American Lawn Mower Co. 101-08 - Lawn Mower Manual

SAFETY RULES

• Read all instructions in this manual before using mower.
• Inspect your lawn for any debris or foreign objects and remove them before mowing.
• Never place your hands, fingers, or feet inside the reel. Although not powered by a motor, when the wheels turn, the reel cuts.
• Never mow when the grass is wet enough to be slippery.
• Don't place your hands or feet near a moving part of the mower.
• Don't operate the mower while barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Walk slowly, never run. Always be sure of your footing when operating the mower.
• Never intentionally strike or ram trees, fences, etc. This can cause injuries or severely damage the mower.
• Remember that this mower is a precision piece of lawn care equipment. Treat it as such by exercising caution when using it.
• Make sure your mower is in safe operating condition. Don't attempt to operate the mower if it is damaged; have it repaired first.
• Never leave child unattended while using the mower.

Exposed rotating mower blades can cause serious injury.
Keep hands and feet clear. Use only with adult supervision.
Never leave a child using the mower unattended.

How to Assemble

PACKING LIST:

1. Reel Mower
2. 4 Piece Handles (See Figure1)
3. Instruction Manual
4. Handle Assembly Hardware Package

HANDLE ASSEMBLY HARDWARE PACKAGE

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THESE PARTS BEFORE YOU START

Handle

Enclosed in carton are the: mower handle parts (1 upper handle section, 1 lower section and 2 middle sections) and hardware package.

• Lay out the parts of the handle as shown in figure 1.
  
• Fasten the 1 upper handle section to the middle sections using the 2-M6x35 bolts and wing nuts.
• Fasten the 1 lower handle section to the middle sections of the handle using the 4-M6x35 bolts and wing nuts.

Attaching the handle to the mower

• After assembling the handle, fit the holes at the end of the lower portion of the handle on the left and right side, over the short center post extending out from the side plates.
  

How to Order Parts

Specify the following information when ordering parts:

1. Complete model number (found on the cover of your manual.)
2. Number of the kit needed (see kits list).

Parts, Customer Service or Warranty Claims
To order replacement part kits or accessories, call our customer support hotline at 1-800-633-1501, or go to americanlawnmower.com
**For questions, help, and warranties please contact customer support.**
ALL PARTS ARE SOLD FACTORY DIRECT.
ALL SHIPPING CHARGES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PURCHASER.

Kits List

#	Kit #	Description	Figure
1	RM8-HK-1	8" Reel Handle Kit
2	RM8-UHP-1	8" Reel Handle ASSY Hardware Kit
3	RM8-WKIOA-1	8" Reel Wheel Kit
4	RM-GPK-I	Gear and Pawl Kit
5	RM8-RAK-1	Roller Assy Kit

Usage and Care

General Care

Minimum care is required to assure smooth operation of your mower.

• To avoid damage to the mower or cutting blades, keep the area to be mowed free from any debris.
• To prevent unnecessary wear on blades, pull mower rather than push when moving mower on concrete or paved surfaces.
• For best performance, apply a light coating of oil or WD-40 to the blades after every use.

**For questions, help, and warranties, please contact customer support.**

Adjusting Mower Heights

Mower blade adjustment

The blades have been preadjusted before leaving the factory.

Do not adjust unless absolutely needed.
Misalignment can occur resulting in blades that are too loose or too tight. If this happens, you will notice a rough, uneven cut or a hard-pushing mower.
All adjustments are made from the rear of the mower (opposite from the bar with the logo decal). Each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted separately.

• Adjusting the knob is very sensitive procedure. 1/16^th of a turn is considered a major adjustment.

Loosening the blades

The cutting bar blade must be moved further from the cutting reel.

• Turn Adjustment Knobs counterclockwise.

Tightening the blades

The cutting bar blade must be moved closer to the cutting reel.

• Turn Adjustment Knobs clockwise.

Checking adjustments

• Turn mower upside down.
• Insert piece of paper (i.e., writing 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 the entire length of the cutter bar while the reel turns smoothly.
If the mower has an intermittent cut, adjustment should be made to appropriate side of the blades to attain proper cutting action.

Sharpening the cutting blades

When the mower is properly lubricated and adjusted, sharpening should not be necessary for several years. However, the following steps will allow you to do the procedure yourself at relatively little expense.

• Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge of the reel blades.
• Adjust the cutter bar so that the cutter bar blade has light but firm contact with the reel blades across the full width of the cutter bar.
• Push the mower on a smooth surface (such as a sidewalk or paved driveway).
  Continue to do this until the reel blades rotate relatively free and front edge of the cutter bar blade is polished.
• 
  Clean any grinding compound or debris from the cutter bar blade, reel blades.

NOTE: It is recommended to use and industrial or valve lapping compound between 100-240 grit.
This can be found by going to americanlawnmower.com or your local industrial or automotive supply store. If professional sharpening is required, consult your local lawn mower repair services.

Customer Responsibilities

Always use care when operating your lawn mower and keep clear of moving parts. Avoid striking or running into solid objects or debris in the area to be mowed. Be sure the mower is clear and follow a regular maintenance schedule in order to provide efficient and safe operation. A well-cared-for lawn mower will last long and operate more efficiently.

Register your product at:
Americanlawnmower.com/productregistration
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-633-1501
Americanlawnmower.corn