Stiga MCS 474, Operator'S Manual

EN - 2

21)  On  power-driven  models,  disengage  the  wheel  drive 

before igniting the engine.

22) Use manufacturer-recommended attachments only.

23) Don’t use the machine if the attachments/tools are not 

installed in their seats. 

24) Disengage the cutting means, switch off the engine and 

unplug the spark plug cable (making sure that all moving 

parts are stationary):

–   When transporting the machine;

–   Whenever  you  leave  the  machine  unattended;  also  re

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move the key on models with electric ignition systems;

–   Before clearing blockages or unclogging the discharge 

chute;

–   Before checking, cleaning or working on the machine;

–   After  striking  a  foreign  object.  Inspect  the  machine  for 

damage and make repairs before using it again. 

25) Disengage the cutting means and switch off the engine:

–   Before  refuelling;

–   Whenever you remove or reattach the grass catcher;

–   Whenever  you  remove  or  reattach  the  side  discharge 

chute;

–   Before adjusting the cutting height, if this operation can 

not be performed from the driving seat.

26) When working, always keep a safe distance from the 

rotary cutting means, given by the length of the handle.

27) Reduce the throttle setting before stopping the engine. 

Shut off the fuel supply on completing the work, following 

the instructions in the engine manual.

28) WARNING –  If something breaks or an accident occurs 

whilst working, turn off the engine immediately and move 

the machine away to prevent further damage; if an accident 

occurs with injuries or third parties are injured, carry out the 

first aid measures most suitable for the situation immedi

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ately and contact the medical authorities for any necessary 

health care. Carefully remove any debris that might cause 

damage or harm persons or animals should it not be seen.

29) WARNING –  The noise and vibration levels shown in 

these  instructions  are  the  maximum  levels  for  use  of  the 

machine.  The  use  of  an  unbalanced  cutting  means,  the 

excessive speed of movement, or the absence of mainte

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nance have a significant influence on noise emissions and 

vibrations.  Consequently,  it  is  necessary  to  take  preven

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tive steps to eliminate possible damage due to high levels 

of  noise  and  stress  from  vibration.  Maintain  the  machine 

well,  wear  ear  protection  devices,  and  take  breaks  while 

working.

D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1)  WARNING!  –  Before  cleaning  or  doing  maintenance 

work, disconnect the spark plug cable and read the relevant 

instructions. Wear proper clothing and protective gloves 

whenever your hands are at risk.

2) WARNING! –  Never use the machine with worn or dam

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aged  parts.  Faulty  or  worn-out  parts  must  always  be  re

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placed and not repaired. Only use original spare parts: The 

use of non-original and/or incorrectly fitted parts will jeop

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ardize the safety of the machine, may cause accidents or 

personal  injuries  for  which  the  Manufacturer  is  under  no 

circumstance liable or responsible. 

3)  Any  adjustments  or  maintenance  operations  not  de

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scribed in this manual must be carried out by your Dealer 

or a specialized Service Centre with the necessary knowl

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edge and equipment to ensure that the work is done cor

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rectly maintaining the machine’s original safety level. Any 

operations  performed  in  unauthorized  centres  or  by  un

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qualified persons will totally invalidate the Warranty and all 

obligations and responsibilities of the Manufacturer.

4)    After  each  use,  disconnect  the  spark  plug  cable  and 

check for damage.

5) Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the ma

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chine  is  in  safe  working  condition.  Routine  maintenance 

is essential for safety and for maintaining a high perform

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ance level.

6) Check that the cutting means screws are properly tight

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ened on a regular basis.

7) Wear work gloves when handling, disassembling and re

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assembling all cutting means.

8) Keep the cutting means well balanced during sharpen

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ing. All work on the cutting means (disassembly, sharpen

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ing, balancing, reassembly and/or replacing) are demand

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ing jobs that require special skills as well as special tools. 

For  safety  reasons,  these  jobs  are  best  carried  out  at  a 

specialised centre.

9) Be careful during adjustment of the machine to prevent 

entrapment of the fingers between moving parts of the cut

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ting means and fixed parts of the machine.

10) Do not touch the cutting means until the spark plug ca

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ble has been disconnected and the cutting means is com

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pletely stationary. When servicing the cutting means, bear 

in mind that, even though the spark plug cable is discon

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nected, the cutting means can still move.

11)  Check  the  side  discharge  guard,  the  rear  discharge 

guard  and  the  grass  catcher  frequently.  Replace  them  if 

they are damaged.  

12) Replace any instruction or warning message stickers, 

if damaged.

13) Store the machine out of the reach of children.

14) Do not store the machine with fuel in the tank in an area 

where the fuel vapours could reach an open flame, a spark 

or a strong heat source.

15) Allow the engine to cool down before storing in any en

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closure.

16) To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine, silencer, bat

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tery  compartment  and  petrol  storage  area  free  of  grass, 

leaves,  or  excessive  grease.  Always  empty  the  grass 

catcher and do not leave containers full of cut grass inside 

storage areas. 

17) To reduce fire hazards, check there are no oil and/or 

fuel leaks on a regular basis. 

18) If the fuel tank has to be emptied, this should be done 

outdoors once the engine has cooled down.

E) TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING

1) Whenever the machine is to be handled, lifted, transport

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ed or tilted you must:

–   Wear sturdy work gloves;

–   Grasp  the  machine  at  the  points  that  offer  a  safe  grip, 

taking  into  account  the  weight  and  relative  distribution 

of the same

–   Use  an appropriate  number  of people  for  the  weight of 

the machine and the characteristics of the vehicle or the 

place where it must be placed or collected 

–   Make sure that machine movements do not cause petrol 

leaks, damage or injuries.

2) During transport, fasten the machine securely with ca

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bles or chains.

G) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

1) Environmental protection should be a priority of consid

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erable importance when using the machine, for the benefit 

of  both  social  coexistence  and  the  environment  in  which