START AND STOP THE ENGINE
WARNING: The blade begins to rotate as soon as the engine is started.
NOTE: Do not operate the lawn mower in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas as the exhaust gas contains toxic substances. Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the moving parts of the machine. The exhaust and other parts of the machine will become hot during use. Make sure that the blade is securely fastened before starting the engine.
NOTE: To start the engine, make sure that the spark plug cover is connected to the plug and the machine is filled with sufficient oil and gas.
TO START THE ENGINE
- When starting a cold engine, press down the primer fully 3-5 times (see Fig. 12).
Fig.12: Illustration of the engine showing the location of the primer bulb.
primer
WARNING! Too many presses on primer may cause engine flooding. When starting a warm engine, the primer does not need to be used. If the engine stops due to a lack of gas, refill then press the primer 3-5 times.
- Stand behind the mower. Pull the Engine On/Off Control Bar toward upper handle with one hand and place the other hand on the starter handle.
- Pull the starter handle out approximately 4" to 6" (10 to 15 cm) until you feel a resistance and then start the engine with a sharp pull (see Fig. 13).
Fig.13: Illustration demonstrating the correct way to pull the starter handle to start the engine.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start after three pulls, repeat the process.
- Once the engine is running, put the starter rope into the rope guide (see Fig. 14).
Fig.14: Illustration showing the starter rope being placed into the rope guide.
TO STOP THE ENGINE
As shown in Fig. 15
Fig.15: Illustration showing the Engine On/Off Control Bar being released to stop the engine.
Release the Engine On/Off Control Bar. It will return to its initial position and the engine will automatically switch off.
TO CLEAN A FLOODED ENGINE
NOTE: If the engine won't start after you have pulled the engine start rope several times, the engine may be flooded with excess fuel. Use the following procedure to clear and start a flooded engine.
- Release the Engine On/Off Control Bar to stop engine.
- Remove the spark plug, dry it, and then re-install it.
- (1) Remove the spark plug cover (see Fig. 16).
Fig. 16: Illustration showing the spark plug cover being removed.
- Use the spark plug socket wrench (not supplied) to remove the spark plug (see Fig. 17).
Fig. 17: Illustration showing a spark plug and a spark plug socket wrench.
- After drying, tighten the spark plug.
NOTE: Install the spark plug carefully by hand to avoid cross-threading. After the plug is seated, tighten 1/8 to 1/4 turn with the spark plug socket wrench to compress the washer.
- Pull the Engine On/Off Control Bar toward upper handle.
- Operate the starter as described above.
MOWING
WARNING: Always observe the strictest safety procedures when using the lawn mower. Carefully read the safety instructions of this manual before using the lawn mower.
WARNING: Never open the rear chute flap when the grass bag has been detached (to be emptied) and the engine is still running. The rotating blade can cause serious injuries!
- Select your required height and function settings.
- Start the engine and allow it run. See "To start the engine".
- Keep a firm grip on the upper handle with engine on/off control bar and push forward to start mowing.
WORKING TIPS
- Walk, never run with the mower, and be very careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
- Mow across slopes, never up and down.
- Be careful when changing the direction of the mower on a slope.
- Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
- The best result will be achieved if the grass is dry. Wet grass will tend to clog the blade.
- Grass grows at different rates at different times of the year. Never use the lowest cutting height for the first cut of the season or in drought conditions.
- Only about one third of the grass height should be cut.
- Do not cut high or wet grass when mulching to ensure that the cut grass can be scattered effectively. When you have been cutting for several minutes, please stop the mower and clean the blade and the deck.
- Do not remove grass debris in the mower casing or on the blade by hand or with your feet. Instead, use suitable tools such as a brush or broom.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or cleaning work, switch off the engine and wait until the blade has come to a stop.
CLEANING
GENERAL CLEANING
The lawn mower should be cleaned thoroughly every time after it has been used. Always clean your lawn mower immediately after use. Do not allow grass cuttings and other debris to become dry and hard on any of the mower surfaces. Dried grass remnants and dirt may impair the mowing operation.
Check that the grass chute is free of any residual grass. Remove any such residue. Check the underside of the lawn mower and the blade mount. When checking, tilt the lawn mower onto its left side (opposite the oil filler neck).
NOTE: Before placing the lawn mower on its side, fully drain the fuel tank using a gas extraction pump. Do not tilt the lawn mower by more than 90 degrees.
MAINTENANCE OF THE SPARK PLUG
As shown in Fig. 17
Fig. 17: Illustration showing a spark plug and its gap specification (0.018"-0.024").
0.018"-0.024"
- Once the engine has cooled, pull off the spark cover with a twist.
- Remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench (not supplied).
- Clean the spark plug with a wire brush (not supplied).
- Using a feeler gauge, set the gap to 0.018"-0.024" (0.46mm-0.61mm).
- Install the spark plug carefully by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- After the spark plug is seated, tighten with the spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
MAINTENANCE OF THE AIR FILTER
As shown in Fig. 18
Fig. 18: Illustration showing the location of the air filter cartridge on the engine.
filter cartridge
Soiled air filters reduce the engine output by restricting air to the carburetor. If the air contains a lot of dust, the air filter should be checked more frequently.
WARNING! Never run the engine without the air filter element installed.
- Press tabs at the top of the air filter cover and tilt away from the engine to remove the cover.
- Remove the filter cartridge.
- To loosen debris, gently tap the filter cartridge on a hard surface. If the filter cartridge is excessively dirty, replace with a new one.
Note: Never clean the air filter cartridge with gas or inflammable solvents. Clean the air filter cartridge only with compressed air or by tapping it.
- Install the filter cartridge.
- Close the cover and secure it properly by snapping tabs back into the correct slots at the top.
CHECK AND ADD THE ENGINE OIL
The oil needs to be changed after the first 5 hours. Before each use, check the oil level and add additional oil if the level is not within the Min - Max levels.
REPLACING THE BLADE
For safety reasons, you should only ever have your blade sharpened, balanced, and mounted by an authorized service workshop. For optimum results, it is recommended that the blade be inspected once a year.
WARNING! Before you remove the grass collection bag, stop the engine and wait until the blade stops completely.
WARNING! You will need garden gloves (not provided) and a wrench (not provided) to remove the blade.
NOTE! Don't invert the mower. Tip it slightly towards the oil filler pipe and reach under the deck.
WARNING! Always handle the blade with care; sharp edges could cause injury. USE GLOVES. Replace your metal blade after 50 hours mowing or 2 years, whichever is sooner, regardless of condition.
WARNING! If the blade is cracked or damaged, replace it with a new one.
WARNING! Don't hold the blade by hand directly.
NOTE! Maintain the sharpness of the blade when cutting grass. If the blade has worn excessively and become pitted and blunt, it should be replaced or sharpened. The sharpness of the blade will affect the performance of the lawn mower.
For safety reasons, we recommend that the blade only be changed by someone qualified and authorized to do so.
Hold the blade and unscrew the blade bolt counter-clockwise using a wrench. Remove the washer and the blade.
Fit a new blade or re-sharpen the blade. Place the blade on the two studs on the blade flange with angled ends pointing up in the direction of the engine and then replace the washer and bolts. Make sure the blade is correctly located, and then firmly tighten the bolt with a torque of 33-44 ft lbs (45-60 Nm). Do not overtighten. The up turn of the blade must project into the motor compartment.
Fig. 19: Illustration showing the underside of the mower deck, indicating the blade mounting studs.
STORING THE LAWN MOWER FOR SHORT PERIODS
The lawn mower can be stored for short periods of time (less than 15 days) without performing any storage maintenance. Before placing the lawn mower into storage, always do the following:
- Allow the engine to fully cool.
- Ensure the grass bag is empty.
- Clean all debris from under the mower deck.
- Store the lawn mower on a flat and level surface with the mower upright.
- Store in a safe place which is not accessible by children or people who are not familiar with the lawn mower's operation.
STORING THE LAWN MOWER FOR EXTENDED PERIODS
If the lawn mower is to be placed into storage for more than 15 days, storage maintenance must be performed on the lawn mower. If the following steps are not carried out, when you next operate the lawnmower it may not start correctly and may need to be serviced.
CAUTION! Do not empty the gas tank in enclosed areas, near fire or when smoking. Gas fumes can cause explosions and fire.
- Empty the gas tank with a gas suction pump if available.
- Start the engine and let it run until any remaining gas has been used up.
- Clean the cooling fins of the cylinder and the housing.
- Be sure to clean the entire machine to protect the paint.
- Store the machine in a well-ventilated place.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Performing routine maintenance correctly on your lawn mower will ensure you get years of trouble-free use. Please keep this manual safe for future reference. It is recommended that the following maintenance schedule is adhered to. This will ensure the lawn mower operates correctly and is safe to use. Change engine oil after first 5 hours.
| 12 hours of use | 24 hours of use | 36 hours of use |
---|
Air filter | Clean | Clean | Clean |
Spark plug | Check | Check | Check |
Engine oil | Check | Check | Check |
TRANSPORTING THE LAWN MOWER
Empty the gas tank. Always let the engine run until it has used up the remainder of gas in the tank. Empty the engine oil from the warm engine. Remove the spark plug cover from the spark plug. Clean the cooling fins of the cylinder and the housing. Use the original packaging to ship whenever possible.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or cleaning work, switch off the engine and wait until the blade has come to a stop.
Caution! Improper repairs can result in the product functioning unsafely. This endangers yourself and your environment.
Faults which cannot be rectified with the aid of the following table may require service by an authorized Yard Force or Briggs & Stratton repair center.
Please be aware that any improper repairs will also invalidate the warranty and additional costs may be incurred.
Use only genuine spare parts. Only these spare parts are designed and suitable for this lawn mower. The use of other spare parts not only voids the warranty, you can also endanger yourself and your environment.
Fault/malfunction | Cause | Remedy |
---|
Loud while running; machine vibrates heavily. | Screws are loose. Blade fasteners are loose. Blade is unbalanced. | Tighten screws. Tighten blade fasteners. Replace blade. |
Engine does not start. | Engine on/off control bar not pressed. Spark plug is defective. Cutting blade is worn or damaged. Fuel tank is empty. Engine may be flooded. | Press engine on/off control bar. Replace spark plug. Replace it through the customer service centre. Refill with fuel. Remove plug and dry. |
Engine runs unsteadily. | Air filter is soiled. Spark plug is soiled. | Clean the air filter. Clean the spark plug. |
Uneven mowing results. | Blade is blunt. Cutting height is too low. | Sharpen the blade. Set correct height. |
WARRANTY
YARD FORCE TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Product Warranty
Please keep your original purchase receipt in a safe place as proof of purchase. Warranty coverage for this product must be verified by the original purchase receipt. The warranty period begins on the day that the product was purchased from an authorized retailer of Yard Force products. Warranty coverage only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable. Warranty coverage is only provided on products purchased and used in the USA and Puerto Rico from authorized Yard Force retailers. Products purchased or used outside of the USA and Puerto Rico are not covered by this warranty.
(2) Two-Year Warranty – Engine
The YF22-2N1 has a 2-Year Limited Warranty from the date of purchase against manufacturer defects for residential use only. Commercial use voids the warranty. This warranty does not cover accidental damage, unreasonable use, normal wear and tear, neglect or non-compliance with the Operating, Safety and Maintenance Instructions. All service, outside of normal maintenance as described in this manual, must be done by an authorized service technician. Any unauthorized service or changes to the original configuration of this product will void the warranty. All parts and accessories used on and with this product must be manufacturer/or and authorized by Merotec Inc.
(90) Ninety-Day Warranty – Accessories
The accessories included with the YF22-2N1; like the blade, and other similar parts are warranted against manufacturer defects for residential use only for a period of 90 days from date of purchase. Warranty does not cover loss of use or other consequential damages arising from any of the above, nor does it cover repairs made or attempted by unauthorized persons. This warranty is void if the product is used for commercial, rental or industrial purposes. Certain parts, attachments and accessories are subject to normal wear and tear and are excluded from the warranty.
Service and Warranty Claims Process
Contact the Yard Force Support Center toll-free at (866) 902-9690 Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time for service and warranty support. Yard Force USA Service Support agents can help you troubleshoot problems over the phone to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. In the situation where service or warranty inspection is needed, please follow these steps:
- Contact Yard Force USA at (866) 902-9690 or support@merotecusa.com Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Send in proof-of-purchase and serial number (if applicable) to confirm warranty coverage.
- If service or a warranty evaluation is requested, Yard Force USA will provide an RGA number that should be used in all communications with Yard Force USA and if necessary a list of local authorized service centers to bring your lawn mower to for evaluation and repair.
- All shipments to Yard Force USA must have an RGA number. Any shipment received that does not have an RGA number clearly marked on the outside of the box will be refused.
- All shipments must be sent pre-paid, Yard Force USA does not pay for any shipping costs for service or warranty evaluation. Yard Force USA is not responsible for any packages that are lost by carrier. We recommend that shipments are made by a carrier that provides tracking and delivery confirmation.
For more information or to ask questions, please call toll-free (866) 902-9690 or support@merotecusa.com Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
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