Rover Thoroughbred 16″ & 14″ — Owners Manual

The owners manual for the Rover Thoroughbred cylinder mower in 16 and 14 inch widths — assembly, starting, setting the cutting cylinder with the newspaper test, chain adjustment, the full oil-gun lubrication schedule, and a fault-finding chart for an engine that will not start.

• ModelsRover Thoroughbred, 16″ and 14″ domestic cylinder mowers
• Pages8
• PublicationPart 0400 99760 · Form 00027

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Full text of this manual

A full transcription of the Rover Thoroughbred owners manual, covering both the 16″ and 14″ domestic cylinder mowers (part 0400 99760, form no. 00027).

You have bought a first class Product, but the useful life and amount of service you will obtain from your machine depends very much on the way it is used and maintained. Please read this instruction book carefully, make yourself thoroughly familiar with the controls, and follow the care and maintenance points outlined. If in doubt, write and ask us.

The lettered references (a), (b), (c) … and the figure numbers below refer to the line drawings in the viewer above.

Preparation (Figures 1 & 2)

These general instructions apply to both 14″ and 16″ models. For more comprehensive details regarding the engine please read the Engine Manufacturers Instructions which accompany this booklet.

After removing the mower from the carton, assemble as follows: fit the top section of the handle bar to the bottom section, taking care to place the large clamp washer (a) under the easy swing clamp knob (b), fit the lower bolt (c) and nyloc nut, tighten then release ⅛ of a turn. Fit the snorkel hose (d) to the filter body (e).

Variation of the handle bar height can be made by means of the fixing bolts at the mower chassis (o) — loosen the nuts one half turn, fix handle bar at the desired height, then securely tighten the lock nuts (o).

Check before starting

1. Engine oil — correct to level?
2. Fuel tank — plenty of fuel? (standard grade).
3. Rotate the cutting cylinder by hand to make sure that there is no obstruction. (Refer to further instructions for adjustment.)

Starting and operating

1. Turn on petrol tap.
2. Set throttle control to fast.
3. (a) Push primer 2 or 3 times (Kirby Tecumseh engines).
   (b) Pull out choke (Briggs & Stratton engines).
4. Pull starting cord sharply, and when engine starts set throttle to desired engine speed. Allow to warm up for a minute or so.
5. Lift clutch lever gently to mow. There is no need to grip tightly; fingertip pressure will suffice.

All Rover Cylinder Mowers are fitted with a centrifugal clutch which allows automatic disengagement of the cutting cylinder and landroll when the engine is set to idle speed by the throttle control.

Adjustments — height of cut (Figure 3) and grass catching

Adjustment is effected by the height control knob (f) at the left hand side front of the mower. A convenient height scale (g) is fitted to allow you to alter and reset cutting heights consistently.

Rover’s patented easy swing handle bar allows you to edge cut alongside walls, fences etc., without the discomfort of getting caught up. Simply release the control knob (b) and swing handles to side, then retighten knob.

On some types of grass the concave grass deflector may have to be adjusted slightly to direct the cut grass into the grass catcher to ensure a full catch of grass. Simply release the two holding screws on the main chassis (h), move deflector up or down, then retighten the screws.

Setting the cutting cylinder to the bottom blade (Figure 4)

Make sure the fuel tap is turned off, then tilt the mower backwards on to the handle bars. The correct setting should be that the blades of the cylinder make a light sliding contact with the bottom blade.

To check if the contact is correct, a piece of newspaper should be cut cleanly between the blades. If the paper is not cut cleanly, adjustment is necessary.

To adjust, slacken the set screw lock nuts (j) and using a screwdriver adjust each set screw ⅛ of a turn alternately till the proper setting has been effected. Carefully retighten the lock nuts and recheck the adjustment.

Avoid having this adjustment overtight as the mower will not cut any better but premature wear will take place on the cutting cylinder and the bottom blade.

Chain adjustments (Figure 5)

Remove left hand cover plate.

Adjustment of the primary chain is by means of a nylon sliding block (k). Loosen the locking nut and adjust the block until the chain is slightly slack; not tight.

The secondary and final chains are adjusted as one, by means of a common mounting plate. Loosen the locking nuts and move the complete assembly upwards until both chains are slightly slack. Retighten the locknuts and check the adjustment. Readjust clutch control cable if necessary.

Engine adjustments

Refer to the Engine Manufacturers Instructions.

Fuel and lubricants

We recommend:

• AMPOL standard petrol
• AMPOL GT 20/30 MS Engine Oil
• AMPOL Multi Purpose Rgd. Grease

Instructions for use of the oil gun (included in kit)

1. Unscrew the filler cap and pull nozzle downwards to its fullest extent.
2. Fill gun with Ampol oil. Replace filler cap and press nozzle once or twice against a piece of wood to remove air bubbles.
3. Apply nozzle to lubrication nipple, make sure it is square with the end of the nipple and press firmly on the body of the gun two or three times.
4. Engine (refer to the Engine Manufacturers Instructions).
5. Cutting cylinder bearings: apply the oil gun every 20 hours working time.
6. Rear landroll: apply the oil gun every 20 hours working time.
7. Front roller: apply oil at each end of the shaft occasionally.
8. Clutch operating lever and throttle control: apply oil at each end occasionally.
9. Front roller pivots and height control screws: apply grease occasionally.
10. Chains: apply oil sparingly every 20 hours working time.

Cleaning the snorkel air filter

1. Disconnect snorkel tube from the air cleaner on the handle.
2. Pull top off air cleaner body and remove paper cartridge. Be careful not to allow accumulated dirt to fall into tube.
3. Gently tap or blow dirt from cartridge. Do not use solvents, do not wash. Remove cartridge if torn even slightly, or wetted.
4. Replace cartridge with open end to the bottom of air cleaner body, and replace top.
5. Make sure top and bottom hose connections are tight, and that hose has no holes or splits.

Storing

6. Wipe the cutting cylinder and bottom blade with an oily rag to avoid any rust build-up on these surfaces.
7. Clean grass cuttings away from engine mount, oil filler etc.
8. Drain petrol tank and carburettor if leaving for any length of time, and cover the whole machine to protect from dust.

The numbering above continues from the air filter list — that is how the original prints it.

Fault finding chart — engine will not start

The original sets this out as a branching diagram. It reads as follows.

• Fuel at carburettor
  • Spark at terminal — suspect:
    • Spark too weak to fire under compression
    • Spark plug oiled up
    • Incorrect plug gap
    • Low compression
    • Blocked carburettor jet
    • Water in fuel
    • Carburettor flooding
  • No spark at terminal — suspect:
    • Short in HT lead
    • Cut-out wire earthed
    • Dirty contact points
    • Incorrect points gap
    • Loose connections
    • Faulty condenser
    • Faulty coil
    • Flywheel key sheared
• No fuel at carburettor — suspect:
  • Tank empty
  • Fuel tap closed
  • Blocked fuel pipe
  • Air lock in fuel pipe
  • Breather hole in tank cap blocked
• Also check, whatever the symptom: controls sticking and air leakage.

Your guide to safer mowing

Engineering skill and experience have been combined in most modern power mowers to provide safety and efficiency. However, as with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in injury. Protect yourself and others by following these safety steps:

1. Know your controls. Read the owner’s manual carefully. Learn how to stop engine quickly in any emergency.
2. Make sure the lawn is clear of sticks, stones, bones, wire and debris. They could be thrown by the blade.
3. Stop the engine and disconnect spark plug wire before checking or working on the mower.
4. Before using, always visually inspect to see that blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance. Damaged blades and worn bolts are major hazards.
5. Check all nuts, bolts and screws often; always be sure the mower is in safe operating condition. Use only replacement parts made and guaranteed by the original manufacturer of your mower.
6. Add fuel before starting engine. Avoid spilling petrol and do not fill the tank while engine is running or while you are smoking.
7. Do not mow whilst people, especially children, or pets are in the mowing area.
8. Never use the mower unless the grass catcher, or guards provided by the manufacturer, are in position.
9. Do not mow barefoot or in open sandals. Wear long trousers and heavy shoes.
10. Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting.
11. Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.
12. Do not operate engine in a confined space where exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) can collect.
13. Stop engine whenever you leave the mower, even for a moment.
14. Stop the engine before pushing mower across gravel drives, walks or roads.
15. Do not allow children, or people unfamiliar with these instructions, to use the mower.
16. On slopes or wet grass, be extra careful of your footing.
17. Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you.
18. Never use an electrically powered mower in the rain or when grass is wet.
19. Be extremely careful when using a riding mower on slopes.
20. Never leave wind-up starters in a wound condition.
21. Do not over-speed the engine or alter governor settings. Excessive speed is dangerous and shortens mower life.
22. It is advisable to wear suitable eye protection when operating a mower.
23. Turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing and reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out.
24. Store fuel in a cool place in a container specifically designed for the purpose. In general, plastic containers are unsuitable.
25. Never pick up or carry a mower when it is operating.

Ride-on mowers — special safety hints

1. Do not carry passengers.
2. Do not allow children to operate vehicle.
3. Mow up and down slopes, never across.
4. Reduce speed on slopes, and in sharp turns. Be especially cautious when turning on a slope.
5. Always disengage cutter head when not mowing.
6. Always be careful where you place your feet when mounting or dismounting. It is good practice to turn the engine off before dismounting, even for a short period.
7. Never make adjustments while engine is running.

Your warranty (as printed)

Genuine spare parts. Always use genuine Rover Factory Made Spares. Using genuine protects your warranty and costs you no more.

Rover Mowers (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. warrant that this machine is free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is limited to making good or replacing for the original purchaser any part or parts that appear upon inspection by the manufacturer, at his works, to be defective in material or workmanship.

This warranty shall apply for a period of twelve months from the date of delivery. The labour costs involved in such repairs will be borne by the manufacturer for the first three months and then thereafter by the purchaser. This warranty does not obligate the manufacturer to bear the transportation costs incurred in the repair or replacement of any defective parts.

This warranty excludes fair wear and tear, or any damage caused by accidents, abuse, or misuse. Parts such as blades, blade bolts and spark plugs, which can be subjected to use beyond their normal intended working capacity, are also excluded. This warranty does not apply if parts, other than genuine, have been used or if repairs or alterations have been made without the manufacturer’s written authority.

Commercial and semi-commercial users are not covered by this warranty, but consideration will be given to claims.

This warranty is reproduced for historical completeness only. It expired with the original purchaser decades ago and confers no rights today. Note it is a Rover warranty, and differs from the Scott Bonnar Limited wording used on the other manuals here — twelve months on parts but labour covered for only the first three.

Rover Mowers (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. (as printed)

Head office and factory: 155 Fison Avenue, Eagle Farm, Brisbane, Queensland 4007.

• New South Wales: 73 Madeline St., Enfield, Sydney 2136
• Victoria and Tasmania: 37 Edward St., Oakleigh, Melbourne 3166
• South Australia: 129 Frederick St., Welland, Adelaide 5007
• Far North Queensland (distributor): Braschs Pty. Ltd., Cairns
• Western Australia (factory representative & spare parts distributor): D. E. Withers & Co. Pty. Ltd., Perth

The manual also offered a winter service plan through all Rover branches, to have the machine serviced ahead of the mowing season.

Telephone numbers are printed in a separate column beside these addresses in the original; because the column can’t be paired to the addresses reliably from the scan, they are left to the page images above rather than guessed at. None of these offices still trade.

Transcribed from the Rover Mowers (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. owners manual, part 0400 99760. The scanned pages in the viewer above are the authoritative source.