Victa 560 Commercial Lawnmower Operator's Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Engine Oil

The following warning labels are attached to your mower on purchase. Please read labels before discarding.

4 Stroke Label

Briggs & Stratton: Engine must have SAE 30 Oil added to the Engine Sump before starting. Refer to the Engine Manual for oil filling information. Please use the engine's dipstick to ensure correct oil fill level. Failure to add oil to your engine before attempting to start it will damage the engine and void the Engine Warranty.

Safety Marking and Symbols

• Warning! ⚠️
• Read the directions for use before operating the machine. ?
• Wear safety goggles, a helmet and ear protection. ⛑️?
• Wear safety gloves. ?
• Be careful of objects being thrown out!
• Read the manual before carrying out any maintenance work. ??
• Wear sturdy, nonslip footwear.
• Protect the machine from rain and damp. ☔

Safety & Handling

Safety Instructions

Transporting the mower

• Turn the engine off by moving the throttle lever to the 'STOP' position and switching the fuel tap off (where fitted).
• Disconnect the spark plug lead and wedge it well away from the spark plug.
• Do not transport the mower in a vehicle if there is fuel in the fuel tank.

Before using the mower

• Do not allow children, or people unfamiliar with these instructions, to use the mower.
• Ensure that the blade assembly is not worn or damaged. Always replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve correct balance. Damaged or worn blades and bolts are major hazards. Use genuine Victa spare parts only.
• Note: Blades may be tucked under the blade disc for safety and transport reasons before use. Once the engine is started, they will relocate themselves for cutting.
• Check all fasteners regularly. Always ensure the mower is in a safe operating condition. Use genuine spare parts only.
• Check for grass build up around the engine and muffler which may cause overheating and/or a fire hazard.
• For 4-stroke engines, SAE 30 oil must be added to the engine sump before starting the engine. Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for filling volume and method. Failure to do so will cause engine damage and will void engine warranty.
• Do not start the engine unless the side chute is securely in position.
• Know the mower controls. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in an emergency by moving the throttle to the 'STOP' position or releasing the brake bale arm on models fitted with presence control.

Operating the mower

• Do not mow while people, especially children, or pets are in the vicinity of the mower or within the mowing area. Ensure that bystanders are a minimum of 15 metres away.
• Do not mow in bare feet or open shoes. Wear long trousers, heavy footwear, and eye protection.
• Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones, bones, wire, and debris before mowing. These could be thrown by the blades and cause injury or damage.
• Start the engine carefully with feet well clear of blades. Do not tilt the mower when starting the engine.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even for a moment.
• Mow only in good daylight.
• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts beneath the mower when the engine is running.
• Do not overspeed the engine or alter the governor settings. Excessive engine speed is dangerous and shortens mower life.
• Never lift, carry, or tilt the mower when the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before pushing the mower across gravel, paths, or roads. Stop the engine before the mower leaves the lawn.
• Stop the engine before adjusting the cutting height.
• Mow across the face of a slope, never up or down. Use extreme caution when changing direction on a slope. Do not mow on excessively steep slopes.
• Never mow by pulling the mower towards you. You may slip and pull the mower on top of your feet. Never mow grass while walking backwards.
• Walk with the mower, never run.
• The safety distance determined by the guiding handles must be maintained at all times.
• At the conclusion of mowing, always turn the mower off using the throttle lever then turn the fuel tap off (where fitted). To stop the mower on models with presence control, release the brake bale arm.
• Do not operate the mower in confined spaces where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before clearing blockages, checking, or working on the mower.
• If you strike an obstruction, stop the engine and check the blades for damage.
• Bystanders must be at least 15 metres away during operation of the mower, as rocks and other materials may be thrown at high velocities. Switch the unit off immediately if approached.
• Never use the mower unless the side chute is securely in position.
• Wear suitable eye protection when operating the mower.

Maintaining the mower

• If the mower begins to vibrate abnormally, or if it strikes a foreign object - STOP the engine. Disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug and carefully wedge it well away from the spark plug. Inspect the mower and blades for any damage.
• Replace worn or faulty mufflers as they adversely affect engine performance and increase emissions.
• Victa recommends that all maintenance, repair, and inspection work be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.
• Store the mower in a well-ventilated area, away from any naked flames such as those found in hot water heaters.

Refuelling the mower

• Refuel the mower outdoors only.
• Do not smoke while operating or refuelling the mower. Never add fuel or remove the fuel cap while the engine is running or hot. If fuel is spilt, do not start the engine. Move the mower away from the area of the spill. Do not create any source of ignition until fuel vapours have dissipated.
• Store fuel in a cool place and in a container specifically designed for the purpose. Victa supplies a 5-litre fuel can as an optional extra. Plastic containers are unsuitable, except those specifically designed to hold fuel.

Hazards

The following safety precautions must be strictly observed to avoid the risk of damage or personal injury.

• Do not smoke while operating or refuelling the mower. Never add fuel or remove the fuel cap while the engine is running or hot. If fuel is spilt, do not start the engine. Move the mower away from the area of the spill. Do not create any source of ignition until the fuel vapours have dissipated.
• Check all fasteners regularly. Always ensure that the mower is in safe operating condition. Use genuine spare parts only.
• Do not operate the mower in confined spaces where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even if only for a moment.
• Never try to clear grass from inside the mower while the engine is running.
• Never lift, carry, or tilt the mower when the engine is running.
• Bystanders must be at least 15 metres away during operation of the mower, as rocks and other materials may be thrown at high velocities. Switch the unit off immediately if approached.
• Never use the mower unless the side chute is securely in position.

Personal Protective Equipment

Recommended personal protection equipment to wear when working with your lawnmower:

• A set of ear muffs.
• A pair of safety boots.
• A pair of protective gloves.
• Eye protection.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Features

Diagram of the Victa 560 Commercial Lawnmower with numbered parts:

• 1. Upper Handle
• 2. Self Propelled Bail
• 3. Throttle Control
• 4. Handle Knob/Locking Lever
• 5. Height Adjust Lever
• 6. Lower Handle
• 7. Pull Start
• 8. Fuel Cap
• 9. Spark Plug
• 10. Deck
• 11. Side Chute
• 12. Mulch Plug (Not Shown)

Note: Throttle and speed controls may vary in appearance from those illustrated.

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES

Attaching upper handle

Ensure spark plug lead is disconnected before assembling mower.

Important! Parts will need to be removed from the carton prior to assembly. When removing the mower from the carton, take care not to pull or kink any of the operating cables.

Handle Assembly

The handle securing bolts are already fitted from below. Tighten bolts to 19Nm. Place lower handles over projecting bolts as shown. Place saddle plates over projecting bolts (facing down as shown) and fit Nyloc nuts. Torque nuts down securely (16 Nm).

Handle Assembly - Filter Engine

For engines fitted with an engine filter, the bolt under the filter will need to be unscrewed to allow assembly of the lower handle.

1. Unscrew bolt under filter halfway to allow fitment of the lower handle.
2. Screw bolt back in approximately three quarters to allow fitment of saddle plate and Nyloc nut.
3. Screw bolt home and tighten to 19Nm.
4. Tighten Nyloc nut to 16Nm.

Attaching the throttle control

Knobs (Where Fitted)

Attach the upper handle to the lower handles using the knobs and bolts provided. The knobs should be on the outside.

Lever Locks (Where Fitted)

Attach the upper handle to the lower locks provided. Flip the handle toggles up to secure the upper handle to the lower handle.

Attaching the throttle control

Attach the throttle control to the inside of the upper handle, so that the lever lifts upward toward the user. Position the control to allow enough slack in the cable to prevent kinking when handles are folded down.

Fitting the Optional Ejector Chute (Kit No. CH86895AW)

1. Slide the chute over the base plate as shown in figure (A).
2. Fit the bolts and washers (3 off) as per figure (A).
3. Figure (B) shows the chute fitted to the mower correctly.

Note: Side ejector chute must be fitted at all times, even when mulching!

Mulching Plug

1. Mulch plug has to be inserted in position as per figure (C).
2. Figure (D) shows the mulch plug fitted correctly.
3. Figure (E) shows the knob in position.

Remote Air Intake Assembly (Where Supplied)

NEVER RUN THE ENGINE UNLESS THE REMOTE AIR INTAKE ASSEMBLY AND SNORKEL ARE PROPERLY FITTED TO THE UPPER HANDLE.

1. Use screw, 2 washers, star washer and nut from kit provided.
2. Place housing over upper handle as shown.
3. Pass screw from outside of handle and ensure flat washers are fitted against on both sides and the star washer under the nut.
4. Tighten nut securely.

NOTE: Check that snorkel is pushed all the way into the housing.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Mowing Tips

Height adjustment allows lawn to be cut at different lengths.

• Set cutting height by adjusting the height lever.
• A lower setting may be used depending upon conditions.

STOP the engine before adjusting the cutting height. ⚠️

• A mulching mower is designed to cut, retain, and recut the clippings until they have reached a very small size. These are then blown down into the root system as nutrients for your lawn.
• For best mulching results, only mow the top 1” / 2.5cm of lawn growth. If grass has become excessively long, choose a height setting and gradually reduce the cutting height after each pass.
• As a general rule, only cut the top one third of the grass length (approximately). More than this may leave an untidy appearance and finish.
• Dry grass will aid in the mulching action of the mower.
• Cut the grass regularly to avoid it becoming too long and making it difficult to mulch.
• Mulching is sensitive to the chosen height setting. If the height setting is too low, cut grass may be left on top of the lawn; in this case, raise the height setting.
• Cut the grass in the late afternoon or morning. This will stop the grass being damaged by direct sunlight.

Starting & stopping

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Turn the fuel tap ON, where fitted.
2. Move the throttle control to the RUN position.
3. Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt, then pull back briskly.
4. Repeat until engine starts.

Starting & Stopping Notes

These notes supplement the information on starting and stopping your lawnmower engine found in the Engine Operator's Manual supplied with your lawnmower. Please read your Engine Operator's Manual prior to attempting to start your engine for the first time. If your engine model is not covered by the notes below, please read the Engine Manual supplied with your lawnmower.

• Always check your engine oil level before starting the engine at the start of mowing.
• Check that the spark plug is connected before attempting to start the engine.
• Ensure you have fresh petrol in the engine's fuel tank.
• Ensure the fuel tap, where fitted, is ON before attempting to start the engine.
• For your safety, keep your hands and feet clear of the mower blades at all times.

Stopping the engine

STOPPING THE ENGINE - MOWERS WITHOUT ENGINE BRAKE

1. Move the throttle control to the STOP position.
2. Where a fuel tap is fitted, it should be turned OFF when mowing is completed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR MOWERS FITTED WITH AN ENGINE BRAKE

In addition to the directions shown above, the engine brake bale will need to be held back against the upper handle before attempting to pull on the starter cord to start the engine. The engine will stop immediately the brake bale is released.

Note: The "STOP" position is not available on throttle controls fitted to Brake Engines.

Speed & Drive Control

Self Propelled - Variable Speed Lever

The Variable Speed Lever should only be moved to a Fast or Slow position while the engine is running.

Self Propelled - Drive Control Operation

• To engage Drive, fully press Drive Engagement Bale against mower handle.
• Hold there while drive is required.
• To disengage drive - release lever.

Do not partially press drive engagement bale or control pace by intermittent or repeatedly "slipping" drive clutch engagement. Do not attempt to start the machine while pressing the drive engagement bale.

OPERATING PROCEDURES

Speed and Drive Control

Ensure spark plug lead is disconnected.

Set Clutch Lever Travel

Clutch lever setting is very important to ensure the clutch is not slipping or overloaded. Incorrect clutch setting may shorten gearbox life. The clutch is set correctly at the factory during assembly of the mower. The clutch travel should be checked after the first five hours of operation and then every fifty hours thereafter. The clutch lever travel setting should be checked IMMEDIATELY if clutch slipping is noted during operation of the mower.

To check and set the clutch:

1. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug.
2. Remove the four screws securing the drive belt cover.
3. Hold the clutch bale arm closed against the upper handle as shown. Using a feeler gauge, measure the cable gap (B) between the dog-leg and plastic grommet. The gap must be between 0.5mm and 1.0mm.
4. If the clutch setting is incorrect: Loosen the locknuts (A) on the upper end of the clutch cable. Adjust the outer cable in the direction of the arrow to decrease the gap or opposite the arrow direction to increase the gap.
5. Tighten the locknuts and recheck the gap before refitting the drive belt cover and spark plug lead.
6. Refit drive Belt Cover using 4 screws and washers.

Caution: When replacing the cover, make sure that the cables are not pinched by the belt cover and are neatly in position as shown before tightening the cover screws.

SETTING MAXIMUM SPEED

The outside diameter of the Belt must be between 43.5mm and 45mm with the Variable Speed Lever set to the FAST ground speed position.

Drive belt cover removal

Remove the four (4) bolts holding the drive belt cover and remove cover.

Setting Method

1. Set Ground speed lever to maximum speed position shown with the motor running. Then stop the motor and remove Spark Plug Lead.
2. Check ground speed lever is set to maximum. The diameter of Belt must be between 43.5mm and 45mm.
3. Measure the diameter using a gauge/caliper with a 150mm rule, as shown.

If not correct, adjust as below.

1. Belt diameter adjustment: Loosen two Locknuts. Use M13 Spanner. If size was too big, adjust Outer Cable in direction of arrow, until diameter is achieved or if size is too small, adjust Outer Cable opposite to arrow until diameter is achieved.
2. Using starter cord rotate engine several times to even the belt tension and then re-check belt diameter.
3. When correct, tighten Lock Nuts.

Note: Ensure cable engagement 'dog leg' is in the second mounting hole on the pulley assembly, as shown.

5. Refit drive Belt Cover using 4 screws and washers.

Caution: When replacing the cover, make sure that the cables are not pinched by the belt cover and are neatly in position as shown before tightening the cover screws.

MAINTENANCE & CARE

Cleaning

Before cleaning the mower, ensure the throttle lever is in the 'STOP' position. Turn the fuel tap off, disconnect the spark plug lead and wedge it well away from the spark plug, and remove the battery on Instart models.

• Remove grass build up from the air intakes on the top of the mower cowl, around the engine and carburettor, and around the air filter body.
• The underside of the mower should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and grass build up; any build up will adversely affect grass catching and mulching performance and can promote corrosion on steel baseplates.
• When cleaning the underside of the mower, always tilt handle back to ground level so the front wheels are off the ground and spark plug is pointing to the sky. Tilting in other direction can cause the oil to contaminate the fuel & damage air filter causing starting difficulties.
• A hose may be used on the underside of your mower ONLY. Care must be taken to NOT get water into the engine, as it may damage the magneto or get into the fuel system.
• If your mower is fitted with a washport, simply attach a garden hose whilst the engine is running and turn on the water.
• To prevent chassis corrosion, the underside of your mower should be cleaned immediately after mowing an area which has been recently dressed with sulphate of ammonia or fertiliser.
• After cleaning, run the engine briefly to dry off excess moisture before storing.

Storage

Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits to form in the fuel system. Drain the fuel for long term storage.

Maintenance Chart

Victa recommends that certain maintenance, repair, and inspection work be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.

Before carrying out maintenance: STOP the engine, disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug and move it well away from the spark plug. Remove the starter key from the ignition switch of Keystart models and disconnect the battery.

Never attempt maintenance that is not outlined in this manual. All repair work must be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.

Blade Replacement

For Your Safety

• Before starting the mower, check blades and bolts for damage or wear.
• Victa recommends that all maintenance, repair, and inspection work be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.

Worn and damaged blades are major hazards.

• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead before fitting new blades.
• With the ejector chute and mulch plug removed, work from the side base plate opening.
• Undo the blade nut, applying upward pressure to the bolt head into the blade disc. (The head of the bolt will not rotate due to the diamond shape in the underside of the head).
• Assembly: Fit as per the drawing, remembering to push the head of the bolt into the blade disc (this will stop the bolt head from turning). Ensure correct order of assembly.
• DO NOT lay mower on its side (4 Stroke models).
• We recommend changing blades, bolts, nuts, and washers as a set. Metal fatigue and damage may occur which may not be visible to the operator. Always replace all blades to ensure correct engine balance, reducing vibration and wear. Tighten nuts on blade bolts to 14-19 Nm.
• Always turn the nut to check tightness, not the bolt.

Use only genuine replacement parts made and guaranteed by Victa. Insist on them from your parts and service dealer. Detailed fitting instructions are printed on genuine Victa blade packs. Use of non-genuine blades may void your warranty, and could result in damage or injury.

Troubleshooting

If running difficulties continue, please contact your closest Victa Authorised Service Centre. You will find the latest Service Centre listing on the Victa website, www.victa.com.au or contact Victa Customer Service 1800 356 632.

NOTES

This section is intended for user notes.