This document describes the Qualcast 51cm Petrol Self Propelled Lawnmower, model XSZ51C-SD, covering both assembly and operation/maintenance.
Function Description
The Qualcast 51cm Petrol Self Propelled Lawnmower is designed for domestic lawn mowing. It is a self-propelled petrol-powered machine that offers multiple cutting functions: grass collection, mulching, and side discharge. The self-propelled feature reduces user effort during operation. The lawnmower is equipped with a 51cm cutting width, making it suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. It features adjustable cutting height settings to accommodate different grass lengths and preferences. The engine is a single-cylinder 4-stroke type, requiring specific oil and unleaded fuel for operation.
Important Technical Specifications
- Engine Type: Single cylinder 4-stroke
- Engine Displacement: 150cc
- Engine Max. Power: 2.2kW
- Engine Speed: 2900rpm
- Cutting Width: 51cm
- Grass Bag Capacity: 65L
- Ignition: T.C.I
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.8L
- Oil Tank Capacity: 0.5L
- Sound Pressure Level: 84 dB(A)
- Guaranteed Sound Power Level: 98 dB(A)
- Vibration: 6.1 m/s² K=1.5 m/s²
- Spark Type: XC92YC (Champion)
- Net Weight: 31.5 kg
Usage Features
The lawnmower offers several user-friendly features:
- Self-Propelled Operation: Reduces physical exertion, making it easier to mow larger areas or navigate slopes.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Features 7 positions for adjusting the cutting height, allowing users to select the desired grass length. The manual advises against using the lowest setting for the first cut of the season or in drought conditions, and to cut only about one-third of the grass height.
- Multiple Cutting Modes:
- Grass Collection: The 65L grass bag collects cuttings, ensuring a tidy lawn. The manual emphasizes ensuring the grass collection box is in place before starting the engine and emptying it after mowing to prevent fire hazards.
- Mulching: A plastic mulching plug (E) is provided to enable mulching, where grass cuttings are finely chopped and returned to the lawn as natural fertilizer. For efficient mulching, it's recommended not to cut high or wet grass.
- Side Discharge: A side discharge chute (D) allows grass to be expelled from the side of the mower. This is useful for areas where grass collection is not desired. Similar to mulching, it's advised not to cut high or wet grass for efficient scattering.
- Easy Starting Procedure: Involves setting the throttle lever to the "RABBIT" position, pulling the Start/Stop bar towards the user, and then briskly pulling the starter handle and rope.
- Safety Features: Includes warnings about keeping hands and feet away from moving parts, not operating in confined spaces due to toxic exhaust fumes, and disconnecting the spark plug before maintenance. The blade continues to rotate for a period after the machine is switched off, requiring users to wait for it to stop completely.
- Fuel and Oil Requirements: Requires SAE30 or equivalent 4-stroke lawnmower oil (500ml capacity) and clean, fresh unleaded petrol (800ml capacity). The manual stresses the importance of filling the engine with oil before starting to prevent irreparable damage and voiding the warranty.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides comprehensive guidelines for maintaining the lawnmower to ensure its longevity and safe operation:
- Routine Maintenance Schedule: A recommended schedule outlines checks and replacements for various components:
- After every use: Clean air filter.
- Every 12 hours of use: Clean air filter, check spark plug, check engine oil, check cutting blade.
- Every 24 hours of use: Clean air filter, clean spark plug, replace engine oil, check cutting blade.
- Every 36 hours of use: Clean air filter, replace spark plug, check engine oil, replace cutting blade.
- Engine oil change: Crucially, the engine oil should be changed after the first 5 hours of use to prolong engine life.
- Cleaning:
- General Cleaning: Keep the machine clean and well-lubricated. Ensure the chute and underside of the deck are clear of wet debris. Avoid using water jets or high-pressure cleaners, and aggressive cleaning agents.
- Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement: Instructions for loosening the fastener, removing the filter, tapping it to remove debris, and replacing it if excessively dirty.
- Spark Plug Cleaning/Replacement: Details on pulling off the spark plug boot, removing the plug with a socket spanner, cleaning it with a wire brush, setting the gap to 0.51mm with a feeler gauge, and carefully reinstalling.
- Oil Change: Instructions for tilting the lawnmower, removing the dipstick to drain oil into a container, and refilling with 500ml of SAE30 or equivalent oil. Emphasizes not overfilling and checking the level after a brief run.
- Cutting Blade Replacement: Detailed steps for tipping the machine, holding the blade, unscrewing the blade bolt, inspecting for damage, fitting a new blade, and tightening the bolt. Warns about sharp edges and the need for garden gloves. The blade should be renewed after 50 hours of mowing or 2 years, whichever comes sooner.
- Storage:
- Short Periods: Allow the engine to cool, empty the grass bag, clean debris, store on a flat surface, and in a safe place inaccessible to children.
- Extended Periods (over 6 weeks or end of season): Involves draining the petrol tank (outdoors, away from flames), running the engine until all petrol is used up, changing the oil, removing the spark plug to add 20ml of oil to the cylinder head, pulling the starter handle to bathe the cylinder wall, and cleaning the machine.
- Preparation to Re-use: Before re-using after storage, check oil level, spark plug insertion, fill with fresh unleaded fuel, and follow the starting procedure.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A table listing common faults (e.g., loud running, engine not starting, uneven mowing), possible causes, and solutions.
- Parts and Support: Provides a list of consumable Qualcast parts (spark plug, collection bag, blade, blade nut, knob, mulching plug) and contact information for technical support and ordering spares.