BENCHMARK 163CC 3-IN-1 LAWN MOWER

Product Specifications

IMPORTANT NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of ANY gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) violates federal law and will void the product warranty.

Start-Up Checklist

Before you start up your new mower, please review the following checklist:

• All assembly instructions have been completed.
• No remaining loose parts in the carton.
• Before starting to mow, make sure the area is clear of debris or objects that may be thrown by the blades.
• 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 before starting the mower.
• Be sure the Operator Presence Control (OPC) is working properly.

Safety

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.

?️ CAUTION: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

? Wear hearing protection.

? Wear a face mask.

Children Safety

WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn 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.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents. 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.
• DO NOT mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Safety Symbols Glossary

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.

Setup

Preparing the Engine

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

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.
• 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 in order 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.

❗ CAUTION: Read complete INSTRUCTION MANUAL before operating this machine.

Assembly/Pre-Operation

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

Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left disassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

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.

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

2. Fasten the lower handle to the lawn mower by using handle bolts, install and tighten knobs to secure the handle.

Raise the upper handle into place and attach it to lower handle by using handle bolts. Install and tighten knobs to secure the handle.

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

5. Slip starter rope into loop on upper handle.

6. Attach the connection cord to the handle with the cord clip (supplied).

To Assemble the Grass Catcher

1. Put the grass catcher frame into the grass bag with the rigid part of the bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.
2. Slip the vinyl bindings over the frame.

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

Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this instruction manual for future reference. Not every model of lawn mower will have all these features.

• Drive Control Lever: Used to engage self-propelled front motion.
• Starter Handle: Used for starting the engine or blade (electric start models DO NOT have). Electric start models can only be started with the electric start key.
• Grass Catcher: For collecting grass clippings.
• Height Adjuster: Used to adjust cutting height of the lawn.
• 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.
• Knobs: Used for handle adjustment.
• Discharge Cover: Must be present and closed if bag is not attached.
• Engine Oil Cap with Dipstick: For checking and adding engine oil.
• Gasoline Filler Cap: For adding gasoline.
• Muffler: Reduces engine noise.
• Air Filter: Cleans air entering the engine.
• Spark Plug: Ignites the fuel-air mixture.
• Housing: The front bumper handle can be used to lift the mower during transport.
• Mulch Door: Allows conversion to discharge or bagging operations. NOTE: To convert to side discharge, install deflector.
• Side Discharge Deflector: Used for side discharge operation.

Symbols

General Ignition Switch

• Oil: Indicates oil level or oil related function.
• Fuel: Indicates fuel level or fuel related function.
• Engine off: Symbol for turning the engine off.
• Engine on: Symbol for turning the engine on.

Throttle

• Choke: Symbol for choke operation (cold start).
• Fast: Symbol for high engine speed.
• Slow: Symbol for low engine speed.

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. On other models, either a choke lever or a priming bulb is provided. Use this to start a cold engine.

To Start the Engine Using Starter Rope

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

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

1. 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 wheels for low cut and lower the wheels for a high cut. See page 17 of this manual for a grass height cutting guide.

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 Models

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

Drive Control Handle

1. Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive control handle to the handle.
2. To stop forward motion without stopping the engine, release the drive control handle. Hold the operator presence control bar down against the handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

Drive Adjustment

The drive system consists of pulleys, a belt, and a cable linking the transmission to the drive handle. As these components wear, adjustments 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 stop nut clockwise to shorten the cable, counterclockwise to lengthen the cable.
• Start the mower to test the function of the drive control handle and tighten the locking nut once self-propel can engage.

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

NOTE: Self-propelled speed can change on slopes.

NOTE: After releasing the drive control, 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.

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

(✓ = Installed, X = Removed)

Rear Bagging

1. Lift rear door of the lawn mower.
2. Remove the mulching plug when you set your lawn mower for rear bagging.
3. Place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the grass bag brackets.
4. Pull the operator presence control bar down to the upper handle.
5. Ensure that rear door covers any gap between mower deck and bagging unit.
6. To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher, assemble the mulching plug and close the rear door.

Side Discharging

IMPORTANT: THE REAR DOOR MUST BE CLOSED.

1. Open the mulch door.
2. 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.

Mulch/Discharge Guard

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.
• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position (if equipped).
• 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. 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.

A detailed maintenance schedule is provided in the original manual. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Before Each Use: Check for loose fasteners, check tires, clean lawn mower, clean under drive cover.
• After Each Use: Clean/inspect grass catcher, clean drive wheels.
• Every 10 Hours: Clean/inspect grass catcher, clean drive wheels, check drive belt/pulleys, check/sharpen/replace blade, lubrication.
• Every 25 Hours: Check engine oil level, clean air filter.
• Every 100 Hours: Change engine oil, clean air filter, inspect muffler, replace spark plug, replace air filter paper cartridge, empty fuel system or add stabilizer.
• Before Storage / Every Season: Check for loose fasteners, clean/inspect grass catcher, clean drive wheels, clean lawn mower, clean under drive cover, check drive belt/pulleys, check/sharpen/replace blade, lubrication, clean and recharge battery (electric-start models), empty fuel system or add stabilizer.

NOTES:

• (1) Change oil 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.
• (4) Charge 48 hours at end of season.
• (5) And after each 5 hours of use.

To Examine the Blade

❗ 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.
4. Use a wood block between the blade and the mower housing to prevent the blade from turning when removing the blade bolt.
5. Remove the blade bolt by turning the bolt counterclockwise.
6. Remove the blade. 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.
3. Use a block of wood between the blade and product housing. Tighten the blade bolt and turn it clockwise.
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

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 0.76 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

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. Use a screwdriver (not provided) to loosen the screw then remove the 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 and secure it with the screw.

Troubleshooting

Diagrams and Parts Information

The manual includes an exploded view diagram illustrating the assembly of the lawn mower components, which is essential for understanding how the parts fit together. For specific part identification, ordering, and quantities, please refer to the comprehensive Parts List provided in the original manual.

Warranty

Benchmark 163CC 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. 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.

Manufacturer Information

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