STIGA READY and READY HST Lawn Mower User Manual

1 GENERAL

WARNING: Personal injury and/or damage to property may result if instructions are not followed carefully. Read these instructions for use and the accompanying "SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" pamphlet carefully before starting the machine.

1.1 SYMBOLS

• ⚠️ Read the instruction manual and the safety manual before using the machine.
• ⚠️ Watch out for discarded objects. Keep onlookers away.
• ⚠️ Always wear hearing protectors.
• ⚠️ This machine is not designed to be driven on public roads.
• ⚠️ The machine, equipped with original accessories, may not be driven on slopes greater than 10° in any direction.
• ⚠️ Risk of burn injuries. Do not touch the silencer.

1.2 GENERAL

This machine is available in two versions:

• Ready, manual transmission (designated Ready).
• Ready, hydrostatic transmission (designated Ready HST).

2 CONTROLS

Refer to figures 1-3 for control identification.

2.1 Implement Lifter, Mechanical (1)

To switch between working and transport position:

1. Depress the pedal fully.
2. Release the pedal slowly.

2.2 Service Brake/Clutch (2, Ready)

A pedal combining service brake and clutch with three positions:

• Pedal released: Forward drive engaged. Machine moves if a gear is engaged. Service brake not activated.
• Pedal depressed halfway: Forward drive disengaged. Gear shifting possible. Service brake not activated.
• Pedal fully depressed: Forward drive disengaged. Service brake fully activated.

NOTE: Do not regulate operating speed by slipping the clutch; use a suitable gear instead.

2.3 Clutch-Parking Brake (2, Ready HST)

The pedal (3) has three positions:

• Released: Clutch and parking brake not activated.
• Depressed halfway: Forward drive disengaged. Parking brake not activated.
• Pressed down: Forward drive disengaged. Parking brake fully activated but not locked.

2.4 Inhibitor, Parking Brake (3)

Locks the pedal (2) in the depressed position for securing the machine on slopes or during transport. The parking brake must always be released during operation.

Locking:

1. Depress pedal (2) fully.
2. Move inhibitor (3) up.
3. Release pedal (2).
4. Release inhibitor (3).

Unlocking: Press and release the "clutch-brake" pedal.

2.5 Driving-Service Brake (4, Ready HST)

Pedal (4) determines gearing ratio (speed). When released, the service brake is activated.

• Press pedal forward: Machine moves forward.
• No load on pedal: Machine is stationary.
• Press pedal backward: Machine reverses.
• Reduce pressure on pedal: Machine brakes.

2.6 Throttle/Choke Control (5)

Sets engine speed and chokes for cold starts.

• Choke: For starting a cold engine. Avoid operating in this position; move to full throttle when the engine is warm.
• Full throttle: Always use during operation.
• Idling: For low speed operation.

2.7 Ignition Lock (6)

Used for starting/stopping the engine. Four positions:

• Stop: Engine short-circuited. Key can be removed.
• Operating: For normal operation.
• Start: Electric start motor activated when key is turned to spring-loaded position. Return key to operating position after starting.

2.8 Gear Lever (7, Ready)

Selects one of five forward gears, neutral (N), or reverse (R). Clutch pedal must be pressed when changing gear.

NOTE: Ensure the machine is stationary before changing direction. Never force gears.

2.9 Power Take-Off (8)

Lever for engaging/disengaging the power take-off for the cutting deck.

• Forward position: Power take-off disengaged.
• Backward position: Power take-off engaged.

2.10 Clutch Release Lever (9, Ready HST)

Lever for disengaging the variable transmission, allowing manual movement.

• Lever pressed in: Transmission engaged for normal operation.
• Lever pulled out: Transmission disengaged. Machine can be moved by hand.

NOTE: Do not tow over long distances or at high speeds to avoid transmission damage.

3 Areas of Use

The machine may only be used for the following tasks with genuine STIGA accessories:

• Mowing: With cutting deck 13-2940 (85M).

Towing Hitch Limits:

• Maximum vertical load: 100 N.
• Maximum over-run load: 500 N.

NOTE: Contact your insurance company before using a trailer. This machine is not intended for use on public roads.

4 STARTING AND OPERATION

4.1 Engine Casing

To access fuel and engine/battery for inspection/maintenance, open the engine casing. The engine must not be running when the casing is opened.

Opening:

1. Ensure control arms are in forward positions.
2. Raise seat lock (Figure 2) and fold seat forward.
3. Grasp front edge of engine casing and fold up (Figure 3).

Closing: Grasp front edge and fold down (Figure 3).

⚠️ The machine may not be operated unless the engine casing is folded down. Risk of burns and crushing injuries.

4.2 Filling the Fuel Tank

Open engine casing. Unscrew filler cap and fill with clean, lead-free petrol. Never use 2-stroke petrol mixed with oil (Figure 6).

NOTE: Ordinary lead-free petrol is perishable; buy only what can be used within thirty days. Environmental petrol (alkylate) is less harmful. Store fuel in appropriate containers. Fill/top up outdoors, do not smoke. Fill before starting. Never remove filler cap or fill when engine is running or warm. Leave 2-3 cm space at the top of the tank for expansion.

4.3 Checking the Engine Oil Level

Crankcase is filled with SAE 30 oil. Check oil level before each use on level ground.

Procedure: Wipe around oil dipstick. Unscrew and pull out. Wipe dipstick. Slide down completely and tighten. Unscrew again, pull up, and read oil level. Top up to "FULL" mark if low (Figure 7).

4.4 Safety System

The machine has a safety system comprising:

• Gearbox switch (Ready models).
• Brake pedal switch (Ready HST models).
• Seat/seat bracket switch (all models).

Requirements for starting:

• Gear lever in neutral (Ready).
• Brake pedal pressed down.
• Driver sitting on seat.
• Power take-off disengaged.

⚠️ Always check the operation of the safety system before using the machine!

Testing: With engine running and driver seated: Select a gear, lift weight off seat (engine must stop - Ready). Press drive pedal to move, release (machine should stop - Ready HST). Engage PTO, lift weight off seat (engine should stop).

⚠️ Do not use the machine if the safety system is not working! Take it to a service workshop.

4.5 Starting Engine

1. Open the fuel cock (Figure 6).
2. Ensure the spark plug cable is properly in place.
3. Ensure the power take-off is disengaged.
4. Ready models: Put the gear lever in neutral.
5. Ready HST models: Do not keep your foot on the drive pedal.
6. Cold engine start: Place throttle control in the choke position.
7. Warm engine start: Place throttle control at full throttle (approx. 1 cm behind choke position).
8. Depress the brake pedal fully.
9. Turn the ignition key to start the engine.
10. Once started, gradually move throttle to full throttle if choke was used.
11. Cold start: Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm the oil.

When in use, always operate the engine at full throttle.

4.6 Stopping

1. Disengage the power take-off.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Allow the engine to idle for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stop the engine by turning off the starter key.
5. Shut off the petrol cock (important for transport).

If the machine is left unattended, remove the ignition key and the spark plug cable.

⚠️ The engine may be very warm immediately after shutdown. Do not touch the silencer, cylinder, or cooling fins to avoid burn injuries.

4.7 Driving Tips

• Ensure correct engine oil level when driving on slopes.
• Be careful on slopes: avoid sudden starting/stopping when moving up or down. Never drive across a slope; drive up or down.
• The machine, with original accessories, may not be driven on slopes greater than 10° in any direction.
• Reduce speed on slopes and during sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control.
• Do not turn the steering wheel to full lock when driving in top gear at full throttle, as the machine can easily topple over.

⚠️ Keep hands and fingers well away from the seat bracket (risk of crushing injuries). Never drive with the engine casing open. Never drive with the cutting deck raised, as this damages the deck drive belt.

5 MAINTENANCE

5.1 Service Program

Follow STIGA's service program for machine reliability, operational safety, and environmental protection. It is recommended that all service work be carried out by an authorized workshop.

5.2 Preparations

Unless otherwise stated, all service and maintenance must be carried out on a stationary machine with the engine off.

• Prevent the machine from rolling by always applying the parking brake.
• Prevent unintentional starting by disengaging the drive, shutting off the engine, and disconnecting the spark plug cable or removing the starter key.

5.3 Cleaning

To reduce fire risk, keep the engine, silencer, battery, and fuel tank free from grass, leaves, and oil. Regularly check the machine for oil and/or fuel leakage.

When washing with high-pressure water, do not point the jet directly at the transmission or engine. Use a brush or compressed air for cleaning.

5.4 Engine Oil

Change engine oil after the first 5 hours of operation, then every 50 hours or once a season. Change more often (after 25 hours) if operating under demanding conditions or in high ambient temperatures.

Change oil when the engine is warm. Always use a good grade of synthetic oil (service grade SF, SG, or SH).

⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot if drained immediately after shutdown; allow the engine to cool for a few minutes.

Procedure: Unscrew the oil drain plug (Figure 8, located on the left side when viewed from the rear). Collect oil in a vessel and take it to a recycling station. Do not allow oil on V-belts. Screw in the drain plug. Remove dipstick and fill with new oil to the "FULL" mark.

Oil Capacity: 1.4 litres.

Oil Type:

• Summer (> 4°C): SAE-30 (SAE 10W-30 acceptable, but may increase consumption).
• Winter (< 4°C): SAE 5W-30 (SAE 10W-30 acceptable).
• Use oil without additives.

⚠️ Do not overfill with oil, as this can cause the engine to overheat.

5.5 Air Filter - Engine

Change pre-filter once a year or every 25 hours of operation. Clean paper filter insert once a year or every 100 hours, whichever comes first. Clean/replace more often if operating on dusty ground.

Procedure:

1. Remove protective cover on air filter (Figure 9).
2. Dismantle paper filter insert and foam pre-filter, ensuring no dirt enters the carburetor. Clean air filter housing.
3. Replace the pre-filter.
4. Clean paper filter insert by knocking it lightly against a flat surface; replace if very dirty.
5. Assemble in reverse order.

Do not use petroleum-based solvents (like kerosene) on the paper filter insert. Do not use compressed air. Do not oil the paper filter insert.

5.6 Spark Plug

Clean spark plug every 100 hours of operation or once a season. Recommended spark plug: Champion RC12YC. Correct spark gap: 0.7 - 0.8 mm (Figure 10).

5.7 Cooling Air Intake - Engine

The engine is air-cooled. A blocked cooling system can damage the engine. Clean the engine at least once a year or every 100 hours of operation.

Procedure: Remove fan casing. Clean cooling fins on cylinder, fan, and rotating protective grille. Clean more frequently if mowing dry grass.

5.8 Battery

⚠️ Do not short-circuit battery terminals (risk of fire). Do not wear metal jewelry near terminals.

Replace the battery if its casing, cover, terminals, or valve strip are damaged. The battery is a 12V valve-regulated type. No fluid checking or topping up is required. Maintenance involves charging, especially after extended storage. Store charged battery in a cool place.

The battery must be fully charged before first use and always stored fully charged. Storing a discharged battery will cause serious damage.

5.8.1 Charging Using Battery Charger

Ideally, use a constant voltage battery charger. Contact your dealer. Standard chargers for acid batteries may damage this battery. Full charge takes approximately 5 hours.

5.8.2 Charging with the Engine

Charge via the engine's generator:

1. Install the battery in the machine.
2. Place the machine outdoors or use an extraction device for exhaust fumes.
3. Start the engine as per instructions.
4. Allow the engine to run continuously for 45 minutes.
5. Stop the engine. The battery will now be fully charged.

5.8.3 Removal/Installation

The battery is located under the engine casing.

Removal: Disconnect the black cable (-) first, then the red cable (+).

Installation: Connect the red cable (+) first, then the black cable (-).

⚠️ Incorrect cable connection order risks short-circuit and battery damage. Interchanging cables damages the generator and battery. Never run the engine with the battery disconnected.

5.8.4 Cleaning

If battery terminals are coated with oxide, clean them with a wire brush and grease them.

5.9 Lubrication - Chassis

The machine has three grease nipples on the rear axle, lubricated with universal grease every 25 hours of operation (Figure 12).

• Apply universal grease to plastic bearings a couple of times per season.
• Apply universal grease to control arm joints a couple of times each season.
• Apply engine oil to tension arm joints a couple of times each season.
• Apply a few drops of engine oil to both ends of the throttle control cables a couple of times each season.

Ready HST: The hydrostatic transmission is filled with 10W-40 oil from the factory. No topping up or changing is normally required unless opened by a specialist or if leakage occurs.

5.10 Steering Cable

Adjust steering cables for the first time after 2-3 hours of operation, then every 25 hours.

Procedure: Tension cables by tightening the nut (Figure 13). Hold cable ends firmly to prevent twisting. Adjust until all play is removed. Do not overtighten, as this makes steering heavy and increases wear.

6 PATENT - DESIGN REGISTRATION

This machine or parts thereof is covered by the following patent and design registration: 9901091-0 (SE), 9901730-3 (SE), 00921248.1 (EPC), 00931809.8 (EPC).

GGP reserves the right to make alterations to the product without prior notification.