EarthWise 1715-16EW - Push Reel Lawn Mower Manual

SAFETY RULES

• Read all instructions in this manual before using mower.
• Inspect your lawn for any debris or foreign objects and remove them before moving.
• Never place your hands, fingers, or feet inside the reel, Although not powered by a motor, when the wheels turn, the reel cuts.
• Never mow when the grass is wet enough to be slippery.
• Don't place your hands or feet near a moving part of the mower.
• Don't operate the mower while barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Walk slowly, never run. Always be sure of your footing when operating the mower.
• Never intentionally strike or ram trees, fences, etc. This can cause injuries or severely damage the mower.
• Remember that this mower is a precision piece of lawn care equipment. Treat it as such by exercising caution when using it.
• Make sure your mower is in safe operating condition. Don't attempt to operate the mower if it is damaged; have it repaired first.

How to Assemble

PACKING LIST:

1. Reel Mower
2. 4 Piece Handles (See Figure1)
3. Instruction Manual
4. Handle Assembly Hardware Package
   HANDLE ASSEMBLY HARDWARE PACKAGE
   

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THESE PARTS BEFORE YOU START

Handle

Enclosed in carton are the: mower handle parts (upper handlebar pieces and 2 lower pieces) and hardware package.

• Lay out the parts of the handle as shown in figure 1.
• Fasten the 2 lower handle pieces to the upper portion of the handle using the 2-M6X55 bolts and wing nuts.
• Fasten the 2 upper handlebar pieces together using the M6X45 bolt and wing nut.
• Lubricate the inside of the 2 handle grips with soapy water (for easier application) and slide onto the handle.

Attaching the handle to the mower

DO NOT attempt to attach the handle to the bolts on the roller assembly at the rear of the mower.
This is incorrect! (refer to figure 3) As you follow the instruction below, refer to figure 2 for more information.

• After assembling the handle, fit the holes at the end of the lower portion of the handle on the left and right side, over the short posts extending out from the side plates.
• When the handle is in place over the posts, snap the "E" rings onto the slotted posts on both sides to prevent the handle from coming off.

How to Order Parts

Specify the following information when ordering parts:

1. Complete model number (found on the identification decal on the rear of the cutter bar).
2. Cutting width of your unit.
3. Number of the kit needed (see kits list).

Kits List

#	Kit #	Description	Figure
1	RM16-HK-1	16" Handle Kit U-Shape Black with Black Wing Nuts
2	RM-UHP-1	U-Handle Assembly Hardware Package
3	RM-WKIOA-1	10" Light Gray Wheel Kit
4	RM-GPK-1	Gear and Pawl Kit
5	RM-APK-1	Axle Pin Kit
6	RM16-RAK-1	16" Roller Assy Kit (BlackWingNut)

Usage and Care

General Care

Minimum care is required to assure smooth operation of your mower.

• To avoid damage to the mower or cutting blades, keep the area to be mowed free from any debris.
• To prevent unnecessary wear on blades, pull mower rather than push when moving mower on concrete or paved surfaces.
• For best performance, apply a light coating of oil or WD-40 to the blades after every use.

**For questions, help, and warranties, please contact customer support.**

Minor cutting height adjustments

These units can be adjusted to offer a cutting height range from 1/2" to 2 1/2" (1.27 cm to 6.35 cm) simply by adjusting the roller assembly. Keep in mind that the same adjustment must be
performed on both sides of the mower.
As you follow the instructions below, refer to figure 4 for more information.

• To achieve the lowest cutting position, loosen and remove the nuts on both sides of the roller assembly.
• Position the bolt through the bottom hole of the plastic roller bracket and the top hole of the mower side plate. Retighten nuts on both sides.
• To achieve the highest cutting position, loosen and remove the nuts on both sides of the roller assembly.
• Position the bolt through the top hole of the plastic roller bracket and the bottom hole of the mower side plate. Retighten nuts on both sides.

Other cutting heights can be obtained by positioning the bolts through other hole locations.

Precise cutting height adjustments

The wheel/dust cover assembly can be moved to one of 3 positions on the side plate. Keep in mind that the same adjustment must be performed on both sides of the mower.
As you follow the instructions below, refer to figure 5.

• Remove the axle nut on the inside of the mower by holding the axle pin in place with either a 1/2" (1.27 cm) socket or flat blade screwdriver (remove hub cap first) and either a socket or box-end wrench on the nut.
• Pull the wheel, dust cover and axle pin out gently as a unit until the axle pin clears the side plate. Then, reposition in the desired hole, and replace and tighten nuts. Position A = 1/2" (1.27 cm) cutting height, position B = 1 3/4" (4.44 cm), position C = 2 1/2" (6.35 cm).

Mower blade adjustment

The blades have been preadjusted before leaving the factory.

Do not adjust unless absolutely needed.
Misalignment can occur resulting in blades that are too loose or too tight. If this happens, you will notice a rough, uneven cut or a hard-pushing mower.
All adjustments are made from the rear of the mower (opposite from the bar with the logo decal). Each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted
separately.
As you follow the instructions below, refer to figure 6 for more information.

• The cutting bar blade (located under the reel) pivots. The front screws move the cutter bar away from the blades, while the rear screws move the cutter bar toward the blades.
• Adjusting the screws is a very sensitive procedure. 1/16th of a turn is considered a major adjustment.
• Before tightening one adjusting screw, be sure to loosen the opposing screw an equal amount.

Loosening the blades

The cutting bar blade must be moved further from the cutting reel.

• Loosen both back screws equally by turning them counterclockwise.
• Tighten both front screws equally by turning them clockwise.

Tightening the blades

The cutting bar blade must be moved closer to the cutting reel.

• Loosen both front screws equally by turning them counterclockwise.
• Tighten both back screws equally by turning them clockwise.

Checking adjustments

• Turn mower upside down.
• Insert piece of paper (i.e., writing or newspaper) between the cutter bar and the reel blades, and carefully turn the reel blades by hand.

All blades should slice the paper evenly the entire length of the cutter bar while the reel turns smoothly.
If the mower has an intermittent cut, adjustment should be made to appropriate side of the blades to attain proper cutting action.

Sharpening the cutting blades

When the mower is properly lubricated and adjusted, sharpening should not be necessary for several years. However, the following steps will
allow you to do the procedure yourself at relatively litle expense.

• Remove the "E" rings, wheels and pinion from both sides of the mower.
  
• Remove both pawls from the rectangular slots in reel shaft and reverse their positions.
  
• Reverse the placement of the pinion gears.
• Place the left pinion on the right end of the reel shaft and the right pinion on the left end of the reel shaft. Replace the wheels and "E" rings.
• Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge of the reel blades.
• Adjust the cutter bar so that the cutter bar blade has light but firm contact with the reel blades across the full width of the cutter bar.
  
  
  Do not overtighten the adjusting screws, as this could damage the cutter bar. Both screws must be tight on the final adjustment.
• Push the mower backward on a smooth surface (such as a sidewalk or paved driveway).
  Continue to do this until the reel blades rotate relatively free and front edge of the cutter bar blade is polished.
• Remove wheels; reverse pinions and pawls so that the beveled edge of the pawl is on the right.
  
  Clean any grinding compound or debris from the cutter bar blade, reel blades, pinions and pawls. Lubricate axle and pinion with a light film of wheelbearing grease and replace wheels and "E" rings.

NOTE: It is recommended to use and industrial or valve lapping compound between 100-240 grit.
This is usually available at an industrial or automotive supply store. If professional sharpening is required, consult your local yellow pages for lawn mower repair services.

Customer Responsibilities

Always use care when operating your lawn mower and keep clear of moving parts. Avoid striking or running into solid objects or debris in the area to be mowed. Be sure the mower is clear and follow a regular maintenance schedule in order to provide efficient and safe operation. A well-cared-for lawn mower will last long and operate more efficiently.

Parts, Customer Service or Warranty Claims
To order replacement part kits or accessories, call our customer support hotline at 1-800-633-1501, or go to americanlawnmower.com
**For questions, help, and warranties please contact customer support.**
ALL PARTS ARE SOLD FACTORY DIRECT.
ALL SHIPPING CHARGES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PURCHASER.

Register your product at:
Americanlawnmower.com/productregistration
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-633-1501