Kobalt 20-Inch Deck Width Self-Propelled Mower

Table of Contents

• Product Specifications
• Package Contents
• Symbols
• Safety Information
• Preparation
• Assembly Instructions
• Operating Instructions
• Care and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Warranty
• Replacement Parts List

Product Specifications

Package Contents

The package includes:

• A: Lawn mower (1)
• B: Bail lever (1)
• C: Safety lock-out button (1)
• D: Upper handle (1)
• E: Lower handle (1)
• F: Rear discharge cover (1)
• G: Height adjustment lever (1)
• H: Side discharge cover (1)
• I: Self-propel lever (1)
• J: Self-propel speed controls (1)
• K: Grass catcher (1)
• L: Handle lock knobs (1)
• M: Side discharge chute (1)
• N: Mulching plug (1)
• O: Charger (1)
• P: Battery 40 V 5 Ah (1)

Hardware:

• Handle bolt (Qty. 2)
• Handle knob (Qty. 2)

Symbols

Signal words and their meanings:

Other symbols:

Safety Information

General Safety Rules

WARNING: Read and understand all instructions in this manual before operating the mower. Failure to comply may result in personal injury.

• Follow basic safety precautions when using electric lawn mowers to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
• Use of this mower is restricted to individuals who have read and understood the warnings and instructions.

DANGER:

This mower is capable of amputating body parts and throwing objects. Failure to observe safety rules could result in serious injury or death.

• Read all instructions on the mower and in the manual before assembly and operation. Keep the manual for future reference.
• Become familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the mower and disengage power in an emergency.
• Stay in the operating zone behind the handles. Keep children and bystanders at least 100 ft. (30 m) away. Stop the motor immediately if someone enters the mowing area.
• Inspect the area where the mower will be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other objects that could be tripped over or thrown by the blade.
• Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharging material toward roads, sidewalks, or bystanders. Do not discharge material against a wall or obstruction, as it may ricochet back toward the operator.
• Always wear proper eye protection that complies with ANSI Z87.1.
• Always wear a face mask or dust mask in dusty environments.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Wear protective gloves and safety footwear.
• Do not operate in bare feet, sandals, or lightweight shoes. Do not hold onto the mower if falling; release the handle immediately.
• Never pull the mower back toward you while walking. If backing away from an obstruction, look down and behind first. Step back to extend your arms, be balanced, and pull slowly.
• Do not use the mower for unintended jobs or force it.
• Do not operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay alert. Do not operate when tired. Use common sense.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck.
• Do not adjust wheels or cutting height while the motor is running.
• Avoid dangerous environments. Do not operate in rain or wet grass.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not rush.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel driveways, walkways, or roads.
• If the mower vibrates excessively, stop the motor and check for the cause. Vibration is a warning of trouble.
• Stop the motor and wait for the blade to stop completely before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut off.
• Never operate the mower without safety devices in place and working order. Do not operate with damaged safety devices.
• Do not force the lawn mower; it works better and safer at its designed rate.
• Always store the mower indoors in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.
• Maintain the mower. Keep cutting edges sharp and clean.
• If the mower strikes a foreign object: Stop mower, release bail lever, remove battery, inspect for damage, and repair before restarting.
• Do not charge the mower in rain or wet locations.
• Remove or disconnect the battery before servicing, cleaning, or removing material.
• Use identical replacement blades only.
• Do not open or break the battery. Corrosive electrolytes can cause damage. It may be toxic if swallowed.
• When using, keep out of water, direct sunlight, and do not expose to rain. Store indoors, and do not expose to rain or water. Avoid direct sunshine.

Child Safety

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Children under 14 years of age must not operate this mower. Children 14 and older must read and understand the manual and be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Stay alert, and turn the mower off if a child or other person enters the mowing area.
• Look behind and down for small children before and while moving backwards.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your view of a child.

WARNING: Never clean the tool with a pressure washer or under running water. Store indoors only. Always remove the battery from the mower and charger when cleaning or storing the tool.

Battery & Charger

CAUTION: Use only Kobalt approved replacement batteries. Other batteries may cause injury or damage. Use only with Kobalt 40-volt batteries and charger.

Battery Safety Rules

• Battery tools are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or changing accessories.
• Do not place battery tools or batteries near fire or heat.
• Do not crush, drop, or damage battery pack. Do not use a dropped or damaged battery pack or charger. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Dispose of immediately.
• Batteries can explode in the presence of ignition sources. Do not use cordless products in the presence of open flame. An exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water immediately. Do not charge battery tool in a damp or wet location.
• Charge battery tool where temperature is between 42.8°F (6°C) and 104°F (40°C). Do not store outside or in vehicles.
• Under extreme conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid contacts skin, wash with soap and water. If liquid gets into eyes, flush with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek medical attention.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects (paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws) that can connect terminals. Shorting terminals may cause sparks, burns, or fire.
• Always remove battery pack from your tool when assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use.
• Always remove battery pack before storing the device. Unplug charger when battery is fully charged.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection.
• Keep battery pack dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or solvents.

Proper Battery Care (Off-season storage)

• Remove the battery pack from the charger once it is fully charged.
• For storage longer than 30 days: Store where temperature is below 80°F and away from moisture. Store battery packs in a 30% - 50% charged condition. Every two months, charge the pack as normal.

Charger Safety Rules

• Charge the mower battery in a dry area protected from weather. Do not expose mower or charger to rain. Do not charge in a wet location.
• Use only the provided charger. Do not use a damaged charger. Replace charger cords or charger immediately.
• Keep mower and charger away from water, heat sources, flames, and chemicals.
• Ensure battery pack is secured in the charger before beginning operation.
• The battery pack will become slightly warm during charging; this is normal.
• Do not place charger and battery pack in extreme heat or cold. They work best at normal room temperature.
• When batteries become fully charged, unplug the charger and remove the battery pack.

WARNING (PROPOSITION 65)

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Examples include lead from lead-based paints, crystalline silica from bricks and cement, and arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber. Work in a well-ventilated area and use approved safety equipment, such as dust masks.

Service

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge. It should be performed only by a qualified service technician. Return the product to your nearest AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. Use only identical replacement parts.

Slope Gauge

WARNING: Slopes are a major factor related to accidents involving slips and falls. Operate with extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. Use the slope gauge to measure slopes before operating on a sloped or hilly area.

• Mow across the face of a slope, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on a slope.
• Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps that may cause a slip or trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. If you feel like you are losing your balance, release the blade/motor control handle immediately. The blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
• Do not mow a slope with an angle greater than 15°.
• Do not mow wet or damp grass.

WARNING: Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15° (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 ft. every 10 ft.). Mow across the face of a slope, and never up and down.

[Diagram illustrating slope measurement with a vertical tree, power pole, building corner, or fence post.]

Preparation

Before beginning assembly, ensure all parts are present. Compare parts with package contents and hardware lists. If any part is missing or damaged, do not attempt to assemble the product.

Unpacking

• Carefully remove the product and accessories from the box. Ensure all listed items are included.
• Inspect the product carefully for breakage or damage during shipping.
• Do not discard packing material until you have inspected and operated the product.
• If parts are damaged or missing, call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance.

Estimated Assembly Time: 5 minutes

Assembly Instructions

WARNING: Do not operate with damaged or missing parts. Do not modify the product or create unapproved accessories. Do not insert battery until assembly is complete. Always remove the battery pack when assembling parts. Never operate without safety devices in place and working.

WARNING: Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can damage cables, causing an unsafe operating condition. Do not damage cables. If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

1a. Unfolding and adjusting handle

Pull and rotate the handle lock knobs (L) 90° to loosen the lower handles (E). Move lower handles to the operating position. You may raise or lower handles to a comfortable position (3 positions available). Release handle knobs to lock.

Note: Ensure both sides are set at the same position for proper assembly.

[Diagram showing handle lock knobs in unlocked and locked positions.]

1b. Installing upper handle

Align mounting holes on the upper handle (D) and lower handle (E). Insert handle bolts (AA) and secure using handle knobs (BB). Repeat for both sides.

[Diagram showing handle assembly with bolts and knobs.]

2. Removing the mulching plug

• Lift the rear discharge door (F).
• Grasp the handle of the mulching plug (N) and pull it out at an angle.
• The mulching plug (N) must be removed to install the grass catcher bag.
• Re-install the mulching plug (N) when the grass catcher bag is removed.

[Diagram showing removal of mulching plug.]

3. Installing the grass catcher bag

• Lift the rear discharge door (F).
• Lift the grass catcher (K) by its handle and place under the rear discharge door so hooks seat on the door rod.
• Release the rear discharge door (F). Hooks on the grass catcher should extend through openings on the rear discharge door.

[Diagram showing installation of grass catcher bag.]

4. Installing the side discharge chute

• Lift the side discharge cover (H).
• Align grooves on the side discharge chute (M) with pins on the underside of the side discharge cover (H).
• Lower the side discharge chute until hooks on the mower deck secure into openings of the side discharge chute.
• Release the side discharge cover.
• Ensure the mulch plug is installed for side discharge to operate correctly.

[Diagram showing installation of side discharge chute.]

5a. To install battery

• Lift and hold up the battery door.
• Place the battery pack in the mower, aligning guided ribs with grooves in the battery port.
• Ensure the battery release button snaps in place and the battery is fully seated and secure.
• Close the battery door.

5b. To remove battery

• Release the power lever to stop the mower.
• Open the battery door.
• Press and hold the battery release button to slightly raise the battery.
• Remove battery pack.

[Diagram showing battery installation and removal.]

Operating Instructions

1. Starting/Stopping the mower

a. To start the mower:

• Raise the battery door.
• Install battery.
• Close the battery door.
• Press and hold the safety lock-out button (C).
• Pull the bail lever (B) upward to start the mower and release the safety lock-out button.

[Diagram showing safety lock-out button and bail lever.]

b. To stop the mower:

• Release the bail lever.

2. Soft-Start

This mower has a "soft-start" feature. It takes approximately 3 seconds to reach full speed. If the mower does not start initially, remove the battery and check under the mower deck for obstructions. Ensure the blade can spin freely by hand. A small amount of grass can prevent starting.

WARNING: Do not attempt to override the operation of the safety lock-out button or bail lever.

3. Self-propelled mowing

a. To engage the self-propelled feature:

• Open the battery door.
• Insert the battery.
• Pull the self-propel lever (I) upward to meet the handle.

[Diagram showing self-propel lever.]

b. To disengage the self-propelled feature:

• Release the self-propel lever (I).

c. To adjust the speed of self-propelled feature:

• Pull the self-propel speed controls (J) toward the Rabbit Symbol ? to increase speed.
• Push the self-propel speed controls (J) toward the Turtle Symbol ? to decrease speed.

[Diagram showing speed control adjustments with rabbit and turtle symbols.]

4. Cutting height adjustment

When shipped, wheels are set to a low-cutting position. Raise the cutting position to suit your lawn. Average lawn: 1-1/2 to 2 in. (3.8 to 5 cm) during cool months; 2 to 3-1/2 in. (5 to 8.3 cm) during hot months.

To adjust blade height:

• To raise blade height, grasp height adjustment lever (G) and move it toward the back of the mower.
• To lower blade height, grasp height adjustment lever (G) and move it toward the front of the mower.

[Diagram showing height adjustment lever and a table of height adjustments.]

Mowing tips

• A sharp blade enhances performance. Check and sharpen the blade at least once per year.
• Verify the lawn is free of stones, sticks, wires, and other objects that could damage blades or motor. These objects could be thrown and cause injury. Do not operate in damp or wet conditions.
• Do not mow in circles. Travel back and forth across the lawn.
• When cutting thick grass, reduce walking speed for a more effective cut and proper discharge.
• For a healthy lawn, cut no more than one-third of the grass length.

Mulching tips

• Inspect the area and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other debris.
• Release the bail lever when crossing gravel areas.
• Set mower to the highest cutting height for uneven ground or tall weeds.
• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. Adjust ground speed to lawn condition. If mowing has been delayed, mow twice to reduce grass height.
• Walk at a steady pace. Overlap cutting rows. Do not let grass get too tall.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the motor and remove the battery. Inspect for damage and repair before operating. Excessive vibration indicates damage.

5. Emptying the grass catcher bag

• Stop mower, allow blades to stop, and remove the battery.
• Lift the rear discharge cover.
• Lift the grass catcher bag by its handle to remove from mower.
• Empty grass clippings.
• Lift the rear discharge cover and reinstall the grass catcher bag.

[Diagram showing emptying the grass catcher bag.]

Care and Maintenance

Replacing the cutting blade

WARNING: Protect your hands with heavy gloves or rags. Always remove the battery when servicing or transporting.

• Use only a Kobalt replacement blade (Item #0812963, sold separately).
• Remove battery.
• Wedge a block of wood between the blade and mower deck to prevent turning when removing the nut.
• Using an adjustable wrench or 15mm socket, loosen the blade bolt (R) counterclockwise and remove the blade (Q).
• To re-install, position blade with cutting edges toward the ground. Assemble bolt and tighten clockwise.

[Diagram showing blade replacement with a block of wood.]

Cleaning the mower

WARNING: Do not expose the mower to water. Clean the underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent rust and corrosion.

• Remove grass and leaves on or around the motor cover (do not use water).
• Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth. If debris builds up on the underside, stop the motor, remove the battery, tilt the mower on its side, and scrape clean.

Storing the Mower

Prepare the mower for storage:

• Clean the mower as described previously.
• Inspect and sharpen or replace the blade if required.
• Store in a dry, clean location, away from corrosive materials (fertilizer, rock salt).
• Store indoors, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. Do not cover with a solid plastic sheet, as it traps moisture.
• Fold the handle away for storage. Ensure handles "click" or lock into place.
• Remove and store the battery in a cool, dry location.

Storage Switch

The mower is equipped with a storage switch that disables it when the handle is rotated into the fully locked storage position. The storage switch does not replace the need to remove the battery.

[Diagram showing the storage switch.]

Troubleshooting

For further questions, contact Kobalt customer service at 1-888-356-2258.

Warranty

5-Year Repair Warranty

This Kobalt 40 V 20" cordless self-propelled lawn mower is warranted to the original purchaser for five (5) years from the original purchase date. The Kobalt 40V Lithium-ion Battery carries a three (3) year warranty.

If the mower is defective during the warranty period, call Warranty service at 1-888-356-2258 with proof of purchase.

This warranty is void if:

• Defects result from repairs or alterations made by others.
• Unauthorized use of nonconforming parts.
• Damage is due to normal wear, abuse, improper maintenance, neglect, or accident.
• Damage is due to use after partial failure or with improper accessories or unauthorized repair/alteration.

This warranty excludes replacement blades and grass bag.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from province to province.

Replacement Parts List

For replacement parts, call customer service at 1-888-356-2258.

[Diagrams of replacement parts labeled with letters.]

Printed in China