Kobalt 19-Inch 40V Lithium-Ion Cordless Mower

Product Specifications

Package Contents

The following parts are included with your mower:

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the Kobalt lawn mower with various parts labeled A through F. Part A is the main mower body. Part B is the mulching plug. Part C is the side discharge chute. Part D is the grass catcher bag. Part E is the charger. Part F represents the batteries.

Symbols

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

Signal Words and Environmental Protection

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product:

Environmental Protection

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice. The battery contains material which is hazardous to you and the environment. It must be removed and disposed of separately at a facility that accepts lithium-ion batteries.

Safety Information

General Safety Rules

Read all instructions carefully.

• ⚠️ This symbol indicates important safety instructions. Failure to follow these instructions could endanger personal safety and/or property. Read and understand all instructions in this manual before operating the mower. Failure to comply may result in personal injury.
• Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electric lawn mowers to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
• Use of this mower should be restricted to individuals who have read, understood, and will follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the mower.

❗ DANGER

This mower is built for safe operation according to the rules in this manual. Carelessness or operator error can result in serious injury. This mower is capable of amputating body parts and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety rules could result in serious injury or death.

• To reduce risk of injury, user must read and understand the operator's manual.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose the product to water, do not use in rain.
• Replace damaged parts immediately.
• Remove the key before servicing, opening, or removing the blade.
• Do not mow when children and others are around.
• Remove objects that could be thrown by the blade.
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches, etc.) in place and working.
• Look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
• Always wear proper eye and hearing protection.

⚠️ WARNING

• To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you have read this owner's manual thoroughly and understand it completely. Call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance if you do not understand the warnings and instructions.
• The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can cause severe eye damage. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields, and a full face shield when needed. A wide vision safety mask is recommended for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

⚠️ WARNING (Proposition 65)

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Examples include:

• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.

Your risk varies with exposure frequency. To reduce exposure: work in a well-ventilated area and use approved safety equipment, such as dust masks designed to filter microscopic particles.

General Operation Safety

• Carefully read all instructions on the mower and in the manual before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
• Become familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the mower and disengage power in an emergency.
• To avoid contact with the blade or injury from a thrown object, stay in the operating zone behind the handles. Keep children and bystanders at least 50 ft. (15 m) away while the mower is in operation. Stop the motor immediately if someone enters the mowing area.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, toys, and other objects that could be tripped over or thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
• Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharging material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders, etc. Do not discharge material against a wall or obstruction, as it may ricochet back toward the operator.
• Always wear proper eye protection (ANSI Z87.1 compliant) and hearing protection while operating or performing adjustments/repairs. Thrown objects can cause serious eye injury.
• Always wear a face mask or dust mask in dusty environments.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. Protective gloves and safety footwear are recommended.
• Many injuries occur from the mower being pulled over the operator's foot during a fall. Do not operate in bare feet, sandals, or lightweight shoes. Do not hold onto the mower if you are 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 to avoid tripping, then step back with extended arms, ensure balance, and pull slowly.
• Do not use the mower for any job except its intended purpose. Do not force the mower.
• Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay Alert: Do not operate when tired. Pay attention and use common sense.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet.
• Do not attempt to adjust wheels or cutting height while the motor is running.
• Avoid dangerous environments. Do not operate in rain or wet/damp 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, remove the battery, and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is a warning of trouble.
• Stop the motor and wait for the blade to completely stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The blade continues to rotate briefly after the motor is shut off. Do not place body parts in the blade area until the blade has stopped rotating.
• Never operate the mower without proper safety devices (trail shield, chute cover, grass catcher, switch control) in place and working. Do not operate with damaged safety devices, as this can result in injury.
• Store idle lawn mowers indoors in a dry, locked-up place, out of reach of children.
• Maintain the lawn mower. Keep blade edges sharp for best performance.
• If the mower strikes a foreign object: stop the mower, release the switch, remove the battery, inspect for damage, and repair any damage before restarting.
• Remove battery before servicing, cleaning, or removing material from the mower.

Child Safety

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is unaware of children's presence.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Do not allow children under 14 to operate this mower. Children aged 14 and older must read and understand operating instructions and safety rules, and must be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Stay alert and turn the mower off if a child or any 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 who may run into the path of the mower.

Battery and Charger Safety

⚠️ CAUTION: Use only 40 V Kobalt approved replacement batteries. Other batteries may cause injury or damage to the mower.

• Battery tools are always in operating condition as they are not plugged into an outlet. Be aware of hazards when not using your battery tool or changing accessories. This reduces the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
• Do not place battery tools or batteries near fire or heat. This reduces the risk of explosion and injury.
• Do not crush, drop, or damage battery packs. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has been dropped or received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged battery immediately.
• Batteries can explode in the presence of an ignition source (e.g., pilot light). To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water immediately.
• Do not charge the battery in a damp or wet location. This reduces the risk of electric shock.
• For best results, charge the battery where the temperature is between 45°F and 104°F. Do not store outside or in vehicles to reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid contacts skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If liquid gets into eyes, flush with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.
• When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects (paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws) that can connect terminals. Shorting battery terminals may cause sparks, burns, or fire.
• Always remove the battery from your tool when assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. Removing the battery pack prevents accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.
• Always remove the battery before storing the device. When fully charged, unplug the charger and remove the battery pack.
• Keep the battery pack dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth for cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or solvents to clean the battery pack.

⚠️ WARNING: Always remove the battery when transporting or servicing the unit.

Charger Safety Rules

• Charge the mower battery in a dry area protected from weather. Do not expose the charger to rain or charge the battery in a wet location. Operate the battery charger in temperatures between 45°F and 104°F. To reduce the risk of electric shock, use only the manufacturer-provided charger.
• Do not abuse the charger cord. Never carry the charger by the cord. Do not disconnect the charger from the outlet by pulling the cord.
• Do not use a damaged charger. Replace charger cords or the charger immediately.
• Keep the mower and charger away from water, heat sources (radiators, heaters, stoves, etc.), flames, and chemicals.
• Make sure the battery is secured in the charger.
• The battery may become slightly warm to the touch while charging; this is normal.
• Do not place the charger and battery pack in extreme heat or cold. They work best at normal room temperature.
• When batteries are fully charged, unplug the charger and remove the battery.

Slope Gauge

⚠️ WARNING: Slopes are a major factor in accidents involving slips and falls, which can result in severe injury. Operating the mower on a slope requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included in this manual to measure slopes before operating on a sloped or hilly area.

• Mow across the face of a slope and 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 bail switch immediately. The blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments, as you could lose your footing or balance.
• Do not mow a slope that has an angle greater than 15°, as determined using the slope gauge.
• Do not mow wet or damp grass. Unstable footing can cause slipping.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows how to use a slope gauge. It depicts holding a level against a vertical tree or power pole, with a line representing a 15° slope indicated by folding on a dotted line.

Preparation

Before beginning assembly, ensure all parts are present by comparing them with the 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 items listed in the "Package Contents" section are included.
• Inspect the product carefully for any breakage or damage that may have occurred during shipping.
• Do not discard packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-888-356-2258 for assistance.

Estimated Assembly Time: 5 minutes

Know Your Mower

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the Kobalt lawn mower with various parts labeled G through Q.

Assembly Instructions

⚠️ WARNING: If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Using a product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

• Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.
• Do not insert the battery until assembly is complete and you are ready to mow. Failure to comply could result in accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.
• To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product when assembling parts.
• Never operate the mower without proper safety devices in place and working. Never operate the mower with damaged safety devices. Operation of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

1a. Unfolding and adjusting handle

Pull up and back on the upper handle (G) to raise the handle into operating position. Make certain the lower handle (Q) snaps into place securely.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the upper handle being pulled up and back, and the lower handle snapping into place.

1b. Tighten handles

Tighten the upper handle (G) with the cam locks (H) on both sides. Tighten the lower handle (Q) with the handle knobs (I) on both sides. If the connection is not stiff, hand tighten the handle knobs.

Note: Do not overtighten the handle knobs, as it could cause cam locks to break.

Diagram Description: Close-up views showing the cam locks (H) and handle knobs (I) being tightened to secure the handles.

2. Installing the grass catcher bag

• Lift the rear discharge cover (K).
• Lift the grass catcher (D) by its handle and place it under the chute cover so that the hanger hooks on the grass catcher frame are seated into the slots in the handle bracket.
• Release the rear discharge cover (K). When installed correctly, the hooks on the grass catcher will rest securely in the slots on the handle brackets.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the grass catcher bag (D) being attached to the mower, with the rear discharge cover (K) lifted.

3. Removing the mulching plug

• To remove the mulching plug (B), lift the rear discharge cover (K).
• Grasp the handle of the mulching plug and pull the mulching plug (B) out using the handle.
• The mulching plug (B) is inserted on an angle, so it requires some force to remove it.
• The mulching plug (B) must be removed to install the grass catcher bag.
• The mulching plug (B) must be re-installed when the grass catcher bag is removed.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the mulching plug (B) being removed from the mower deck after lifting the rear discharge cover (K).

4. Installing side discharge chute

• Lift the side discharge cover (J).
• Align the grooves on the side discharge chute (C) with the pins on the underside of the side discharge cover (J).
• Lower the side discharge chute (C) until the hooks on the mower deck are secured in the openings in the side discharge chute (C).
• Release the side discharge chute (C) and side discharge cover (J).

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the side discharge chute (C) being attached to the mower deck.

5. To install battery

• Lift and hold up the battery door (M).
• Align raised ribs on the battery with grooves in the mower's battery port.
• Make sure the battery release button snaps in place and that the battery is fully seated and secure in the mower before beginning operation.
• If the machine is not going to be used immediately, remove the battery.
• Close the door.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the battery being inserted into the mower's battery port and secured.

6. To remove battery

• Release the bail switch (P) to stop the mower.
• Press the battery release button (O) on the mower. This will cause the battery to raise out of the tool slightly.
• Hold the battery door open before pressing the battery release button.
• Remove the battery from the mower.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the battery release button (O) being pressed to eject the battery, and the battery being removed.

Operating Instructions

1. Starting/Stopping the mower

a. To start the motor:

• Raise the battery cover.
• Install battery.
• Press and hold the start button (N).
• Pull the bail switch (P) upward to the handle to start the mower and release the button.

b. To stop the motor:

• Release the bail switch (P).

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the start button (N) and bail switch (P) on the mower handle.

2. Soft-Start

This LI-ION mower is equipped with a "soft-start" feature. When initially starting up, the mower will take approximately 3 seconds to get up to full speed. If the mower does not initially start: Remove the battery and check under the mower deck to ensure there is nothing obstructing the blade and that the blade can spin freely by hand. Even a small amount of grass on start up will prevent the "soft-start" from turning the mower on.

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

⚠️ WARNING:

• The operation of any mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can cause severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower and while performing any adjustments or repairs.
• Ensure that other people and pets remain at least 50 ft. away when the mower is in use.
• Remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other debris that might be thrown by the rotating blades.

3. Cutting height adjustment

When shipped, the wheels on the mower are set to a low-cutting position. Before using the mower for the first time, raise the cutting position to the height best suited for your lawn. The average lawn should be between 1-1/2 in. to 2 in. during cool months and between 2 in. and 3-1/2 in. during hot months.

To adjust the blade height:

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

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the height adjustment lever (L) being moved to adjust the cutting height.

Mowing Tips

Note: A sharp blade greatly enhances mower performance, especially when cutting high grass. Be sure to check and sharpen the blade at least once per year.

• Verify that the lawn is free of stones, sticks, wires, and other objects that could damage the blades or motor. These objects could be thrown by the mower in any direction, causing serious personal injury. To prevent electric shock, do not operate the mower 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 of clippings.
• For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less of the grass length. Average lawn height should be approximately 1-1/2 to 2 in. (3.8-5 cm) during cool months, and 2 to 3-1/4 in. (5-8.3 cm) during hot months. If growth is excessive, cut in the fall.

Mulching Tips

Note: Inspect the area where the mower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other debris that might be thrown by the rotating blade.

• Release the switch to turn the mower OFF when crossing any graveled area (stones can be thrown by the blade).
• Set mower to the highest cutting height when mowing on uneven ground or in tall weeds.
• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass, as it tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing proper mulching of clippings. New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. Adjust ground speed to lawn condition. If mowing has been delayed and grass is over 4 in. long, mow twice to reduce height to a maximum of 3-1/4 in.
• Walk at a steady pace. Overlap cutting rows. Do not let grass get too tall. If grass is too long, start at the highest cutting position and work down to the desired height.

⚠️ WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the motor and remove the battery. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair any damage before operating. Excessive vibration during operation indicates damage. Thoroughly inspect and repair any damage.

4. Emptying the grass catcher bag

• Stop mower, allow blades to completely 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 as described earlier in this manual.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the grass catcher bag being emptied.

Care and Maintenance

Replacing the cutting blade

⚠️ WARNING: Always protect your hands by wearing heavy gloves and/or wrapping cutting edges with rags or other materials when performing maintenance on blades. Always remove the battery when servicing or transporting the mower.

Use only a Kobalt replacement blade (Item #0535383, sold separately).

• Remove battery.
• While wearing leather padded gloves, wedge a block of wood between the blade and the mower deck to prevent the blade from turning when removing the nut.
• Using a 15 mm wrench or socket (not included), loosen the blade nut counterclockwise and remove the blade. Tighten clockwise.
• Remove the blade nut, square washer, insulator washer, and blade.
• To re-install the blade, position it with cutting edges toward the ground. Assemble the blade nut, square washer, and insulator washer as shown. Using a 15 mm socket or wrench, turn the blade nut clockwise to secure the blade.

Note: Be sure to replace parts in the exact order they were removed. When installing the cutting blade, verify that the curved ends point toward the mower deck, not toward the ground. Refer to the schematic drawing.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show the mower deck with the blade removed, and the components (blade nut, square washer, insulator washer, blade) for re-installation.

Cleaning the mower

⚠️ WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose the mower to water.

• The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent rust and corrosion from grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and other debris.
• Remove any buildup of grass and leaves on or around the motor cover (do not use water). Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth occasionally.
• If debris builds up on the underside of the unit while in use, stop the motor, disconnect it from the power supply, tilt the mower forward or on its side, and scrape it clean with an appropriate tool.

Storing the mower

The following steps should be taken to prepare the lawn mower for storage:

• Clean the mower as described in the previous section.
• Inspect the blade, and replace or sharpen it if required.
• Store the mower in a dry, clean location. Do not store it next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer or rock salt.
• Store the mower indoors in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children. Do not cover the lawn mower with a solid plastic sheet, as plastic coverings trap moisture, causing rust and corrosion.

Folding the handle for storage

• Lift up the cam locks on the sides of the handle to unlock and fold the upper handle down.
• Loosen the handle knobs, push inwards on each side of the lower handle, and lift the sides of the lower handle past the edges of the handle mounting brackets. Fold the lower handle forward.
• Make sure not to bend or kink the power cord.
• Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry location.

Service

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. For service, return the product to your nearest authorized service center for repair. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.

⚠️ WARNING:

• When servicing the mower, use only replacement parts available from the manufacturer. To obtain replacement parts, call 1-888-356-2258. Using parts that do not meet original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, verify that the blade and all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Remove the battery when making adjustments or when any of the four wheels must be lifted off the ground.
• Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease.
• To reduce the risk of fire, keep the motor free of grass, leaves, and debris build-up.
• Check blade and motor mounting bolts for proper tightness frequently. Visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, or worn).
• For best and safest performance, maintain the mower with care. Keep the mower blade sharp and clean. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap blades or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check them regularly for proper operation.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the motor. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair any damage before operating the mower.

The grass catcher components, chute cover, and trail shield are subject to wear and damage, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. As a safety precaution, check these components frequently and immediately replace any parts that show signs of wear or that are cracked or broken. Use original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) parts only, as listed in this manual.

When not in use, store the mower indoors in a dry area and out of the reach of children.

⚠️ WARNING: Always remove battery when servicing or transporting the mower.

Troubleshooting

Warranty

5-YEAR HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY

This Kobalt 19 in. 40 V lithium-ion cordless mower is warranted to the original purchaser from the original purchase date for five (5) years subject to the warranty coverage described herein. This Kobalt 19 in. 40 V lithium-ion cordless mower is warranted for the original user to be free from defects in material and workmanship.

If you believe that the Kobalt 19 in. 40 V lithium-ion cordless mower is defective at any time during the specified warranty period, simply return the Kobalt 19 in. 40 V lithium-ion mower along with proof of purchase to the place of purchase for a free replacement or refund.

This warranty is void if: defects in materials or workmanship or damages result from repairs or alterations which have been made or attempted by others or the unauthorized use of nonconforming parts; the damage is due to normal wear, damage is due to abuse (including overloading of the tool beyond capacity), improper maintenance, neglect or accident; or the damage is due to the use of the tool after partial failure or use with improper accessories or unauthorized repair or alteration.

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

This warranty excludes replacement blades and grass bag.

Replacement Parts List

For replacement parts, call our customer service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258), 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Friday.

Diagram Description: Illustrations show various replacement parts labeled AA through GG, E, and F.

Printed in China