Using The Machine; Grass Cutting - EMAK MISTRAL 72/12,5 K H Manuel D'utilisation Et D'entretien

- Check for fuel leaks, if any are found, correct before use.
Contact an authorised service workshop if necessary.
After having removed the fuel cap (A, Fig.9) refuel using a
funnel, but do not completely fill the tank. The tank's capacity
is about 6 litres.
Tyre pressure
Having the right tyre pressure is the main condition for
ensuring that the cutting deck is perfectly horizontal and mows
evenly. Unscrew the valve caps and connect a compressed air
line with a gauge to the valves.
The pressures must be:
FRONT 1.5 bar
REAR 1.0 bar
Fitting the grass-catcher or stone-guard
WARNING: Never use the machine without having
fitted the grass-catcher or stone-guard.
Hook on the grass-catcher by inserting the top part of the
frame (A, Fig.13) in the two slots on the supports (B), making
sure the two arrows line up. If you decide to mow without
the grass-catcher, you can mount an optional stone-guard
kit (C). It attaches in the same way as the grass catcher and
must also be fixed to the rear plate using the supplied pins
(D) and cotter pins (E), as shown in the figure.
Checking machine safety and efficiency
1. Check that the security devices operate as indicated in the
summary on page 29.
2. Check that the brake is in perfect working order.
3. Do not start mowing if the blade vibrates or if you are unsure
whether it is sharp enough. Always remember that:
- A badly sharpened blade pulls at the grass and causes the
lawn to turn yellow.
- A loose blade causes unwanted vibrations and can be
dangerous.
WARNING: Do not use the machine if you are unsure
whether it is working safely or efficiently. If in doubt,
contact your Dealer immediately to make the
necessary checks and repairs.

6.2 Using the Machine

Starting
WARNING: The engine must be started in an open or
well-ventilated area. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT
EXHAUST GASES ARE TOXIC.
Before starting the engine:
- open the fuel stop-cock (A, Fig.11), which can be reached
from the left rear wheel compartment;
- do not touch the speed adjustment pedals;
disengage the blade;
- apply the parking brake, especially if on sloping ground.
Then perform the following operations:
- set the accelerator lever to the "STARTER" position in the case
of cold starting, or between "SLOW" and "FAST" if the engine
is already warm;
- insert the ignition key and turn to "ACC" (1) to activate the
electrical circuit, then turn to "START" (ON) to start the engine.
Release the key once the engine has started.
When the engine has started, move the accelerator to "SLOW".
CAUTION
- The choke must be closed as soon as the engine is running
smoothly. Using it when the engine is already warm can foul
the spark plug and cause the engine to run erratically.
- In the event of engine starting problems, do not insist as you
can risk running the battery flat and flooding the engine.
Turn the key to OFF, wait for a few seconds and then repeat
the operation. If the malfunction persists, refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTING table on page 36 of this manual.
- Always bear in mind that the safety devices prevent the
engine from starting if safety requirements have not been
met (see page 29). In these cases, once the situation has been
corrected, the key must first be turned back to OFF before the
engine can be restarted.
Moving without mowing
WARNING: This machine has not been approved for use
on public roads. It must be used (as indicated by the
highway code) in private areas closed to traffic.
CAUTION: When moving on level ground, the blade must
be disengaged and the cutting deck put at its highest
position (position 7). When moving up or down a slope,
the cutting deck must be put at its lowest position to
ensure maximum stability of the machine.
Put the accelerator control between the "SLOW" and "FAST"
positions; disengage the parking brake by moving the brake
lever to the right.
Move the accelerator lever in the "FAST" direction and go to the
required speed using the accelerator and the forward speed
adjustment pedal. The pedal must be depressed gradually,
since a sudden engagement of drive to the wheels may cause
tipping and loss of control of the machine.
Braking
To brake, simply take your foot off the speed adjustment pedal
that you are using. The machine will come to a standstill in a
few seconds.
WARNING: Do not brake by using the opposite speed
adjustment lever with respect to the direction of
travel. For example: do not press the reverse speed
adjustment pedal when travelling forward.
Reversing
Move the accelerator lever in the "FAST" direction and go to the
required speed using the accelerator and the reverse speed
adjustment pedal. The pedal must be depressed gradually,
since a sudden engagement of drive to the wheels may cause
you to lose control of the machine.

6.3 Grass Cutting

Grass cutting can be carried out in forward drive and in reverse
drive.
Grass cutting in forward drive
Blade engagement and forward movement
When you have reached the area to be mowed:
- put the accelerator into the "FAST" position;
- engage the blade by pushing the button to the "START"
position;
- to start moving, operate the speed regulation controls, taking
care to depress the pedal very gradually and with particular
caution as already described. In this way the machine's
ground speed will adapt to the conditions of the lawn
gradually and progressively. Always engage the blade with
the cutting deck in the highest position, then gradually lower
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