DOMESTIC ROTARY LAWNMOWER OWNER’S MANUAL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Never mow while barefoot or wearing open sandals or thongs. Wear long trousers and heavy shoes • Know your controls. Read the owner’s manual carefully. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in any emergency • Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones, bones, wire and debris. They could be thrown by the blade • Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before clearing blockages, checking, or working on the mower.
INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of a Rover Mowers domestic rotary lawnmower. This manual covers the setting up, operation and maintenance of the Rover domestic rotary lawnmower. Please read and understand this owner’s manual before using the mower. If any point is unclear, contact Rover Mowers or any Rover Mowers authorized service dealer or agent. To emphasise special information the following WARNING and CAUTION highlights are used. WARNING The safety of the user and others involved.
SETTING UP Preliminary Open the lawn mower cardboard carton carefully folding back the carton top flaps. Lift out the plastic grass catcher components. With the aid of a second person carefully lift the lawn mower out of the cardboard carton and place on a level surface. Loosen the two handle bar pivot bolt knobs (A) (where fitted). Fold the handle bars out straight, inline with the lower handle bars.
OPERATION - All mowers Adjusting the cut height (Continued) The Rover lawnmower has ten height settings controlled by the height adjustment lever located at the rear right hand wheel. Grasp the height adjustment lever (1) and pull the lever away from the base to disengage the lever from the height adjustment rack (2). Move the lever either forwards or backwards to the desired position and release the lever so as to engage in the height adjustment rack Figure 4.
OPERATION - Mulch Mowers (only) Installing the Mulch Plug WARNING The mulch plug should only be fitted or removed when the engine is stopped. Never raise the rear flap when the engine is running. With the engine stopped, raise the rear flap of the mower and remove the grass catcher (if fitted) Insert the long right hand side of the mulch plug first into the rear chute of the mower. Refer to figures 8 and 10.
OPERATION - Mulch Mowers (only) Vari-Tilt Conbar Mowers (only) – Information The Rover Vari-tilt System (Patent Pending) is fitted to provide improved performance when mulching. Generally it is recommended that the conbar is at its longest length for Mulch mowing and at it’s shortest length for Catch mowing (Refer to figures 12 & 13). The conbar at it’s longest length also provides a greater maximum height of cut.
OPERATION - All mowers To Start the engine Refer to the engine manufacturer owner’s manual for detailed starting procedure. Ensure that the engine oil is at the correct level and that the fuel tank is full of fresh unleaded petrol. Move the throttle control lever to the :- “CHOKE” position (where fitted) - or position and prime the engine. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s the “FAST” manual. Grasp rope handle and pull slowly until resistance is felt.
MAINTENANCE - All mowers WARNING Before carrying out any maintenance on the mower remove the spark plug lead from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting Engine air cleaner Refer to the engine manufacturer owner’s manual for detailed maintenance instructions. The engine air cleaner elements must be serviced after every 25 hours of normal mowing. The elements must be serviced more regularly if the mower is used in dusty conditions. Replace immediately if the element is damaged.
MAINTENANCE - All mowers Cutting Assembly - refer to figure 16 WARNING Always ensure the engine is stopped and the spark plug lead is removed before attempting any maintenance on the mower. Secure the mower safely when tilted upwards to access the underside With the engine stopped, remove the spark plug lead and grass catcher or mulch plug. Set the height of cut lever to the high cut position, and fold the handle bars. Tilt the mower so the spark plug is up.
MAINTENANCE - All mowers Cleaning To ensure safe operation and long life it is recommended to clean the mower after every use. This will prevent corrosion, overheating and fire risk while ensuring ultimate performance. Cleaning the Underside of the Mower CAUTION Always ensure the engine is stopped and the spark plug lead is removed before attempting any maintenance on the mower. Place the mower outdoors on a flat surface. Set the cut height to maximum.
MAINTENANCE - Self Propelled Mowers (only) Adjusting the Drive Cable- refer figure 18. WARNING If cable adjustment is necessary ensure that the drive disengages before starting the mower or it may drive off unattended.
MAINTENANCE - Self Propelled Mowers (only) Drive wheel cleaning and drive pawl lubrication – refer to figure 19 and 20 Every 50 hours : Disconnect the spark plug lead. Support the rear wheels off the ground and remove the wheel caps (A). Remove the nyloc nut and tension washer (K) retaining the wheel (D) to the axle. Remove the wheel (D) from the axle and clean the inside of the wheel hub.
MAINTENANCE - Mulch mowers (only) Mulching Equipment For optimum mulching performance The mulch blades are to be kept sharp. Maintain the blade sharpening angle when sharpening. Keep the cutting edge feather free when sharpening Keep the underside of the mower deck and the mulch plug free of build-up. Refer to the Cleaning section on page 10. MULCH MOWING INFORMATION Some Rover 460 models are fitted with an option for mulch mowing.
MULCH MOWING INFORMATION (continued) USEFUL MULCH MOWING TIPS Mulch mowing is an art form and to produce the best results consistently, follow the useful hints: · Do not attempt to mulch if the grass is too wet. Wet grass tends to clump together and does not evenly spread out. It also clogs up the underside of the base. · Do not mulch mow on too low a cutting height. Remember the maximum cut should be 25mm off the top of the grass, or 1/3rd the grass (blade) height, whichever is the lesser amount .
Warranty Conditions Australia & New Zealand Only Rover Mowers Limited warrant that this machine is free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is limited to making good or replacing any part which appears upon inspection by the manufacturer or his agent to be defective in material or workmanship. The engine used to power this machine is warranted by the manufacturer whose warranty statement has been included with the machine.
