Brand: Makita
Category: Power Tool
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Available Languages: EN , ES
Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 7:43 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2009-11-25
Refer to the engine manual for specific warranty details.
Starting the Engine: Ensure the fuel tank is full and the engine is properly oiled. Connect the spark plug wire. For a cold engine, set the engine speed lever to "-". For a warm engine, set it to "↔". Grip the stop control handle and pull the starter rope rapidly. Release the stop control handle to stop the engine. Always start the engine on a level surface, away from obstacles and with feet well away from the blade. Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
Operation: Grip the stop control handle firmly with both hands during operation. Releasing the handle will stop the engine. For PLM4611, grip the self-drive control handle to move forward. For PLM4612, select one of three speeds (3.0-4.5 km/h) using the speed adjustment system before engaging the self-drive handle.
Stopping the Engine: Release the stop control handle. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Mulching: Clear the lawn of debris. Do not cut wet grass. Cut no more than 1/3 of the grass length. Adjust ground speed for even dispersal. Clean the mulching wedge and deck after each use.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the air filter. Check and sharpen the cutting blade. Tighten bolts and screws. Store the mower in a dry, clean area after preparing it for off-season storage.
| PROBLEM | PROBABLE CAUSE | CORRECTIVE ACTION |
|---|---|---|
| Engine does not start. | Throttle chock not in the correct position for the prevailing conditions. | Move throttle chock to correct position. |
| Fuel tank is empty. | Fill tank with fuel: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Spark plug loose. | Tighten spark plug to 25 - 30 Nm. | |
| Spark plug wire loose or disconnected from plug. | Install spark plug wire on spark plug. | |
| Spark plug gap is incorrect. | Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm. | |
| Spark plug is defective. | Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Carburetor is flooded with fuel. | Remove air cleaner element and pull starter rope continuously until carburetor clears itself and install air cleaner element. | |
| Faulty ignition module. | Contact Makita authorised service centre. | |
| Engine difficult to start or loses power. | Dirt, water, or stale fuel tank. | Drain fuel and clean tank. Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel. |
| Vent hole in fuel tank cap is plugged. | Clean or replace fuel tank cap. | |
| Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element. | |
| Spark plug is detective. | Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Spark plug gap is incorrect. | Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm. | |
| Engine operates erratically. | Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. |
| Engine idles poorly. | Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. |
| Air slots in engine shroud are blocked. | Remove debris from shots. | |
| Engine skips at high speed. | Cooling fins and air passages under engine blower housing are blocked. | Remove debris from cooling fins and air passages. |
| Gap between electrodes of spark plug is too close. | Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm. | |
| Engine overheats. | Cooling air flow is restricted. | Remover any debris from slots in shroud, blower housing, air passages. |
| Incorrect spark plug. | Install RJ19LM spark plug and cooling fins on engine. | |
| Mower vibrates abnormally. | Cutting assembly is loose. | Tighten blade. |
| Cutting assembly is unbalanced. | Balance blade. |