GGP Italy SPA Lawn Mower 102-122 Instructions Manual

							EN 20HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5. HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.1 SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
The machine must only be used for the purpose for
which it was designed (cutting and collection of grass).
Do not tamper with or remove the safety devices fitted to the machine.
REMEMBER THAT THE USER IS ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE
AND INJURIES TO OTHERS. Before using the machine:
– read the general safety regulations ( 
☛ 1.2), paying particular attention
to driving and cutting on slopes;
– carefully read the instructions for use, become familiar with the controls
and on how to quickly stop the blades and engine; 
– never put your hands or feet next to or beneath the rotating parts and
always keep away from the discharge opening.
Do not use the machine when in a precarious state of health or under the
effect of medicines or other substances that can reduce your reflex
actions and your ability to concentrate. It is the users responsibility to
assess the potential risk of the area where work is to be carried out, as
well as to take all the necessary steps to ensure his own safety and that
of others, particularly on slopes or rough, slippery and unstable ground.
Do not leave the machine stopped on highgrass with the engine running
to avoid the risk of starting a fire.
This machine must not be used on slopes greater than
10° (17%)  ( 
☛ 5.5). If the machine is likely to be used mostly on sloping
ground (never above 10°), fit counterweights (supplied on request  
☛ 8.1)
beneath the cross-member of the front wheels which improve stability at
the front and reduce the chance of tipping up.
All the references relating to the positions of controls are
those described in chapter 4.
5.2 WHY THE SAFETY DEVICES CUT IN
The safety devices work in two ways:
– by preventing the engine from starting if all the safety requirements have not
been met;
– stopping the engine if even just one of the safety requirements is lacking. 
IMPORTANT
!WARNING!
!DANGER! 
						

							EN 21 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
a)To start the engine it will be necessary that:
– the transmission is in “neutral”;
– the blades are not engaged;
– the operator is seated or the parking brake is engaged.
b)The engine stops when:
– the operator leaves his seat when the blades are engaged;
– the operator leaves his seat when the transmission is not in “neutral”;
– the operator leaves his seat with the transmission in “neutral” but without
engaging the parking brake;
– the grass-catcher is lifted or the stone-guard is removed when the blades are
engaged
– the parking brake is engaged without disengaging the blades
The table below shows various operating conditions, highlightingwhy the safety
device shuts down the engine.
OPERATORGR.-CATCHERBLADESTRANSMISSIONBRAKEENGINEPILOT LAMPS
A) PILOT LAMPS ON(Key in «ON» position)
Sitting YES Disengaged «N» Engaged Stopped

Sitting NO Disengaged «N» Disengaged Stopped
B) WHEN STARTING(Key in «START» position)
Sitting Uninfluential Disengaged1...5 - F / R
Engaged Does NOT start
Sitting UninfluentialEngaged«N» Engaged Does NOT start
AbsentUninfluential Disengaged «N»DisengagedDoes NOT start
C) WHEN CUTTING(Key in «ON» position)
Absent 
YESEngagedUninfluential Engaged Stops
Absent Uninfluential Disengaged1...5 - F / RDisengaged Stops
Absent YES Disengaged «N»DisengagedStops
SittingNOEngagedUninfluential Disengaged Stops
Sitting YESEngagedUninfluentialEngagedStops 
						

							EN 22HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.3 DIRECTIONS BEFORE STARTING THE WORK
Before starting to work it is necessary to carry out several of checks and opera-
tions to ensure that the work gives the best results and is done in maximum
safety.
5.3.1 S
EAT ADJUSTMENT
The sliding seat can be adjusted into six
positions.
The position is changed by pulling up the
handle (1) and sliding the seat along to the
notch of the position wanted.
5.3.2 T
YRE PRESSURE
Having the correct tyre pressure is the
main condition for ensuring that the cut-
ting deck is horizontal and thus mows
evenly.
Take off the hubcaps ( if fitted),
unscrew the valve caps and connect a
compressed air line with a gauge to the
valves.
The pressures are:
FRONT 1.5 bar (tyres 13 x 5.00-6)
1.0 bar (tyres 15 x 5.00-6)
REAR 1.2 bar
5.3.3 F
ILLING WITH OIL AND FUEL
The type of oil and fuel to use is given in the engine manual.
With the engine stopped, check its oil level. Exactly following the methodsNOTE
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							described in the engine manual, this must be between the MIN and MAX marks
on the dipstick.
Refuel using a funnel, but do not completely fill the tank.
The tanks capacity is about 7 litres. 
Refuelling should be carried out in an open or well venti-
lated area with engine stopped. Always remember that petrol fumes are
inflammable. DO NOT TAKE A NAKED FLAME TO THE TANK’S OPENING
IN ORDER TO SEE THE TANK’S CONTENTS AND DO NOT SMOKE WHEN
REFUELLING.
Do not drip petrol onto the plastic parts to avoid ruining
them. In the event of accidental leaks, rinse immediately with water.
5.3.4 F
ITTING THE PROTECTION AT THE EXIT(GRASS-CATCHER OR STONE-GUARD)
Never use the
machine without having fitted the
exit protection!
Hook the grass-catcher (1) onto the
brackets (2) and centre it up with the rear
plate, so that the two reference marks (3)
coincide.
Make sure that the lower tube of the
opening of the grass-catcher clicks onto
the pawl (4).
If the hook is too stiff or too loose, adjust
the return spring  (☛6.3.6)
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
!DANGER!
EN 23 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
MAX
MIN
2
4
3
1 
						

							If you would like to mow without using the
grass-catcher, an optional stone-guard kit  (☛
8.2) is available.
This has to be attached to the rear plate as indi-
cated in the relevant instructions.
5.3.5 C
HECKING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SAFETY DEVICES
Check that the safety systems are working properly by simulating the various sit-
uations of usage shown in the table (☛5.2) and making sure that the correct
result is achieved for each situation.
5.3.6 C
HECKING THE BRAKING SYSTEM
Make sure that the machine’s braking capacity is adequate for the conditions of
usage. Avoid starting the machine if you have doubts on the brake efficiency.
If necessary, adjust the brake (☛6.3.4) and if you still have doubts on its efficien-
cy, consult a Licensed Service Centre
5.3.7 C
HECKING THE BLADES
Check that the blades are sharpened properly and firmly fixed to their hubs.
– A badly sharpened blade pulls at the grass and causes the lawn to turn yellow.
– A loose blade causes unusual vibrations and can be dangerous.
Wear strong gloves when handling the blades.
!WARNING!
EN 24HOW TO USE THE MACHINE 
						

							5.4 USING THE MACHINE
5.4.1 S
TARTING
All starting operations have to be effected in an open or
well ventilated area! ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT EXHAUST GASES ARE
TOXIC!
To start the engine:
– open the fuel stopcock (1) ( (if fitted);
– put the transmission into neutral («N») (☛4.22 or
4.32);
– disengage the blades (☛4.9);
– engage the parking brake on sloping ground;
– when starting from cold, use the choke ( if fitted)
or put the accelerator lever in the «CHOKE» posi-
tion shown on the label;
– if the engine is already warm, put the lever between
«SLOW» and «FAST»;
– put in the key and turn to «ON» to make electrical contact, then turn to
«START» to start the engine;
– release the key once the engine has started.
When the engine has started, put the accelerator in the «SLOW» position and
close the choke ( if fitted).
The choke must be closed as soon as the engine is running
smoothly. Using when the engine is already warm can foul the spark plugs and
cause the engine to run erratically.
Should you have difficulties in starting do not persist with
using the starter motor as this can run down the battery or flood the engine.
Turn the key to the «OFF» position, wait for a few seconds and then repeat the
operation. If the malfunction continues, refer to chapter «7» of this manual and
to the engine manual.
Always bear in mind that the safety devices prevent the
IMPORTANT
NOTE
IMPORTANT
➤
➤
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!DANGER!
EN 25 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
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							engine from starting if safety requirements have not been met (☛5.2).
In these cases, once the situation has been corrected, the key must first be
turned back to “OFF” before the engine can be restarted..
5.4.2 S
TARTING AND MOVING WITHOUT MOWING
This machine has not been approved for use on public
roads. It has to be used (as indicated by the highway code) in private
areas closed to traffic.
When moving the machine, the blades must be disengaged
and the cutting deck put at its highest position (position «7»).
For mechanical drive models:
Put the accelerator control between the «SLOW» and «FAST» positions, and
the gear change lever in the 1st speed position (☛4.22).
Keep the pedal pressed down and disengage the parking brake.  Slowly
release the pedal which will turn from «brake» to «clutch», thus operating the
rear wheels (☛4.21).
The pedal has to be released gradually as a sudden
engagement may cause tipping up and loss of control of the vehicle.
Gradually reach the desired operating speed using the accelerator and gear
lever. To change the gear speed the clutch must be used pushing the pedal
down half way (☛4.21).
For hydrostatic drive models:
When moving the machine from one area to another, put the accelerator lever
in a midway position between «SLOW» and «FAST».
Disengage the parking brake and release the brake pedal (☛4.31).
Press the drive pedal (☛4.32)  in direction «F» and go to the required speed
by progressively increasing pressure on the pedal and moving the accelerator
appropriately.
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!WARNING!
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NOTE
!WARNING!
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							EN 27 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
Drive must be engaged in the way already described
(
☛4.32) to prevent sudden engagement from causing tipping up and
loss of control of the vehicle, particularly on slopes.
5.4.3 B
RAKING
First, reduce the machine’s speed by reducing the engine’s r.p.m. and then push
the brake pedal  (☛4.21 or 4.31) to further reduce the speed until the machine
stops.
For hydrostatic drive models:
The machine already slows down considerably by just
releasing the drive pedal.
5.4.4 R
EVERSE
Reverse must be engaged ONLY when the machine is stopped.
For mechanical drive models:
Push down the pedal until the machine stops and then insert reverse by mov-
ing the lever sideways and putting it into position «R».  (☛4.22). Gradually
release the pedal to engage the clutch and then begin moving in reverse.
For hydrostatic drive models:
When the machine is stopped, start the reverse movement by pressing the
drive pedal in the «R» direction (☛4.32).
5.4.5 G
RASS CUTTING
When you have reached the area to be mowed, make sure that the grass-catch-
er or stone-guard is correctly fitted and that the cutting deck wheels are posi-
tioned at the required height.
Each wheel can be fitted at two different heights: the low position always leaves
a space between the ground and the edge of the cutting deck to prevent the
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NOTE
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!WARNING! 
						

							deck from damaging the lawn if the ground is uneven. The higher position
excludes this possibility.
To change the position, unscrew and remove the
pin (1) then reposition the wheel (2) in the upper
and lower hole of the wale corresponding to the
wheel diameter.
This work is to be done to
all four wheels, WITH THE ENGINE OFF
AND THE BLADES DISENGAGED.
To start cutting:
– put the accelerator into the «FAST» position;
– bring the cutting deck to the highest position;
– engage the blades  (☛4.9);
– start moving forwards onto the grass area very gradually and with particular
caution, as already described;
– adjust the forward speed and the cutting height  (☛4.10) according to the
lawn condition (height, density and dampness of the grass). On flat ground,
these general conditions can be followed
High and dense grass - wet lawn 2,5 km/h
Average condition grass 4 ... 6 km/h
Low grass - dry lawn over 6 km/h
For hydrostatic drive models:
The speed is controlled in a gradual and progressive way by the pressure on
the drive pedal.
When cutting on sloping ground, the forward speed
must be reduced to ensure safe conditions  ( 
☛ 1.2 - 5.5).
In any case, the speed should always be lowered if you note a reduction in
engine speed, since a forward speed that is too fast compared to the amount of
grass being cut will never mow the grass well.
Disengage the blades and put the cutting deck in the highest position whenever
you need to get past an obstacle.
!WARNING!
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!WARNING!
EN 28HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
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2
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							EN 29 HOW TO USE THE MACHINE
5.4.6 EMPTYING THE GRASS-CATCHER
This operation can only be done with the blades disen-
gaged, otherwise the engine stops.
Do not let the grass-catcher become too full as this may block the collector
channel.
When the grass-catcher is full there is an intermittent audible warning. At this
point:
– lower the engine speed;
– go into neutral (N) (☛4.22 or 4.32) and stop
forward movement;
– disengage the blades (☛4.9) and the audible
signal will stop;
– engage the parking brake on slopes;
– pull out the lever (1) and tip up the grass-
catcher to empty it;
– close up the grass-catcher so that it hooks
onto the pawl stop (2).
At times the audible warning
may be heard at the moment of engaging the
blade even when the grass-catcher has been
emptied. This is due to grass-cuttings left on
the sensor of the micro-switch. To stop the sig-
nal, disengage the blade and then immediately
engage it again.
Always keep the sensor (3) free of grass-cut-
tings.
5.4.7 U
NBLOCKING THE COLLECTOR CHANNEL
Cutting very tall or wet grass, particularly at too high speed, can cause the col-
lector channel to become blocked. Should this happen, it will be necessary to:
– stop forward movement immediately, disengage the blades and stop the
engine;
NOTE
NOTE
2
1
3