Page 1
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower VS850 User Manual [Revision 7.0 February 2020] READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USE – FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND MAY VOID WARRANTY. • KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. • Products covered by this manual may vary in appearance, assembly, inclusions, specifications, description and packaging.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Safety Safety messages are designed to alert you to possible dangers or hazards that could cause death, injury or equipment or property damage if not understood or followed. Safety messages have the following symbols:...
Page 3
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 General Electrical Safety General Electrical Safety General Service Information • Inspect electrical equipment, extension • Electrically grounded equipment must • The equipment must be serviced or cords, power bars, and electrical fittings have an approved cord and plug and be repaired at authorised service centres for damage or wear before each use.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Safety Symbols The product may have safety warning labels attached to it, explained below. Understand the symbols on your product and their meanings. If any stickers become unreadable, unattached etc, replace them. Flammable Material Hazard...
Page 5
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Carbon-Monoxide Hazard Pull Hazard Slope / Fall Injury Hazard "Slam Dunk" Warning Do not use the product in Be aware that the product Be aware that using the Do NOT attempt "slam dunk"...
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Equipment Safety Lawn mowers are high-speed, fast-cutting equipment with exposed blades that can cause serious or It is extremely important fatal injury if not used correctly or without taking proper safety precautions. that you read and fully understand the information in this section and all other safety warnings / recommendations and usage instructions before using the equipment.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Always hold the machine firmly with both hands during operation. Always use the machine handles. • Avoid cutting wet or very tall grass. If grass is tall, mow in several passes, each time reducing the cut •...
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Parts Identification Lawn mowers come with all parts required for normal domestic use. A basic toolkit may also be included. It is strongly recommended that you familiarise yourself with all major components of the machine before using it or performing any maintenance tasks.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Before Use Checklist Ensure that you carry out all procedures below before starting the engine or operating the equipment. All procedures described are generic in nature and slight variations between different models may exist.
Page 12
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Blades Some machines feature "cross-cut" blades (four-blade design). If this is the case, pull them outward so they are straight – use caution as the cutting edge of the blade is sharp. E&OE...
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Engine Oil The product is NOT supplied with engine oil, although traces of oil from the manufacturing process may be present. It is essential to add adequate engine oil of the correct type to the engine before use –...
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 5. When finished, re-install (rotate right) the fuel filler cap until firm. Wipe away any residual fuel from the machine. If fuel has been spilt, move the machine away from the spillage before starting the engine.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Engine Starting and Stopping Before starting the engine, ensure that you have followed all procedures described in the Before Use Checklist. The product is NOT supplied with engine oil, although traces of oil from the manufacturing process may be present.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Operation Lawn mowers are high-speed, fast-cutting equipment with exposed blades that can cause It is serious or fatal injury if not used correctly or without taking proper safety precautions. extremely important that you read and fully understand the information in this section and all other safety warnings / recommendations and usage instructions before using the equipment.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 1. Lift the bottom edge of the rear guard (A) sufficiently to allow the catcher to pass underneath it and hold it in this position. 2. Insert the catcher (B), with open end toward the mower, and hook the catcher fingers (C) onto the mounting points (D), then lower the rear guard so it rests on the top of the grass catcher.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Using the Self-Propel Function Some models may have a self-propelling function (forward direction only) to make mowing easier. The function is switched on and off using "drive activation bar" (A). When the bar is released, the drive stops.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Mowing Guidelines If the machine strikes against an object during mowing or an object gets caught in the mower, stop the machine immediately. Allow the machine to stop running completely and to cool down before inspecting the machine and/or removing any objects that may be caught in it.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Maintenance Running combustion engines in confined areas CAN KILL IN MINUTES. Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon-monoxide – a deadly gas that you cannot smell or see. NEVER run a combustion engine in confined areas EVEN IF windows and doors are open. ONLY run combustion engines OUTDOORS and away from doors, windows and vents.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Maintenance Schedule – Petrol Engine / Machine Where applicable. Pressure washers with non-sealed water pumps. Log splitters only. **** Briggs & Stratton "EXi" engines do NOT require engine oil changes; just ensure that oil level is correct.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Engine Oil Engines are NOT supplied with engine oil, although traces of oil from the manufacturing process may be present. It is essential to add adequate engine oil of the correct type to the engine before use.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Air Filter Operating the machine without a functional air filter may cause severe engine damage and will void any warranty. • A dirty or oil saturated air filter will restrict air flow, which can be mistaken as fuel system problems.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Spark Plug If the spark plug is damaged (cracked insulator, broken or eroded electrodes etc), replace it. • Always use spark plugs of the correct "heat range" - see Specifications. The spark plug is used to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine. The spark plug has electrodes on one end and an electrical terminal on the other.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Cutting Blades If any cutting blade is structurally damaged (cracked or broken etc), replace it. • Always use manufacturer supplied replacement blades. • Before removing the blades, disconnect the spark plug lead and ensure the fuel cap is secure. • Always wear suitable protective gloves when handling cutting blades.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 1. Place the blade(s) in position – ensure that any washers, spacers etc are positioned correctly, and the blade is oriented correctly, with the cutting edge in the direction of rotation and the raised edge of the blade (if applicable) facing up toward the deck.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Transportation and Storage Always ensure that the machine is cool enough to touch before transporting or storing. • Petrol/fuel/gasoline is extremely flammable – keep clear of naked flames or other ignition sources. • Always transport the machine with the fuel tap and engine ON / OFF switch (where applicable) in the "OFF"...
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Troubleshooting Running combustion engines in confined areas CAN KILL IN MINUTES. Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon-monoxide – a deadly gas that you cannot smell or see. NEVER run a combustion engine in confined areas EVEN IF windows and doors are open. ONLY run combustion engines OUTDOORS and away from doors, windows and vents.
Page 29
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Engine starts but runs erratically. Possible Fault Action Ensure the spark plug lead is undamaged and is securely connected to the spark plug Spark plug lead loose terminal. Choke ON Set the choke to the "HOT START" position.
Page 30
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Grass cutting is poor. Possible Fault Action Blades dull or damaged Sharpen or replace cutting blades. Adjust the cutting height and rate of mowing to reduce load on the engine. For tall or very Cutting too much in one pass thick grass, cut in several passes.
21" Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower - VS850 Engine Service and Maintenance Record Use the following tables as a record of machine servicing and maintenance. Keeping accurate records will help ensure longest machine service life and may simplify fault diagnosis and any possible warranty claims.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the VS850 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers