sunjoe MJ501M - User Manual

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, LLC

A Division of Snow Joe

, LLC

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Model MJ501M Form No. SJ-MJ501M-880E-MR5

MANUAL QUAD-WHEEL REEL MOWER

18-INCH | GRASS CATCHER | RAZOREEL

IMPORTANT!

Safety Instructions

All Operators Must Read These

Instructions Before Use

Always follow these safety guidelines. Failure to do so may

result in serious bodily injury or death.

General Safety WARNINGS!

When using this reel mower, basic safety precautions should

always be followed to reduce the risk of personal injury. These

precautions include:

mWARNING! This unit can be dangerous! Careless or

improper use can cause serious injury.

mWARNING! Risk of dismemberment: keep hands and

feet away from the rotating blades and the cutting area.

Before using the reel mower, familiarize yourself with the

controls, especially how to stop the mower in an emergency.

The only individuals who should use the mower are those who

thoroughly understand these instructions and know how to

properly operate the unit. Children should never be allowed

access to the mower.

Retain this manual for future reference and reread it at the start

of each mowing season.

Safety Information

1. Never place hands, ngers, or feet inside the reel.

Although this mower is not powered by a motor, the reel

spins when the wheels turn, and it is sharp enough to

cause serious injury.

2. Never mow when the grass is wet as it can be slippery.

3. Do not use the reel mower while barefoot or while

wearing sandals.

4. Walk behind, never run, while using the reel mower.

Always keep proper footing and balance when using this

reel mower.

5. Do not intentionally strike or hit trees, fences, or

other objects. Doing so can cause severe injuries or

permanently damage the reel mower's mechanisms.

6. Make sure that the reel mower is in proper working order

prior to use. Do not attempt to operate this reel mower if it

is damaged. Contact your authorized Snow Joe

Sun Joe

dealer or call the Snow Joe

+ Sun Joe

customer service center at 1-866-SNOWJOE

(1-866-766-9563).

IMPORTANT!

Safety Instructions for Walk-Behind

Reel Mowers

General Operation

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

machine and in the manual(s) before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine.

Always stay clear of the discharge opening.

• Only responsible adults who are familiar with the

instructions should be allowed to operate this machine.

• Clear the mowing area of foreign objects such as rocks,

wire, toys, and other miscellaneous articles, which could

be picked up and thrown by the rotating blades.

• Make sure that the mowing area is clear of bystanders

before starting the mower. Stop the mower if anyone

enters the area.

• Always look down and behind before starting and while

moving backward with the mower.

• Do not operate the machine without safety protective

devices in place and in proper working order.

• Never operate the mower on wet grass. Always be sure of

your footing; walk, never run, with the mower.

• Keep blades sharp.

• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting area.

• Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.

• Objects struck by the reel mower blades can cause severe

injuries. The mowing area should always be carefully

examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.

• Only use identical replacement blades.

Slope Operation

Slopes are major factors involved in slip and fall accidents.

Such accidents can cause severe personal injury. Operating

this mower on any inclined surface requires extra caution. If

you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

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Summary

IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions

General Safety Warnings

General safety precautions to reduce the risk of personal injury when using the reel mower.

Safety Information

Key safety guidelines for operating the reel mower, including hand/foot placement and mowing conditions.

IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions for Walk-Behind Reel Mowers

Operation

Cutting height adjustment

Guide on how to adjust the mower's cutting height using the provided levers.

Adjusting the mower blades

Detailed instructions on how to adjust the reel mower blades for optimal performance and cutting quality.

Summary

IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions

General Safety Warnings

General safety precautions to reduce the risk of personal injury when using the reel mower.

Safety Information

Key safety guidelines for operating the reel mower, including hand/foot placement and mowing conditions.

IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions for Walk-Behind Reel Mowers

Operation

Cutting height adjustment

Guide on how to adjust the mower's cutting height using the provided levers.

Adjusting the mower blades

Detailed instructions on how to adjust the reel mower blades for optimal performance and cutting quality.

The document describes the Sun Joe MJ501M Manual Quad-Wheel Reel Mower, an 18-inch reel mower designed for residential lawn care. It features a grass catcher and "Razoreel" technology, suggesting efficient cutting.

Function Description:

The Sun Joe MJ501M is a manual reel mower used for cutting grass. Unlike motorized mowers, it operates by the user pushing it, which causes the wheels to turn and, in turn, spins the reel blades. This action creates a scissor-like cut, which is generally considered healthier for grass than the tearing action of rotary mowers. The mower is designed to be used on lawns to maintain grass height and promote healthy turf growth. It includes a grass catcher to collect clippings, preventing them from covering the lawn and facilitating compost piling. The device is intended for responsible adults who understand and follow the safety and operational instructions.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: MJ501M
Cutting Width: 18 inches (45.7 cm)
Rotor: 5 steel blades
Cutting Heights: Adjustable from 1.4 inches to 2.5 inches (3.6 cm to 6.4 cm)
Height Control: 9-position manual height adjustment
Wheel Size:
- Front: 10 inches (25 cm)
- Rear: 6 inches (15 cm)
Grass Catcher Capacity: 7 gallons (26.5 liters)
Weight: 29.3 lbs (13.3 kg)

Usage Features:

The mower is designed for ease of use and effective lawn maintenance.

Assembly: The handle comes in sections (upper, middle, and lower) and is assembled using knobs and bolts. The grass catcher hooks onto the mower body and is secured with a locking strap to the lower handle.
Cutting Height Adjustment: The 9-position manual height adjustment levers, located near the smaller wheels, allow users to set the cutting height between 1.4 inches and 2.5 inches. Both levers must be set to the same position for an even cut.
Ensuring a Clean Cut: The manual emphasizes verifying blade alignment before first use, as shipping vibrations can cause misalignment. A paper test is recommended: insert a piece of paper between the cutting bar and reel blades, then slowly turn the wheel by hand. All blades should slice the paper evenly along the entire length of the cutting bar.
Adjusting Mower Blades: The cutting bar blade can be adjusted separately at each end. Adjustment bolts at the back of the mower move the cutting bar closer to the blades (clockwise) or away from the blades (counterclockwise). Proper adjustment ensures optimal cutting performance.
Mowing Tips - The 1/3 Rule: To promote a healthy lawn, users should mow regularly (at least once a week during the growing season) and avoid removing more than 1/3 of the total height of the turf at any mowing session, and never more than 1 inch at a time. This practice stimulates root growth and maintains turf health.
Tall Grass Management: For extremely tall grass, it is recommended to set the cutting height to the maximum for the first pass, then reset it to the desired height for a second or third pass. Removing too much height at once can cause root shock. If the lawn is overgrown (over 4 inches), a brush cutter may be needed before resuming normal mowing.
Slope Operation: Extreme caution is advised when mowing on slopes. Users should mow across the face of a sloped surface, never up and down. Awareness of holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects is crucial to prevent slips and falls. Wet grass or excessively steep slopes should be avoided. The manual warns against mowing near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments where footing or balance could be lost. If uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
Safety Features: The manual includes numerous safety symbols and warnings, emphasizing keeping hands and feet away from rotating blades and the cutting area, wearing eye protection, and clearing the mowing area of foreign objects. It also stresses that only responsible adults familiar with the instructions should operate the machine, and children should never be allowed access.

Maintenance Features:

The Sun Joe MJ501M is designed for relatively low maintenance, but consistent care is necessary for optimal performance.

General Maintenance:
- Keep all nuts and bolts tight.
- Never tamper with safety devices; regularly check their proper placement and working order.
- Keep the reel mower free from grass, leaves, or other debris buildup.
- Inspect the reel mower for damage if a foreign object is struck, and repair if necessary before restarting.
- Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently, replacing them with manufacturer-recommended parts when needed.
Blade Care:
- The mower blades are sharp; wrap them or wear gloves when handling.
- Always keep the cutting bar properly adjusted.
- Regularly clean and lubricate cutting edges with light spray oil.
- The manual notes that reel mowers have difficulty cutting tall weeds like dandelions, often bending them rather than cutting them. Frequent mowing helps prevent this.
Sharpening the Cutting Blades:
- Spread a thin layer of lapping compound (100 to 240 grit industrial or valve lapping compound) on the front edge of the reel blades.
- Adjust the cutting bar to have light but firm contact across its full width.
- Turn the reel blades until the front edge of the cutting bar blade is polished.
- WARNING: Do not overtighten adjustment screws, as this can damage the cutting bar.
Cleaning and Storage:
- Thoroughly clean the exterior with a soft brush and cloth before storing; avoid water, solvents, or polishes.
- Turn the mower on its side to clean the blade area.
- WARNING: Do not place hands inside or near the cutting area. Use a wood or plastic cleaning tool to remove compacted grass cuttings.
- Store the mower in a dry place and do not place other objects on top of it.
- Lubricate the axle and pinion with a light film of wheel bearing grease.