This document serves as the User Manual for the FERREX Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower, model XSZ461, providing essential information for its safe and effective operation, assembly, and maintenance.
Function Description
The FERREX Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is designed exclusively for cutting grass. It is equipped with a 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine and a self-propelling lever, making it easier to maneuver across lawns. The lawnmower features a hybrid collection box for gathering grass clippings, or it can be used with a mulching function by inserting a mulching plug into the rear discharge chute. The cutting height is adjustable, allowing users to select from 7 positions (25-75mm) to achieve the desired grass length. The engine is started using a pull cord handle after priming.
Usage Features
Before operating the lawnmower, it is crucial to read the instruction manual carefully, paying particular attention to the safety notes. The lawnmower is shipped without oil or petrol, so these must be added to the correct levels before the first start. Always use clean, fresh unleaded petrol and high-quality detergent SAE30 oil (or equivalent 5W30/10W30). Do not overfill the fuel tank or oil sump. The hybrid collection box must always be fitted before starting the engine.
To assemble the lawnmower, first remove all packaging and check for damaged components. The lower handle needs to be fixed to the deck using a wrench, and the upper handle is then secured to the lower handle with quick releases. Ensure the rope guide is on the right handle and that cables are not twisted. The hybrid collection box hooks onto the mower after raising the safety flap. Cables should be secured to the lower handle using the provided clips.
When setting the cutting height, stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop completely. Pull the lever towards the wheel, then move it forwards or backwards to adjust the height, ensuring it clicks into place. To start the engine, ensure the spark plug cap is on the plug and there is sufficient oil and petrol. Press the primer 3 times, pull the start/stop bar towards the upper handle, and then pull the starter handle briskly until the engine starts. Return the starter rope gently to its rest position. If the engine is flooded, release the stop/start bar, remove and dry the spark plug, then reinstall it.
During mowing, always observe strict safety procedures. Keep a firm grip on the upper handle with the stop/start bar and propulsion lever closed. Walk, never run, with the mower, especially on uneven ground. Mow across slopes, not up and down, and exercise caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not use the mower on slopes steeper than 15°. The best results are achieved on dry grass. Avoid using the lowest cutting height for the first cut of the season or in drought conditions; only cut about one-third of the grass height. If the lawnmower is not collecting cuttings efficiently, check if the grass discharge chute is blocked, the collection box is full, or the underside of the mower deck is clogged. The recommended maximum continuous use time is one and a half hours. When using the mulching function, remove the collection grass bag and insert the plastic mulching plug. Always empty the hybrid collection box after mowing, even if not full, as stored grass residues are a fire hazard.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is essential for years of trouble-free use and to ensure the lawnmower operates correctly and safely. The manual provides a maintenance schedule:
- After every use: Clean the air filter, spark plug, engine oil, and cutting blade.
- Every 12 hours of use: Clean the air filter, spark plug, engine oil, and cutting blade.
- Every 24 hours of use: Clean the air filter, spark plug, engine oil, and cutting blade.
- Every 36 hours of use: Replace the air filter, clean the spark plug, engine oil, and cutting blade.
Never turn the mower upside down. Before tipping the lawnmower onto its side, completely empty the fuel tank using a petrol suction pump. Never clean the lawnmower with a water jet or high-pressure cleaner; the engine must remain dry. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents. After every use, thoroughly clean the lawnmower, especially the underneath and the blade mount. Gently tip the mower back with the front wheels up to remove dirt and grass. Ensure the grass chute is free of any residual grass.
For spark plug maintenance, once the engine has cooled, pull off the spark plug boot with a twist. Remove the spark plug using the supplied socket spanner. Clean the plug with a wire brush and set the gap to 0.7-0.8mm using a feeler gauge. Install the spark plug carefully by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten it 1/8 to 1/4 turn with the spanner to compress the washer.
For air filter maintenance, open the cover, remove the foam filter, wash it in liquid detergent and water, squeeze it dry with a clean cloth, then reinstall and close the cover. Never run the engine without the air filter element installed.
For oil maintenance, tilt the lawnmower towards the oil filler, have a container ready to catch the oil, and remove the dipstick. Once emptied, wipe clean any spillages. Refill with 470ml SAE30 oil (or equivalent). The oil level must be between the min and max marks on the dipstick when rested on the filler pipe (not screwed in). Do not overfill. Start the engine and allow it to run briefly, then stop and check the oil level, topping up if necessary.
For blade maintenance, always handle the blade with care, wearing gloves due to sharp edges. Renew the metal blade after 50 hours of mowing or 2 years, whichever comes sooner, regardless of condition. If the blade is cracked or damaged, replace it immediately. Do not hold the blade by hand directly. Maintain the sharpness of the blade; if it is excessively worn, pitted, or blunt, it should be replaced or sharpened. For safety, blade changes should be performed by qualified and authorized personnel. To remove the blade, tip the machine backwards, hold the blade, and unscrew the blade bolt counterclockwise using a spanner wrench. Remove the washer and blade. Inspect the blade adaptor for damage. Fit a new blade, locating it on the two studs on the blade flange, then replace the washer and bolts. Ensure the washer is slightly domed to keep pressure on the bolt. Make sure the blade is correctly located and firmly tighten the bolt without overtightening.
Any repair and maintenance work not described in these instructions should be carried out by a specialist workshop using only original replacement parts. Always allow the equipment to cool before any maintenance and cleaning work to avoid burns from hot engine elements.
For storage, allow the engine to cool fully, ensure the collection box is empty, and clean all debris from under the mower deck. Store the lawnmower on a flat, level surface with all four wheels on the ground upright, in a safe place inaccessible to children or unfamiliar individuals. For extended storage, empty the petrol tank (either by suction pump or by running the engine until it stops), change the engine oil, remove the spark plug, fill the cylinder with approx. 20 ml of clean engine oil, slowly pull the starter handle to bathe the cylinder wall with oil, then screw the spark plug back in. Clean the cooling fins of the cylinder and housing, and the entire machine to protect the paint. Store the machine in a well-ventilated place. Never empty the petrol tank in enclosed areas, near fire, or when smoking, as petrol fumes can cause explosions and fire.
The manual also includes a warranty card and conditions, noting a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase, with 6 months for wear parts. It specifies that the warranty does not cover damage from accidents, improper use or transport, disregard of safety/maintenance instructions, or other improper treatment/modification. After the warranty, repairs are at the customer's expense.