Bolens 131-410A User Manual
.50
ASSEMBLY » OPERATION » MAINTENANCE « PARTS
30" RIDING MOWER
Important:
Read Safety Rules and
Instructions Carefully
Thank you for purchasing an
American built product.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Model Number
131-410A
FORM NO. 770-0885
INDEX
Safe Operation Practices......................................3
Assembly Instructions...........................................4
Battery Information
Controls............................................................. 11
Operation........................................................... 13
Adjustments
Lubrication..........................................................16
Maintenance
........................................................
...............................................
.......................................................
r
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
For one year from the date of original retail purchase, MTD PRODUCTS INC will either
repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm,
any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Transportation charges
for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser
unless such return is requested by MTD PRODUCTS INC.
This warranty will not apply to any part which has become inoperative due to misuse,
excessive use, accident, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, or unless the unit
has been operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished. This
warranty does not apply to the engine, motor, battery, battery charger or component parts
thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these items.
This warranty will not apply where the unit has been used commercially.
Warranty service is available through your local authorized service dealer or distributor. If
you do not know the dealer or distributor in your area, please write to the Customer Service
Department of MTD.
LIMITED WARRANTY
♦
The return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written
♦
permission has been extended by MTD.
14
17
Off-Season Storage..........................................
Troubleshooting Chart
7
Electrical System
Illustrated Parts for Rider
Parts List for Rider.......................... 27, 29, 31,33
Illustrated Parts for Differential
Illustrated Parts forTransmission
Parts Information...................................Back Cover
........................................
................................................
....................
...........................
26, 28, 30, 32
........................
22
23
25
34
35
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
The equipment which you have just purchased does not have a spark arrester. If this equipment is used on
any forest covered land, brush covered laniL or grass covered unimproved land in the State of California,
before using on such land, the California law requires that a spark arrester be provided. In addition, spark
arrester is required by law to be in effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the
exhaust system and comply with Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
^ WARNING I
TO PURCHASERS
OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINERY OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
♦
♦
>
^ WARNING \
To reduce the potential for any injury, compiy with the following safety instructions. Failure to comply with
the instructions may result in personal injury.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. It is suggested that this manual be read in its
entirety before attempting to assemble or
operate this unit. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. This unit is a precision piece of power equip
ment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise ex
treme caution at all times.
3. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL.
4. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do
not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction. Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
5. Do not carry passengers.
6. Keep the area of operation ciear of all per
sons, particularly small children and pets.
Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower. Although the area of operation
should be completely cleared of foreign ob
jects, a small object may have been over
looked and could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause injury.
7. Clear work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause injury.
8. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives,
walks or roads.
9. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift
into neutral before attempting to start engine.
10. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before leaving operating position.
11. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times as the rotating blade(s) can cause in
jury.
12. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before making any repairs or ad
justments. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the plug to pre
vent accidental starting.
13. Before attempting to unclog the mower or
discharge chute, stop the engine. The mower
blade(s) may continue to rotate for a few
seconds after the engine is shut off.
Therefore, be sure the blade(s) have stopped
completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the plug to pre
vent accidental starting.
14. Disengage power to attachment(s) when
transporting or not in use.
15. Take all possible precautions when leaving
vehicle unattended such as disengaging
power-take-off, iowering attachments, shift
ing into neutral, setting parking brake, stop
ping engine and removing key.
16. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes; never across the face.
17. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise ex
treme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
18. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
19. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when back
ing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in owner’s manual.
20. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
21. When using any attachments, never direct dis
charge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
22. Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flam
mable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a run
ning or hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilied gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage. Ex
haust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
23. Keep the vehicie and attachments in good
operating condition, and keep safety devices
in place. Use guards as instructed in owner’s
manual.
24. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi
tion.
25. Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
26. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
27. The vehicle and attachments should be
stopped and inspected for damage after strik
ing a foreign object. The damage should be
repaired before restarting and operating the
equipment.
28. Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine.
29. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed
as follows:
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial
light.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment
while engine is running if operator must
dismount to do so.
(3) Shut the engine off and wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop before
removing the grass catcher.
(4) Check blade mounting boits for proper
tightness at frequent intervals.
30. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear
or deterioration. For safety protection, replace
only with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
31. Look behind to make sure the area is clear
before placing the transmission in reverse
3 and continue looking behind while backing
up.
A
-—a
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GAS
OLINE or OIL. After assembly, see
separate engine manual for proper
fuel and engine oil recommenda
tions.
FIGURE 1.
■ri ii ?
■IGNOTE
Reference to right hand or left hand
side of machine is from the driver’s
seat facing forward.
-Contents of Hardware Pack:
Ignition Keys
A (2)
Steering Wheel Cap
B (1)
C (1)
Hex Lock Nut
D (1)
Belleville Washer
E
Hex Bolts 5/16-18 X 5/8" Long
(4)
F
Lock Washers 5/16" I.D.
(4)
G (4)
Flat Washers
H (2)
Truss Screws
Hex Bolt 1/4-20 X 1.25" Long
I (1)
J (1)
Hex Lock Nut V4-20 Thread
Battery Strap (Not Shown)
(1)
-Loose Parts in Carton:
K (1) Steering Cover
L (1) Steering Tube Assembly
M (1) Seat
N (1) Battery Pack
P (1) Steering Wheel
SEAT ASSEMBLY
—1. Release the rear cover latch and raise the rear
cover. See figure 3.
Seat
Hex Bolt (E)
Lock Washer (F)
Flat Washer (G)
FIGURE 4.
Rear Cover
Place the seat over cover and fasten with four
2.
■ hex bolts (E), lock washers (F) and flat
washers (G). See figure 4.
STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(See figures 5, 6 and 7)
NOTE
Due to vibration during shipment, it
is possible that the steering shaft
on your unit may have dropped to a
position where alignment of parts is
difficuit. This must be kept in mind
during the assembly operation.
1. Check the upper and iower hex bearings. Be
sure they are seated and in position.
2. Place your hand under the front of the unit and
push up on the steering shaft assembly.
-3. Hold up the shaft assembly. Place the steer
ing tube assembly (L) on the shaft and start
the hex bolt (I) through the hole. See figure 5.
4. Fasten the tubing assembly to the steering
shaft assembly with hex bolt (I) and hex lock
nut (J) provided.
FIGURE 5.
Cover
(K)^ r
5. Place the cover over the steering tube
assembly. Line up holes in cover with speed
— nuts. See figure 6.
6. Secure cover (K) to support bracket with two
hex self-tapping screws (H) provided. See
figure 6.
FIGURE 6.
Steering Wheel
Cap (B)
7. Place the steering wheel on the tubing
assembly and fasten with belleville washer (D)
—and hex lock nut (C). See figure 7.
Again, it may be necessary to raise the steer
ing shaft assembly in order to put the hex lock
nut on.
8. Place the steering wheel cap (B) on by hand.
See figure 7.
FIGURE 7.
BATTERY INFORMATION
I WARNING ^
Battery acid must be handled with great care
A.
as it wili biister the skin and damage clothing.
It is advisable to wear goggles, rubber gloves,
and a protective apron when working with it.
If for any reason acid should be spattered in
B.
the eyes, wash it out immediately with clean
cold water. Seek medical aid if discomfort con
tinues.
If acid gets on ciothes, dilute it with clean
C.
water first, then neutralize with dilute ammonia
water or a water solution of baking soda.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive to metals, do
not pour into any sink or drain. Rinse empty
electrolyte containers and mutilate before
discarding.
Battery
Filling
Adapter
E. Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes away.
F. Hydrogen gas is generated during charging
and discharging.
G. Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed
space.
H. When using a charger—to avoid sparks,
NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on.
I. Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
DANGER
t
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added).
ACTIVATING AND INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1. Upon opening the battery pack, you should
receive acid pack, battery, drain tube, filling
------
adapter and hardware. See figure 8.
j
Acid
Pack
FIGURE 8.
Manifold on
Battery
Clear Plastic
Drain Tube
• /
Hardware
/
N
Drain
Tube
\ DANGER \
®
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added).
2. Place the battery on table or workbench to be
filled.
3. Place one end of clear plastic drain tube on
— manifold of battery. See figure 9.
NOTE
Some batteries may already have
the drain tube installed, in which
case it may be necessary to snip off
the sealed end.
FIGURE 9.
Screwdriver
Fill Caps
4. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the
— battery. A screwdriver will make it easier. See
figure 10.
FIGURE 10.
Large Tab
Opehr
mli
Filling
Adapter
FIGURE 11.
.! ; , ;
-Hose
4
ii ■?
Fill Caps
Upper Letrel
Marked on
Front of
Battery
5. Lay acid package down, with “push in” facing
up. Using thumb, push in small perforated tab
at dot on front of package. Tear down large tab
to solid line, exposing hose.
Do not use a
sharp tool or object to open acid package.
6. Pull out hose from package and hold upright.
Squeeze hose forcing all acid back into
package. Cut off tip of hose and insert filling
------
adapter. See figure 11.
7. Fill each cell to (upper level) marked on front
of battery. Reassemble fill caps to battery.
See figure 11. Allow the battery to sit for 20
minutes.
POISON/DANGER
CAUSES SEVERE BURNS
Contains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush
with water. INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of
water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten egg or veg. oil. Call physician immediately.
Eyes; Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks,
flame, cigarettes away. Ventilate when charging
or using in enclosed space.
Always shield eyes when working near batteries.
FIGURE 12.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
-8. Figure 12 shows the battery box in which the
battery will be mounted.
FIGURE 13.
Place the battery in the rider, so that the
9.
positive terminal is towards the right side of
•the unit. See figure 13.
NOTE
Right and left hand side of the
unit is determined by sitting on the.
seat in the operating position, fac
ing forward.
10. Secure the battery to the battery box by
stretching the battery strap provided across
•the battery. Loop each end around the tab on
the sides of the battery box. See figure 14.
FIGURE 14.
FIGURE 15.
11. Slide the square nut (provided with battery
hardware) into the positive (+) terminal Place
the positive (heavy red wire) cable on the
positive terminal. Secure with screw and lock
------
washer provided. See figure 15.
12. Slide the square nut (provided with battery
hardware) into the negative (-) terminal.
Place the negative (heavy red wire) cable on
the negative terminal. Secure with screw and
lock washer provided. See figure 15.
FIGURE 16.
13. Feed the end of the battery drain tube into the
------
hole provided in the frame, located in front of
the starter on the engine. See figure 16.
14. The battery can be SLOW CHARGED (DO NOT
FAST CHARGE) at a maximum bench rate of
1.4 amperes until the specific gravity reading
is 1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of 2
•hours and a maximum of 8 hours. See figure
17.
\ WARNING j
The battery charger provided is
specially designed for the battery in
this unit. Do not use any other
charger. A charging rate in excess
of the above specifications will
buckle and warp the positive plates
and/or perforate the separators.
FIGURE 17.
Failure to follow the above pro
cedure when charging a battery can
cause the gases in the battery to ex
plode.
Charging rate after battery has been
put into operation: The battery is to
be charged with the charger pro
vided, for a period of 14-16 hours.
NO LONGER THAN 30 HOURS.
IH^note
f WARNjNG t
To Attach the Battery Charger
1. Attach the red clip on the charger to the
positive terminal.
2. Attach the black clip on the charger to the
negative terminal.
3. Plug the other end of the battery charger into
a standard household 110 A.C. outlet.
To Remove the Battery Charger:
1. Unplug the charger from the 110 A.C. outlet.
2. Remove the black clip from the negative ter
minal.
3. Remove the red clip from the positive ter
minal.
CAUTION
After battery has been in service,
add only distilled water. DO NOT
ADD ACID.
10
TIRE PRESSURE
FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE TIRES ON YOUR
UNIT MAY BE OVER-INFLATED. TIRE PRESSURE
SHOULD BE REDUCED BEFORE UNIT IS PUT IN
TO OPERATION. PRESSURE SHOULD BE AP
PROXIMATELY 15 P.S.I. EQUAL TIRE PRESSURE
SHOULD BE MAINTAINED ON ALL TIRES. MAX
IMUM TIRE PRESSURE IS 30 P.S.I.
^ ^ CAUTION
Installation of tire to rim:
1. Lubricate tire beads and rim
flanges.
2. Do not exceed 30 P.S.I. when
seating beads.
3. Adjust to recommended pres
sure after beads are sealed.
CONTROLS (See figure 18)
This manuai should be read in its entirety before
operating the Riding Mower. The more you know
and understand about the machine and its opera
tion, the better job it wiii do for you. While reading
the manuai, compare the illustrations with your
mower to familiarize yourself with the locations of
various controls, lubrication points, attachments
and adjustment features.
Study the operating instructions and safety
precautions thoroughly to insure proper function
ing of your mower and to prevent injury to yourself
and others. Be sure to save this manual for future
reference.
FIGURE 18. CONTROLS
DECK CUTTING HEIGHT LEVER
The deck cutting height lever is used to raise and
lower the cutting deck which sets the cutting
height.
Move the lever to the right, select desired cutting
height and release lever. The lever may be set In
any one of the four cutting height positions. See
figure 19.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed and to activate the choke on the engine. To
get maximum efficiency from cutting, the throttle
should be in the “FAST” position when operating
the mower. Pushing the throttle all the way for
ward past “FAST” will choke the engine. See
figure 18.
IGNITION SWITCH
The ignition switch is located on the console.
Remove the key when the mower is not in use. See
figure 18.
FIGURE 19.
BLADE ENGAGEMENT LEVER
The blade engagement lever is located on the left
hand side of the deck. Figure 20 shows the blade
engagement lever in the disengaged position.
11
Loading...