2691955 - Lawn mower Victa - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL 2691955 Victa

The following warning labels are attached to your mower on purchase. Please read labels before discarding.

4 Stroke Label

Briggs & Stratton, Honda:- Engine must have SAE 30 Oil added to the Engine Sump before starting. Refer to the Engine Manual for oil filling information.

Please use the engine's dipstick to ensure correct oil fill level.

Failure to add oil to your engine before attempting to start it will damage the engine and void the Engine Warranty.

WARNING

WARNING WARNING WARNING

ENGINE HAS NO OIL IN SUMP ADD SAE 30 OIL TO SUMP PRIOR TO STARTING ENGINE REFER TO ENGINE MANUAL FOR OIL VOLUME FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION WILL VOID ENGINE WARRANTY

Safety Marking and Symbols

Warning!

Read the directions for use before operating the machine.

Wear safety goggles, a helmet and ear protection.

Wear safety gloves.

Be careful of objects being thrown out!

Read the manual before carrying out any maintenance work.

Wear sturdy, nonslip footwear.

Protect the machine from rain and damp.

Table of Contents

	Important Notes 1
	Unit Details
	Safety & Handling 2
	Safety Instructions	Hazards
	Personal Safety Equipment
	Assembly Procedures 5
		Features
	Handle Knobs/Toggles
	Grasscatcher
	Throttle Control
	Operating Instructions 9
	Starting & Stopping
	Grasscatcher Fitting
	Mulching Plug
	Maintenance & Care 13
	Cleaning
	Maintenance Chart
	Questions & Answers 14
		Troubleshooting
	Warranty - See Warranty Leaflet
		Notes

IMPORTANT NOTES

Congratulations on your purchase of a Victa lawnmower. This instruction manual will aid in the assembly, operation and maintenance of your new lawnmower.

Please read this manual carefully to ensure safety and the long life of your product.

Please read the Warranty leaflet carefully.

Keep this operators manual in a safe place for future reference, or if service is required on your unit.

not operate the unit before reading this manual.

Do not operate before reading the 'Engine Manual'.

Safety Ins

Transporting the mower

• Turn the engine off, by moving the throttle lever to the 'STOP' position and switching the fuel tap off (where fitted).
• Disconnect the spark plug lead and wedge it well away from the spark plug.
• Do not transport the mower in a vehicle if there is fuel in the fuel tank.
• Remove the battery and starting key, where fitted (In-Start models only).

Before using the mower

- Do not allow children, or people unfamiliar with these instructions, to use the mower.

- Ensure that the blade assembly is not worn or damaged. Always replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve correct balance. Damaged or worn blades and bolts are major hazards. Use genuine Victa spare parts only.

- Please note: blades may be tucked under blade disc for safety and transport reasons before use. Once the engine is started they will relocate themselves for cutting.

- Check all fasteners regularly. Always ensure the mower is in a safe operating condition. Use genuine spare parts only.

- Check for grass build up around the engine and muffler which may cause overheating and/or a fire hazard.

- For 4-stroke engines, SAE 30 oil must be placed in engine sump before starting the engine. Please refer to Engine Owner's Manual, for filling volume and method. Failure to do so will cause engine damage and will void engine warranty.

- Do not start the engine unless the rear flap and/or grasscatcher are securely in position.

- Know the mower controls. Learn how to stop the engine quickly in an emergency by moving the throttle to the 'STOP' position or releasing the brake bale arm on models fitted with presence control.

15 metres

Operating the mower

• Do not mow while people, especially children, or pets are in the vicinity of the mower or within the mowing area. Ensure that bystanders are a minimum of 15 metres away.
• Do not mow in bare feet or open shoes. Wear long trousers heavy footwear and eye protection.

Safety Instructions cont'd

- Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones, bones, wire and debris before mowing. These could be thrown by the blades and cause injury or damage.

- Start the engine carefully with feet well clear of blades. Do not tilt the mower when starting the engine.

- Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even for a moment.

• Mow only in good daylight.

- Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts beneath mower when engine is running.

- Do not over speed the engine or alter the governor settings. Excessive engine speed is dangerous and shortens mower life.

- Never lift, carry or tilt the mower when the engine is running.

- Stop the engine before pushing the mower across gravel, paths or roads. Stop the engine before the mower leaves the lawn.

- Stop the engine before adjusting the cutting height.

- Mow across the face of a slope, never up or down. Use extreme caution when changing direction on a slope. Do not mow on excessively steep slopes.

- Never mow by pulling the mower towards you. You may slip and pull the mower on top of your feet. Never mow grass while walking backwards.

- Walk with the mower, never run.

- The safety distance determined by the guiding handles must be maintained at all times.

- At the conclusion of mowing, always turn the mower off using the throttle lever then turn fuel tap off (where fitted). To stop the mower on models with presence control, release the brake bale arm.

- Do not operate the mower in confined spaces where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.

- Stop the engine when emptying the grasscatcher.

- Stop the engine and disconnect spark plug wire before clearing blockages, checking, or working on the mower.

- If you strike an obstruction, stop the engine and check the blades for damage.

- Bystanders must be at least 15 metres away during operation of the mower, as rocks and other materials may be thrown at high velocities. Switch the unit off immediately if approached.

- Never use the mower unless the grasscatcher and/or the rear flap are correctly assembled and fitted.

- Wear suitable eye protection when operating mower.

- Never use an electrically powered mower in the rain or when grass is wet.

Maintaining the mower

- If the mower begins to vibrate abnormally, or if it strikes a foreign object - STOP the engine. Disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug and carefully wedge it well away from the spark plug. Inspect the mower and blades for any damage.

- Replace worn or faulty mufflers as they adversely affect engine performance and increase emissions.

Safety Instructions cont'd

• Victa recommends that all maintenance, repair and inspection work be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.
• Store the mower in a well ventilated area, away from any naked flames such as those found in hot water heaters.

Refuelling the mower

• Refuel the mower outdoors only.
- Do not smoke while operating or refuelling the mower. Never add fuel or remove the fuel cap while the engine is running or hot. If fuel is spilt, do not start the engine. Move the mower away from the area of the spill. Do not create any source of ignition until fuel vapours have dissipated.
- Store fuel in a cool place and in a container specifically designed for the purpose. Victa supplies a 5 litre fuel can as an optional extra. Plastic containers are unsuitable, except those specifically designed to hold fuel.

Hazards

The following safety precautions must be strictly observed to avoid the risk of damage or personal injury.

• Do not smoke while operating or refuelling the mower. Never add fuel or remove the fuel cap while the engine is running or hot. If fuel is spilt, do not start the engine. Move the mower away from the area of the spill. Do not create any source of ignition until the fuel vapours have dissipated.
• Check all fasteners regularly. Always ensure that the mower is in safe operating condition. Use genuine spare parts only.
• Do not operate the mower in confined spaces where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the mower, even if only for a moment.
• Stop the engine when emptying the grasscatcher. Never try to clear grass from inside the mower while the engine is running.
• Never lift, carry or tilt the mower when the engine is running.
• Bystanders must be at least 15 metres away during operation of the mower, as rocks and other materials may be thrown at high velocities. Switch the unit off immediately if approached.
• Never use the mower unless the grasscatcher and/or the rear flap are correctly assembled and fitted.

Personal Protective Equipment

Recommended personal protection equipment to wear when working with your lawnmower:

A set of ear muffs.

A pair of safety boots.

A pair of protective gloves.

Eye protection.

Features

Technical diagram of a lawn mower with numbered parts and close-ups of internal components

1. Upper Handle	5. Handle Knob/ Lever	9. Pull Start * 13. Deck
2. Self Propelled Bail *	6. Grass Catcher 10.	Fuel Cap 14. Wash Port *
3. Instart Button *	7. Height Adjust Lever	11. Spark Plug 15. Instart Battery *
4. Throttle Control 8.	Lower Handle 12. Primer * 16. Mulch Plug *

Simple 3D mechanical part diagram with no text or symbols

* Present on specific models only

Attaching upper handle

Mowers will have either knobs or toggles to fix the handles in position. Refer to the instruction below which is specific to your particular model.

• Attach the upper handles using the knobs and bolts provided. The knobs should be on the outside.
• Tighten the handle knobs to secure the upper handle to the lower handle.
• Flip the handle toggles to secure the upper handle to the lower handle.
• On some models the knobs/toggles have to be consumer fitted.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with two views (top and side), no text or symbols present.

Attaching the throttle control

- Attach the throttle control to the inside of the upper handle, so that the lever lifts upward toward the user.

Upper handle ∅50 N10 R40 R30

Grasscatcher - hard/solid type

1A (adjustable) type

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with no visible text or symbols

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with internal cavities and a handle (no text or symbols)

1B (directional) type

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with no visible text or symbols

Technical line drawing of a car front bumper with no visible text or symbols

Technical illustration of a mechanical housing assembly with internal components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with internal structure (no text or symbols)

Isometric line drawing of a room layout with numbered compartments (no text or symbols)

Line drawing of a VICTA delivery box (no text or symbols on the box itself)

Technical line drawing of a structural beam with supports and a central support (no text or symbols)

Line drawing of a VICTA portable cargo container (no text or symbols on the object itself)

Assembling the grasscatcher

1 Assemble the covers 1A or 1B to the top half of the grasscatcher.
2 Locate the centre protrusion of the mesh into the centre hole on the inside of the grasscatcher top, ensuring the curved edge of the mesh faces the rear handle. Firmly push the mesh into the top half of the grasscatcher, making sure that the four snap hooks engage securely.
3 Loosely locate the rear handle areas of the top and bottom grasscatcher halves then loosely locate the side edges. Check that all eight hooks from the top half are loosely located in the slots on the bottom half then firmly push the two halves together over each snap hook. Check that all of the snap hooks have engaged securely.

4 Tighten the two screws fitted to the front of the grasscatcher.

NOTE: Some models may have steps 1 to 3 already compete.

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES

Grasscatcher - fabric type 18in & 19in models

There are 6 edges (A, B, C, D, E & F) which require to be clipped into the frame.

Note: Your catcher may come fully assembled.

Technical diagram of a mechanical assembly with labeled components A through F

Diagram showing a hand holding a device with labeled component 'A' and an arrow indicating direction or force.

B

Diagram of a mechanical component with labeled part 'C' and directional arrow (no text or symbols beyond label)

Plate C

F

Assembling the grasscatcher

1. Insert metal frame into fabric grasscatcher.
2. Clip edge A to frame.
3. Clip edge B and repeat the process for the opposite edge D.
4. Clip edge C.
5. Hold the plate in one hand. Then push edge C through the gap (on edges C and E only).
6. Clip edge F on the underside of the frame.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Starting & Stopping

These notes supplement the information on starting and stopping your lawnmower engine found in the Engine Operator's Manual supplied with your lawnmower. Please read your Engine Operator's Manual prior to attempting to start your engine for the first time. If your engine model is not covered by the notes below please read the Engine Manual supplied with your lawnmower.

• Always check your engine oil level before starting the engine at the start of mowing.
- Check that the spark plug is connected before attempting to start the engine.
- Ensure you have fresh petrol in the engine's fuel tank.
- Ensure the fuel tap, where fitted is ON before attempting to start the engine.
- For your safety, keep your hands and feet clear of the mower blades at all times.

Briggs & Stratton Pull Start Engines

Briggs and Stratton engines may or may not have a primer. The primer, where fitted is in the centre of the air filter cover.

Starting – Primer Engines:

1. Push the throttle control to the START/RUN position.
2. Push the Primer Button three times. This step should not be required on a warm engine.
3. Firmly hold the starter handle and pull the starter slowly until resistance is felt, then pull the cord rapidly.
4. If the engine does not start after a couple of repeated attempts, repeat the priming step before further starting attempts.
5. Return the starter handle gently. Do not allow the starter handle to fly back and strike the engine cowling as damage may result.

To stop the engine Move the throttle control lever to the STOP position.

graph TD
    A["Start"] --> B{120}
    B --> C["Stop"]
    D["Start"] --> E{10}
    E --> F["Stop"]
    G["Start"] --> H["Stop"]
    I["Start"] --> J["Stop"]

Line drawing of a hand using a tool to adjust or install a mechanical component (no text or symbols visible)

Simple line drawing of a mechanical component with an arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with no visible text or symbols

Starting & Stopping

Starting – Non-Primer Engines:

1. Push the throttle control to the START/RUN position.
2. Firmly hold the starter handle and pull the starter slowly until resistance is felt, then pull the cord rapidly.
3. The engine should start after a couple of attempts.
4. Return the starter handle gently. Do not allow the starter handle to fly back and strike the engine cowling as damage may result.

To stop the engine, move the throttle control to the stop position.

Briggs & Stratton In-Start Engines

Please read your Engine Operator's Manual prior to attempting to charge the In-Start Battery or starting your engine for the first time.

Note: In-Start engines sold in Australia do not have the brake bale arm on the upper handle noted in the Engine Manual text.

Starting – In-Start Engines:

1. Slide the battery into its position on the top of the engine.
2. Push the throttle control to the START/RUN position.
3. If your lawnmower is fitted with a key starter, fit the key and turn clockwise. When the engine fires, release the key.
4. If your lawnmower is fitted with a push button starter, lift the cover and push the starter button. When the engine fires, release the button.
5. The engine should start within a few cranks of the starter.

To stop the engine, move the throttle control to the stop position.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Grasscatcher - Fitting 18in & 19in models

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a lever mechanism interacting with a vehicle (no text or symbols visible)

Illustration of a hand using a tool to lift a fabric or material (no text or symbols visible)

Fitting the grasscatcher

• Stop the engine.
• Raise the rear flap. Locate the grasscatcher tongue over the rear axle and insert the grasscatcher under the rear flap.
• Lower the rear flap to retain the grasscatcher.

Mulching Plug - (mulch or catch models only)

support plate

Technical line drawing of a vehicle's front wheel assembly (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a vehicle chassis with visible frame and wheel (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a vehicle chassis showing front wheel, rear wheel, and internal compartment (no text or symbols)

• Stop the engine and set the mower height setting.
• Mulching is most effective between height settings 4 and 10.
• Lift the rear flap and identify the support plate as shown. Note the orientation of the mulching plug.
• Insert the mulching plug into the baseplate.
• Ensure that the mulching plug is resting on the support plate and is positioned against the inside of the baseplate. Push the mulching plug down so that it rests flush against the rear cross member.
• Close the rear flap ensuring that it closes fully. The rear flap should rest on the mulching plug as shown in the sectional illustration.

Cleaning

Before cleaning the mower, ensure the throttle lever is in the 'STOP' position. Turn the fuel tap off, disconnect the spark plug lead and wedge it well away from the spark plug, and remove the battery on Instart models.

• Remove grass build up from the air intakes on the top of the mower cowl, around the engine and carburettor, and around the air filter body.
• The underside of the mower should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and grass build up; any build up will adversely affect grass catching and mulching performance and can promote corrosion on steel baseplates.

4 Stroke mower primer button Spark plug

- When cleaning the underside of the mower, always tilt handle back to ground level so the front wheels are off the ground and spark plug is pointing to the sky. Tilting in other direction can cause the oil to contaminate the fuel & damage air filter causing starting difficulties.

- A hose may be used on the underside of your mower ONLY. Care must be taken to NOT

get water into the engine, as it may damage the magneto or get into the fuel system.

- If your mower is fitted with a washport, simply attach a garden hose whilst the engine is running and turn on the water.

- On Instart models keep the battery, starter switch, starter motor and all leads dry.

- To prevent chassis corrosion, the underside of your mower should be cleaned immediately after mowing an area which has been recently dressed with sulphate of ammonia or fertiliser.

- After cleaning, run the engine briefly to dry off excess moisture before storing.

Washport

(Only on some baseplate models)

Storage

Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits to form in the fuel system. Drain the fuel for long term storage.

Maintenance Chart
Features Requirements		Before Start	After Finish	Refuelling	Weekly	Monthly	If Faulty	If Damaged/Faulty	As Required
Lawnmower	Visual inspection (leaks)	●		●
Throttle lever	Check operation		●
Remote air filter hose	Check	●				●
Cutting system (Blades)	Inspect and check assemblyReplace*	●					●	●
Rear flap	Inspect and check assembly	●							●
Chassis	Check for buildup of grassCleanReplace		●●					●
Air filter	CheckCleanReplace	●●					●
Engine cylinder fins	Clean					●			●
Spark plug	Replace						●		●
All accessible fasteners	CleanRetighton	●							●
Engine mounting bolts	CheckRetighton					●			●
Mulching plug	Inspect and check assembly	●							●
Muffler	InspectReplace					●		●●	●
Grasscatcher	CheckCleanReplace	●	●					●
Check oil	Check	●

* Victa recommends that certain maintenance, repair and inspection work be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.

re carrying out maintenance, STOP the engine, disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug and move it well away from the spark plug. Remove the starter key from the ignition switch of Keystart models and disconnect the battery.

er attempt maintenance that is not outlined in this manual. All repair work must be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Correction
Does not start	Out of fuel Refill tank with correct fuelThrottle lever in incorrect position Refer to 'Starting Procedures'Spark plug lead not connectedEngine floodedDirty spark plug Replace spark plugStale fuel in tank from last season Contact Service CentreWater in fuel tank Contact Service CentreService required Contact Service CentreEngine worn Contact Service CentreLow or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oilBattery discharged - Electric start models	Press terminal cover fully onto the spark plugTurn fuel tap 'OFF'. Pull starter cord until engine starts, then turn fuel tap 'ON'Charge battery
Loss of power	Incorrect throttle setting Set throttle lever in the 'RUN' positionDirty air filter element Clean or replaceToo low height adjustment Raise cutting heightLow or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil
Poor cutting or catching	Blades worn or damagedBlade disc looseSlow runningBlades restricted by grass and dirt accumulated under the baseplateBlocked vents in grasscatcher	ReplaceContact Service CentreRefer to 'Loss of Power' aboveRemove spark plug lead and clean under the baseplateClean vents
Excessive vibrations	Build up of grass and dirt on upper surface of blade discBlades out of balanceBent or damaged disc or bladeLooseness of assemblyLow or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil	CleanReplace both bladesReplace disc or both bladesCheck all nuts for tightness
Engine stops frequently	Fuel supply blockedEngine worn or seizedFuel cap not ventingLow or no oil (4 stroke) Top up with correct oil	Check fuel lineContact Service CentreCheck / Loosen cap slightly

If running difficulties continue, please contact your closest Victa Authorised Service Centre. You will find the latest Service Centre listing on the Victa website, www.victa.com.au or contact Victa Customer Service 1800 356 632.

Blade Replacement

For Your Safety

• Before starting the mower check blades and bolts for damage or wear.
• Victa recommends that all maintenance, repair and inspection work be carried out by a Victa Authorised Service Centre.

Worn and damaged blades are major hazards.

• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead before fitting new blades.
  • Work from the grasscatcher flap.

With the rear flap secured, undo the blade nut, applying upward pressure to the bolt head into the blade disc. (the head of the bolt will not rotate due to the diamond shape in the underside of the head).

Assembly: Fit as per the drawing remembering to push the head of the bolt into the blade disc (this will stop the bolt head from turning). Ensure correct order of assembly.

DO NOT lay mower on its side (4 Stroke models).

Exploded view diagram of a mechanical assembly with multiple components and alignment lines (no text or labels)

• We recommend changing blades, bolts, nuts and washers as a set. Metal fatigue and damage may occur which may not be visible to the operator. Always replace all blades to ensure correct engine balance, reducing vibration and wear. Tighten nuts on blade bolts to 14-19 Nm.
  • Always turn the nut to check tightness, not the bolt.

Use only genuine replacement parts made and guaranteed by Victa. Insist on them from your parts and service dealer. Detailed fitting instructions are printed on genuine Victa blade packs. Use of non-genuine blades may void your warranty, and could result in damage or injury.

©2018 Briggs & Stratton

Victa, Victa Razor & Aerogrip are

trademarks of Briggs & Stratton Australia Pty. Ltd.

ABN 13 006 576 856

All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission. All information herein is subject to change without notice.