Routine Maintenance - Stiga DM 504 Series Gebrauchsanweisung

– P ush the safety lever (3) slightly and lift the side dis-
charge guard (2).
– I nsert the side discharge chute (6) as shown in the figure.
– L ower the side discharge guard (2) so that the side dis-
charge chute (6) is locked in place.
• Only for models DM:
3.1e Preparation for grass cutting and collection in
the grass catcher:
– Lift the rear discharge guard (4) and fasten the grass
catcher (5) correctly as shown in the illustration.
3.1f Preparation for mowing and rear discharge of
grass:
– L ift the rear discharge guard (4) and remove the the
grass catcher (5).
3.1g Preparation for mowing and mulching
– L ift the rear stone-guard (4) and fit the chute cap (11) in
the discharge opening, pushing it until the fastener tooth
clicks into place (12).
To remove the deflector cap (11), use the lever (13) under
the grip to release the tooth (12) and remove the deflector
from the discharge opening.
3.2 Engine ignition
During ignition, follow the instructions in the engine manual
• Manual ignition models
Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle
and firmly tug the knob on the ignition cable (2).
• Electric key ignition models
Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle
and turn the ignition key (3).
• Electric push-button ignition models
Insert the consent key (4) firmly in its seat, then pull the cut-
ting means brake lever (1) against the handle, press the ig-
nition button (5) and hold until the engine is running.
3.3 Mowing the lawn
The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate
cutting in both directions at the same height.
When the grass catcher is too full, grass collection is no
longer efficient and the sound of the lawnmower changes.
To remove and empty the grass catcher,
– s top the engine and wait for the cutting means to stop;
– l ift the rear discharge guard, grasp the handle and re-
move the grass catcher keeping it in an erect position.
• For mulching: always avoid removing a large quantity
of grass. Never cut more than one third of the total grass
height per single pass! Regulate the forward speed ac-
cording to the lawn conditions and the amount of grass
removed.
• For side discharge (if applicable): it is best to mow in
a pattern where cut grass is not discharged on the grass
still to be cut.
• For a grass catcher with contents indicator device
(if applicable): while working with the cutting means
running, the indicator remains raised for as long as the
grass catcher is able to hold cut grass; when it lowers, it
means that the grass catcher is full and must be emptied.
• Only for DML models:
IMPORTANT NOTE – If while working, you need to switch
the discharge selection switch (* 2.5) from position «B»
(mulching) to another with the lever in position «A» (rear
discharge), turn off the machine and remove any grass from
the sliding hatch (1); grass on the hatch may prevent the
discharge selection lever from moving completely.
Lawn care recommendations
Each type of grass has different characteristics and may
thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always
read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for
the growing conditions in the work area.
Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one
or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged
and growth is more difficult.
The following indications generally apply:
– c utting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a
"spotted" appearance;
– i n the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the
ground from drying;
– d o not cut wet grass; this could reduce cutting means ef-
ficiency due to sticky grass and tear the lawn.
– f or particularly high grass, initially mow at the maximum
height allowed by the machine then mow again after two
or three days.
3.4 When work is finished
When work has been completed, release the brake lever (1)
and disconnect the spark plug cap (2).
• Electric key ignition models
Remove the ignition key (3).
• Electric push-button ignition models
Press the tab (5) and remove the consent key (4).
WAIT UNTIL THE CUTTING MEANS STOPS before pro-
ceeding any further.

4. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Store the lawnmower in a dry place.
IMPORTANT Routine and accurate maintenance is es-
sential in maintaining original machine safety and perform-
ance levels.
Adjustments or maintenance operations must only be per-
formed with the engine switched off and the spark plug ca-
ble disconnected.
1) W ear strong protective gloves before cleaning, main-
taining or adjusting the machine.
2) A ccurately wash the machine with water after cutting;
remove grass debris and mud accumulated in the chas-
sis to prevent it from drying and causing problems the
next time the lawnmower is used.
3) On models with painted chassis: paint on internal
chassis parts may start to flake over time due to the
abrasive action of cut grass; if this happens, promptly
touch-up with rust-proof paint to prevent rusting that
could corrode the metal.
4) I f accessing the lower part is necessary, only tilt the ma-
chine on the side indicated in the engine manual, follow-
ing the relevant instructions. On side discharge models,
remove the discharge chute (if installed – s ee 3.1.d).
5) Do not drip petrol onto the plastic parts of the engine or
the machine to prevent damaging them and remove all
traces of spilled petrol immediately. The warranty does
not cover damage to plastic parts caused by petrol.
6) On models with AVS: If the handle vibrates unusually,
check the anti-vibration sleeves and contact your Dealer
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