Classic 4.62 SPIA Plus - Lawn mower AL-KO - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Gasoline lawn mower
Brand	AL-KO
Model	Classic 4.62 SPIA Plus
Cutting width	46 cm
Cutting height adjustment	Central or per wheel, multiple notches (20–75 mm)
Engine	4-stroke, unleaded gasoline
Fuel tank capacity	Approximately 1 L
Grass catcher capacity	Approximately 50 L
Weight	Approximately 28 kg
Main functions	Mowing, mulching (optional kit), side discharge (optional)
Transmission	Optional drive wheel, vario (optional)
Safety	Safety bar, deflector flap, engine stop
Maintenance	Cleaning after use, blade sharpening, oil change, air filter and spark plug
Warranty	Legal according to country of purchase

Frequently Asked Questions - Classic 4.62 SPIA Plus AL-KO

How to start the AL-KO Classic 4.62 SPIA Plus lawn mower?

To start manually, press the primer bulb 3 times (5 times if <10°C), then hold the safety bar and pull the starter cable quickly. Release the cable gently. Never start in an enclosed area.

How to adjust the cutting height?

Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop. Depending on the model, use the central or per-wheel adjustment: push the release lever and move it to the desired height. Make sure all wheels are on the same notch.

What type of gasoline to use?

Use regular unleaded gasoline. Only refuel when the engine is cold and outdoors. Follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations.

How to use the grass catcher?

Lift the deflector flap and hang the catcher on the brackets. The level indicator rises as the catcher fills; empty it when it is in the high position. Only remove the catcher when the engine is off and the blade is stopped.

Can I use the mower without the grass catcher?

Yes, but only with the deflector flap spring operational. The flap seals against the housing and ejects grass downwards and backwards. Never mow without protection.

How to install the mulching kit?

Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop. Remove the grass catcher, lift the deflector flap, and insert the mulching kit into the discharge opening until it locks. Make sure it clicks into place.

What to do if the mower does not start?

Check the fuel level, spark plug, air filter, and that the blade spins freely. Recharge the starter battery if equipped. Start on an already mowed surface.

How to maintain the cutting blade?

Wear gloves. Regularly check the blade for wear or damage. Have it sharpened or replaced by a professional. Unbalanced blades cause vibrations.

How to drain the engine oil?

Place a container under the engine, remove the drain plug, and let the oil drain completely. Dispose of used oil at a recycling center. Do not pour it down the drain.

Where to find spare parts?

Contact an authorized after-sales service center or your dealer. Use only genuine AL-KO parts to preserve the warranty.

USER MANUAL Classic 4.62 SPIA Plus AL-KO

Technical line drawing of two lawn lawn mawls, one with a flat blade and the other with a closed body (no text or symbols)

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GB: Operating Instructions .....18

Illustration of a person using a cable to lift a vehicle, showing hand positioning and motion direction (no text or symbols)

©

Illustration of a lawn mower with directional arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols on the diagram itself)

Technical diagram of a mechanical device with attached wires and connectors, showing a close-up view of a cable being inserted (no text or symbols present)

Zu diesem Handbuch

• Read through these operating instructions before starting up the machine. This is a prerequisite for safe and trouble-free working. Before use, familiarize yourself with the control elements and the correct use of the machine.
  ■ You should save these instructions, and also pass them on to any subsequent users.
• Observe the safety and warning signs on the machine.

Pictogram description

Caution!

Strict following of these warning alerts can prevent injury to persons and/or materials.

Special information for better understanding and handling.

The camera symbol refers to illustrations

Contents

About this handbook....22

Product description....22

Safety and protection devices 22

Safety instructions 24

Assembly 25

Fuelling 25

Initial startup 26

Starting electrically (optional) 30

Maintenance and care 32

Storage 33

Repairs 33

Disposal....33

Faults and remedies....34

Warranty 35

EC declaration of conformity 35

Product description

This document describes various models of petrol lawnmowers. Some models are equipped with a grass catcher and/or are suitable for mulching.

Please identify your particular model in the product illustrations and descriptions of the various options.

Proper use

This equipment is intended for moving lawns on private property and should be used on dry grass only.

Use for any other purpose is considered improper use.

Incorrect use

■ This lawnmower is not suitable for use in public spaces, parks, sports grounds, farming or forestry
■ Safety devices must not be removed or bypassed
■ Do not use the equipment on damp grass, or if it is raining
■ The equipment is intended for domestic use only

Safety and protection devices

Caution - Risk of injury!

Safety/protection devices should not be disabled!

Safety brake handle

The lawnmower is equipped with a safety brake. Release the brake handle if there is an immediate danger.

Lawnmower without blade coupling:

■ Mower blade is stopped
■ Motor is stopped

Lawnmower with blade coupling:

■ Mower blade is stopped
■ Motor continues running

Deflector plate

The deflector plate provides protection against any projectiles thrown up.

1 Starter cable 7 Cutting height adjustment*
2 Wheel drive* 8 Vario transmission*
3 Safety brake handle 9 Operating instructions
4 Fill level indicator* 10 Outlet shaft insert*
5 Deflector plate* 11 Cover flap*
6 Grass catcher* 12 Mulch kit*
		* depending on version

Symbols on the device

	Caution!Be particularly careful when handling.		Remove the spark plug connector before working on the cutting gear.
	Before initial startup read the instructions for use! Rel		the motor brake.
	Keep other people out of the danger area! Switch on		the drive.
	Keep hands and feet away from the cutting gear!
	Keep away from the danger area.

Additional symbols on lawnmowers with Electrostart

Caution! Risk of electric shock.

Keep the connection line away from the mower blades.

If the cable is damaged, or when carrying out maintenance work, always disconnect the equipment from the mains supply.

Safety instructions

Caution!

Use the equipment only if it is in correct operating condition!

Caution - Risk of injury!

Safety/protection devices should not be disabled!

Caution - risk of fire!

After fuelling, do not store the machine in buildings where the petrol fumes might come into contact with naked flames or sparks!

Keep the area around the motor, exhaust, battery case, and fuel tank clear of grass cuttings, petrol and oil.

• Keep other people out of the danger area
  ■ The machine operator or user is responsible for any accidents affecting other people or their property
  ■ Children, or any persons who have not read these operating instructions, should not be allowed to use this machine
  ■ Follow the local regulations regarding the minimum age for operators of this type of machine
  ■ Do not use the equipment if under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication

■ Wear appropriate work clothes

Long trousers
Hard, non-slip shoes
■ Hearing protection

■ If working on slopes
■ always make sure you are positioned securely
■ always work across the slope, never upward or downward

do not work on slopes where the gradient is greater than 20^
■ Take particular care when turning

■ Only use the lawnmower if there is sufficient daylight or artificial lighting
- Keep the body, limbs and clothing away from the cutting gear
■ Follow the hours of use regulations applying in the country concerned
■ Do not leave the equipment unattended when ready to operate
■ Only use the lawnmower if the mower blade is sharp
■ Do not operate the equipment if the safety devices / protective grilles are damaged
■ Never operate the equipment if the safety devices are not fully assembled (e.g. deflector plate, grass catching devices)
■ Before each use, check the equipment for damage; replace any damaged parts before using again
■ Switch off the motor, wait for the equipment to come to a standstill, then pull out the spark plug connector
■ if leaving the equipment unattended
■ if a fault has occurred
■ before clearing blockages
■ before removing obstructions
■ if the lawnmower has run into foreign objects
■ if malfunctions or unusual vibrations occur on the machine

Check the lawnmower for damage, and carry out the necessary repairs before restarting or using the lawnmower again.

■ Insert the spark plug connector and start the motor
■ after correcting the fault (see Faults table) and checking the equipment
■ after cleaning the equipment

■ Carefully check the ground to be mowed, and remove any foreign objects

■ Take particular care when turning the lawnmower around, or if pulling it towards you

■ Do not mow over obstacles (such as branches, tree roots)

■ Remove cuttings only when the motor has stopped
■ Switch off the motor / mower blade when passing over areas other than those that have to be mowed
■ Never lift or carry the equipment while the motor is running
■ Do not eat or drink when topping up the petrol or motor oil
■ Do not inhale the petrol fumes
■ Move the machine at walking speed
■ Before use, ensure that all nuts, screws and bolts are securely fastened.

Assembly

Follow the accompanying assembly instructions.

Caution!

The equipment can be used only after complete assembly.

Fuelling

Fill the lawnmower with fuel before the initial startup.

Warning - risk of fire!

Petrol and oil are highly inflammable!

Always observe the operating instructions supplied by the motor manufacturer.

Operating fluids

	Petrol Motor oil
Grade Regular petrol / unleaded		Refer to the motor manufacturer's instructions
Filling capacity	Refer to the motor manufacturer's instructions	about 0.6 l

Safety

Warning!

Never leave a motor running in an enclosed space. Toxic hazard!

■ Store petrol and oil only in containers intended for this purpose
■ Only add or drain oil in the open air, and when the motor has cooled down
■ Do not add petrol or oil while the motor is running
■ Do not overfill the tank (petrol expands)
■ Do not smoke when refuelling
■ Do not open the tank lock when the motor is running or when hot
■ Replace the tank or tank lock if damaged
■ Always close the tank cap firmly
■ If petrol has been spilt:
Do not start the motor
Do not start the equipment
Clean the equipment
■ If motor oil has been spilled:
Do not start the motor
Soak up the spilled oil with an oil binding agent and dispose of appropriately
Clean the equipment

Used oil should not be:

■ disposed of with domestic rubbish
■ poured into the sewage system, drains, or onto the ground

We recommend to collect the used oil in a closed container and to deliver it to a suitable recycling or service station.

Adding petrol

1. Unscrew the tank cap, and keep in a clean place.
2. Pour in petrol using a funnel.
3. Firmly replace the cap on the filler opening and clean it.

Adding motor oil

1. Unscrew the filler cap, and keep in a clean place.
2. Pour in oil using a funnel.
3. Firmly replace the cap on the filler opening and clean it.

Initial startup

Caution!

The equipment should not be used if the cutting gear and/or fastenings are loose, damaged or worn.

Carry out a visual inspection before each start-up.

The camera symbol on the following page refers to the illustrations on Page 4–7.

Adjusting the cutting height

Caution - Risk of injury!

Adjust the cutting height only with the motor switched off and when the mower blade has come to a standstill.

- Always set all the wheels to the same cutting height.

- Cutting height adjustment depends on the particular model.

Axle adjustment or central adjustment (1, 2)

1. To release the lever, press to the side and hold.
2. Push the lever to the left or right to select the desired cutting height.
3. Let the lever click into position.
4. Check that all wheels are set to the same position.

Quick adjustment of individual wheels or axle adjustment (3)

1. To release the lever, press to the side and hold.
2. Push the lever to the left or right to select the desired cutting height.
3. Let the lever click into position.
4. Check that all wheels are set to the same position.

Central axle adjustment (c)

1. Place a thumb at each end of the axle.
2. Place the fingers under the mower housing.
3. Using both thumbs, press the axle out of its present height setting notch.
4. Using both thumbs, push the axle to the desired height setting notch, then allow it to engage.
5. Check that all wheels are set to the same position.

Mowing with the grass catcher

Caution - Risk of injury!

Attach/detach the grass catcher only when the motor is switched off and the mower blade has come to a standstill.

1. Lift the deflector plate and insert the grass catcher in the holders (☐ 6).

Important!

Only a correctly attached and undamaged grass collector offers sufficient protection against flying objects!

Fill level indicator

The fill level indicator is pushed upward by the air flow when mowing (☐ 5a).

If the grass catcher is full, the indicator points to the box (5b). The grass catcher must be emptied.

Emptying the grass catcher

1. Lift the deflector plate.
2. Unhook the grass catcher and pull backward to remove (☐ 6).
3. Empty the grass catcher.
4. Lift the deflector plate and insert the grass catcher in the holders (6).

Mowing without the grass catcher

Caution!

Only work without the grass catcher if the deflector plate torsion spring is working correctly.

The deflector plate is held to the mower spring force. This causes the mowed grass to be thrown backward and downward.

Mulching with the mulch kit (optional)

When mulching, the grass cuttings are not collected, but are left on the lawn. The grass mulch prevents the soil from drying out, and supplies it with nutrients.

The best results are obtained by cutting back regularly by about 2 cm. Only young grass with a soft leaf texture decomposes quickly.

■ Grass height before mulching: 8 cm maximum
■ Grass height after mulching: 4 cm minimum

Adapt your walking pace to the mulching process, do not walk too fast.

Inserting the mulch kit

Caution - Risk of injury!

Insert/remove the mulch kit only with the motor switched off and when the mower blade has come to a standstill.

1. Remove the grass catcher ( 6).
2. Lift the deflector plate and insert the mulch kit in the outlet shaft (☐ 7). It must lock into place.

If the mulch kit is not locked into position, both the mulch kit and the mower blade may be damaged.

Removing the mulch kit

1. Lift the deflector plate.
2. Release the lock on the mulch kit ( 8/1).
3. Pull out the mulch kit ( 8/2).

Mowing with side discharge unit (option)

Important – Danger of injury!

Attach or remove the side discharge unit only when the motor has been switched off and the cutting blade is at a standstill.

housing by

Fitting the side discharge unit

1. Remove the grass collector and fit the mulching kit.
2. Press the release lever on the cover of the side discharge unit (9/1).
3. Open and hold the cover of the side discharge unit (9/2).

4. Fit the side discharge tunnel ( 9/3).

5. Slowly close the cover. The cover secures the side discharge tunnel to prevent it from falling out.

Removing the side discharge unit

1. Open and hold the cover of the side discharge unit (9/2).
2. Remove the side discharge unit and close the cover (9/3).

Starting the motor

Caution - risk of poisoning!

Never leave a motor running in an enclosed space.

Caution - Risk of injury!

Do not tilt the lawnmower while starting.

• Start the motor only when the blade is mounted (the blade acts as a flywheel mass)
• If starting the motor when hot do NOT use the choke or primer button
• Do not change the motor controller settings

■ Do not start the equipment if the outlet shaft is not covered by one of the following parts:

Grass catcher
Deflector plate
Mulch kit

■ Be particularly careful when operating the starter switch - follow the manufacturer's instructions
- Keep your feet at a safe distance from the cutting gear
■ Start the lawnmower where the grass is shorter

Starting manually

without remote throttle control, with primer (☐10)

1. Press the primer button 3 times at intervals of about 2 seconds (☐ 10). If the temperature is below 10 °C, press the primer button 5 times.
2. Pull in the safety brake handle on the handlebar and hold it (11) – the brake handle does not lock.
3. Pull out the starter cord sharply, then allow it to slowly rewind (☐ 12).

Motor speed (rpm value) is fixed. Motor speed cannot be adjusted.

without remote throttle control, without primer/choke

1. Pull in the safety brake handle on the handlebar and hold it (☐ 11) – the brake handle does not lock.
2. Pull out the starter cord sharply, then allow it to slowly rewind (☐ 12).

Motor speed (rpm value) is fixed. Motor speed cannot be adjusted.

Electrostart without primer/choke

1. Pull in the safety brake handle on the handlebar and hold it (☐ 11) – the brake handle does not lock.
2. Turn the ignition key fully to the right in the ignition lock (13).
3. As soon as the motor starts running, release the ignition key (it returns automatically to position "0").

Turn the motor off

1. Release the safety brake handle (17)
2. The motor is switched off.

Caution - danger of serious cut injuries!

The motor may continue running. After switching off, make sure the motor has stopped turning.

Wheel drive (optional) (4)

Caution!

Engage the transmission only when the motor is running.

Switching on the wheel drive

1. Press the transmission control handle against the handlebar and hold it (☐ 14) – the transmission control handle does not lock.
2. The wheel drive is switched on.

Switching off the wheel drive

1. Release the transmission control handle ( 16).
2. The wheel drive is switched off.

Vario transmission (Speed Control) (optional)

Vario transmission Fast Slow

The Vario transmission allows continuous variation of the ground speed of the lawnmower.

Caution!

Operate the lever only when the motor is running. Operating the lever without the motor drive may damage the drive mechanism.

■ To increase the speed, pull the lever(15) towards (45/2)
■ To lower the speed, pull the lever(15) towards (45/1)

Always adjust the ground speed to suit the current ground and lawn conditions.

Maintenance and care

Caution - Risk of injury!

• Before carrying our any care or maintenance work, always switch off the motor and pull out the spark plug connector.
• The motor may continue running. After switching off, make sure the motor has stopped turning.

• Always wear working gloves when carrying out maintenance or repair work.

• Check the grass catcher regularly for wear, and to ensure it is working correctly
  ■ Clean the equipment after each use
  ■ Do not wash the equipment by hosing or spraying with water Water infiltration can cause faults (in the ignition system, carburettor)
  ■ Check the mower blade regularly for damage
  ■ Always replace the muffler if faulty

Tilting the lawnmower

Depending on the motor manufacturer:

■ the carburettor / air filter must be facing upward (18)
■ the spark plug must be facing upward (19)

Follow the operating instructions of the motor manufacturer!

Resharpening/replacing the mower blade

■ Blunt or damaged blades should be resharpened / replaced only at a service point or by an authorised specialist
■ Resharpened blades must be rebalanced

Caution!

Blades that have not been rebalanced can cause serious vibrations, and may result in damage to the lawnmower.

■ Always have the equipment checked out by a professional in the following cases:

■ after bumping against an obstacle
■ if the motor stops suddenly
■ if there is damage to the transmission
■ if the V-belt is faulty
if the blade is bent
■ if there is warping of the motor shaft

Charging the starter battery (optional)

■ Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.

Caution!

Use only the original battery charger supplied.

• Charge the starter battery only in dry, well-ventilated rooms.
• Do not start up the lawnmower while the battery is charging.

Care of the motor

Changing the motor oil

1. Have a suitable container ready to collect the used oil.
2. Drain or suction off all the oil through the oil filler opening.

Dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment!

We recommend to collect the used oil in a closed container and to deliver it to a suitable recycling or service station.

Used oil should not be

• disposed of with domestic rubbish
• poured into the sewage system or drains
• poured out onto the ground

Changing the air filter

■ Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.

Changing the spark plug

■ Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.

Wheel drive (optional)

Adjusting the Bowden cable

If the wheel drive can no longer be switched on or off while the motor- is running, the related Bowden cable needs to be adjusted.

Caution!

Adjust the Bowden cable only when the motor is switched off.

1. Turn the adjuster on the Bowden cable in the direction of the arrow (20).
2. To test the cable setting, switch on the motor and switch on the wheel drive.
3. If the wheel drive is still not working, the lawnmower must be taken to a service point or an authorised specialist.

Lubricating the drive pinion

■ From time to time, lubricate the drive pinion on the transmission shaft

The wheel drive gearing is maintenance free.

Storage

Caution - risk of explosion!

Do not store the equipment where there are naked flames or heat sources.

■ Allow the motor to cool down
■ Store the equipment in an area which is kept dry, and which cannot be accessed by children or unauthorised persons
■ Store the starter battery where it will be protected from frost
■ Recharge the starter battery from time to time
- Drain the fuel tank
■ Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the motor.
■ Pull out the spark plug connector

Repairs

Repairs should be carried out only by a service point or an authorised specialist.

Disposal

Do not dispose of old equipment, batteries or accumulators as household waste!

Machine, packaging, and accessories were made with recyclable materials, and should be disposed of accordingly.

Faults and remedies

Caution!

The motor shaft and mower blade should not be aligned.

Fault Solution
The motor does not start▪	Add petrolSet throttle lever to "Start"Switch on the chokePress the motor switch at the handlebarCheck the spark plugs and replace if necessary.Clean the air filter.Spin the mower bladeRecharge the starter batteryStart on a surface already mowed
Motor power reduced▪ Adjust the cutting heightResharpen / replace the mower bladeClean the outlet shaft/housingClean the air filter.Reduce the working speed
Lawnmower cuts unevenly▪	Resharpen/replace the mower bladeAdjust the cutting height
Grass catcher does not fill sufficiently	Adjust the cutting heightAllow the lawn to dryResharpen/replace the mower bladeClear the grille on the grass catcherClean the outlet shaft/housing
Wheel drive does not work▪	Adjust the Bowden cableV-belt faultyContact the service-workshopClean any dirt away from the wheel drive, toothed belt and gearingLubricate the freewheels (drive pinion on drive shaft) with spray oil
Wheels do not turn when the transmission is switched on	Retighten the wheel boltsWheel hub faultyV-belt faultyContact the service-workshop
Unusually strong vibrations in the lawnmower	Check the mower blade

For faults not listed in this table, or which you cannot resolve by yourself, please contact our customer service.

EC declaration of conformity

■ see assembly instructions

Warranty

If any material or manufacturing defects are found during the statutory customer protection period, we will either repair or replace the equipment, whichever we consider the more appropriate. This statutory period may vary according to the legislation in force in the country where the equipment was purchased.

Our warranty is valid only if: The warranty is no longer valid if:

■ The equipment has been used properly
■ The operating instructions have been followed
■ Genuine replacement parts have been used

■ The equipment has been tampered with
■ Technical modifications have been made
■ The equipment was not used for its intended purpose (for example, used for commercial or communal applications)

The following are not covered by warranty:

■ Paint damage due to normal wear
■ Wear parts identified by a border XXXXX(X) on the spare parts list

Combustion motors – these are covered by a separate warranty from the manufacturer concerned

To make a claim under warranty, please take this statement of warranty and proof of purchase to the nearest authorised customer service centre. This warranty does not affect the usual statutory rights of the customer relative to the seller.

Over dit handboek

1 Vrv zaganjalnika 7 Nastavitev višine rezanja*
2 Kolesni pogon* 8 Menjalnik Vario*
3 Varnostno streme 9 Navodila za uporabo
4 Kazalnik nivoja napolnjenosti* 10 Vstavek za izmetavanje*
5 Prestrezni zaklop* 11 Zaporna loputa*
6 Zbiralna košara za travo* 12 Komplet za zastiranje*
		* odvisno od izvedbe

Simboli na napravi

1 Uže pokretača 7 Namještanje visine rezanja*
2 Pogon kotača* 8 Vario prijenosnik*
3 Sigurnosni stremen 9 Upute za uporabu
4 Pokazatelj razine napunjenosti* 10 Nastavak za izbacivanje*
5 Zaklopac 11 Zatvarač*
6 Košara* 12 Komplet za malčiranje*
		* ovisno o izvedbi

Simboli na uređaju

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