This document provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of the Sovereign 40cm Petrol Hand Push Lawnmower, model XSS40A. It is designed to ensure users can safely and effectively utilize the lawnmower for domestic lawn care.
Function Description
The Sovereign 40cm Petrol Hand Push Lawnmower is a robust machine specifically designed for domestic lawn mowing. Its primary function is to cut grass efficiently and collect the clippings into a grass bag, providing a neat and tidy finish to your lawn. The petrol engine offers independence from power outlets, making it suitable for larger gardens or areas without easy access to electricity. The hand-push design means the user guides the mower manually, offering precise control over the cutting path. The machine is equipped with a 40cm cutting width, allowing for effective coverage of medium-sized lawns. It features adjustable cutting heights, enabling users to tailor the grass length according to their preferences and lawn conditions. The integrated grass collection system ensures that clippings are neatly gathered, reducing the need for post-mowing raking.
Usage Features
Before operating the lawnmower, it is crucial to follow the detailed assembly instructions provided. The assembly process involves attaching the lower handle to the main mower deck using self-tapping screws and securing it firmly. The upper handle is then lifted and locked into place with quick-release levers and tensioning bolts, ensuring a secure connection between the handle sections. The rope guide for the starter rope needs to be attached to the right handle, and the cable clips are used to fix the control cables to the lower handle, preventing them from interfering with operation. Finally, the grass collecting bag is assembled by fixing its plastic hooks to the frame and then hooking it onto the mower after raising the safety flap.
A critical step before starting the engine for the first time, or after extended storage, is to fill it with the correct grade and quantity of engine oil and unleaded petrol. The manual explicitly warns against starting the engine without 500ml of SAE 30 oil, as this will cause irreparable damage and invalidate the warranty. The oil level should be checked using the dipstick, ensuring it is between the Min and Max marks. For fuel, clean, fresh unleaded petrol should be used, and the tank should not be overfilled to allow for expansion. Refueling must always be done outdoors, away from flames or sparks, and with the engine stopped and cool.
To start the engine, a specific procedure must be followed: press the primer bulb 3-5 times (more for a cold engine, less for a warm one, and if the engine stops due to lack of petrol), ensure the stop/start lever is closed, and then pull the starting handle briskly. The manual provides clear illustrations for these steps. Once the engine is running, the cutting height can be adjusted by pulling the lever towards the wheel and moving it to the desired position (25 mm to 75 mm), ensuring all four wheels are at the same height.
When mowing, it is advised to keep a firm grip on the upper handle with the stop/start bar engaged. The user should walk, never run, and exercise caution on uneven or rough ground. Mowing across slopes is recommended over mowing up and down, and excessively steep slopes (over 15°) should be avoided. The best results are achieved when the grass is dry, as wet grass can clog the blade and collection system. It is important not to use the lowest cutting height for the first cut of the season or in drought conditions, and only about one-third of the grass height should be cut at a time. The grass bag should be emptied when full to maintain efficient collection.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and safe operation of the Sovereign lawnmower. The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule, recommending checks and cleaning after every use, and more intensive maintenance after 12, 24, and 36 hours of use.
After each use, the air filter should be cleaned, and the spark plug, engine oil, and cutting blade should be checked. The engine oil should be changed after the first 5 hours of use, and then periodically as per the schedule. To change the oil, the lawnmower should be tilted towards the oil filler, and the old oil drained into a container. The engine is then refilled with 500ml of SAE30 oil (or equivalent).
Cleaning the air filter involves opening its cover, removing the filter element, gently tapping it to loosen debris, and replacing it if excessively dirty. The spark plug should be cleaned with a wire brush, and its gap set to 0.51mm using a feeler gauge. When reinstalling, it should be tightened carefully to avoid cross-threading.
The cutting blade requires particular attention. Before any maintenance on the blade, the engine must be switched off, the spark plug cable disconnected, and the blade allowed to stop completely. Garden gloves are recommended due to sharp edges. To replace the blade, the machine is tilted, and the blade bolt is unscrewed. The blade adaptor should be inspected for damage. A new blade is then fitted, ensuring it is correctly located on the studs of the blade flange, and the washer and bolt are securely tightened. The manual emphasizes that the blade's upturn must project into the motor compartment.
For storage, especially for extended periods (more than 6 weeks or at the end of the season), specific steps are necessary to prevent fuel contamination and starting problems. This includes emptying the petrol tank (outdoors, away from flames), running the engine until all remaining fuel is used up, changing the engine oil, and removing the spark plug to add a small amount of oil to the cylinder before reinstalling the plug. The machine should be thoroughly cleaned, especially the cooling fins and housing, and stored in a well-ventilated place. The manual also suggests using Briggs & Stratton FUEL FIT as an alternative to prevent fuel contamination.
The document also includes a troubleshooting guide to address common issues such as loud running, heavy vibrations, engine not starting, unsteady engine operation, uneven mowing, and unsatisfactory grass collection, providing possible causes and solutions for each. For any issues or missing parts, users are advised to contact the customer helpline rather than returning the product to the store.