STIGA SCM 240 R & SCM 440 FS Cylinder Mower Operator's Manual

Introduction

This document provides instructions for the STIGA SCM 240 R and SCM 440 FS pedestrian-controlled cylinder lawnmowers.

The machine is designed to cut grass in gardens and lawns and is operated by a person walking behind it. The cutting-means assembly is enclosed in a safety guard and stops when the operator stops pushing the machine.

Safety Regulations

Please follow safety regulations meticulously.

A) Training

• Read these instructions carefully before using the machine and keep them for future reference.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the instructions to use the machine. Local regulations may restrict the operator's age.
• Children aged 8 years and over, and people with reduced physical, sensorial, or mental abilities, or lacking experience, can use the machine if adequately supervised or instructed on safe use and hazards. Children must not play with the appliance. Cleaning and maintenance must be done by children only under adequate supervision.
• Never use the machine when bystanders, especially children, or pets are nearby.
• Do not use if tired, unwell, or under the influence of medicine, drugs, alcohol, or substances that slow reflexes or compromise judgment.
• The operator is responsible for accidents or hazards to other people or their property. Assess the potential risk of the work area and take precautions for your safety and that of others, especially on slopes or rough ground.
• If the machine changes ownership or is loaned, ensure the new user reads the instructions.

B) Preliminary Operations

• Always wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear and long trousers. Never use barefoot or with open-toe sandals. Do not wear chains, bracelets, or cumbersome clothing with strings/ties. Tie back long hair. Always wear hearing protectors.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment will be used and remove all objects that could be thrown by the machine (stones, sticks, metal wire, bones, etc.).
• Before use, check that the machine is in good working order, particularly the cutting-means assembly. Ensure fasteners and cutting unit are not worn or damaged. Replace worn/damaged cutter blades and screws as a set to preserve balance. Any repair must be performed by an authorized service center.

C) During Operation

• Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light and visibility. Keep people, children, and animals away from the working area.
• If possible, avoid mowing wet grass. Avoid working in rain or during thunderstorms. Do not use the machine in bad weather, especially if there is a risk of lightning.
• Always ensure a steady foothold on slopes.
• Never run, always walk. Do not allow the lawnmower to pull you along.
• Take care when approaching obstacles that obscure your vision.
• When mowing on a slope, proceed up and down the slope, not across it. Be careful when changing direction to avoid hitting obstacles that could cause the machine to slide, roll over, or lose control.
• The machine must not be driven on slopes greater than 20º in any direction.
• Be extremely careful when pulling the lawnmower toward you. Look behind you to ensure there are no obstacles.
• Immobilize the cutting means if the lawnmower must be inclined for transport, when moving over surfaces other than grass, or when transporting it to or from an area to be cut.
• Be aware of traffic when using the machine near the road.
• Never use the machine if the safeguards are damaged.
• Exercise caution in the proximity of cliffs, ditches, or embankments.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only use accessories approved by the machine manufacturer.
• Do not use the machine if accessories/tools are not installed correctly.
• After striking a foreign object, inspect the machine for damage and make repairs before re-starting and operating.
• Always stay at a safe distance from the rotary cutting-means assembly, as dictated by the handle length.
• In the event of failures or accidents, move the machine away to avoid further damage. For injuries to operators or third parties, provide appropriate first aid and contact a healthcare facility. Carefully remove any debris that could cause damage or injury.

D) Maintenance and Storage

• WARNING! Before cleaning or maintenance, read relevant instructions. Wear adequate clothing and work gloves.
• WARNING! Never use the machine with worn or damaged parts. Faulty or worn-out parts must always be replaced, never repaired. Use only original spare parts; non-original or incorrectly fitted parts compromise safety and may cause accidents or injuries for which the Manufacturer is not liable.
• Any regulations and maintenance operations not described herein must be carried out by your Dealer or Authorized Service Centre, who have the necessary knowledge and equipment. Unauthorized adjustments or maintenance will nullify the warranty and exonerate the manufacturer from liability.
• After use, check for any damage.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to ensure safe working condition. Regular maintenance is essential for safety and performance.
• Regularly check that the cutting means screws are securely tightened.
• Wear suitable work gloves when handling the cutting means during removal and reinstallation.
• Keep the cutting means well balanced during sharpening. Operations concerning the cutting deck assembly (disassembling, sharpening, balancing, assembling, replacement) require specific knowledge and special tools; for safety, they should always be performed by an authorized service center.
• Be careful during adjustment to prevent entrapment of fingers between moving parts of the cutting means and fixed parts.
• Never touch the cutting-means assembly until it is completely stationary. Exercise caution when performing work on it.
• Replace any damaged instruction or warning message stickers.
• Store the machine where children cannot get to it.

E) Transport and Handling

• When moving, lifting, transporting, or tilting the machine: wear hardwearing work gloves; grip the machine in places offering a safe grip, considering its weight and center of gravity; use as many people as needed for safe handling.
• During transport, ensure the machine is securely fastened with ropes or chains.

F) Environment

• Safeguarding the environment is a priority. Avoid disturbing the neighborhood.
• Adhere strictly to local regulations for disposal of packaging, damaged parts, or other elements impacting the environment. Waste must be disposed of separately at special waste disposal facilities for handling and recycling.
• Adhere strictly to local regulations for disposal of cuttings.
• When the machine is withdrawn from service, do not dump it in the environment; take it to a waste disposal facility according to local regulations.

Getting to Know the Machine

A) Machine Description and Scope of Application

This machine is a garden tool, specifically a pedestrian-controlled lawnmower.

It comprises a chassis fitted with wheels and a handle. Pushing the handle activates a cutting-means assembly enclosed in a safety guard. The operator runs the machine from behind the handle, maintaining a safe distance from the rotary cutting-means assembly. The cutting-means assembly stops working when the operator stops pushing.

Intended Use: This machine has been designed and built to cut (and collect) grass in gardens and lawns. It is run by an operator on foot. Cut grass is expelled and deposited directly on the ground. An optional grass collection sack may be used.

User Types: Designed for the general public, i.e., non-professional operators using this type of machinery for the first time or inexperienced users. Intended for "hobby use".

Improper Use: Any other use, different from the cited uses, may be dangerous and cause injury and/or material damage. Improper uses include, but are not limited to: carrying people, children, or animals on the machine; riding on the machine; using the machine to pick up leaves or debris; using the machine to clip hedges or cut vegetation other than grass; use by more than one person at a time.

B) Identification Label

The identification label (refer to figure 1) typically includes:

• 1. Name and address of Manufacturer
• 2. Manufacturing Country
• 3. Description of the machine
• 4. Model name
• 5. Basic model
• 6. Year of manufacturer
• 7. Identification letter
• 8. Serial number
• 9. GGP code

After purchase, write down your machine's serial number in the relative space in figure (1.10).

C) Machine Components

Key components (refer to figure 1) include:

• 11. Machine body
• 12. Handgrip
• 13. Handle extensions
• 14. End part of handle
• 15. Fasteners for installing the handle
• 16. Plastic trim
• 17. Grass collection sack (optional, not included, for sale separately) (Fig. 2 and 3)

Complete Assembly:

Note: The machine can be supplied with some parts already assembled.

WARNING! Unpacking and completing the assembly should be done on a flat and stable surface, with enough space for machine handling and its packaging, always making use of suitable equipment. Disposal of the packaging should be done in accordance with the local regulations in force.

1.1 Handle Assembly (see figure 5)

A. Couple the bottom part (1) of the handle onto the pins (2) on the machine chassis and install the safety circlips (3).

B. Assemble the two extensions (4) to the bottom handle using the screws, circlips, and knobs provided. Leave the knobs (5) slightly slack to facilitate assembly of the handgrip.

C. Insert the handgrip (6) on the extensions and secure in place with the remaining screws and safety circlips. Tighten up the knobs.

1.2 Installation of the Trim (see figure 4)

For SCM 440 SF model only. Position the trim (1) where the extensions and the bottom part of the handle (2) meet. Press on the trim gently until it is securely fitted in place. No screws required.

Cutting Height Adjustment (see figure 6)

1.1 Model SCM 440 FS

Adjust the height by moving the lever (1) to one of the 9 positions.

1.2 Model SCM 240 R

Slacken the knob (2), move the roller (3) to achieve the required height, and then tighten the knob. Carry out the same adjustment on both sides to achieve uniform cutting height. Further cutting positions can be achieved by moving the handle (2) to the holes 4 and 5.

Grass Cutting

Note: This machine can be used to mow lawns in a number of different ways; before starting work, prepare the machine based on how the lawn is to be mowed.

Install the sack (if purchased).

3.1 Grass Cutting

The grass will look better if cutting is always carried out at the same height and working alternately in the two directions. Empty the grass collection sack when it is full.

Lawn Care Recommendations

Each type of grass has different characteristics and may thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for the growing conditions in the work area.

Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged and growth is more difficult.

The following indications generally apply:

• Cutting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a "spotted" appearance.
• In the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the ground from drying.
• Do not cut wet grass; this could reduce cutting means efficiency due to sticky grass and tear the lawn.
• For particularly high grass, initially mow at the maximum height allowed by the machine, then mow again after two or three days.

Routine Maintenance

Store the lawnmower in a dry place.

IMPORTANT: Routine and accurate maintenance is essential in maintaining original machine safety and performance levels.

• Wear sturdy work gloves when carrying out cleaning operations.
• Wash the machine thoroughly with water after each use.
• Immediately touch up any damaged paintwork with anti-rust paint to stop rust forming which could corrode the metal work.

4.1 Cutting Means Maintenance

Adjustment and sharpening of the cutting-means assembly must be carried out at a specialized centre which has the right equipment.

If you are not going to use your mower for a prolonged period of time, grease the cutting-means assembly adequately.

Diagnostics

In the event of any doubts or problems, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest Technical Assistance Service or Dealer.

Technical Data

Legal Information

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