Makita ELM4121 Electric Lawn Mower Instruction Manual

makita ELM4121 Electric Lawn Mower

SPECIFICATIONS

• Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
• Specifications may differ from country to country.
• The weight may differ depending on the attachment(s). The lightest and heaviest combination, according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2014, are shown in the table.

Symbols

The followings show the symbols used for the equipment. Be sure that you understand their meaning before use.

• Take particular care and attention. Read the instruction manual.
• DOUBLE INSULATION
• Danger; be aware of thrown objects. The distance between the tool and bystanders must be at least 15 m.
• Wait until all machine components have completely stopped before touching them.
• Keep the supply flexible cord away from the cutting blades.
• Beware of sharp blades. Blades continue to rotate after the motor is switched off. Remove the plug from the machine before maintenance or if cord is damaged.
• The noise of the machine is not more than 96 dB.
• Keep hands and feet away. Do not operate mower unless the guards and attachments are in proper place.

Intended use

The machine is intended for lawn mowing. Do not use the machine for other purposes. Use of the machine for operations other than the intended use could result in a hazardous situation.

Power supply

The tool should be connected only to a power supply of the same voltage as indicated on the nameplate, and can only be operated on single-phase AC supply. They are double-insulated and can, therefore, also be used from sockets without earth wire. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent in order to avoid a hazard.

For public low-voltage distribution systems of between 220 V and 250 V

Switching operations of electric apparatus cause voltage fluctuations. The operation of this device under unfavorable mains conditions can have adverse effects to the operation of other equipment. With a mains impedance equal or less than 0.422 Ohms (for ELM4121), it can be presumed that there will be no negative effects. The mains socket used for this device must be protected with a fuse or protective circuit breaker having slow tripping characteristics.

Noise

Applicable standard : EN60335

• NOTE: The declared noise emission value(s) has been measured in accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
• NOTE: The declared noise emission value(s) may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.
• WARNING: Wear ear protection.
• WARNING: The noise emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared value(s) depending on the ways in which the tool is used especially what kind of workpiece is processed.
• WARNING: Be sure to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

Vibration

The vibration total value (tri-axial vector sum) determined according to EN60335:

• Model ELM4121: Vibration emission (ah) : 2.5 m/s2 or less Uncertainty (K) : 1.5 m/s2
• Model ELM4620: Vibration emission (ah) : 2.5 m/s2 or less Uncertainty (K) : 1.5 m/s2
• Model ELM4621: Vibration emission (ah) : 2.5 m/s2 or less Uncertainty (K) : 1.5 m/s2

NOTE: The declared vibration total value(s) has been measured in accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
NOTE: The declared vibration total value(s) may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.

WARNING: The vibration emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared value(s) depending on the ways in which the tool is used especially what kind of workpiece is processed.
WARNING: Be sure to identify safety mea-sures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

EC Declaration of Conformity

For European countries only
The EC declaration of conformity is included as Annex A to this instruction manual.

SAFETY WARNINGS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

1.  Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the mower.
2.  Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower. Local regulations can restrict the age of the operator.
3.  Never operate the mower while people, espe-cially children, or pets are nearby.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
5. While operating the mower, always wear sub-stantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Avoid wearing clothing or jew-elry that is loose fitting or that has hanging cords or ties. They can be caught in moving parts.
6. Always wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from injury when using power tools. The goggles must comply with ANSI Z87.1 in the USA, EN 166 in Europe, or AS/NZS 1336 in Australia/New Zealand. In Australia/New Zealand, it is legally required to wear a face shield to protect your face, too.It is an employer’s responsibility to enforce the use of appropriate safety protective equip- ments by the tool operators and by other per-sons in the immediate working area.
7.  Before use, check the supply and power cord for signs of damage or aging. If the cord becomes damaged during use, disconnect the cord from the supply immediately. Do not touch the cord before disconnecting the supply. Do not use the mower if the cord is damaged or worn.
8. Operate the mower only in daylight or in good artificial light.
9. Avoid operating the mower in wet grass.
10. Never operate the mower in the rain.
11. Always keep a firm hold on the handle.
12.  Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
13.  Walk, never run.
14. Don’t grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the mower.
15. Physical condition – Do not operate mower while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication.
16. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades. Caution – Blades coast after the mower is switched off.
17. Use only the manufacturer genuine blades specified in this manual.
18. Check the blades carefully for cracks or dam-age before operation. Replace cracked or damaged blades immediately.
19. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
20. Remove foreign matters such as rocks, wire, bottles, bones and large sticks from the work area before mowing to prevent personal injury or damage to the mower
21. Stop operation immediately if you notice anything unusual. Switch off the mower and unplug the power cord from the power supply. Then inspect the mower.
22. Never attempt to make wheel height adjust-ments while mower is running.
23. Release switch lever and wait for blade rota-tion to stop before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel-covered areas. Also unplug the power cord from the power supply if you leave the mower, reach to pick up or remove something out of your way, or for any other reason that may distract you from what you are doing.
24. Objects struck by the mower blade can cause severe injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
25. If the mower strikes a foreign object, follow these steps:
    • Stop the mower, release the switch lever and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop.
    • Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
    • Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
    • Replace the blade if it is damaged in any way. Repair any damage before restarting and con-tinuing to operate the mower.
26. Check the grass basket frequently for wear or deterioration. For storage, always make sure the grass basket is empty. Replace a worn grass basket with a new factory replacement for safety.
27.  Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the mower towards you.
28.  Stop the blade(s) if the mower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the mower to and from the area to be used.
29. Never operate the mower with defective guards or shields, or without safety devices, for example deflectors and/or grass basket, in place.
30. Switch on the mower carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade(s).
31. Do not tilt the mower when switching on the motor, except if the mower has to be tilted for starting. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and lift only the part, which is away from the operator. Always ensure that both hands are in the operating position before returning the appliance to the ground.
32. Do not start the mower when standing in front of the discharge opening.
33.  Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
34.  Do not transport the mower while the mower is turned on.
35. Stop the mower, and remove plug from the socket. Make sure that all moving parts have come to a complete stop
    • whenever you leave the mower,
    • before clearing blockages or unclogging chute,
    • before checking, cleaning or working on the mower,
    • after striking a foreign object. Inspect the mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the mower.
36.  If the mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately)
    • inspect for damage,
    • replace or repair any damaged parts,
    • check for and tighten any loose parts.
37. Be careful during adjustment of the mower to prevent entrapment of the fingers between moving blades and fixed parts of the mower.
38. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when chang-ing direction on slopes. Do not mow exces-sively steep slopes.
39. Do not wash with a hose; avoid getting water in motor and electrical connections.
40. Check the blade mounting bolt at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
41. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
42. Take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
43. Always allow the mower to cool down before storing.
44. When servicing the blades be aware that, even though the power source is switched off, the blades can still be moved.
45. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety. Use only genuine replacement parts and accessories.
46. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
47. Follow instruction for lubricating and chang-ing accessories
48. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
49.  Check to make sure that the voltage and fre-quency of the power supply correspond to the specifications given on the identification plate. We recommend the use of a residual-current-op-erated circuit breaker (ground-fault circuit inter-rupter) with a tripping current of 30 mA or less, or an earth leakage current protector.
50. This machine can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabil-ities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruc-tion concerning use of the machine in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

Residual risks
Even if you are operating this product in accordance with all the safety requirements, potential risks of injury and damage remain. The following dangers can arise in connection with the structure and design of this product.

1. Health defects resulting from vibration emission if the product is being used over long periods of time or not adequately managed and properly maintained.
2. Injuries and damage to property due to broken application tools or the sudden impact of hidden objects during use.
3. Danger of injury and property damage caused by flying objects.

WARNING: This product produces an elec-tromagnetic field during operation. This field may under some circumstances interfere with active or passive medical implants. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, we recommend persons with medical implants to consult their doctor and the medical implant manufacturer before operat-ing this product.
WARNING: DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product (gained from repeated use) replace strict adherence to safety rules for the subject product MISUSE or failure to follow the safety rules stated in this instruction manual may cause serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before carrying out any work on the tool.

Assembling the handle

1. Unload the upper handle from the main unit of the machine.
2.  Loosen the thumb nuts.
3. Widen the handle outside a little, then raise the handle, then insert the protrusions of the handle into the holes, and then tighten the thumb nuts.
4. Attach the upper handle by inserting the levers from the outside of the handle, and then tighten the nuts with the wrench to secure the handle.
5. 5. Secure the cords with the clamps as shown in the figure.

Installing the grass basket

1. Attach the pipes of the grass basket to the frame.
2. Open the rear cover.
3. Insert the grass basket from the front side through the inside of the handle, and then hook the grass basket onto the rear side of the machine. To remove the grass basket, perform the installation procedure in reverse.

Connecting extension cord

WARNING: When connecting the extension cord to the power plug of the machine, make sure that the switch lever is released and the cord is unplugged from the power supply.
WARNING: Do not connect or disconnect the extension cord with wet hands.
NOTICE: When connecting the extension cord to the power plug of the machine, be sure to insert it fully into the socket.

Attaching the mulching attachment

1. Open the rear cover, and then remove the grass basket.
2. Attach the mulching attachment while holding down the lever, and then release the lever to lock the mulching attachment.

Attaching the discharge attachment

For ELM4620/ELM4621

1.  Open the rear cover, and then remove the grass basket.
2.  Attach the mulching attachment while holding down the lever, and then release the lever to lock the mulching attachment.
3. Open the right side cover, and then attach the discharge attachment.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Adjusting the mowing height

WARNING: Before adjusting the mowing height, unplug the extension cord from the power supply, and check that the blades have come to a
complete halt.
WARNING: Never put your hand or leg under the mower body when adjusting the mowing height. You can adjust the mowing height in the range of 20 mm to 75 mm. The mowing height can be adjusted in 7 lev-els (for ELM4121) or 8 levels (for ELM4620/ELM4621). For ELM4121

NOTE: Try a test mowing of grass in a less conspicu-ous place to get your desired height.

Switch action

WARNING: Before plugging in the tool, always check that the switch lever actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” position when released.
WARNING: For your safety, this machine is equipped with the lock-off button which prevents the tool from unintended starting. Never use the machine if it starts when you pull the switch lever without pressing the lock-off button. Ask your local Makita Service Center for repairs.
WARNING: Never disable the lock function or tape down the lock-off button.
NOTICE: Do not pull the switch lever forcibly without pressing the lock-off button. The switch may break.

For ELM4121/ELM4620
To start the machine, press the lock-off button, and then squeeze in the switch lever. To stop the machine, release the switch lever.

For ELM4621
To start the machine, press the lock-off button, and then squeeze in the switch lever. While squeezing the switch lever, squeeze the drive lever to drive the rear wheels. To stop the machine, release the switch lever and drive lever.

Level indicator of grass basket

The level indicator of the grass basket opens during mowing if the grass basket is not full. If the grass basket is full, the level indicator closes during mowing. If it’s full, empty the grass basket before starting mowing.

Using mulching attachment

The mulching attachment allows you to return the cut grass to the ground without gathering the cut grass in the grass basket. When you operate the machine with the mulching attachment, be sure to remove the grass basket.

Using discharge attachment

For ELM4620/ELM4621
The discharge attachment allows you to discharge the cut grass to the ground from the right side of the machine without gathering the cut grass in the grass basket. When you operate the machine with the dis-charge attachment, be sure to install the mulching attachment and remove the grass basket.

Adjusting the handle height

CAUTION: Before opening the levers, hold the upper handle firmly. Otherwise, the handle may fall and cause an injury.

The handle height can be adjusted in three levels. Open the levers of the handle outside while holding the upper handle, then adjust the handle height, and then close the levers.

Motor protection system (Over current relay)

WARNING: If the machine suddenly stops while operating it, release the switch lever and unplug the extension cord. Otherwise, the machine may suddenly restart and cause an injury.
CAUTION: Before removing an object that is jamming the blade, be sure to wear gloves and unplug the extension cord from the power socket.

If the cut off grass or dirt is jamming inside of the main body, the machine stops automatically to protect the motor (over current relay). In this case, unplug the extension cord from the power socket, then remove the material causing the jam, and then let the machine cool down for a few minutes before turning on the machine.

NOTE: The over current relay may be activated when wet or long grass gets caught up inside of the main body.

OPERATION

Mowing

WARNING: Before mowing, clear away sticks and stones from the mowing area. Furthermore, clear away any weeds from the mowing area in advance.
WARNING: Always wear the safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the mower.
CAUTION: If the cut grass or foreign object blocks up inside of the mower body, be sure to turn the power off, and then unplug the extension cord from the power socket. Before removing the grass or foreign object, be sure to wear gloves.
CAUTION: Be sure to install the grass bas-ket or mulching attachment when operating the machine.
NOTICE: Use this machine for mowing lawn only. Do not mow weeds with this machine.

• Firmly hold the handle with both hands when mowing.
• The mowing speed guideline is approximately one meter per four seconds.
• Start mowing near the power socket to ensure that the extension cord does not become an obstacle.
• Do not allow the extension cord to pass under or become entangled beneath the machine.
• The center lines of the front wheels are guidelines to mowing width. Using the center lines as guidelines, mow in strips. Overlap by one half to one third the previ-ous strip to mow the lawn evenly.
• Change the mowing direction each time to prevent the grass grain pattern from forming in just one direction.
• Periodically check the grass basket for mowed grass. Empty the basket before it becomes full. Before every periodic check, be sure to stop the machine.

NOTE: Using the mower with the grass basket full prevents smooth blade rotation and places an extra load on the motor, which may cause a breakdown.

Mowing a long-grass lawn

Do not try to cut long grass all at once. Instead, mow the lawn in steps. Leave a day or two between mowings until the lawn becomes evenly short.

Edge mowing

When mowing at the edge, be sure to face the left side of the machine toward the edge, and then move the machine along the edge.

MAINTENANCE

To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service
Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.

Maintenance after mowing

After mowing, wipe the machine with a dry cloth or a cloth dipped in soapy water. Also, use a soft brush to brush off grass cuttings and dirt from blades.

Storing

1.  Disconnect the extension cord.
2. Remove the grass basket.
3. Set the mowing height with the adjusting lever. For ELM4121: Set the mowing height to “2”.
4. Open the levers of the handle outside while holding the upper handle, then set the handle height to the middle, and then close the levers.
5.  Loosen the thumb nuts while holding the handle.
6. Widen the handle outside a little, and then fold the handle and insert the protrusions on the handle into the holes.
7. Tighten the thumb nuts.
8. Place the machine as shown in the figure.

CAUTION: Be sure to store this machine indoors and place it on a flat surface. Otherwise, the machine may fall and cause an injury.

Replacing the mower blade

1. Unplug the extension cord and stand up the machine. (Refer to the instructions for storing.)
2. Insert the pin into the hole, and then hold the han-dle with one hand and loosen the bolt with the wrench counter clockwise.
3. Remove the mower blade. For ELM4121 Remove the bolt, washer, mower blade, bracket, and spacer in order.
4. Attach a new mower blade, then insert the pin into the hole, and then hold the handle with one hand and tighten the bolt with the wrench clockwise firmly.

Adjustment of cable

For ELM4621
If the rear wheels do not rotate or do not rotate smoothly when you squeeze the drive lever, adjust the length of the cable.

1. Loosen the nut with a wrench while holding the sleeve with another wrench.
2. Rotate the sleeve.
3. Rotate the nut until the nut reaches the sleeve.
4. Tighten the nut with a wrench while holding the sleeve with another wrench.
5. Turn on the machine and check that the rear wheels rotate smoothly when you squeeze the drive lever. If the rear wheels do not rotate smoothly, adjust the length of the cable again.

Extension cord

You should only use extension cords for outdoor use, PVC or rubber cord ordinary duty with a cross sectional area not less than 1.5 mm2. Before and during use, check the supply and extension cords for damage. Do not use the appliance if the cord is damaged or worn. Keep extension cord away from cutting elements. If the cord is damaged during use, disconnect the cord from the supply immediately. Do not touch the cord before disconnecting the supply.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

CAUTION: These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makita tool specified in this manual. The use of any other accessories or attachments might present a risk of injury to persons. Only use accessory or attachment for its stated purpose.
If you need any assistance for more details regarding these accessories, ask your local Makita Service Center.

• Mower blade

NOTE: Some items in the list may be included in the tool package as standard accessories. They may differ from country to country.