Hayter Harrier 48, 480A, 481A Manual

Main Features

1. Spark Plug Lead
2. Air Cleaner
3. Engine Cover
4. Fuel Cap
5. Oil Filler Cap & Dipstick
6. Rear Deflector
7. Engine Start Grip
8. Engine Stop Lever
9. Handlebar
10. Ground Drive Clutch Lever
11. Throttle Control
12. Grassbag Assembly
13. Handlebar Securing Knob
14. Handlebar Height Adjust Knob
15. Height of Cut Lever
16. Exhaust Guard
17. Battery (481A Only)
18. Ignition Key (481A Only)
19. Serial Number Decal

Specifications

MODEL	CODE 480A	CODE 481A - Auto Drive Electric Start
Engine	Briggs & Stratton	Briggs & Stratton
	Quantum XTS-50-IC	Quantum XTS-50-IC
Engine Type	12G882-1515-21	12L887-1562-21
Engine / Cutterblade Speed	2800 rpm	2800 rpm
Fuel Type	Unleaded Petrol	Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Capacity	1.5 litres	1.5 litres
Oil Type	SAE 30 engine oil	SAE 30 engine oil
Oil Sump Capacity	0.6 litres	0.6 litres
Spark Plug	802592E	802592E
Spark Plug Gap	0.76mm	0.76mm
Width of Cut	480mm	480mm
Height of Cut	13 - 65mm	13 - 65mm
Overall Dimensions	1044 x 514 x 1377mm	1044 x 514 x 1377mm
Dry Weight	45 Kg	50 Kg

INTRODUCTION

This 'Owners Handbook' should be regarded as part of the mower as it gives essential information regarding mower safety, operation, maintenance and specifications. Read and understand this handbook prior to operating your mower for the first time. Make sure you are familiar with all the controls and points of regular maintenance. If you have any doubts, consult your local Hayter authorised dealer who will be pleased to give you assistance.

This mower is designed solely for use in a domestic grass cutting environment. Use in any other way is considered as contrary to the intended use. Compliance with and strict adherence to the conditions of operation, service and repair as specified in this handbook also constitute essential elements of the intended use. This mower should be operated, serviced and repaired only by persons who are familiar with its particular characteristics and who are acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.

The safety precautions listed in this handbook and all other generally recognised regulations on safety must be observed at all times.
Any arbitrary modifications carried out to this machine may relieve Hayter Limited of liability for any resulting damage or injury.

Hayter mowers are robustly constructed and designed for efficient economical performance under normal mowing conditions. Correct operation and maintenance will ensure a long and satisfactory service life. Prior to despatch from our factory every effort is made to ensure that your mower is delivered in perfect condition.

Throughout this handbook all references to left and right are as viewed from behind the handlebar, in the direction of forward travel.

This handbook is based on information available at the time of publication.

HAYTER LIMITED reserve the right to amend product specifications without prior notification.

A damaged cutterblade or loose fixing bolt are major hazards. Before use, always visually inspect the cutting mechanism to ensure that it is in good condition. A damaged cutterblade must be replaced immediately with a genuine Hayter replacement part

Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect. Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling.

Always pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull the cord rapidly to avoid kickback and prevent hand or arm injury.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Avoid using the mower on wet grass, where feasible.

Always be sure of your footing on slopes.

Walk, never run.

Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.

Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

Do not mow excessively steep slopes of more than 20 degrees.

Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the mower towards you.

Stop the engine before moving the mower across areas other than grass.

Never operate the mower unless the guards are securely in position and in good condition.

Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.

Disengage the rear roller drive clutch before starting the engine.

Start the engine carefully, with feet well away from the cutterblade.

Do not tilt the mower when starting the engine.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

Never pick up or carry the mower while the engine is running.

Never lift the rear deflector while the engine is running.

Never touch the exhaust/exhaust guard or cooling fins when the engine is hot.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead:

• Before clearing blockages or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Before cleaning/checking or working on the mower.
• After striking a foreign object. Inspect the mower for damage and ensure necessary repairs are made before re-starting.
• If the mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).

Stop the engine:

• Whenever you leave the mower.
• Before refuelling.
• Reduce throttle control setting during engine shutdown.

Maintenance & Storage
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to ensure that the equipment is in safe operating condition.

Frequently check fuel lines and fittings for cracks or leaks and replace if necessary.

Never check for a spark when the spark plug is removed. (Use approved tester)

Inspect the exhaust periodically and replace if worn or leaking.

Never crank the engine with the spark plug removed.

Never start the engine with the air-cleaner or air-cleaner cover removed. Never store the mower with petrol in the tank within an enclosed area where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine and the surrounding deck area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.

Check the rear deflector and grass bag frequently for wear or deterioration. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors and when the engine is cool.

Wear strong work gloves when removing and reassembling the cutterblade.

Always replace worn or faulty parts with genuine Hayter parts.

Safety Symbols

Safety Alert - Be aware to the possibility of injury.

Carefully read the Owners Handbook before using the machine.

Danger of severing toes or fingers in cutting mechanism.

Stop engine and remove spark plug lead before working on the mower.

Danger of being hit by thrown objects.

Keep bystanders at a safe distance from the mower.

Decal Symbols

Engine Stop (Symbol)

Height of Cut Adjustment (Symbol)

Throttle Control (Symbols)

ASSEMBLING THE MOWER

Delivery Checklist

Remove the mower from the packaging and check that the following items have been supplied correctly. If any items are missing contact, your local Hayter dealer.

1. Engine Handbook.
2. Grassbag.
3. Charger (481A Only)
4. Ignition Key (481A Only)

To prevent accidents cut off the long ribbon attached to the grassbag and discard.
(481A Only) Note: Prior to first use please fully charge the battery for 14 hours. (Refer to battery charging)

Handlebar

Unscrew the handlebar securing knobs sufficiently to allow the handlebar to pivot. Move the engine stop lever away from the engine to avoid damage and unfold the handlebar to the operating position. Make sure the knobs are assembled to the outside of the handlebar and tighten to secure in position.

Take care to ensure that the control cables do not become snagged at the pivot point.

Adjust Handlebar Height

Unscrew the two larger knobs at base of handlebar sufficiently to allow it to be moved to the upper, middle or lower position. Ensure both sides are set to the same height and secure in the required position.

Grassbag Attachment

Raise the rear deflector, lower the grassbag through the handlebar and hook in position. Lower the deflector to rest on the grassbag

BEFORE STARTING THE MOWER

Prevent Engine Damage

To prevent engine damage the engine is shipped without oil or petrol. The engine must be filled with the correct grade of oil and petrol before starting the engine.

Oil Type

Always use high quality detergent oil classified "For service SE, SF, SG" SAE 30 oil. Never use additives with recommended oils. SAE 10W-30 multigrade oil may be used, but this will result in higher engine operating temperatures with consequential high oil consumption. It is imperative that the oil level is checked more frequently if this grade of oil is used in order to guard against serious engine damage. To prolong the life of your engine it is important that the oil is changed after the first 5 hours of use - refer to 'Maintenance Schedule'.

Check Oil Level

Clean around the oil filler cap before removing. With the mower on a level surface, unscrew and remove the oil filler - dipstick. Wipe oil from it with a clean cloth. Screw the oil filler - dipstick back in place, then unscrew and remove it to check the oil level.

The oil level is correct when it is at the full mark on the dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL.

Fuel Type

Always use clean, fresh unleaded petrol. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days. Never mix oil with petrol. For added engine protection Briggs & Stratton recommend the use of their fuel additive which is available from an authorised Briggs & Stratton service dealer.

Fill to base of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Do not overfill the fuel tank.

OPERATING THE MOWER

Controls

Operate all control levers several times and ensure that the cables move freely. Check that the engine stop and ground drive clutch levers return freely to their rest position when released.
Whilst operating the engine throttle mechanism slight resistance should be felt when moving the lever to the 'choke' position.

Starting

Step 1

Move the throttle control lever to the 'choke' position before starting a cold engine. Move the throttle control lever to the 'fast' position before starting a warm engine.

Step 2

Stand behind the mower and hold the handlebar together with the engine stop lever with your left hand. With your right hand hold the engine start - grip and pull slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to crank the engine. carefully return the start grip to the storage position when the engine starts. If the engine does not start after 5 attempts - refer to "Trouble Shooting".

The engine stop lever must be held firmly against the handlebar to start and keep the engine running. If the engine stop lever is released the engine will stop.

Step 3

Allow the engine to warm up and move the throttle lever to the 'fast' position after starting a cold engine.

To prevent damage never pull the engine start grip when the engine is running.

Electric Start

Using your left hand turn the ignition key clockwise and hold in position to crank the engine. When the engine sarts release the key and set the throttle to the fast position if initially in the choke position.

PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE: Do not use the ignition key when the engine is running.

Note: If necessary the engine can be started manually with the use of the engine start grip.

Forward Travel

Hold the handlebar and operate the ground drive clutch lever to power the mower in a forward direction.

When the ground drive clutch lever is disengaged the mower may be pushed. This feature is useful when mowing in confined areas.

If the engine stop lever is released the engine will stop.

Turning

To make a wide turn steer the mower with the handlebar in the direction required.
To make a tight turn release the ground drive clutch lever, apply downward pressure on the handlebar to raise the front wheels just above ground level and steer in the required direction.

To prevent accidents do not raise the front of the mower excessively when making a turn. Never raise the rear of the mower when the engine is running.

Stopping

Release the ground drive clutch lever, reduce the throttle setting and release the engine stop lever.

Emergency stop: Release both ground drive clutch lever and engine stop lever together.

If the engine fails to stop, move the throttle lever to the 'slow' position and disconnect the spark plug lead.

Slopes

To prevent engine damage do not use the mower on slopes greater than 20 degrees.

Height of Cut

Move the height of cut lever sideways to disengage it from the locking notch, then push forwards to lower or pull backwards to raise the height of cut. Release the lever in the required position and ensure that it locks firmly into one of the seven notch settings.

Always select a height of cut to suit operating conditions. Prevent engine overloading and blockages by avoiding low cuts in long grass conditions. Be prepared to make two cuts when the grass is long.

Before Mowing

To prevent accidents thoroughly inspect the area and remove all objects which when contacted by the mower cutterblade could become dangerous projectiles. Inspect the area for hidden obstructions which when contacted by the cutterblade could risk health and safety. Remember the location of these obstructions and ensure that you mow around them.

Grassbag

Raise the rear deflector and lift the grassbag through the handlebar and lower the rear deflector to rest against the rear of the mower.

To empty the grassbag, pour out the grass clippings and shake the grassbag vigorously to clean the airways. Good grass collection depends on good air flow through the grassbag. When collecting grass clippings it is important that the grassbag is emptied regularly to prevent blockages and engine overloading.

Without Grass Collection

Remove the grassbag and operate the mower with the rear deflector in the closed position.

Heavy Growth

Areas of heavy growth should be mown without collecting the clippings. If collection is required, first mow the area without the grassbag at the maximum height of cut setting. Allow the grass clippings to dry out and then mow the area at the maximum height of cut setting with the grassbag fitted. Reduce the height of cut and mow the area again as necessary until the required finish is obtained.

To prevent grass damage do not remove more than one third of grass height in one cut.

Friction Disc

The cutterblade is driven by the engine via a friction disc to help prevent damage occurring to the engine crankshaft and cutting mechanism when a hidden obstruction or overload is encountered.

Always stop the engine when a hidden obstruction or excessive vibration is encountered. Disconnect the spark plug lead and examine the cutting mechanism. ALWAYS replace a damaged cutterblade - refer to "Maintenance".

Non-Grassed Areas

When moving the mower across non-grassed areas, stop the engine and set the mower to the maximum height of cut to protect the cutting mechanism.

LAWN CARE CALENDAR

To be used as a guide only.

January
There is very little work to do this month apart from brushing away leaves. Keep off the grass if frozen or waterlogged.

February
Rake the grass thoroughly. Spike the lawn to aerate and stimulate soil organisms and root growth and apply lawn sand if necessary.

March
The yearly lawn work programme really starts this month. As soon as the ground conditions are suitable, the first cut can be made. The first cut should merely "top" the grass as close cutting at this stage could result in severe yellowing or browning. Two cuts are generally sufficient this month.

April
Mow often enough to stop grass growing away. Dig out patches of coarse grass or resistant weed. Re-seed bare patches.

May
Keep mowing increasing the frequency as required. Treat with selective weed killers or combined weed/feed preparations if you did not feed the lawn in April.

June
Summer mowing should now be under way. It should be necessary to mow the lawn twice a week. Raking before mowing is important this month as the combined action keeps runners of clover under control. Water the grass if necessary, and remember to soak thoroughly.

July
Treat the grass with the second application of fertiliser or weed killer/fertiliser. Water when necessary and rake occasionally. As a general rule the grass clippings should be removed each time you mow. If weather conditions are dry and hot and the grass is weed free, leave the clippings on the lawn to help maintain ground moisture.

August
Keep mowing regularly and watering as necessary. Fill any cracks caused by drought with a mixture of sharp sand and soil. In dry weather conditions leave the grass longer to help retain ground moisture.

September
Raise the height of cut to allow the grass to thicken and protect the roots from the winter frost and snow.

October
Rake out the thatch from the turf and spike the lawn to assist in drainage. Brush in peat and sharp sand.

November
Use a stiff broom to disperse worm casts before mowing. Keep turf free from leaves.

December
Apart from brushing away leaves, December is a slack end of a busy year. Keep off the lawn if it is very wet or frozen.

Lawn Stripes

The way to achieve a neat striped effect is for the lawn being cut in parallel stripes, alternate stripes being mown in opposite directions. A much more important routine is to cut at right angles to the line of the previous mowing. If the work has been carried in a north-south line, then the next cutting should be in an east-west direction. The crosscutting keeps down the coarse weed grasses.

To prevent grass damage do not remove more than one third of the grass height in one cut.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

To prevent accidents stop the engine disconnect the spark plug lead before attempting to carry out maintenance procedures on the mower.

Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occurs first. More frequent service will be required if working for prolonged periods under dusty, dry conditions, or when airborne debris is present or after extensive operation cutting tall, dry grass.

First 5Hrs

• After the very first five hours change the engine oil.

Daily

• Check the oil level
• Remove grass debris from around the engine, exhaust/exhaust guard and air ways in the top cowl and underside of the deck housing.
• Remove grass debris from the grassbag and check for signs of damage.
• Check the condition of guards and safety devices and cutterblades.

25Hrs or Every Season

• Change the engine oil if continuously operating under heavy load or high ambient temperature.
• Service the air cleaner.
• Lubricate wheels, pivot points and linkages and grease the inner control cables at point of entry and exit from their outer casing.
• Check the clutch cable adjustment.
• Sharpen the cutterblade.

50Hrs or Every Season

• Change the engine oil.

100Hrs or Every Season

• Clean the engine cooling system. Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present or after prolonged operation whilst cutting tall, dry grass.
• Replace the spark plug.

MOWER MAINTENANCE

Engine

1. Engine Cowl
2. Carburettor
3. Spark Plug / Lead
4. Exhaust Guard
5. Exhaust
6. Oil filler Cap/ Dipstick
7. Start Grip
8. Fuel Cap
9. Finger Guard
10. Air Cleaner

Throttle Cable Adjustment

Remove two screws securing the engine cowl and remove the cowl to expose the throttle mechanism on the front of the engine. Loosen the outer cable clamp screw (1) and move the governor control lever (2) to the left as far as possible. Insert a large, flat blade screw driver (3) into the slot in the engine control bracket (4) at the angle shown. Push the governor control lever to the right until it just touches the screw driver blade. Move the throttle control lever to the 'fast' position (not the 'choke' position) and retighten the outer cable clamp screw. Replace the engine cowl.

Carburettor Adjustments

Should only be made by an authorised Briggs & Stratton dealer. Under no circumstances should the engine be adjusted to run at a speed in excess of that shown on the Declaration of Conformity.

Oil Service

Check the oil level daily before starting the engine and ensure that the correct oil level is maintained. Refer to-'Before Starting the Mower' for oil checking and filling instructions.

Change the engine oil after the first 5 hours of operation and thereafter according to the 'Maintenance Schedule':-

1. Drain fuel by running the engine until the fuel tank is empty.
2. Remove the spark plug lead.
3. Allow the engine to cool.
4. Drain the oil while the engine is warm.(Not hot)
5. Tip the mower over on to its left hand side thus ensuring that the air cleaner is kept uppermost to prevent engine damage.
6. Remove the oil filler dipstick and drain the oil into a suitable container.
7. Refill with new oil of the recommended SAE viscosity grade. (Refer to-'Before Starting the Mower')

Air Cleaner Service

To service the air cleaner, loosen screw (1) and remove cover (2). Carefully remove pre-cleaner (3) and wash in a solution of liquid detergent and water. Allow to air dry thoroughly before fitting.

Remove cartridge (4) and clean by tapping gently on a flat surface. If 5 very dirty, replace.

• Do not use petroleum solvents.
• Do not use pressurised air.
• Do not oil the cartridge.

After servicing, install the pre-cleaner and cartridge in the cover. Insert the tabs on the bottom of the cover into the slots in the bottom of the base (5). Tilt the cover upwards and securely tighten the screw to the base.

Keeping Engine Clean

Remove all grass and debris from the engine including the exhaust/exhaust guard, the air ways in the top cowl and the surrounding deck areas on a daily basis after use. Never spray the engine with water during cleaning. Water can contaminate the fuel. Always clean with a brush or compressed air.

Grass and debris may clog the engine's air cooling system especially after prolonged operation while cutting tall, dry grass. The internal cooling fins and surfaces may require cleaning to prevent overheating and engine damage. We recommended that this service be carried out by an authorised Briggs and Stratton dealer.

Grassbag

Remove grass debris from the grassbag immediately after use and check its condition for signs of damage.

To prevent accidents replace a damaged grassbag immediately.

Lubrication

Lubricate the wheels, pivot points and linkages with engine oil every 25 operating hours.

Apply a good quality medium grease to the inner control cables at the point of entry and exit from their outer casing.

Cutterblade Removal

Drain the fuel by running the engine until the fuel tank is empty and the engine stops. Remove the spark plug lead and allow the engine to cool. Turn the mower on its left hand side and ensure that the air cleaner side of the engine is uppermost. Firmly grip the end of the cutterblade with the gloved hand and remove the bolt, spring washer and distance piece securing the cutterblade with a 9/16" A/F spanner.

To prevent accidents never work on the cutterblade unless the spark plug lead has been removed. The cutterblade has sharp edges. ALWAYS wear strong gloves to protect your hands when working on the cutterblade. DO NOT rotate tools towards the cutting edges to avoid the risk of injury should the tool slip. ALWAYS use genuine Hayter replacement parts.

The condition of the cutterblade and its mounting arrangement should be checked regularly for signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the cutterblade is not bent or cracked.

A damaged cutterblade that is out of balance will vibrate excessively and may break. DO NOT use an unbalanced cutterblade.

Regularly check that the bolt securing the cutterblade is tightened to the specified torque of 54Nm.

Replace the cutterblade every 2 years of sooner if excessively worn or damaged.

To prevent injury it is wise to seek assistance when turning the mower on its side.

Cutterblade Assembly

Assemble the cutterblade with the turned up edges facing towards the engine. Secure the cutterblade using the bolt (1), spring washer (2), and distance piece (3) and tighten to a torque of 54Nm

Cutterblade Sharpening

A slightly worn cutterblade may be re-sharpened. Both blade edges must be sharpened equally to ensure balance. Sharpen the cutterblade every 25 mowing hours or more frequently if conditions require. Remove the cutterblade from the mower and clean using a brush and water. Inspect the cutterblade for signs of damage. Sharpen both cutting edges with a flat file to restore performance.

Ensure that the cutterblade is balanced. Use a screw driver with a round shaft to support the cutterblade through its centre hole. Hold the cutterblade horizontal and then release. A balanced cutterblade will remain horizontal.

If the cutterblade is not balanced the heavy end will rotate downwards. Sharpen the heavy end until the cutterblade is correctly balanced.

To store the handlebar unscrew the 2 small securing knobs sufficiently to allow it to be pivoted forwards to rest against the mower. Take care to ensure that the control cables do not become snagged at the pivot point and depress the engine stop lever to prevent it being damaged through contact with the engine spark plug.

Engines stored in excess of 30 days need to be protected with Briggs & Stratton fuel additive or drained of fuel to prevent gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential carburettor parts. To ensure your mower is maintained in good working order it is important that the following procedure is adopted. Refer to the Maintenance section as necessary.

Drain fuel from the engine by operating the engine until it stops.

Disconnect the spark plug lead.

Change the engine oil.

Change the battery. (On Electric start only)

Remove the engine spark plug and pour 15ml of engine oil into the engine cylinder and replace the spark plug. Do not exceed the stated volume of oil as engine damage may occur on re-starting. Do not replace the spark plug lead. Slowly pull the engine start - grip once to crank the engine. This will distribute the oil and help prevent engine corrosion.

Clean grass and debris from the engine cylinder, cylinder head cooling fins, under top cowl, and around and behind exhaust/exhaust guard.

Clean all other areas of the mower and ensure that the grassbag is clean.

Lubricate the mower.

Treat metal parts with a water repellent anti-corrosion product.

Disconnect the battery leads. (On Electric start only)

Cover the mower with a protective sheet and store it in a dry, ventilated area.

Battery Charging

PREVENT ACCIDENTS: ALWAYS charge the battery in a well ventilated area.

NEVER charge the battery near naked flames or direct heat.

ALWAYS switch off the mains electricity supply before disconnecting the charger from the battery.

ALWAYS use the battery charger supplied with the mower.

Battery charging should not be necessary during normal use. The engine operation will automatically charge the battery. If the mower is stored for a long period recharging the battery may be necessary to permit electric starting.

Charge the battery only when necessary.

To recharge the battery:
Disconnect the battery lead from the mower lead and then connect the battery lead to the charger.
Connect the charger plug to the mains electricity supply and switch on to charge the battery for a 14 hour period.
Switch off the mains electricity supply and disconnect the charger plug.
Disconnect the battery lead from the charger and then connect the battery lead to the mower lead.

PREVENT DAMAGE: NEVER connect the battery charger to the engine lead as this will cause the charger to be permanently damaged. Chargers damaged in this manner will not be replaced under warranty.

PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE: The battery has a separate collection mark. This indicates that the used battery must be taken to an authorised disposal site. It must not be disposed of with general waste.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

PARTS LIST

LIMITED WARRANTY
If you need additional information concerning this written warranty, or assistance in obtaining services, please write to: HAYTER LIMITED, Service Department, Spellbrook, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 4BU

UK ONLY: Details of your local Hayter authorised dealer are contained in Yellow Pages and the Hayter website www.hayter.co.uk or contact:- Freephone 0800 616298.

Documents / Resources

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