ST EP 414 Manuel D'utilisation page 25

trations (listed on page iii and following pages).
1. COMPLETE ASSEMBLY
NOTE The machine can be supplied with some parts al-
ready assembled.
WARNING! Unpacking and completing the assem-
bly should be done on a flat and stable surface, with
enough space for moving the machine and its packag-
ing, always making use of suitable equipment.
Disposal of the packaging should be done in accord-
ance with the local regulations in force.
1.1 Assembling the handle
Insert the lower right (1) and left (2) parts of the handle into
the respective holes and fasten them in place with the sup-
plied screws (3) and the washers (4).
Fit the two caps (5) on to the ends of the two bottom parts
of the handle (1) and (2).
Attach the top of the handle (6) to the bottom parts using
the knobs (7) and the supplied nuts and bolts as shown.
Fit the starter cable (8) in the guide (9) and tighten the nut
(10).
Fit the cable fastener (11) in the indicated position and se-
cure the control cables.
1.2 Assembling the grass catcher
Insert the frame (11) in the grass catcher (12) and snap
on all the plastic sections (13), using a screwdriver as
illustrated.
2. CONTROLS DESCRIPTION
NOTE The meanings of the symbols on controls are ex-
plained in the previous pages.
2.1 Throttle lever
The throttle is controlled by the lever (1).
Lever positions are indicated on the relevant plate.
Some models have a fixed speed engine with no need for
a throttle.
2.2 Engine brake lever / cutting means
The cutting means brake is controlled by the lever (1) which
must be held against the handle during ignition and during
lawnmower operations.
The engine stops when the lever is released.
2.3 Drive lever (where applicable)
On power-driven models, push the lever (1) toward the han-
dle for forward movement.
The lawnmower stops moving forward when the lever is
released.
The engine must always be ignited with the drive disen-
gaged.
WARNING! To prevent damage to the transmis-
sion, do not pull the machine backwards with the
transmission engaged.
2.4 Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height is adjusted by the levers (1).
The four wheels must be adjusted to the same height.
DO THIS WHEN THE CUTTING MEANS IS STATIONARY.
3. GRASS CUTTING
NOTE This machine can be used to mow lawns in a
number of different ways; before starting work, prepare the
machine based on how the lawn is to be mowed.
DO THIS WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
3.1 Preparation for mowing and grass collection by
the grass catcher
Lift the rear discharge guard (1) and fasten the grass catch-
er (2) correctly as shown in the illustration.
3.2 Engine ignition
During ignition, follow the instructions in the engine man-
ual, then pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the
handle and firmly tug the knob on the ignition cable (2).
3.3 Mowing the lawn
The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate
cutting in both directions at the same height.
When the grass catcher is too full, grass collection is no
longer efficient and the sound of the lawnmower changes.
To remove and empty the grass catcher,
– s top the engine and wait for the cutting means to stop;
– lift the rear discharge guard, grasp the handle and re-
move the grass catcher keeping it in an erect position.
Lawn care recommendations
Each type of grass has different characteristics and may
thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always
read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for
the growing conditions in the work area.
Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one
or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged
and growth is more difficult.
The following indications generally apply:
– c utting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a
"spotted" appearance;
– i n the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the
ground from drying;
– d o not cut wet grass; this could reduce cutting means ef-
ficiency due to sticky grass and tear the lawn.
– f or particularly high grass, initially mow at the maximum
height allowed by the machine then mow again after two
or three days.
3.4 End of operations
When work has been completed, release the brake lever (1)
and disconnect the spark plug cap (2).
WAIT UNTIL THE CUTTING MEANS STOPS before pro-
ceeding any further.
4. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Store the lawnmower in a dry place.
IMPORTANT Routine and accurate maintenance is es-
sential in maintaining original machine safety and perform-
ance levels.
Adjustments or maintenance operations must only be per-
formed with the engine switched off and the spark plug ca-
ble disconnected.
1) W ear strong protective gloves before cleaning, main-
EN - 4