
B
A
A
C
Maintenance
17
Storage (over 30 days)
Mower
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away
from the spark plug.
2. Clean the bottom of the mower housing.
3. Make sure the grass bag is empty of grass. Grass
remaining in the bag during storage will damage
the bag.
4. Completely clean the mower to protect the paint.
5. Put the unit in a building that has good ventilation.
Engine
Gasoline and its vapors are
extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death.
When Storing Gasoline Or Equipment With
Fuel In Tank
Store away from furnaces, stoves, water
heaters or other appliances that have pilot
lights or other ignition sources because they
can ignite gasoline vapors.
WARNING
Fuel System
Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days.
Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits to form in
the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. Mix
fuel stabilizer with the fuel in the tank or storage
container. Run the engine for a short time to circulate
stabilizer through the carburetor and engine. Engine
and fuel can then be stored up to 24 months.
If fuel stabilizer is used, you do not need to drain the
gasoline prior to storage. If fuel stabilizer is not used,
run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
If a FRESH STARTtfuel cap with a cartridge of
concentrated slow drip stabilizer is used, there is no
need to drain the fuel for seasonal storage as long as
the cartridge contains stabilizer.
Engine oil
While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil.
Lubricate cylinder and piston
Remove the spark plug and pour approximately 1 oz
(30 ml) of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Replace
the spark plug and slowly pull the starter rope to
distribute the oil.
Clean engine
Clean engine of surface debris, chaff, or grass.
Storage Area
Store in a clean, dry area. Do not store in the same
area as a stove, furnace, water heater, or other
appliance that uses a pilot light or has a device that
can create a spark.
Troubleshooting
18
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Engine will not start Outoffuel Add clean fresh fuel.
g
Carburetor flooded Move the choke control lever to the RUN
position. Then follow the starting procedure
until the engine starts.
Low oil Check oil level.
Fouled spark plug Clean and set spark plug gap.
Engine difficult to start Stale fuel Drain fuel tank. Fill with fresh fuel.
g
or
E
n
g
i
n
e
u
n
s
e
a
t
i
c
a
l
l
y
Dirt in fuel tank Drain and clean fuel tank. Fill with fresh fuel.
E
ng
i
ne runs erra
t
i
ca
l
l
y
o
r
Carburetor out of adjustment Contact an authorized engine service dealer.
o
r
Engine will not run at full
speed Fouled spark plug Clean and set spark plug gap. If the spark plug
electrode is burned or worn, replace the spark
plug.
Dirty air filter Clean or replace the air filter.
Engine smokes excessively Dirty air filter Clean or replace the air filter.
g
y
Oil level is above FULL mark
on dipstick Drain excess oil from engine to bring oil level
to FULL mark on dipstick.
Excessive vibration Loose parts on engine or
equipment Stop engine immediately. Tighten all fasteners.
If vibration continues, take the unit to
authorized service dealer.
Blade not balanced Remove the blade. Check the blade and
balance if necessary.
Bent or broken blade Check for a bent or broken blade. A damaged
blade is dangerous and must be replaced.
Damaged blade adapter Check the blade adapter. A damaged blade
adapter is dangerous and must be
replaced.
The grass will not discharge Dirty mower housing Clean the underside of the mower housing.
g
g
correctly Worn blade Remove and sharpen the blade. Replace the
blade every two years with a factory
replacement blade.
Blade upside down Remove and correctly install the blade.
Engine running too slow Move the throttle control lever to the FAST
position.
The grass is not cut even Mower housing not level Check the height adjustment at each wheel.
The height adjustment must be the same for
each wheel.
Dull blade Sharpen the blade.
Damaged blade Check for a bent or broken blade. A damaged
blade is dangerous and must be replaced.
Damaged blade adapter Check the blade adapter. A damaged blade
adapter is dangerous and must be
replaced.
Need Assistance?
Go to www.briggsandstratton.com
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Simplicity 16" WALK-BEHIND MOWER User manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
User manual

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