10
BEFORE OPERATING
Filling the sump with oil (fi g. 2)
The engine is supplied without oil in the sump, therefore pro-
ceed as follows before starting the engine:
1. Place the machine on a fl at surface.
2. Pull the dipstick out, unscrewing cap in anticlockwise di-
rection.
3. Slowly pour about 0.6 litres of clean, high quality oil in
sump.
NOTE:
Recommended 4-stroke engine oil - SAE10W-30.
4. Let oil settle for a couple of minutes.
5. Clean the dipstick on a rag and replace it, without screwing
the cap in.
6. Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level is just
below “FULL or MAX” notch.
NOTE:
DO NOT fi ll beyond “FULL or MAX” as this may da-
mage the engine.
WARNING :
1. To keep your engine in good working conditions, the
oil needs to be periodically replaced. If the machine is
used in very dirty, dusty or hot conditions, change the oil
more frequently.
2. For further information we recommend that you con-
sult the engine manual.
Filling the fuel tank (fig. 2)
Please use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline.
Remove the fuel fi ller cap and check fuel level. If the fuel
level is too low, refuel the tank. Remember adding fuel
not over the fuel fi lter shoulder.
Replace cap and clean any spillage.
IMPORTANT :
1. Always handle fuel with maximum care.
2. Refuel outdoors using a clean funnel to prevent spil-
ling. Wipe up any spilled petrol.
3. Refuel only after turning the engine off and when en-
gine is cool. Do not fill beyond 15 mm from top of tank as
fuel expands when hot.
4. When filling tank, keep far away from open flames and
sparks and DO NOT smoke !
5. Do not mix oil with gasoline. (See engine manual for
further informations on oil and fuel).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Working height adjustment (fig. 3)
1. Place your Verticut on the lawn, if possible on a fl at area.
2. Decide on the amount of thatch to be removed and adjust
the working depth using the knob at the top of the right
handlebar.
NOTE:
The working depth should be adjusted according to
the type of rotor kit mounted on your machine.
3. In order to adjust the working depth, turn knob 2 (fi g. 3).
When turned in a clockwise direction the working depth
increases whereas it decreases when turned in an anti-
clockwise direction.
4. In order to verify the working depth, refer to the sticker on
the control panel. When the corner of lever 1 (fi g. 3) enters
1.
2.
the red area this indicates that it is in working position. In
order to lift the blades lever 1 should be moved into the
black area.
NOTE:
When using knob 2 (fig. 3) lever 1 must always be po-
sitioned in the black area.
Operating instructions
1. Make sure the high tension wire is connected to the spark
plug.
2. Move the stop switch to operating position (“I”, “ON”) (6 fi g.
1).
3. Open the fuel cock before starting the engine
(fi g.
4).
4. Close the choke lever
(fi g. 4).
Note:
It is not necessary to close the choke lever when the
engine is warm.
5. Place foot on the chassis near the starter.
6. Slowly pull starter handle 2 (fi g. 1) until cord is stretched
tight and then pull hard to start engine.
7. After the engine starts, return the choke lever to its original
position.
8. To start de-thatching operation pull lever 5 (fi g. 1) towards
the handlebar to start the blades turning and push forward
lever 4 (fg. 1). The machine can then be pushed forward by
the handlebars.
Note:
After the engine starts, do not put a load on it for
about 1-2 minutes, instead, let it warm up at low speed. This
practice allows oil to get to the various engine parts and
lengthens the life of the engine.
WARNING:
When releasing lever 5 (fig. 1), rotor blades do not stop
immediately. Make sure they have actually stopped befo-
re going near them.
WARNING:
Never leave the mower unattended.
To stop the engine, move the throttle lever to the
position and the switch to stop position (“0”, “OFF”).
Precautions during use
1. Keep people and animals away from the working area (fi g.
5).
2. Before operation, clear the cutting area of all foreign
objects (fi g. 5).
3. Keep hands and feet away from the rotor kits under the
deck (fi g. 6).
4. Operate only with either bag or protections in position (fi g.
7).
Operating tips
The thatch removed from the ground can be collected in the
grass bag or discharged on the lawn.
1. The grass bag material is capable of stopping most debris
(stones, gravel, etc.) which could be thrown out by the bla-
des. It is essential that the grass bag is checked periodically
to see if it is damaged or worn, in which case it should im-
mediately be replaced by an original IBEA grass bag.