Commercial 30

Operator must have the blade control bail depressed to start the motor. Releasing the blade control bail will cause the motor to stop.

Variable

Speed Range: 0–3.5 mph (5.6 km/hr)

• Cutting Width: 30 inches (76.2 cm)

• Blade Size: (2 ea.): 15.4 inches (39.1 cm)

• Deck: 30 inches rigid. Deck design allows for bagging, or mulching.

• Cutting Height Adjustment:

  Adjusts from 1 1/2 inch (3.8 cm) to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) increments.

• Mulching Kit: Standard

169 lb (76.6 kg)

32 inches (81 cm)

Located on the upper handle as shown in Figure 4.

When the blade control bail is depressed, the system senses that the operator is in the normal operator's position.

When the blade control bail is released, the system senses that the operator has moved from the normal operating position and will stop the machine.

When the blade control bail is released, the blade should stop within 3 seconds. If not, stop using the machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Figure 4

1. Handle
2. Self-propel drive bail
3. Blade control bar
4. Blade speed switch and electric start button
5. Park brake

Located on the upper handle as shown in Figure 4.

When the self-propel drive bail is squeezed against the handle, the machine ground speed will change based on the distance between the bail and the handle. When this bail is released the machine will stop moving.

Located on the upper handle, on the left side, in front of the self-propel bail.

The electric start button is used to start the machine.

Insert the button into the starter switch. Press the button and squeeze and hold the blade control bar to the handle.

The machine has three blade speed settings: ”LOW”, AUTO”, and “MAX”. Turn the key in the key switch to either position to adjust the blade speed setting.

Located on the upper handle.

Engage the parking brake by pulling the brake lever up towards the handle.

Figure 5

Disengage the parking brake by pushing the brake lever down away from the handle.

Figure 6

Important: Use the battery pack only in temperatures that are within the appropriate range.

1. Make sure that the vents on the battery are clear of any dust and debris.

2. Lift up the battery-compartment lid.

3. Line up the cavity in the battery pack with the tongue on the machine and slide the battery pack into the compartment until it locks into place.

4. Close the battery-compartment lid.

   Note: If the battery-compartment lid does not close completely, the battery is not fully installed.

The height of the handle can be adjusted for comfortable operation. Stand behind the handle to determine the height. To adjust the handle height, position the hardware into one of the three holes in the handle bracket.

The rear wheels are adjusted together with a height adjustment rod located on the mower housing by the left rear wheel. The front wheels are adjusted separately by removing the front wheel shaft assemblies, adjusting the height, and then replacing the shaft assemblies. The cutting height can be adjusted from 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) to 5 inches (127 mm) in 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) increments.

• Rear Wheel Adjustment:

  1. Pull the wheel height adjustment rod upward to release the pin from the notch in the adjustment bracket (Figure 7).

     

     Figure 7

     1. Pull upward
     2. Wheel height adjustment rod
     3. Adjustment bracket
     4. Pin
     5. Rotate to desired setting

  2. Apply downward pressure or lift the housing to rotate the height adjustment bracket to the desired setting.

  3. Release the wheel height adjustment rod to set the pin securely in the desired notch.

     

     Figure 8

• Front Wheel Adjustment

  1. Pull up on the height adjuster and pull the front wheel shaft assembly outward as shown in Figure 9.

     

     Figure 9

     1. Front wheel shaft assembly
     2. Pull up
     3. Height adjuster
     4. Front quadrant block cut heights
     5. Pull outward
     6. Shaft groove

  2. Insert the front wheel shaft assembly into the desired cut height setting in the front quadrant block. Lower the height lock into the groove on the front wheel shaft. Pull and push the wheel shaft assembly to make sure it has locked into place.

     

     Figure 10

     1. Front quadrant block
     2. Cutting heights

1. Ensure that the battery pack is installed in the machine.

2. Insert the electric start button into the electric starter switch (A of Figure 11).

3. Squeeze the blade control bail and hold it to the handle for two seconds (B of Figure 11).

4. Press the electric start button and keep it pressed until the motor starts (C of Figure 11).

Figure 11

1. Bring the machine to a full stop.

2. Release the blade control bail (A of Figure 12).

   The blade should stop within three seconds.

   Note: If the blade does not stop within 3 seconds after releasing the blade control bail, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

3. Remove the electric start button from the electric starter (B of Figure 12).

4. Remove the battery pack.

   Note: Whenever you are not using the machine, remove the battery pack.

Figure 12

The lawn mower is variable speed, the more you squeeze the drive bail against the handle the faster the machine travels.

1. Start the machine.

2. Squeeze the drive bail against the handle.

   Note: You can vary the ground speed by increasing or decreasing the distance between the ground speed control bail and the handle. Lower the control bail to decrease the ground speed when you are making a turn or if the lawn mower is moving too fast for you. If you lower the control bail too far the lawn mower stops self-propelling. Squeeze the ground speed control bail closer to the handle to increase the ground speed. When you hold the ground speed control bail tight against the handle, the lawn mower self-propels at the maximum ground speed. Release the drive bail to stop moving when you use the lawn mower for trimming or whenever you leave the lawn mower.

3. To disengage the self-propel drive, release the drive bail.

   Note: The mower comes with freewheeling clutches which make it easier to pull the mower rearward. To disengage the clutches, you may need to push the mower forward one inch (2.5 cm) or more after you release the self-propel drive bail.

This machine has three blade speed settings: AUTO, MAX, and LOW.

• When set to the AUTO position, the blade speed is adjusted automatically for greater efficiency; changes in cutting conditions are detected and the blade speed increases when necessary to maintain quality of cut.

• When set to the MAX position, the blade speed remains at the highest speed at all times.

• When set to the LOW position, the blade speed remains at the lowest speed at all times.

Turn the electric-start button in the electric start switch to adjust the blade speed setting (Figure 13).

Figure 13

1. LOW position
2. AUTO position
3. MAX position

Occasionally you may wish to use the mulch plug to mulch the grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.

• Installing the Mulch Plug:

  1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  2. Remove the grass bag if it is on the mower.

  3. Raise the discharge door and insert the mulch plug into the discharge opening. The lip on the plug will snap into the mower housing.

  4. Lower the discharge door.

     

     Figure 14

     1. Mulch plug
     2. Discharge door
     3. Lip
     4. Mower housing

• Removing the Mulch Plug:

  1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  2. Remove the grass bag if it is on the mower.

  3. Raise the discharge door and pull the mulch plug out of the discharge tunnel.

  4. Lower the discharge door.

  Note: When grass is thick and lush, clippings may collect on and around the discharge tunnel plug. This may make it difficult to remove the plug. Clean the plug thoroughly after each use.

• Installing the Grass Bag

  1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  2. Open the rear door.

  3. Remove the mulch plug if it is installed.

  4. Grasp the handle on the bag and set the rear of the bag frame onto the door hinge bracket (Figure 15).

     

     Figure 15

     1. Bag
     2. Handle
     3. Bag frame
     4. Door hinge bracket
     5. Rear door
     6. Lower

  5. Once the bag is seated, lower the rear door onto the bag.

• Mowing with the Grass Bag

  Cut the grass until the bag is full.

  Note: Do Not overfill the bag.

• Removing the Grass Bag

  1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  2. Raise the rear discharge door and grasp the handle on the bag.

  3. Lift the bag off of the lawn mower and lower the rear discharge door.

  4. Gradually tip the bag forward to empty the clippings.

  5. To install the bag, refer to the section on Installing the Grass Bag.

  Danger

  The machine can throw grass clippings and other objects through an opening in the machine housing. Objects thrown with enough force could cause serious personal injury or death to you or to bystanders.

  • Never remove the grass bag and then start the machine without the discharge plug installed on the machine.

  • Never open the rear deflector on the machine when the machine is running.

1. Install the empty grass bag on the discharge tunnel.

2. Squeeze the blade control bail against the handle and start the machine.

3. The bag should begin to inflate, indicating that the blade is engaged and rotating.

4. Release the blade control bail. If the bag does not immediately deflate, it indicates that the blade is still rotating.

Do not operate the mower without either the side discharge cover or discharge deflector installed.

• Installing the Discharge Deflector:

  1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  2. Remove the grass bag if it is installed on the machine and install the mulch plug.

  3. Remove and retain the side discharge cover by pulling up on the spring.

  4. Install the discharge deflector by pulling up on the spring, placing the deflector over the opening, and lowering the spring over the tabs on the discharge deflector.

     

     Figure 16

     1. Pull up on spring
     2. Discharge deflector
     3. Discharge deflector — installed view
     4. Discharge deflector tabs
     5. Spring lowered

  Important: Ensure that the mulch plug is in place before you recycle the clippings.

• Removing the Discharge Deflector:

  Do not operate the mower without either the side discharge cover or discharge deflector installed.

  1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  2. Remove and retain the discharge deflector by pulling up on the spring.

  3. Install the side discharge cover by pulling up on the spring, placing the cover over the opening, and lowering the spring over the tabs on the side discharge cover.

     

     Figure 17

     1. Pull up on spring
     2. Side discharge cover
     3. Side discharge cover — installed view
     4. Side discharge cover tabs
     5. Spring lowered

General Tips

• Review the safety instructions and read this manual carefully before operating the machine.

• Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches, and other debris that the blades could hit and throw.

• Keep everyone, especially children and pets, away from the area of operation.

• Avoid striking trees, walls, curbs, or other solid objects. Never deliberately mow over any object.

• If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, remove the battery pack from the machine, and examine the machine for damage.

• Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season. Periodically file down nicks on the blades.

• Replace the blades when necessary with original Exmark replacement blades.

• Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug or the motor to stall.

• Clean the underside of the machine deck after each mowing.

Cutting Grass

• Grass grows at different rates at different times of the year. In the summer heat, it is best to cut grass at the 51 mm (2 inch), 64 mm (2-1/2 inch), or 83 mm (3 inch) cutting-height settings. Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not cut below the 51 mm (2 inch) setting unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down.

• When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 inches) tall, first mow at the highest cutting-height setting and walk slower; then mow again at a lower setting for the best lawn appearance. If the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause the motor to stall.

• Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris.

• Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.

If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try one or more of the following:

• Replace the blade or have it sharpened.

• Walk at a slower pace while mowing.

• Raise the cutting height on your machine.

• Cut the grass more frequently.

• Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.

Cutting Leaves

• After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need to make more than a single pass over the leaves.

• For light leaf coverage, set all the wheels at the same cutting-height setting.

• If there are more than 13 cm (5 inches) of leaves on the lawn, mow at a higher cutting height and then again at the desired cutting height.

• Slow down your mowing speed if the machine does not cut the leaves finely enough.

Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass blade.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric-start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Tip the lawn mower onto its left side.

   Warning

   When servicing the blade, the blade can still move even though the power source is off. The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury.

   • Keep your hands and feet away from a moving blade.

   • Wear gloves when servicing the blade.

4. Inspect the blades for sharpness and wear, especially where the flat and the curved parts meet (see Figure 19). Because sand and abrasive material can wear away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of the blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower. If you notice a slot or wear (Figure 19B and Figure 19C), replace the blade.

   

   Figure 19

   1. Sail
   2. Flat
   3. Wear
   4. Slot

   Danger

   A worn or damaged blade can break. A piece of the blade could be thrown into the operator’s or bystander’s area, resulting in serious personal injury or death.

   • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage.

   • Replace a worn or damaged blade.

   Warning

   If you allow a blade to wear, a slot will form between the sail and flat part of the blade. Eventually a piece of the blade may break off and be thrown from under the housing, possibly resulting in serious injury to you or bystanders.

   • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage.

   • Never try to straighten a blade that is bent or weld a broken or cracked blade.

   • Replace a worn or damaged blade.

   Note: Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season, because sharp blades cut cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns grass brown at the edges, which slows growth and increases the chance of disease.

   • Checking for Bent Blades:

     1. Rotate the blades until they are positioned as shown in

        

        Figure 20

        1. Front of cutting deck
        2. Measure at locations A and B
        3. Measure from the cutting edge to a smooth, level surface

     2. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edges at locations A and B, (Figure 20), and record both dimensions.

     3. Rotate the blades so that their opposite ends are at locations A and B.

     4. Repeat the measurements in step 2 and record them.

        Note: If the difference between dimensions A and B obtained in steps 2 and 4 exceeds 1/8 inch, replace the blades.

        Warning

        A blade that is bent or damaged could break apart and could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.

        • Always replace a bent or damaged blade with a new blade.

        • Never file or create sharp notches in the edges or surfaces of a blade.

   • Removing Mower Blades:

     Replace the blades when they strike a solid object, are out of balance, bent, or worn. Use only genuine Exmark replacement blades.

     1. To remove the blade, use a block of wood to hold the blade steady. Make sure to grasp the end of the blade using a rag or thickly padded glove.

     2. Remove the blade bolt, blade driver, and blade.

     3. Inspect blades and sharpen or replace as required.

     4. Inspect the pins on the blade driver for wear and damage or replace as required.

   • Installing Mower Blades:

     Important: You will need a torque wrench to install the blades properly. If you do not have a torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

     Warning

     Incorrectly installing the blades could damage the machine or cause an injury to you or bystanders.

     Install the blades according to the instructions.

     1. Install the blade driver by inserting the raised area into the recess on the cutter housing.

     2. Make sure to grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly padded glove. Align the two holes on the blade with the two holes on the blade driver and install a sharp, balanced Exmark blade and blade bolt as shown in Figure 21. The sail of the blade must point toward the top of the lawn mower housing for proper installation.

        Important: Position the curved ends of the blades to point toward the machine housing. Be sure to nest the raised areas on each blade driver with the recesses in the head of its corresponding spindle, and the pins on the other side of each blade driver with the holes in its corresponding blade.

        

        Figure 21

        1. Blade bolt
        2. Blade-vertical position
        3. Blade driver
        4. Blade-horizontal position
        5. Front of deck

     3. Torque the blade bolt to 60 ft-lb (82 N-m).

     4. Referencing the front of the machine, make sure the installed blade is vertical before installing the second blade. The second blade must be installed perpendicular to the first, using steps 1 through 3. The two blades will form a sideways “T” as shown in Figure 22.

        

        Figure 22

        1. Front of deck
        2. Blades form sideways “T”

     5. Rotate the blades by hand a full 360 degree turn to ensure they Do Not touch.

     6. If they touch, the blades are not mounted correctly. Repeat steps 1 through 5. If the blades still touch after repeating the steps, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

5. Return the lawn mower to its upright position.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Visually inspect machine for any loose hardware or any other possible problem. Tighten hardware or correct the problem before operating.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric-start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Remove the belt cover to the lawn mower housing.

4. Check the belt for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks or any other damage.

5. Replace the damaged belt.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric-start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Remove and retain the belt access panel by rotating the screws a quarter-turn.

   

   Figure 23

   1. Belt-tension spring
   2. Adjusting bolt
   3. Gap
   4. Adjusting nut
   5. Blade-drive belt
   6. Wall
   7. Belt cover
   8. Belt-cover-access panel

4. Brush out all the debris around the belt area.

5. Use a feeler gauge, a piece of paper, or a note card against the frame and slide it down behind the belt tension spring.

   The gap between the gauge and the spring should be .005-.030 inch (.13-.76 mm), tighten the adjusting bolt and nut until the paper barely slides freely in and out of the gap.

   

   Figure 24

   1. Read the Operator’s Manual before performing any maintenance.
   2. Check belt tension every 50 hours.

   Important: Do Not overtighten the adjusting bolt. This could damage the blade drive belt.

6. Reinstall the belt access panel and rotate the screws a quarter-turn to lock into place.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric-start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Remove and retain the front belt cover and its four bolts. Remove any debris under the cover.

4. Loosen the adjusting bolt.

5. Remove the blade drive belt.

6. Align the holes in the right and left sprockets with the holes in the deck as shown in Figure 25.

   Note: Hold the sprockets in place with a rod or a screwdriver.

   

   Figure 25

   1. Right sprocket hole
   2. Left sprocket hole
   3. Hole in deck

7. When you have locked the sprockets in place, install the blade-drive belt.

   Note: Ensure that the teeth are engaged in the sprockets.

8. Tighten the belt tension to the recommended settings; refer to Check the Blade Drive System.

9. Remove the rod or screwdrivers from the sprockets.

10. Ensure that the blades under the housing are properly aligned; refer to Check the Mower Blade section.

11. Reinstall the belt cover using the four retained bolts.

12. Check the operation of the blade control lever.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric-start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Remove the four bolts that hold the belt cover to the machine housing.

   Note: Save the bolts for installing the belt cover to the machine housing.

4. Remove the belt cover.

5. Remove any debris from under the belt cover.

6. If the grass bag is on the machine, remove and retain it.

7. Raise and hold up the rear door.

8. Remove and retain the rear panel and its mounting hardware.

   

   Figure 26

   1. Rear panel
   2. Hardware
   3. Dust shield

9. Remove and retain the dust shield and its mounting hardware.

10. Remove the transmission belt.

    1. Rotate the idler pulley over the access hole on the transmission by using a socket wrench to turn the idler pulley nut.

       

       Figure 27

       1. Socket wrench
       2. Idler pulley nut
       3. Idler pulley nut
       4. Screwdriver

    2. While you are holding the idler pulley over the access hole on the transmission, insert a screwdriver through the access hole to catch a rib on the idler pulley.

       

       Figure 28

       1. Screwdriver through access hole
       2. Access hole
       3. Idler pulley
       4. Transmission belt

    3. Use the screwdriver to hold the idler pulley out of the way until you are done installing the new transmission belt.

    4. From the front of the machine, remove the belt from the motor pulley and then remove from the transmission pulley.

    5. While the idler pulley is pulled out of the way, install the new transmission belt placing the belt over the transmission pulley first and then over the motor pulley.

    6. Using a socket wrench to hold the idler pulley in position, remove the screwdriver from the access hole in the transmission and return the idler pulley to its tensioned position.

11. Ensure that the new transmission belt is positioned correctly.

12. Reinstall the rear panel and secure with its mounting hardware retained in step 8.

If the lawn mower does not self-propel or has a tendency to creep forward when the control bail is released, adjust the self-propel drive.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Turn the adjustment nut counterclockwise to loosen the cable adjustment.

   

   Figure 29

   1. Handle (left side)
   2. Adjustment nut
   3. Self-propel-drive cable
   4. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten the adjustment.
   5. Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen the adjustment.

4. Adjust the tension on the cable by pulling it back or pushing it forward and holding that position.

   Note: Push the cable toward the motor to increase the traction; pull the cable away from the motor to decrease the traction.

5. Turn the adjustment nut clockwise to tighten the cable adjustment.

   Note: Tighten the nut firmly with a socket or wrench.

Whenever you install a new parking-brake cable or if the parking brake is out of adjustment, adjust the parking-brake cable.

1. Disengage the parking brake.

2. Turn the adjustment nut counterclockwise to loosen the cable adjustment (Figure 30).

   

   Figure 30

   1. Parking-brake cable
   2. Adjustment nut
   3. Handle (right side)
   4. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten the adjustment.
   5. Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen the adjustment.

3. Adjust the tension on the cable (Figure 30) by pulling or pushing the cable jacket and holding that position.

   Note: Pull the cable jacket toward the motor to increase tension (also increases brake clamp load); push the cable jacket away from the motor to decrease tension (also decreases brake clamp load).

   Important: Adjust the cable jacket in small increments to avoid over tensioning. Over tensioning may cause the machine to not roll free even when the parking brake is disengaged. Correct tensioning allows the machine to roll free when the parking brake is disengaged and to hold position when the parking brake is engaged.

4. Turn the adjustment nut clockwise to tighten the cable adjustment.

   Note: Tighten the nut firmly with a socket or wrench.

For optimal cutting performance, keep the underside of the machine housing clean. Scrape the clippings away from under the machine housing.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric start button and the battery pack from the machine.

3. Tip the lawn mower onto its left side.

4. Remove the dirt and grass clippings with a scraper. Avoid contacting any burrs or sharp edges.

5. Return the machine to the operating position.

Always be sure that the discharge tunnel door closes securely when you release the handle. If the debris prevents the discharge door from closing securely, clean the inside of the discharge tunnel and the door thoroughly.

Do not operate the machine unless one of the following is true:

• Mulch Mode:

  • The discharge tunnel plug is locked securely in the discharge tunnel.

  • The side discharge cover is locked in place.

  • The discharge tunnel door is closed against frame.

• Bag Mode:

  • The discharge tunnel plug is removed.

  • The grass bag is locked in place.

  • The discharge tunnel door is closed against bag.

  • The side discharge cover is locked in place.

• Side Discharge Mode:

  • The discharge tunnel plug is locked securely in the discharge tunnel.

  • The discharge tunnel door is closed against frame.

  • The side discharge deflector is locked in place.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the electric-start button and battery pack from the machine.

3. Pull upward on the back of the cover to unsnap the front and back cover tabs.

4. Lift off the cover and brush out all the debris around the belt area.

5. Install the belt cover by pushing down on the rear first and then snapping the front onto the mower housing.

1. Shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.

2. Remove the rear wheels and clean any debris from the wheel gear area.

   

   Figure 31

   1. Gear

3. After cleaning, apply a small amount of anti-seize to the gears.

   Note: If you are operating the machine in extreme conditions, cleaning the wheels more frequently than recommended will result in increased gear life.

   Note: To prevent damage to the bearing seals, do not use a high-pressure water sprayer on the bearings.