Yardworks 1816-16-1 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is the owner's manual for the Yardworks 16" Reel Lawn Mower, Model 1816-16-1 (SKU# 270-1424). It provides detailed instructions for assembly, usage, maintenance, and includes important safety warnings and warranty information.

Function Description:

The Yardworks 16" Reel Lawn Mower is a manual push lawn mower designed for cutting grass. As a reel mower, it operates by a series of blades rotating against a fixed bedknife, providing a clean, scissor-like cut. This type of mower is generally preferred for achieving a finely manicured lawn, especially for certain grass types, and operates without the need for electricity or gasoline, making it an environmentally friendly option. Its manual operation also means it's quieter than motorized mowers and requires no fuel or charging.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: 1816-16-1
SKU: 270-1424
Cutting Width: 16 inches
Cutting Height Adjustments: Basic cutting height adjustments are possible, ranging from 2" to 3" (5 cm to 7.5 cm). This is achieved by adjusting the height lever system on the two trailing wheels. The manual describes how to unlock the factory setting and raise or lower the trailing wheel.
Mower Blade Adjustment: The manual details how to adjust the cutter bar to ensure proper contact with the reel blades. This is crucial for achieving a clean cut and involves adjusting screws on the cutter bar.
Parts: The manual includes a packing list and diagrams for handle assembly hardware, including handle bolts, wing nuts, washers, and E-rings. Key components mentioned for repair parts include a 10" wheel kit, handle kit, gear and pawl kit, axle pin kit, trailing wheel kit, height adjuster kit, and an upper handle assembly hardware package.

Usage Features:

Assembly: The manual provides step-by-step instructions for assembly, starting with securing the middle handle to the upper handle, then the middle handle to the lower handle, and finally attaching the assembled handle to the reel. Diagrams (Figure 1 and Figure 2) illustrate these steps, showing the placement of bolts, washers, wing nuts, and E-rings. A "TIP" is included to help users apply pressure downward on the lower handle to position it underneath the short metal posts on the reel, and to gently relieve pressure until the handle is set into place upon the second pin.
Basic Cutting Height Adjustments: Users can adjust the cutting height by manipulating the height adjustment lever system on the trailing wheels. The manual specifies a range of 2" to 3" (5 cm to 7.5 cm) and provides instructions for unlocking the factory setting and raising or lowering the wheel.
To Reduce Cutting Height Below 2" (Figure 4): For users desiring a lower cut, the manual outlines a procedure involving removing the plastic hub cap, inserting a small screwdriver into the slot on the hub cap, and popping it off the wheel. It then details how to remove the axle pin, slide the axle nut into place with a large flat blade screwdriver, and either a socket or box-end wrench on the nut. After the nut has been removed, users pull forward on the wheel, dust cover, and axle assembly until the end of the axle clears the side of the mower. Moving the axle to one of the other two holes allows for lower cutting heights. The manual warns that it is not recommended to use position "A" unless you have an extremely flat lawn in order to avoid scalping.
Safety Warnings: A dedicated "Safety Warnings" section (page 2) highlights critical precautions. These include reading the manual before use, inspecting the mower for debris or foreign objects, and ensuring all parts are in good working order. Users are advised to never mow when the grass is wet, never place hands or feet near moving parts, and always wear appropriate footwear (barefoot or wearing sandals is prohibited). The manual emphasizes that this mower is a precision piece of lawn care equipment and should be treated as such. It also includes California Proposition 65 warnings regarding chemicals.
General Care: The manual advises against damaging the mower or cutting blades, keeping the area to be mowed free from any debris. It recommends routinely applying oil or lubricant (e.g., WD-40) to all cutting surfaces. Reel mower blades generally need to be sharpened once per season, and specific sharpening kits (SK-1 and SK-2) are compatible with this reel mower.

Maintenance Features:

Mower Blade Adjustment (Figure 5): This section explains how to adjust the cutter bar to ensure proper contact with the reel blades. It notes that mower blade screws come pre-adjusted from the factory, but over time, slight adjustments may be needed. Misalignment can occur, leading to rough, uneven cuts or difficulty pushing the mower. All adjustments are made from the rear of the mower, and each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted separately.
Cutter Bar Adjustment Continued... (Figure 5): The cutting bar blade pivots at the front screws. To adjust, users move the cutter bar away from the blades while the rear screws move the cutter bar toward the blades. The adjustment screws are very sensitive, with 1/16th of a turn considered a major adjustment. Before tightening one adjusting screw, users should loosen the opposing screw an equal amount.
Loosening the Cutter Bar: Instructions are provided to loosen both rear screws equally by turning them counterclockwise, and then both front screws equally by turning them clockwise.
Tightening the Cutter Bar: Instructions are provided to tighten both front screws equally by turning them counterclockwise, and then both rear screws equally by turning them clockwise.
Checking Blade Adjustments: This section details how to verify proper blade adjustment. Users should turn the mower upside down, insert a piece of printer paper or newspaper between the cutter bar and the reel blades, and carefully turn the reel blades by hand. All blades should slice the paper evenly for the entire length of the cutter bar while the reel turns smoothly. If the mower is not cutting evenly, an adjustment should be made to the appropriate side of the cutter bar.
Warranty Policy: The mower comes with a two (2) year limited warranty on Yardworks Reel Mowers, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty is voided if used for commercial or industrial purposes or due to operator abuse or negligence. It does not cover wear items (e.g., drive belts, gears, cutting blades), damage from environmental extremes, or normal wear and tear. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to new products sold directly from an authorized retailer. Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.
Parts and Service: The manual provides contact information for parts and service, including a phone number (1-800-633-1501) and website (www.americanlawnmower.com). It instructs users to always mention the model number when ordering kits/items. A table lists various repair parts with their descriptions and quantities.