Maintenance - Ryobi RLM4617ME Original Instructions Manual

SETTING THE BLADE HEIGHT
See fi gure 6.
When shipped, the wheels on the product are set to a low-
cutting position. Before using the product for the fi rst time,
adjust the cutting position to the height best suited for your
lawn. The average lawn grass height should be between 3
and 6 cm, depending on the season.
■ To raise the blade height, grasp the height adjustment
lever and move it toward the front of the mower.
■ To lower the blade height, grasp the height adjustment
lever and move it toward the back of the mower.
SETTING THE HANDLE LENGTH
See fi gure 7.
The length of the handle can be easily adjusted for
operator preference.
1. Loosen and remove the mid handle knobs.
2. Remove bolts and washers.
3. Reinsert bolts and washers in a higher or lower
position.
4. Tighten the knobs.
SETTING THE HANDLE HEIGHT
See fi gure 8.
1. Loosen and remove bolts and lock nuts from both
sides of the mower handle base.
NOTE: Please be mindful of the weight of the handle
during adjustments as to avoid any pinching of skin or
fi ngers when the handle drops in height.
2. Feed bolt through hole A for a higher handle height
(on both sides)
3. Feed bolt through hole B for a lower handle height (on
both sides)
4. Secure in place by tightening the lock nuts onto the
end of the bolts (both sides).
NOTE: The collapsible handle grey lock knob and
corresponding bolt need not be touched for handle
height adjustment.
MOWING TIPS
■ Make sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wires, and
other objects that could damage the mower blades or
the engine. Such objects could be accidentally thrown
by the product in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
■ For best performance, always cut one-third or less of
the total height of the grass.
■ When cutting long grass, reduce walking speed to
allow for more effective cutting and proper discharge
of the clippings.
■ Do not cut wet grass. It will stick to the underside of
the deck and prevent proper catching of the grass
clippings.
■ New or thick grass may require a narrower cut path.
■ Clean the underside of the mower deck after each use
to remove grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and any other
accumulated debris.
SLOPE OPERATION
See fi gure 9.
■ Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents that can result in severe injury. Operation on
slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it. For your safety, do not attempt to
mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
■ Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
■ Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles. Remove all objects such as rocks and tree
limbs which could be tripped over or thrown by the
blade.
■ Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury.
■ Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments;
you could lose your footing or balance.
EMPTYING THE GRASS CATCHER
See fi gure 10.
1. Stop the product and wait for the blade to come to a
complete stop.
2. Lift the rear discharge door.
3. Grasp the grass catcher by its handle and lift to
remove from the product.
4. Empty the grass clippings.
5. Lift the rear discharge door and reinstall the grass
catcher.

MAINTENANCE

When servicing, use only original manufacturer's
replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a
hazard or cause product damage.
Before performing any maintenance, stop the product,
allow the blade to come to a complete stop, and
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury.
■ You may make adjustments and repairs described in
this manual. For other repairs, contact the authorised
service agent.
■ Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
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WARNING
WARNING