OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
Fielnd BruMower
SIMPLICITY
Mfg. No.
1694240
1694204
1694205
Description
13HP Hnda d Brush Mower
13Had Brush Mower
13ki WBehind Brush Mower
FERRIS
Mfg. No.
1694249
1694251
Descriptio
13HP Briggs Walk-Behind Brush Mower (BC25BE)
13HP Honda Walk-Behind Brush Mower (BC25H)
GIANT-VAC
Mfg. No.
3070980
3070101
3070103
3800017
Description
13HP Briggs Walk-Behind Brush Mower (GM2513BS)
13HP Honda Walk-Behind Brush Mower (GM2513H)
15HP Kawasaki Walk-Behind Brush Mower (GM2515KAW)
16HP Briggs Walk-Behind BrushMower (GM2516BVG)
SNAPPER
Mfg. No.
Description
1694378
13HP Briggs Walk-Behind Brush Mower (FB13250BV)
1696096
16HP Briggs Walk- Behind Brush Mower (GM2516BVG)
1723519
Rev: E
Safety Rules & Information
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of
unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This
mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signi-
fies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR
WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the follow-
ing safety instructions could result in serious injury or
death.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the mower
before starting.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.
• Shut off the engine (motor) whenever you leave the
equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging
the chute.
• Do not put hand or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade
comes to a combefore removing grass
catcher.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the mower.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, tys,
bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
thrown by the blade.
• Mow onin dyligt or good artificial light.
• Do not oate he mower while under the influence
of hol odrugs.
• Be sure the area is clear of other pfore mow-
ing. Stop mower if anyone enters
rate mower in wet grass. Always be sure
footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and
never run.
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive
clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the
engine (motor).
• Do not pull mower backwards unlss absely
essary. Look down and behind before
moving backwards.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trou-
ble.
• Do not operate the mower without proper gards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective
devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Use only accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating mower.
2
Safety Rules and Information
SLOPE OPERATION
SERVICE
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in
20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra caution
when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass
catcher.
c) Never refuel the machine indoors.
d) Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as a water
heater.
Mow UP and DOWN the slope, never across the
face, use caution when changing directions and DO
NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.
• Never run an engine inside a closed area.
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall acci-
dents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.
Do
• Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Never tampeafety devices. Check their prop-
er operation .
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree lim
• Keep owef grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Cleaup oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower
to cobefostoring.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall ade
obstacles.
op annspect the equipment if you strike an
ct. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Do Not
er attempt to make wheel height adjustments
hile the engine (motor) is running.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-
ments. The operator could lose footing or bala
• Always disconnect electric mowers (live operated)
before cleaning, repairing, or adjusting.
• Do not mow excessively steep slope
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduceould
cause slipping.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil-
dren will remain where you last saw them.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
* Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.
• Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the area.
EMISSIONS
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
• Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
• Never allow children to operate the mower.
• Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and
Air Index information on the engine emissions label.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
3
Safety Rules & Information
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running unless specified otherwise in the engine man-
ufacturer's manual.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
• Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip
hoses firmly over the filter after installation.
• Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline addi-
tives, or white gas because engine/fuel system dam-
age could result.
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before refu-
eling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel the unit indoors.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
• Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
• Check blade brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possi-
ble, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dis-
penser nozzle.
• Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
• Always comply with factory specifications on all set-
tings and adjustments.
• Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.
• Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit
unless you have been properly trained. Improper ser-
vice procedures can result in hazardous operation,
equipment damage d voiding of manufacturer's
warranty.
• Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is com-
plete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels s
necessary.
• Never run a unit in an enclosed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attac
bolts, tight and keep equipment in god condn.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Ck their oper
operation regularly and make necepairs if
they are not functioning properly.
• Keep unit free of grass, lees, or bris build-
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Do not change eernor settings or over-
speed the engiating the engine at excessive
speed can inreathe hazard of personal injury.
• isengae drivatachments, stop the engine,
reove tkey, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
bee: cleattachment blockages and chutes,
ping service work, striking an object, or if the
s abnormally. After striking an object,
he machine for damage and make repairs
e restarting and operating the equipment.
All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional
messages on your mower should be carefully read and
obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when these
instructions are not followed. The information is for your
safety and it is important! All of the safety decals below
are on your mower. See Figure 2.
SAFETY DECALS
This unit has been designed and manufactured to pro-
vide you with the safety and reliability you would expect
from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment
manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions
it contains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effec-
tively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to
remind you of this important information while you are
operating your unit.
If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them
at once. See your local dealer for replacements.
These labels are easily applied and will act as a constant
visual reminder to you, and others who may use the
equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for
safe, effective operation.
4
Identification Numbers
Decal - Blade Control, Engine Key Switch (7028349)
Models - All mowers
Decal - Traction Drive / Freewheel Lever (1725229)
Models - All mowers
Decal - Warning (7028490)
Important Safety Operating Instructions. Read and
understand before operating machine
Caution - Open Belt Drive (707359)
ting blades and other parts can cause serious injury.
eep hands and feet away.
Decal - Engine Throttle Control (767)
Models - All mowers
DANGER
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
Decal - Danger: Dismemberment (7013010)
This mower deck can amputate limbs. Keep hands and
feet away from blades.
Decal - Danger: Flying Objects (7073647)
This machine is capable of throwing objects and debris.
Keep bystanders away.
EAR EYE BREATHING PROTECTION
Decal - Speed Adjustn (1725230) Models - All mowers
Decal - Personal Protection (7075893)
Make sure to wear Hearing, Eye and Breathing protec-
tion.
5
Features & Controls
Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with
the name, location, and function of these controls so
that you will better understand the safety and operat-
ing instructions provided in this manual.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The information below briefly describes the function of
individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mow-
ing require the combined use of several controls applied
in specific sequences. To learn what combination and
sequence of controls to use for various tasks see the
OPERATION section.
Fuel Tank
To remove cap, turn counterclockwise (CCW). To open
the fuel valve, located at the botton of the tank, turn knob
CCW.
PTO Engagement Lever
The PTO Engagement Lever engages ad disenges
the mower blade. To engage the mowee push the
lever forward to the fully engaged and osition.
To disengage the mower bladpsh out of the
locked position, slightly to the left and pull backwards to
the disengaged position.
. Brush Mower Controls
When the PTO engagement lever is n the Ee
position, the Engine Kill system is activate
Engine On/Starter
Rotate this key switch to the ON position before pulling
on the starter rope.
Engine Kill Bar
This control deactivates the engine kill system. With the
PTO Engagement Lever in the Engaged position, the
Engine Kill system will shut the engine off if the opera-
tors' hands leave the handle bar, releasing the Engine
Kill Bar.
If the mower is equipped with the optional electric start-
ing system, rotate the key past the ON position to
engage the starter. When the engine starts, release the
key.
Traction Drive Engagement Bar
Throttle Control
Two hand grips, Forward Travel and Reverse Travel, are
within easy reach of the main handle bar. The traction
drive engagement bar to the front of the main handle
engages reverse travel. The traction drive engagement
bar below the main handle engages forward travel.
The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle to
the right to increase engine speed, and to the left to
lower engine speed. When mowing, always operate the
engine at FULL throttle.
To set the choke for starting a cold engine, move the
throttle lever past the FULL speed position. As soon as
the engine starts, move the control to the FULL position.
6
Operating the Mower
To Shut Engine Down:
STARTING THE ENGINE
• Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes before shutting
down.
NOTE - The procedures outlined within this section are
general guidelines, and are in no way meant to replace
or supercede engine manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions. In order to obtain optimum performance from your
engine, refer to your engine manual.
• Set throttle control down to “SLOW” position.
• Turn key to “OFF” position.
NOTE: If you experience problems with your engine that
cannot be satisfactorily resolved by following the instruc-
tions contained within the engine manual, contact your
local engine dealer. All engine service, warranty or oth-
erwise, is required to be performed by a manufacturer-
authorized service center.
Before Starting Engine:
• Be sure that the unit is completely assembled, all fas-
teners are tightened securely, and all safety guards
and components are in place.
• Be sure to check engine's oil and gasoline*. (See
engine manual for recommended oil and gasoline
specifications.) Never check the engine while it is
running or while you are smoking. Check only when
engine is cold.
ENGAGING THE TRANSMISSION
Your Field & Brush mower is equipped with a rugged
hydrostatic transmission. The mower can be operated at
variable speeds iforward and reverse directions.
Please read the instructions in order to
acquaint youe mowers controls for safe oper-
ation.
*All machines are shipped without oil or gasoline
unless otherwise noted.
To Start Engine:
Recoil Start -
he tracon dre system is engaged or disengaged
thugh tTraction Drive control lever (Figure 4), locat-
the right side of the machine, when standing at the
s Controls.
• Open fuel valve, located at bottoof fuel tnk by
turning knob counterclockwise.
• Set throttle control past the “Ssition (fully
Right to the double lines) to enghoke.
gage the traction drive by moving the control lever
o the DRIVE position. The brush mower can now be
moved using the Traction Drive Controls.
• Turn key on dash panel to “RUN” position.
• Grasp recoil handle and pull ord bris(Y
have to pull several times before es. I
engine fails to start within a reasonaber o
attempts, discontinue and check enginmanual for
further instructions.)
NOTE: Be sure recoil cord retracts fully into recoil unit. A
slack recoil cord can cause serious personal injury
and/or damage to unit.
Electric Start - (Optional)
• Open fuel valve, located at bottom of fuel tank by
turning knob counterclockwise.
• Set throttle control past the “START” position (fully
Right to the double lines) to engage choke.
Figure 4 - Traction Drive / Freewheel Control
• Turn ignition key on dash panel past “RUN” position
to “START” to engage starter. (If engine fails to start
within a reasonable period of time - generally 2-3
attempts of 5-6 seconds cranking time each, discon-
tinue and check engine manual for further instruc-
tions.)
7
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