This document is the operator's manual for the LawnMaster 18" Reel Mower, model LMRM1801. It provides comprehensive information on the assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the reel mower, along with important safety instructions and warranty details.
Function Description
The LawnMaster 18" Reel Mower LMRM1801 is a precision piece of equipment designed specifically for mowing grass. It is a non-power-operated, hand-push reel mower that requires continuous manual pushing during operation. The mower is most effective on flat, even lawns and is designed to provide a clean cut. It features a collection bag to gather grass clippings.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: LMRM1801
- Number of Blades: 5 Hardened Steel
- Cutting Width: 18" (450 mm)
- Cutting Height Adjustment: 0.7-2.6" (18-66mm); 9 Positions
- Collection Bag Capacity: 35 L
- Wheel Size: 10" (250mm) Front / 6" (150mm) Rear Wheels
- Weight: 29.3 lbs (13.3 kg)
- Warranty: Limited two (2) year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for normal household use. A 30-day limited warranty applies for commercial, industrial, or rental use.
Usage Features
The mower is designed for ease of use and maintenance.
- Assembly: The manual provides detailed instructions for assembling the handles and attaching the collection bag. It emphasizes not fully tightening bolts until assembly is complete and ensuring all safety devices are in place before operation.
- Operation:
- Cutting Height Adjustment: The cutting height can be adjusted from 0.7 to 2.6 inches (1.9-6.3 cm) with 9 distinct positions. Adjustment is made by moving two height adjustment levers located next to the rear wheels. Both levers must be set to the same position for optimal performance.
- Mowing Technique: Users are advised to maintain a consistent walking pace, push the mower in straight passes, and slightly overlap each pass to ensure an even cut. The mower should be used on relatively dry grass and the blade height should be adjusted to cut no more than 1/3 of the total grass height. For lawns exceeding four inches, it's recommended to mow at the highest setting first, then readjust and mow again after a day or two.
- Transport Mode: To move the mower without the blade reel turning, the handle can be pivoted over the reel, and the mower pushed from the opposite side. This "transport mode" prevents the blades from rotating.
- Safety: The manual includes extensive safety warnings. Users are instructed to read all instructions carefully, wear sturdy work shoes and appropriate clothing, keep hands and feet away from rotating blades, and avoid operating the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Special precautions are outlined for operating on slopes, including mowing across slopes (never up and down) and avoiding slopes with a gradient greater than 15 degrees or wet grass. Child safety is also heavily emphasized, with strict guidelines on keeping children out of the mowing area and never allowing children under 14 to operate the machine.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the LawnMaster reel mower.
- General Maintenance:
- All adjustments should be checked at least once per season.
- Fasteners should be periodically checked for tightness.
- Lubricant should be regularly applied to cutting surfaces, the cutting reel axle shaft, and wheels.
- Cleaning and Storage:
- After each use, the mower should be cleaned with a damp cloth to prevent the build-up of grass clippings and debris. A plastic scraper or brush can be used for more stubborn deposits.
- Pressure washers or garden hoses should not be used for cleaning.
- The mower should be stored indoors in a clean, dry place, out of reach of children.
- Sharpening the Blades:
- Blades should be sharpened periodically using a thin layer of lapping compound (100-240 grit) on the front edge of the reel blades.
- The cutting bar should be adjusted to have light but firm contact across its full width.
- The mower should be operated on a paved surface until the front edge of the cutting bar blade is polished.
- After sharpening, any grinding compound or debris must be cleaned from the blades, wheels, and pawls.
- To prevent rust, blades should be dried after use and a thin coat of penetrating oil spray applied. Reel mower sharpening kits are available for purchase.
- Adjusting the Mower Blades:
- Blade clearance from the cutting bar is factory-set but may require readjustment over time.
- Misalignment can cause uneven cuts or difficulty pushing the mower.
- Each end of the cutting bar is adjusted separately. Turning the adjustment screw clockwise moves the cutting bar closer to the blades, while counterclockwise moves it away.
- To check adjustment, a piece of paper (0.12 mm thick) should be inserted between a blade and the cutting bar. Slowly turning the wheel by hand should cut the paper evenly at every point.
- A warning is given not to over-tighten the adjustment screw, as this can damage the cutting bar. Adjustments are sensitive, with a sixteenth of a turn considered a major adjustment. When tightening one screw, the opposite screw should be loosened by an equal amount.
The manual also includes a troubleshooting section to help users diagnose and fix common issues such as uneven cuts, difficulty pushing, abnormal noise, yellowing lawn, and deep tracks. For more complex issues or replacement parts, users are directed to contact Customer Service.
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