Routine Maintenance; Mowing The Lawn; When Work Is Finished; Cutting Means Maintenance - ST MCS 474 Serie Manual De Instrucciones

• Electric key ignition models
Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle
and turn the ignition key (3).
3.2b
• Electric push-button ignition models ("II - III")
– Insert the supplied battery in the relative engine com-
partment (4); (follow the instructions provided in the en-
gine manual).
– Insert the key as far as possible (if fitted) (5).
– Pull the engine cutting means brake lever towards the
handle (1).
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 (6).

3.3 Mowing the lawn

The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate
cutting in both directions at the same height.
A machine that is equipped with a MULCHING system cuts
the grass, chops it then distributes it over the lawn. It is not
necessary to collect the cut grass.
For best MULCHING results, proceed as follows:
1. N ever cut the grass too short. Only cut the grass by 1/3
of its height.
2. K eep the body shell perfectly clean (underneath).
3. A lways use well sharpened cutting means.
4. A void mowing wet grass. It accumulates more easily
under the body shell and the mowing performance de-
creases considerably.
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 key ignition models
R emove the ignition key (3).
• Electric push-button ignition models
P ress 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.
Adjustments or maintenance operations must only be per-
formed with the engine switched off and the spark plug ca-
ble disconnected.
1) W ear strong protective gloves before cleaning, main-
taining or adjusting the machine.
2) A ccurately wash the machine with water after cutting;
remove grass debris and mud accumulated in the chas-
sis to prevent it from drying and causing problems the
next time the lawnmower is used.
3) P aint on internal chassis parts may start to flake over
time due to the abrasive action of cut grass; if this hap-
pens, promptly touch-up with rust-proof paint to prevent
rusting that could corrode the metal.
4) I f accessing the lower part is necessary, only tilt the ma-
chine on the side indicated in the engine manual, fol-
lowing the relevant instructions, making sure that the
machine is perfectly stable before performing any in-
terventions.
5) Do not drip petrol onto the plastic parts of the engine or
the machine to prevent damaging them and remove all
traces of spilled petrol immediately. The warranty does
not cover damage to plastic parts caused by petrol.
6) O n models with AVS: If the handle vibrates unusual-
ly, check the anti-vibration sleeves and contact your
Dealer.
7) T o ensure that the machine will function properly over
time, it is highly recommended to change the engine oil
regularly, following the timing indicated in the engine's
Instruction Manual.
The oil can be discharged at a specialised servic-
ing centre, or by using a syringe to suction the oil out
through the filler spout, bearing in mind you may need
to repeat the operation several times in order to com-
pletely empty the tank.
Remember to top-up with oil before using the ma-
chine again.

4.1 Cutting means maintenance

All interventions on the cutting means must be done at a
specialised Centre that has the most appropriate tools and
equipment.
Only cutting means bearing the code indicated in the table
on page vi must be used on this machine.
Given product evolution, the above mentioned cutting
means may be replaced in time with others having similar
interchangeable and operating safety features.
4.2 Drive adjustment
• Model 474:
O n power-driven models, remove the guard (1) once or
twice a year by unscrewing the screws (2); then clean
carefully using a brush or compressed air, removing the
grass and dirt from the area around the transmission and
belt. Always reassemble the guard (1).
• Model 504:
On power-driven models, remove the guard (1) once or
twice a year by unscrewing the screws (2) and releas-
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