Grillo MD15 - User Manual

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Overview

The Grillo MD15 – MD18 is a hydrostatic ride-on lawnmower designed for cutting grass, including on sloping grounds. It is an "agrigarden machine" manufactured by Grillo S.p.A.

The MD15 model is equipped with a GR-452, OHV, 12 HP (9.2 kW), 452cc, single-cylinder petrol engine. The MD18 model features a B&S INTEK 7180 15.2 HP, 656 cc OHV twin-cylinder, internal combustion, 4-stroke engine with synchro-balanced (AVS) technology. Both models have a 7-liter fuel tank with a 1-liter reserve and an electric starting system with a 12V battery. The gearbox is a hydrostatic transmission, offering continuous speed variation from 0 to 9 km/h forward and 0 to 4 km/h in reverse. The MD18 model uniquely includes a differential with a locking device. Power take-off (PTO) is managed by an electromagnetic clutch.

The lawnmower features front tires sized 13x5.00-6 and rear tires sized 16x7.50-8. A rear parking brake is standard. The operator's seat is sprung and adjustable, with the MD18 model also fitted with a roll bar for enhanced safety. The cutting deck offers side discharge and mulching functions, utilizing a single rotating blade with a cutting width of 830 mm. The blade speed is 72 m/sec. Cutting height is adjustable from 25 mm to 75 mm for the MD15 and from 25 mm to 80 mm for the MD18, with 6 cutting positions and 1 transport position. The indicative work capacity is 4500 m²/h for the MD15 and 6000 m²/h for the MD18. The internal steering radius is 450 mm, and a tow bar is included as a standard feature. Dimensions are 1895 mm length, 1130 mm width, and 975 mm height for the MD15, or 1025 mm for the MD18. The MD15 weighs 218 kg, while the MD18 weighs 238 kg.

Before starting the engine, several checks are mandatory: ensure the travel lever is in the idle position, the engine oil level is correct, the engine cooling intake grilles and air filter are clean, the mowing deck is clean, the hydraulic motor fins are clean, and the blades are sharp and firmly fastened. The central screw of the blade hub must be safety tightened. The fuel tank should be filled using a funnel with a very fine filter. The seat position can be adjusted for comfort. To start the engine, push the throttle halfway, use the choke if the engine is cold (MD18 has a separate choke from MD15), and turn the ignition key to the ON position. Once started, turn off the choke and allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes. To switch off, turn the ignition key to the STOP position. For transport, the cutting deck should be set to its maximum height. The headlamp can be switched on by turning the ignition key to the second position; it's important to do this only after the engine has started to avoid battery discharge.

To begin work, select the desired cutting height using the lever, accelerate the engine, and engage the PTO lever on the dashboard. Gently operate the forward travel lever to start mowing. To stop, return the lever to the stop position. The lever also controls reverse movement when moved backward, always gently. The parking brake is engaged by lifting and hooking a loop, and can be adjusted via a register. The MD18 model includes a differential lock pedal for use when driving wheels skid, especially on slopes or downhill, to maintain adhesion. It should not be used when turning. The differential lock chains can be tightened if loose by adjusting bolts after loosening ball bearing screws.

The machine is equipped with an hourmeter that displays total hours worked, hours remaining until the next engine oil change (first change after 20 hours, then every 100 hours), and hours remaining until the next lubrication (every 40 hours). These indicators flash when maintenance is due. Functions can be selected by pushing a white button, and alarms can be reset by holding the button for 6 seconds when the relevant alarm is flashing.

Safety devices include an engine stop function if the operator leaves the seat, and a no-start function if the blade is engaged, the operator is not seated, or the forward lever is not in the STOP position.

Maintenance is crucial for efficient operation. Always disconnect spark plugs, wear protective clothing and gloves, and use suitable fixing tools when lifting the machine. Used oils and other pollutants must be disposed of responsibly. Engine oil and filter should be changed after the first 20 working hours, then every 100 hours or annually. The air filter and engine cooling grilles should be checked every 4 hours, or more frequently in dusty conditions. The hydrostatic axle's expansion tank should be empty when the engine is cold, and its cooling fans cleaned every 4 hours in summer. Hydrostatic oil should be replaced after the first 50 hours, then every 200 hours, using 10W60 engine oil. Lubrication points, including wheel pivots, belt stretcher bushing, forward lever joints, and steering rack joints, should be greased every 20 hours.

Blades should be sharpened regularly; damaged or crooked blades must be replaced with original GRILLO spare parts. The cutting deck's levelness is essential for an even cut and can be adjusted using four nuts. The blade-engine belt and hydrostatic axle-engine belts should be checked for wear and replaced by an authorized service center if necessary. The blade rotation, engaged by a switch, should only be started at medium engine rpm and not in grass. The electromagnetic clutch also acts as a blade brake, stopping the blade within 5 seconds; if not, it requires adjustment by an authorized service center. The traction release lever, located at the back of the machine, allows manual movement if the machine breaks down.

After mowing, disengage the blades, drive back with the cutting deck in the highest position, move the travel lever to STOP, set the throttle to minimum rpm, turn off the engine, and lower the deck to the lowest position. Clean the exterior of the mower after each use. For prolonged storage (over 1 month), disconnect the battery, lubricate all joints, and follow engine manual instructions for fuel storage, potentially using a fuel stabilizer. If the machine uses alcohol-containing petrol, drain the tank and run the engine until empty. When transporting the machine, secure it with ropes or cables.