STIGA COLLECTOR 43 Lawn Mower User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the STIGA COLLECTOR 43 Lawn Mower. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new lawn mower. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the machine and keep it for future reference.

Figure 1.1: STIGA COLLECTOR 43 Lawn Mower. This image shows the overall design of the lawn mower, featuring its yellow handle and engine cover, black chassis, and grass collection bag.

2. Safety Instructions

Always prioritize safety when operating the lawn mower. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or property damage.

• Read the Manual: Always read and understand the entire user manual before operating the lawn mower.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate eye protection, hearing protection, sturdy footwear, and long pants. Do not operate barefoot or in open-toed sandals.
• Clear the Area: Before mowing, clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wires, or other debris that could be thrown by the blade.
• Keep Bystanders Away: Ensure children, pets, and other people are at a safe distance (at least 15 meters / 50 feet) from the mowing area.
• Inspect Before Use: Check the mower for loose parts, damage, or wear before each use. Do not operate if any part is damaged.
• Refueling: Refuel outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine off and cool. Do not smoke while refueling.
• Blade Safety: Never place hands or feet near rotating parts. Disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or clearing blockages.
• Slope Operation: Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Avoid excessively steep slopes.
• Engine Off: Turn off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position, clearing the grass collector, or making adjustments.

3. Components Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your STIGA COLLECTOR 43 Lawn Mower.

Figure 3.1: Front-left view of the lawn mower, highlighting the engine, wheels, and handle assembly.

• Engine: The power unit of the lawn mower.
• Handlebar: For steering and control, typically foldable for storage.
• Blade: Located under the deck, responsible for cutting grass.
• Cutting Deck: The housing that covers the blade.
• Wheels: For mobility.
• Grass Collector: Detachable bag for collecting grass clippings.
• Cutting Height Adjustment Lever: Allows adjustment of the cutting height.

4. Setup and Assembly

Follow these steps to prepare your lawn mower for first use.

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Ensure all parts are present according to the packing list (refer to your product's specific packing list).
2. Handlebar Assembly: Attach the lower and upper handlebar sections. Secure them using the provided knobs and bolts. Ensure all cables are routed correctly and not pinched.
3. Grass Collector Assembly: Assemble the grass collector bag if it came disassembled. Attach it securely to the rear of the mower.


Figure 4.1: Side view of the lawn mower with the grass collection bag properly installed.

4. Add Engine Oil: Before starting, fill the engine with the recommended type and amount of engine oil. Refer to the engine manual for specific oil requirements and capacity. Do not overfill.
5. Add Fuel: Fill the fuel tank with fresh, unleaded gasoline. Do not use E85 or other ethanol blends not approved for small engines. Do not overfill.
6. Adjust Cutting Height: The STIGA COLLECTOR 43 features centralized cutting height adjustment. Locate the lever near one of the wheels (typically the front-right). Move the lever to select your desired cutting height. There are multiple positions available.


Figure 4.2: Front view of the lawn mower, illustrating the position of the centralized cutting height adjustment lever.

5. Operating Instructions

Follow these steps for safe and effective operation of your lawn mower.

5.1. Pre-Operation Checks

• Check engine oil level.
• Ensure fuel tank is adequately filled.
• Verify all nuts, bolts, and screws are tight.
• Confirm the grass collector is securely attached.
• Adjust cutting height to desired level.

5.2. Starting the Engine

1. Ensure the spark plug wire is securely connected.
2. Push the primer bulb (if equipped) 3-5 times until fuel is visible.
3. Move the throttle lever (if equipped) to the 'START' or 'CHOKE' position.
4. Grip the engine brake lever (bail bar) against the handle. This must be held for the engine to start and run.
5. Pull the starter rope with a firm, steady motion until the engine starts. Do not let the rope snap back.

5.3. Mowing

• Once the engine is running, release the choke (if applicable) and allow the engine to warm up for a few moments.
• Begin mowing by pushing the mower forward. The STIGA COLLECTOR 43 is a push-drive model, meaning you provide the forward motion.
• Overlap cutting swaths slightly to ensure an even cut.
• For best results, avoid cutting wet grass.
• Empty the grass collector regularly to maintain optimal performance and prevent clogging.

5.4. Stopping the Engine

To stop the engine, simply release the engine brake lever (bail bar). The engine will shut off automatically.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your lawn mower. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Figure 6.1: Side view of the lawn mower without the grass collection bag, providing a clearer view of the cutting deck area for maintenance.

• Cleaning: After each use, clean the underside of the cutting deck to prevent grass buildup. Use a hose or scraper. Do not spray water directly into the engine or electrical components.
• Blade Care: Inspect the blade regularly for sharpness and damage. A dull blade tears grass, leading to an unhealthy lawn. Sharpen or replace the blade as needed. Always wear heavy gloves when handling the blade.
• Engine Oil: Check the oil level before each use. Change the engine oil according to the schedule in the engine manual (typically after the first 5 hours, then every 25-50 hours of operation).
• Spark Plug: Inspect the spark plug annually or every 25 hours. Clean or replace if fouled or worn.
• Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter regularly, especially in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance.
• Storage: For long-term storage, drain the fuel or add a fuel stabilizer. Clean the mower thoroughly. Store in a dry, protected area.

7. Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.

8. Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the STIGA COLLECTOR 43 Lawn Mower.

9. Warranty and Customer Support

For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official STIGA website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical assistance, spare parts, or service, please contact your authorized STIGA dealer or customer support center. Contact details can typically be found on the STIGA website or in your product packaging.