BENCHMARK 201CC 3 IN 1 LAWN MOWER OWNER'S MANUAL

Product Specifications

For assistance, contact: 1-833-818-4111 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Eastern Standard Time).

Engine Key Specifications

IMPORTANT NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable. Using gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) violates federal law and voids the product warranty.

Start-Up Checklist

Before starting your new mower, please review the following:

• All assembly instructions have been completed.
• No remaining loose parts in the carton.
• The battery is properly prepared and charged.
• Ensure the area is clear of debris or objects that may be thrown by the blades before starting to mow.
• Check the engine oil level before starting the machine.
• Ensure a responsible adult, other than the operator, is supervising children in a safe location AWAY FROM THE MOWING AREA.
• Be sure the Operator Presence Control (OPC) is working properly.

Safety

Safe Operation Practices for Pedestrian Controlled Lawn Mowers

DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: This mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine. Do not use on or near unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or provincial laws. If a spark arrester is used, it must be maintained in effective working order. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service centre/department.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after the engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

WARNING:

• Do not operate the machine under conditions where traction, steering, or stability is in question. Tires could slide even if the wheels are stopped.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not coast downhill.
• Avoid starting and stopping on slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or direction. Make turns slowly and gradually.

I. CHILDREN

WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. Carefully read and follow all safety instructions.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while backing up, look behind and down for small children.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
• NEVER OPERATE THE MOWER WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

• Mow across the face of slopes: NEVER up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• DO NOT mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.
• DO NOT mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.

III. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the instruction manual before starting.
• DO NOT put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Allow only responsible adults familiar with the instructions to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades. Stay behind the handles while the engine is running.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• DO NOT operate the mower when barefoot or while wearing sandals. ALWAYS wear substantial footwear.
• DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. ALWAYS look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
• NEVER direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• DO NOT operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• NEVER leave a running machine unattended.
• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the mower, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
• DO NOT operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• NEVER operate machine in wet grass. ALWAYS be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; NEVER run.
• Disengage the drive system on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• ALWAYS wear eye protection when operating the machine.

IV. SERVICE

Safe Handling of Gasoline

• To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• NEVER remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• NEVER fuel the machine indoors.
• NEVER store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water heater or other appliances.
• NEVER fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. ALWAYS place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• NEVER overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

General Service

• NEVER operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• NEVER remove or tamper with any safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. NEVER do anything to interfere with the function of a safety device or to reduce the protection offered by the safety device.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

V. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for, and using your lawn mower.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while operating this machine, including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. DO NOT mow in shorts and/or open-toed footwear.
• NEVER attempt to make any adjustments or repairs while the engine (motor) is running. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge chute frequently, and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary.
• Mower blade is sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing it.
• DO NOT change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary.
• ALWAYS let someone know you are outside mowing.
• NEVER allow children in the vicinity of any operating mower, even if the blades are off. Children should be under the supervision of a responsible adult other than the operator for the duration of the mowing operation.
• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” section of the operator's manual.

CAUTION: An Operator Presence Control is installed on this lawn mower to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. DO NOT under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Assembly/ Pre-Operation

CAUTION: Read complete INSTRUCTION MANUAL before operating this machine.

IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.

To Remove Lawn Mower from Carton

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

How to Set Up Your Lawn Mower

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully to avoid pinching or damaging the control cables.

1. Insert the lower handle to the two side brackets on the mower deck. Use corresponding holes on the brackets when attaching lower handle pin for a suitable handle height desired. Fasten the lower handle to the lawn mower by using handle bolts, install and tighten knobs to secure the handle. (See Fig. 1 & 2)

NOTE: The washer should be pressed against the inner face of the bracket.

2. Attach the upper handle into place and attach it to lower handle by using handle bolts.

3. Install and tighten knobs to secure the handle. (See Fig. 3)

NOTE: Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to the “TO ADJUST HANDLE” section of the operator's manual.

4. Slip starter rope into loop on upper handle. (See Fig. 4)

5. Attach the bowden cable and electric start cable to the handle with the cord clip (supplied). (See Fig. 5)

To Assemble the Grass Catcher

(As shown in Fig. 6)

1. The grass bag is already half assembled. Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.
2. Slip the vinyl bindings over the frame.

Attaching the Grass Bag to the Mower

(As shown in Fig. 7)

NOTE: Never install or remove the grass bag, mulch plug, or side discharge chute while the engine is running.

1. Lift the rear chute flap with one hand and hook in the grass bag, make sure the mulch plug is removed.
2. Release the rear chute flap to secure the grass bag in position.

To Prepare Battery

CAUTION:

• Improper use of battery pack and charger can result in electric shock and fire.
• Keep battery charger and pack dry. Avoid exposing battery pack and charger to rain or wet conditions.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not allow water to flow in AC plug.
• Do not short circuit. Never place any object into the battery pack terminals.

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower using the electric start.

Charging Battery Pack (Fig. 8)

NOTICE:

• The battery pack is supplied partially charged. To ensure the best performance, charge the battery completely before first use.
• Make sure the main voltage is the same as the rating label on the charger.
• Remove the battery pack from the charger after it has been fully charged.

1. Connect the charger to a power supply. The green LED light on the charger will illuminate.
2. To insert the battery pack into the charger, align the grooves on the battery pack with the raised ribs in the opening of the charger.
3. Once the battery pack is correctly located in the charger, the red LED light of the charger will flash continuously during normal charging.
4. When charging is complete, the green LED light of the charger will illuminate.
5. When there is a problem with the battery pack, the red LED light of the charger will illuminate.
6. Do NOT charge batteries when the work area or the battery temperature is at or below 5°C / 41° F or above 40.5°C / 105° F.

This 20V Li-Ion battery pack is equipped with a power indicator which is used to show the battery pack's remaining charge. Press the power indicator button to check battery charge as shown above.

Install Battery Pack (Fig. 9)

1. Make sure the operator presence control bar is released.
2. The battery bay is located on the top handle of the lawn mower. Slide in the battery pack until it locks with an audible "click". Verify it is securely installed.
3. To check the battery charge level, first remove it from the battery bay by pressing the release button. When pressing the indicate button, the display will show the current charge level. Three lights: battery power above 50%, up to 80 start cycles; one light: power above 10%, up to 5 start cycles.

IMPORTANT: THE ENGINE WILL NOT RECHARGE YOUR BATTERY. The battery will need to be recharged periodically.

CAUTION: ALWAYS disconnect the battery pack to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your lawn mower after the season.

At the end of the mowing season, the battery should be charged fully to protect the battery during winter storage. Do not store batteries in a garage or shed over the winter as it will damage battery life.

Add Oil (Fig. 10)

IMPORTANT: Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to "Full" line on dipstick.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. Use the recommended engine oil.
4. Pour oil slowly. DO NOT overfill. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it to check oil level.
5. Before using for the first time, add maximum 17 oz (502.75mL) of oil (SAE 30/10W-30).

Add Gasoline

Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. DO NOT overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.

DO NOT mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. DO NOT store, spill, or use gasoline near an open flame.

Alcohol-blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. NEVER use engine or carburetor cleaner products or permanent damage may occur.

Know Your Lawn Mower (Fig. 11)

• Start Button: Used to start the engine.
• Battery Bay: Location for the battery.
• Drive Control Bar: Used to engage self-propelled rear motion of the lawn mower.
• Operator Presence Control Bar: Must be held down to the handle to start the engine or engage the blades. Release the bar to stop the blade/engine.
• Speed Control Knob: Used to adjust self-propelled speed during self-propelling.
• Knobs: For securing handles.
• Starter Handle: Manual start mechanism.
• Grass Catcher: Collects grass clippings, with a full indicator.
• Engine Oil Cap with Dipstick: For checking and adding engine oil.
• Height Adjuster: Used to adjust cutting height of the lawn mower.
• Mulch Door: Allows conversion to discharge or bagging operations. NOTE: To convert to side discharge, install deflector.
• Rear Door: Must be present and closed if bag is not attached.
• Gasoline Filler Cap: For adding gasoline.
• Muffler: Reduces engine noise.
• Air Filter: Filters air going into the engine.
• Washing Port: Allows connection of a garden hose for cleaning the mower deck.
• Spark Plug: Ignites the fuel-air mixture.
• Front Bumper: Can be used to lift mower during transport & protect your deck from hard objects.
• Mulch Door: (Duplicate entry, refers to the same component as above)
• Side Discharge Deflector: Used for side discharge operation.

Symbols

Oil	[Oil symbol]
Fuel	[Fuel symbol]
Engine off	[Engine off symbol]
Engine on	[Engine on symbol]
Choke	[Choke symbol]
Fast	[Fast symbol]
Slow	[Slow symbol]

Safety Symbols

SAFETY

DANGER: KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (See SAFETY section). These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in the literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

• HAZARD ALERT: The hazard alert symbol informs the user of potential hazards. [Hazard alert symbol]
• READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S): Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. [Manual symbol]
• Wear hearing protection. [Hearing protection symbol]
• Wear eye protection. [Eye protection symbol]
• DANGER - ROTATING BLADES: To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately. [Rotating blades symbol]
• DANGER - BYSTANDERS: Do not mow when children or others are around. Look down and behind before and while backing up. [Bystanders symbol]
• DANGER - ROTATING BLADES: Never operate the machine without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place. [Rotating blades symbol]
• DANGER - HAND/ FOOT CUT: Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts. [Hand/foot cut symbol]
• DANGER - THROWN DEBRIS: Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses. [Thrown debris symbol]
• DANGER - SLOPES: Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°. [Slopes symbol]
• WARNING - GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE: Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling. [Flammable symbol]
• WARNING — CARBON MONOXIDE: Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. [Carbon monoxide symbol]
• WARNING - HOT SURFACE: Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching. [Hot surface symbol]

Glossary of Safety Symbols

Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards which can result in death, serious injury, and/or property damage.

• DANGER: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury. [Danger symbol]
• WARNING: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious injury. [Warning symbol]
• CAUTION: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, COULD result in minor or moderate injury. [Caution symbol]
• CAUTION: When used without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could result in damage to the lawn mower and/or engine. [Caution symbol without alert]
• HOT SURFACES: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury, and/or property damage. [Hot surfaces symbol]
• FIRE: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury, and/or property damage. [Fire symbol]

Operation

To Start the Engine

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the lawn mower. This is normal.

NOTE: Your engine may be equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting for these models.

To Start the Engine Using Starter Rope (Fig. 12)

1. To start the engine using the starter rope, hold the operator presence control bar down to the upper handle.
2. Pull the starter handle (at the end of the starter rope) quickly. DO NOT allow the starter rope to snap back.

To Start the Engine Using the Start Button (Fig. 13)

1. To start the engine, hold the operator presence control bar down to the handle.
2. Press the start button to start the engine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT CRANK THE ENGINE CONTINUOUSLY FOR MORE THAN FIVE SECONDS EACH TIME YOU TRY TO START. WAIT FIVE TO TEN SECONDS BETWEEN EACH ATTEMPT TO START.

To Stop the Engine and Blade (Fig. 14)

To stop the engine, release the operator presence control bar.

To Set the Mower Cutting Height

IMPORTANT NOTE: MAKE SURE ENGINE AND BLADE ARE STOPPED.

Adjust the cutting height to suit your requirements. The middle position is suitable for most lawns. Raise the mower for high cut and lower the mower for low cut.

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the height adjustment position may not be adjusted to the cutting position. Before operating the mower, adjust cutting height to the normal cutting position.

Single Point Height Adjustment (Fig. 15)

All four wheels are adjusted by a single lever.

1. Pull height adjuster toward wheel.
2. To raise the mower, move the lever forward to desired position. To lower the mower, move the lever toward the rear.

Drive Control (Fig. 16)

Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive control bar rearward to the handle. This machine is equipped with a variable speed system. Push the speed control knob towards the direction of A for faster travel; push the speed control knob towards the direction of B for slower travel.

Note: The self-propelling speed can be adjusted only when the drive control bar is actuated.

2. To stop forward motion without stopping the engine, release the drive control bar only. Hold the operator presence control bar down against the handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

Drive Adjustment (Fig. 17)

Note: The drive system consists of pulleys, a belt, and a bowden cable linking the transmission to the drive handle. As these components wear, adjustment may be needed. To adjust the drive linkage, perform the following:

• Loosen the locking nut with a wrench (not supplied).
• Hold the upper bolt and turn the lower bolt clockwise to shorten the bowden cable, counterclockwise to lengthen the bowden cable.
• Start the mower to test the function of the drive control lever and tighten the locking nut once self-propel can engage.

Note: The bowden cable must be loose with the self-propel drive control lever in the released position; otherwise, the machine may creep when the drive control lever is disengaged.

Note: Self-propelled speed can change on slopes.

NOTE: After releasing the drive control lever, if the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage the drive wheels.

To Convert Mower

Your lawn mower may have been shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. Convert to bagging or discharge modes by changing the installed accessories.

NOTE: This lawn mower has three functions. Change functions by changing the installed accessories as shown in the following chart.

To convert mower	mulching plug	grass catcher	side discharge deflector
For rear bagging	x	✓	x
For mulching	✓	x	x
For side discharging	x	x	✓
"✓" Installed "x" Removed

Rear Bagging

1. Lift rear door of the lawn mower (Fig. 18).
2. Remove the mulching plug when you set your lawn mower for rear bagging (Fig. 19).
3. Place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the grass bag brackets (Fig. 20).
4. Close the rear door and ensure that rear door covers any gap between mower deck and bagging unit.
5. Empty the grass catcher if the full indicator on the top cover is closed.

NOTE: To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher, assemble the mulching plug and close the rear door.

Side Discharging (Fig. 21)

IMPORTANT: THE REAR DOOR MUST BE CLOSED.

1. Assemble the mulch plug.
2. Open the mulch door.
3. Install the discharge deflector under the door as shown. The mower is now ready for discharging operation.

NOTE: To convert to mulching or bagging operation, side mulch door must be closed.

Mulching (Fig. 22)

1. Open the mulch door.
2. Remove the discharge deflector.
3. Assemble the mulching plug as shown. The mower is now ready for mulching operation.

Simple Steps to Remember When Converting Your Lawn Mower

• For Mulching: The rear door is closed. The mulch door is closed, and the mulching plug must be assembled.
• For Rear Bagging: Remove the mulching plug. The grass catcher is installed. The mulch door is closed.
• For Side Discharging: The rear door is closed. Assemble the mulching plug. The discharge deflector is installed.

CAUTION: DO NOT run your lawn mower without the rear door closed or an approved grass catcher properly installed. NEVER attempt to operate the mower with the rear door removed or propped open. Serious injury may result from operating the mower with the rear discharge open.

Mowing Tips

CAUTION: DO NOT use dethatcher blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower, and could void your warranty.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean off grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine airflow and extend engine life.

Mulching Mowing Tips

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See “Cleaning” in the Maintenance section of the operator's manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn, they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. ALWAYS mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed, as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly-cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades (Fig. 23). If the lawn is overgrown, it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week, then east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

Maintenance

THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR YOUR PARTICULAR PRODUCT IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 1-833-818-4111.

	Before Each Use	After Each Use	Every 10 Hours	25 Hours Or Season	Every 100 Hours	Before Storage
LAWN MOWER
Check for loose fasteners	X		X			X
Clean/inspect grass catcher	X	X
Check tires	X
Clean drive wheels	X
Clean lawn mower	X
Clean under drive cover			X			X
Check drive belt/pulleys				X
Check/sharpen/replace blade				X
Lubrication				X
Clean and recharge battery				X		X
Check engine oil level	X
Change engine oil				X
Clean air filter				X
Inspect muffler				X
Replace spark plug				X
Replace air filter paper cartridge				X
Empty fuel system or add stabilizer					X

NOTES: (1) Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. (2) Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions. (3) Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

To Examine the Blade (Fig. 24)

WARNING: ALWAYS stop the engine before you do work on the blade. The blade continues to rotate after the throttle has been released. Make sure that the blade is fully stopped and disconnect the spark plug cap before you start work.

CAUTION: For best results, keep the blade sharpened. Replace damaged blades immediately. DO NOT use a mower with damaged blades.

• Examine the blade for cracks and other damage. A damaged blade must always be replaced.
• Always make sure that the blade is correctly ground and balanced. To examine blade balance, use a 7/8" (22 mm) diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. Obey the instructions included with the balancer.
• DO NOT use a nail to balance the blade. The lobes of the centre hole are not centred.
• Move the blade onto an unthreaded part of the steel bolt or pin, and hold the bolt or pin parallel to the ground. If the blade is balanced, it stays in the horizontal position.
• If one of the two ends of the blade moves down, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is correctly balanced.

NOTE: The blades must be balanced after sharpening. DO NOT sharpen or balance the blade on your own. Speak to an approved service workshop.

To Replace the Blade

WARNING: Use gloves and/or wind the blade with a heavy cloth to prevent injury to your hands.

CAUTION: Only use a replacement blade from an approved manufacturer. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer is dangerous and can cause damage to the product and void the warranty.

1. Always disconnect the spark plug before you do maintenance.
2. Always empty the fuel tank before you put the product on its side. Empty the fuel tank by operating the machine until the tank is empty.
3. Turn the product on its side. When the product is tilted, make sure that the air filter is always put in the highest position (Fig. 25).
4. Use a wood block between the blade and the mower housing to prevent the blade from turning when removing the blade bolt (Fig. 26).
5. Remove the blade bolt by turning the bolt counterclockwise.
6. Remove the blade.

NOTE: Make sure that the blade adapter is not damaged. Examine the blade bolt for damage and make sure the engine shaft is not bent.

To Assemble the Blade

1. Put the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Make sure the key in the adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.
2. Always attach the blade with the angled ends pointing up in the direction of the engine (Fig. 27).
3. Use a block of wood between the blade and product housing. Tighten the blade bolt and turn it clockwise (Fig. 28).
4. Always tighten the bolt with a torque of 33–40 ft-lb (45–55Nm).
5. Make sure the spark plug cable is disconnected from the engine.
6. Pull the blade around by hand and make sure it rotates freely.

CAUTION: To prevent accidental start, always disconnect the spark plug cable and put the wire where it cannot touch the spark plug.

To Maintain the Spark Plug (Fig. 29)

1. Once the engine has cooled, pull off the spark cover with a twist.
2. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench (not supplied).
3. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush (not supplied).
4. Using a feeler gauge, set the gap to 0.7–0.8 mm.
5. Install the spark plug carefully by hand to avoid cross-threading.
6. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with the spark plug wrench to compress the washer.

To Maintain the Air Filter (Fig. 30)

Soiled air filters reduce the engine output by supplying too little air to the carburetor. If the air contains a lot of dust, the air filter should be checked more frequently.

CAUTION! Never run the engine without the air filter element installed.

1. Remove the air filter cover.
2. Remove the filter cartridge.
3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter cartridge on a hard surface. If the filter cartridge is excessively dirty, replace with a new one.

CAUTION! Never clean the air filter cartridge with gas or flammable solvents. Clean the air filter cartridge only with compressed air or by tapping it.

1. Install the filter cartridge.
2. Close the cover with an audible "click".

Washing the Mower Deck

The washing port allows you to connect a typical garden hose to the mower deck to remove grass and debris from the underside.

CAUTION! Contact with the mower blade, or with objects thrown by the mower blade, could result in death or serious injury.

• Before running the mower, make sure the hose is properly connected and does not come into contact with the blade.
• When the mower is running, the person cleaning the mower deck must be in the operator position, with no bystanders in the area.
1. Place the unit on a smooth level surface.
2. Place the mower in the highest cutting position. See Single Point Height Adjustment.
3. Attach a garden hose to the washing port (Fig. 31) on the mower deck.
4. Run water to remove grass and debris from the underside of the mower deck.
5. Turn the mower on.
6. Turn the mower off.
7. Remove the garden hose from the washing port when completed.

Troubleshooting

FAULT/MALFUNCTION	CAUSE	SOLUTION
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.	Start/stop lever not pressed. Spark plug is defective. Cutting blade is worn or damaged. Fuel tank is empty. Engine may be flooded. Electric start battery pack isn't assembled. Battery pack out of power.	Press start/stop lever. Replace spark plug. Replace it through the customer service centre. Refill with fuel. Remove plug and dry. Assemble the battery pack before use. Charging Battery pack before use.
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. Blade is worn.	Sharpen the blade. Set correct height. Replace the blade.
Grass bag is not filled sufficiently.	Grass bag is clogged. Cutting height is not right. The lawn/grass is wet. Discharge channel/housing is blocked. Underside of the mower deck is clogged.	Empty the grass bag. Correct the cutting height. Allow the lawn to dry. Clean the discharge channel/housing. Clean the underside of the mower deck.

Exploded View

(Diagrams showing exploded views of the mower and engine components are present but not included in this text-based output.)

Parts List

A comprehensive parts list with part codes, descriptions, and quantities is provided in the original document. Key components include:

• Handles (Upper, Lower)
• Control Levers (Drive, Blade, Speed)
• Engine (RATO 200-2)
• Blade, Blade Adapter
• Grass Catcher, Mulching Plug, Side Discharge Deflector
• Battery Pack, Charger
• Wheels, Wheel Caps
• Various bolts, nuts, screws, washers, springs, and bearings.

Refer to the original document for the complete list and specific part codes.

Warranty

BENCHMARK 201CC 3 IN 1 LAWN MOWER WARRANTY

If this Benchmark tool fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within five years from the date of purchase, return it to any Home Hardware store with the original bill of sale for exchange. Two years for battery and charger. This warranty does not include expendable parts including but not limited to blades, brushes, belts, light bulbs and/or batteries. This warranty covers defects in material or workmanship only. It does not cover normal wear and tear, failure due to abuse/misuse, or defects caused by careless or accidental mishandling. If this Benchmark product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty does not apply. For use at the consumer level. The warranty is not for industrial or commercial applications.