Grillo FD 280 Manuel D'utilisation page 10

STARTING THE PETROL ENGINE
Push the throttle to half-way (fig. 1 n. 4).
If the engine is cold, activate the choke (fig. 1 n. 3). Turn the ignition key on the dashboard (fig. 1 n. 5); once the
engine has started release it, deactivate the choke and wait a few minutes for the engine to warm up.
STARTING WORK
Rev up the engine and engage the PTO switch (fig. 1 n. 2). Adjust the cutting height using the lever n. 6 fig. 1.
Attention:
Do not insert the cutting blades with high engine speed. The engine has to run at half speed.
Insert the cutting blades at half speed of the engine and at some distance from the grass to be cut.
IMPORTANT
1) Adjust the travel speed in order to avoid overloading the deck when at work and cut with the engine at max rate.
2) Always keep the blades sharp.
In case of wear, sharpen or replace them as required.
Operate the speed selection pedal (fig. 5 n. 1) gently and start work (push the pedal to position A to travel for-
ward, or B to reverse).
Lever fig. 1 n. 7 is the parking brake; P (fig. 2) is the engaged position.
GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE USE
1. Check the condition of the ground before mowing. Make sure there are no stones, sticks or other objects.
2. When mowing, keep the engine at full revs and adjust the speed to suit the height of the grass. Take care
when you come to thick clumps of tall grass; slow down if necessary.
3. Sharpen the mower blades frequently; the cut will be better and the engine will be under less strain.
4. Engage the blades a few metres before you come to the grass for cutting.
5. Always keep the engine at full revs when mowing; if the engine slows down, decelerate for a moment to
allow the engine to recover rpm.
6. For best lawn appearance, alternate one longitudinal and one transverse cut, both at the same height.
7. If the duct tends to become clogged with grass, reduce the travel speed since it may be too high for the
lawn's condition. If the problem persist, probable cause are blunt blades, dented fin profiles, slack belt or
clogged grass catcher grille.
8. If the grass is very long, it is best to cut in two passes, the first with the blades at the highest level, perhaps
working on reduced width, and the second at the final height required.
9. Take great care when cutting close to bushes and low kerbs which might damage the edge of the back and
the blades.
10. When you finish work, engage the parking brake and always turn off the petrol tap (fig. 7 ref. A).
MOWING POSITION
To adjust the cutting height use the lever n. 6 fig. 1.
On rough or uneven ground, it is best to work with the deck in the highest position, to avoid knocks on the blades.
SLOPING GROUND
If possible always travel up and down rather than across slopes. When turning, take care that the wheels on
the uphill side do not meet any obstacles (stones, logs, roots, etc.) which might make you lose control of the
machine. If the drive wheels tend to slip, adjust the cutting deck floating springs to increase the load on the drive
wheels and improve traction (fig. 8). Always make an evaluation of the working conditions and take care on damp
ground or wet grass since the machine might slip. When going downhill, start off slowly and try not to drive over
dry or cut grass because the wheels lose grip. Never use this machine on gradients of more than 15° (26%). If
the wheels tend to slip, use the differential block (fig. 1 n. 10).
GRASS CATCHER
The grass catcher is fitted with a buzzer that sounds when it is full. Stop mowing immediately and
empty the catcher. The catcher is emptied from the driving seat by operating the push button fig. 1 n.
8: the hatch opens automatically. The grille inside the catcher must be kept clean for good pick-up and
to prevent clogging (fig. 9).