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To maximize cutting power, walk briskly. The cutting power of
Your reel mower has been designed and engineered to deliver best-in-
the InertiaDrive
class cutting performance and a superior mowing experience. However,
that the faster you walk, the better your mower will cut. While it is not
there are several basic things you can do when mowing that will greatly
necessary to run, if you're used to mowing at a very leisurely pace, try
impact both your mower's performance and your mowing experience. If
walking just a little more quickly.
you have used a reel mower before, you will immediately appreciate the
For efficient mowing, cut your lawn in long, straight lines. Since reel
advantages offered by the StaySharp™ Max mower's advanced cutting
mowers only cut grass when they are moving, lay out your mowing
technologies and design features. If this is your rst reel mower, you will
pattern to maximize the amount of long, straight runs and to minimize
likely require a short transition period as you adjust your mowing habits
starts and stops. Overlapping wheel tracks will ensure a complete and
to maximize ef ciency and effectiveness. The information below will help
uniform cut (see gure on page 13).
both experienced and new reel mower users enjoy all the bene ts of
the reel mower. Also, remember that Fiskars customer service team and
Precut a turnaround zone to ease turns against obstructions. If any
website are both available to you should you need additional help.
mowing runs end against an obstruction (garden, foundation, fence,
etc.), begin by making one or two mowing passes along the obstructions
to provide a turnaround zone.
Mowing Tips
For closest edging, use the left side of the mower. To edge closely
For a healthy lawn, cut off no more than 1/3 of the grass length. T o
against gardens, foundations, fences and other barriers, use a mowing
maintain a healthy lawn and eliminate the mess created by very long grass
pattern that positions the left side of the mower toward the barrier.
clippings, cut off no more than one-third of the grass length at a time. If more
Scotts, Lawns: Your Guide to a Beautiful Yard, Second Edition,
than one-third of the length is removed, root growth will be impaired and the
recommends the following cut heights:
grass will be stressed, making your lawn susceptible to weed invasion,
disease and poor appearance. If your lawn gets too high, cut off one third of
the length, wait a couple days, and then cut off another third.
Cool Season Grasses
Bluegrasses (2" to 4")
To prevent mower damage, clear the mowing area of debris in advance.
Fescue (2" to 4")
Before starting, inspect the area to be mowed and remove stones, medium-
Ryegrass (2" to 4")
sized or larger sticks, trash and other debris.
If you hit hard debris, stop and inspect the blades. If you strike a stone,
large stick or other hard object with the cutting blades, stop mowing
immediately and check for a jam or damage. If the blades are damaged, pull
the mower backward to an appropriate work area and follow the
instructions in Care and Maintenance on page 16. Continuing to mow with
damaged blades may make repair impossible.
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Problem: The mower leaves some uncut blades
Are the blades making contact? While your mower's cutting system was
precision set during assembly, it is possible that some slippage may occur
of grass.
during shipping, handling and operation. T o check if the cutting gap is set
Is your grass very long or are tall weeds present? If grass over 6" long or
properly, refer to Checking Cutting Performance on page 10.
tall weeds are present, they may be knocked down by the mower's front fork
assembly. If this happens, either pull these long stragglers by hand or make a
Problem: Turning the mower is difficult or requires
second mowing pass to try and cut them. To prevent this entirely, never let your
stooping.
grass grow longer than 6".
Is the handle height set properly? If the adjustable handle is set too low,
Does the front of the mower rise off the ground? If the adjustable handle is
turning your mower may require you to stoop over. If this happens, refer to
set too high, the force you exert when pushing the mower may cause the front
Adjusting Your Mower on page 8 for instructions on raising the handle.
wheels to rise up off the ground, resulting in uneven cutting. If this happens,
refer to Adjusting Y our Mower on page 8.
Problem: The mower makes a scraping or
Are the blades set improperly? While your mower's cutting system was
tinging noise.
precision set during assembly, it is possible that some slippage may occur
during shipping, handling and operation. To check if the cutting system is set
Does the drive chain need to be lubricated? Your mower features a
properly, refer to Checking Cutting Performance on page 10.
powerful chain drive. The chain itself is similar to the chain on a bicycle,
and like a bicycle, the chain may make a noise or become hard to move
when rusted or in need of lubrication. To x this problem, lubricate the
Problem: The mower is hard to push or the reel
chain through the access hole in the chain cover as described in Care and
doesn't spin freely.
Maintenance on page 16.
Are you trying to cut too much grass? The mower may become hard to
Is the cutting reel or stationary blade damaged? While your mower has
push or even clog if the cut height is set too low for the length of the grass
hardened blades, blade damage can still occur if rocks, concrete edges or
being cut. If this is the case, readjust the cut height so that you are cutting no
other hard debris are struck. If this happens, the damaged area of the blade
more than 1/3 of the length of the grass.
may cause a high-pitched sound when it passes the other blade. See Care
and Maintenance on page 16 for additional details.
Is the mower awkward to push? If the adjustable handle is set too high, it may
feel awkward while pushing. If this happens, refer to Adjusting Y our Mower on
Are the blades making contact? While your mower's cutting system was
page 8 for instructions on lowering the handle.
precision set during assembly, it is possible that some slippage may occur
during shipping, handling and operation. T o check if the cutting gap is set
Is the drive train obstructed? If you nd that your mower becomes harder to
properly, refer to Checking Cutting Performance on page 10.
push, examine the ends of the reel and the wheels to see if grass clippings or
other debris have caused a jam. If an obstruction is present, clear it with a long
bristled brush or soft tool.
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Lubricate moving parts at least once a season and prior to winter
IMPORTANT: To ensure long-lasting performance, protect
storage to maintain peak performance. Your mower will push easier
your mower from impact during use and storage, keep it clean
and last longer if all moving parts are lubricated periodically. It is also
and dry and practice regular maintenance as follows.
recommended that lubrication be applied any time the mower gets wet.
General Maintenance
Keep your mower dry to prevent rust. Your mower will perform
better for longer if it is kept dry. The precision-ground blade edges of the
cutting reel and stationary blade and the bearings that carry the cutting
reel and the rear axle are most vulnerable to rust. If your mower does get
wet, dry it off with a towel and then spray it with a rust preventative as
soon as possible.
ATTENTION: Do not use solvents such as mineral spirits or kerosene to
clean your reel mower. They will damage the plastic
Hint: It is recommended that a silicone-based lubricant be used.
A lubricant that leaves a dry lm instead of an oily or tacky surface
is recommended in order to keep dirt, dust and grass clippings
from sticking to the reel blades.
Keep your mower clean to eliminate potential jams and moisture that
Drive Chain (A): Spray lubricant through the drive system lubrication hole
could cause rust. Your mower will last longer and look better if it is kept
while slowly rolling the mower forward to move the chain.
clean. After mowing, use a broom or long-bristled brush to clean any grass
clippings or other loose debris from the mower — especially around the
Rear Wheel Bearings (B): Spray lubricant between each wheel and
side plate.
cutting reel and the bottom of the drive system cover. Removing grass
clippings prevents cutting and drive system jams and eliminates trapped
Cutting Reel Bearings (C): Spray lubricant on both ends of the cutting reel
moisture that could cause rust.
shaft, which is located under the grass discharge chute (D).
ATTENTION: Do not use a garden hose to wash your mower. Storing the
Front Fork Assembly (E): Spray lubricant on both ends.
mower wet will allow rust to form.
Cut Height Adjustment Lever (F): Spray lubricant on the cut height
adjustment lever through the slot in the cover (G).
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™
Reel increases with the speed of the mower. This means
Warm Season Grasses
Bermuda (½" to 2")
St. Augustine (2" to 4")
Zoysia (¾" to 2")
Bahia (2" to 4")
Edging and turnaround zone cutting
General mowing
Problem: The cutting reel remains stationary when
the mower is pushed forward.
Did the drive chain come off? Your mower features a powerful chain drive
system. The drive system consists of a chain and two sprockets, similar
to those found on a bicycle. While unlikely, slippage during shipping,
handling or operation may cause the drive chain to come off or a drive
sprocket to loosen. To investigate either condition, use a 10 mm wrench
or socket to remove the drive system cover by removing the two bolts that
hold it in place. If the chain is off one or both sprockets, follow the steps
outlined below. The chain on your mower has a master link, which allows
you to remove and install the chain with a athead screwdriver or a set of
pliers. The master link appears slightly different than the rest of the
chain links.
•
To remove: use a athead screwdriver or pliers to slide the master link
plate
the master link to be removed and the chain can be uninstalled from
the sprockets (see below).
•
To install: wrap the chain around both sprockets and close the loop
with the master link. Replace the master link plate
over the pins (C). It will snap in place and sit on the chain as shown
(see below).
• Replace the drive system cover.
To install
Inspect your blades at least once a season and anytime your mower
strikes a hard object. While your mower features the Fiskars
StaySharp
may still occur if rocks, concrete edges or other hard debris are struck.
Before checking for blade damage, ensure that the mower cannot roll
A
forward by positioning it on a rm, level surface with blocked rear wheels.
Examine the entire length of the ground edges on all ve cutting reel
blades and the stationary blade. If a dent or ding is found, determine if
B
B
the ding causes the cutting reel and stationary blade to touch. To do this,
slowly pull the cutting reel downward while listening for scraping and
feeling for resistance in the area of the ding. If there is no contact, there is
no need to repair the ding. Simply treat it with rust preventative and
re-inspect periodically in case raised edges appear with continued use.
C
C
WARNING: The mower blades are sharp. Wear gloves when
performing this procedure, and keep ngers away from the interface
D
between the reel and stationary blade.
E
E
To avoid further damage, repair any ding that causes the cutting reel
and stationary blade to touch as quickly as possible. With care, any
ding found can be repaired with little or no impact on your mower's cutting
performance. Before beginning, get a narrow ne le (like the one found in
F
G
the Fiskars' Tool Care Kit, Model 7862) and position the mower on a rm,
level surface with blocked rear wheels to ensure that it cannot roll forward.
To remove the ding, le away only enough of the raised material to allow
the cutting reel to spin without making contact with the stationary blade.
File with long, straight strokes perpendicular
to the cutting edge of the blade, trying to
avoid removing material from the cutting
edge itself. When the raised edges are led
down, check the cutting gap as described in
Checking Cutting Performance on page 10.
Do not use mower if in poor health.
Do not operate with missing or damaged guards.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves and closed-toed shoes when
operating and maintaining your mower.
Never place hands, ngers or feet in the reel. When the reel is
spinning, it will cut.
Always remove debris from path of mower.
Always have sound footing when using the reel mower, especially on
wet grass or on slopes (inclines).
Use safe lifting practices when moving mower.
Do not allow children under 12 to use mower.
Do not operate around children, other people or pets.
Do not run while using the reel mower.
Do not use mower on surfaces other than grass.
Make sure your mower is in safe operating condition by following the
tips outlined in this manual.
Do not use this mower if it becomes damaged. Call 1-877-201-3260.
Fiskars Help Line: 1-877-201-3260
Did a drive sprocket loosen? If the chain is on both drive sprockets, with
your hands safely away from the cutting reel and the drive system, roll the
mower forward and observe both sprockets. If both sprockets turn and the
reel does not, the small drive sprocket has come loose. If neither sprocket
turns, the large drive sprocket has come loose. To tighten either sprocket,
rst remove the set screw from that sprocket completely with a 5 mm Allen
wrench. After aligning the holes in the sprocket and the shaft, replace and
tighten the set screw. It is important that the set screw be tightened so that
it extends into the hole in the shaft. Use thread locking uid if you have it.
Test again, to ensure that the drive system is working correctly. Replace
the drive system cover. If the set screw is missing, call 1-877-201-3260 for
a replacement.
Has a burr formed on a blade surface? If the reel will not spin, or the reel
stops spinning at a point, a burr may have formed on the reel blades or
the bedknife. In most cases, this can be repaired. To remove the burr, you
will need a at le, such as a mill le designed for nishing metal. Position
(A)
away from the open end (B). Removing the plate
(A)
allows
the mower on a rm, level surface, with blocked rear wheels to ensure the
mower cannot roll forward. Rotate the reel blades backwards to expose the
portion of the reel blade or bedknife with the burr. Keep the face of the le
at on the blade surface, and use long, straight strokes to remove the burr
(A)
by sliding it
slowly. If possible, avoid removing material from the cutting edge and only
le the region that is preventing the reel from spinning freely. When the burr
has been led down to the cutting edge surface, check the cutting gap as
described in Checking Cutting Performance on page 10.
A
C
C
B
Questions? Suggestions?
Don't return to the store. We're here to help.
B
Call our customer service team at 1-877-201-3260
A
To remove
Visit our website at skars.com/reelmowers
Fiskars Help Line: 1-877-201-3260
WARNING: The mower blades are sharp. Wear gloves when
®
exclusive
performing this procedure, and keep ngers away from the interface
Cutting System with hardened steel blades, blade damage
between reel and stationary blade.
™
ATTENTION: Do not use a power tool to repair blades. Too much steel
will be removed, resulting in severe blade damage and greatly reduced
cutting performance.
To Maintain Peak Cutting Performance. Your mower features a non-
contact StaySharp
™
bedknife blades actually touching. Under normal usage conditions,
StaySharp
blades should stay sharp for the life of the mower. In the
™
unlikely event that the blades on a heavily used mower begin to show
signs of wear, Fiskars recommends backlapping to restore the blade
edges. Instructions and supplies are available in Fiskars' StaySharp
Blade Restoration Kit, Model 362150-1001.
ATTENTION: Fiskars does not recommend sharpening the StaySharp
Max mower. The equipment and processes used in home sharpening
kits, and even by many professional sharpeners, will likely not be able to
achieve the strict tolerances required to maintain the non-contact nature of
the StaySharp
cutting system.
™
Fiskars Help Line: 1-877-201-3260
Safety Information
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Cutting System that cuts grass without the reel and
™
™
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