Routine Maintenance - Stiga MP1 554 Series Operator's Manual

3.1c Preparation for mowing and
mulching (where applicable)
– On models with a side discharge: make sure that the
side discharge guard 4) is lowered and blocked by the
safety lever (3).
– L ift the rear discharge guard (1) and fit the chute cap (5)
in the discharge opening, keeping it slightly tilted to the
right. Fasten it by fitting the two pins (6) into the holes pro-
vided until the fastener tooth (7) clicks into place.
To remove the deflector cap (5), lift the rear discharge
guard (1) and push in the middle to release the tooth (7).
3.1d Preparation for mowing and side discharge of
grass (where applicable)
– L ift the rear discharge guard (1) and fit the chute cap (5)
in the discharge opening, keeping it slightly tilted to the
right. Fasten it by fitting the two pins (6) into the holes pro-
vided until the fastener tooth (7) clicks into place.
– P ush the safety lever (3) slightly and lift the side dis-
charge guard (4).
– I nsert the side discharge chute (8) as shown in the figure.
– C lose the side discharge guard (4) so that the side dis-
charge chute (8) is locked in place.
To remove the side discharge chute:
– P ush the safety lever (3) slightly and lift the side dis-
charge guard (4).
– R elease the side discharge chute (8).
To remove the chute flap:
– L ift the rear discharge guard (1).
– P ush in the middle to release the tooth (7).
3.2 Engine ignition
3.2a
• Manual ignition models ("I")
Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle
and firmly tug the knob on the ignition cable (2).
3.2b
• Electric push-button ignition models ("III - "IV" -
"V")
– Insert the supplied battery in the relative engine compart-
ment (4, "III - "IV"); (follow the instructions provided in the
engine manual).
A motor with non-removable built-in battery is included
on some models ("V").
– Insert the key as far as possible (if fitted) (6).
– Pull the engine cutting means brake lever towards the
handle (1).
In "V" motors, the battery charge indicator (5) turns on
or flashes for 5 seconds to indicate:
• Indicator on = the battery is charged
• Indicator flashing = the battery is low
• Indicator off = the battery is dead Follow the in-
structions in the motor instruction manual for
emergency charging using the external USB
charging device (not supplied with the machine).
NOTE Keep pulling the engine / cutting means brake or
the engine will stop.
– Press and hold the starter button until the engine switch-
es on (7).
The battery charge status indicator (5) turns off in "V"
motors.
Follow the instructions in the engine manual for further
details on the engine.
3.3 Mowing the lawn
The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate
cutting in both directions at the same height.
When the grass catcher is too full, grass collection is no
longer efficient and the sound of the lawnmower changes.
To remove and empty the grass catcher,
– s top the engine and wait for the cutting means to stop;
– lift the rear discharge guard, grasp the handle and re-
move the grass catcher keeping it in an erect position.
• For mulching or rear grass discharge: always avoid
removing a large quantity of grass. Never cut more
than one third of the total grass height per single pass!
Regulate the forward speed according to the lawn condi-
tions and the amount of grass removed.
• For side discharge (if applicable): it is best to mow in
a pattern where cut grass is not discharged on the grass
still to be cut.
• For a grass catcher with contents indicator device
(if applicable): while working with the cutting means
running, the indicator remains raised for as long as the
grass catcher is able to hold cut grass; when it lowers, it
means that the grass catcher is full and must be emptied.
Lawn care recommendations
Each type of grass has different characteristics and may
thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always
read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for
the growing conditions in the work area.
Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one
or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged
and growth is more difficult.
The following indications generally apply:
– c utting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a
"spotted" appearance;
– i n the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the
ground from drying;
– d o not cut wet grass; this could reduce cutting means ef-
ficiency due to sticky grass and tear the lawn.
– f or particularly high grass, initially mow at the maximum
height allowed by the machine then mow again after two
or three days.
3.4 When work is finished
When work has been completed, release the brake lever (1)
and disconnect the spark plug cap (2).
• Electric push-button ignition models
Press the tab (5) and remove the consent key (4).
WAIT UNTIL THE CUTTING MEANS STOPS before pro-
ceeding any further.

4. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Store the lawnmower in a dry place.
IMPORTANT Routine and accurate maintenance, at least
once a year, is essential in maintaining original machine safe-
ty and performance levels.
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