Bolens 13AG678G022 User Manual
lA¥rN CHIEF
OWNER’S GUIDE
42" LAWN TRACTORS
13AM673G022
13AG678G022
Model Nos.
Important: Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through
your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022, Cleveland, Ohio
44136-9722.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-0208M
A
IMPORTANT
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL
SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— ^
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
HEED ITS WARNING.
Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with
A
DANGER’
^ ‘
mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in injury. This lawn
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and
on the machine before starting. Keep this manual in a safe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the instructions
to operate the machine. Know controls and how to stop the
machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near rotating
parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A small object may
have been overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a bystander.
To help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in opera
tion. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during oper
ation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect
eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) when crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and backing up.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in place.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
biade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brake, stop
engine and remove key before dismounting.
II. Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
12. Stop engine and wait until blade{s) comes to a complete stop
before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging chute, or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
13. Mow only in daylight or good anificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down a
ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, because the unit could
tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine is running
if operator must dismount to do so.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks
and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry. They can
be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, or sneakers.
19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under power
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, before enter
ing or leaving buildings, or in any other situation where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could
result in serious injury.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the
brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engine.
21, Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a
height no more than 10". Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Debris may build up on the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over acci
dents which can result in severe injury or death.
extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15° as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
All
slopes require
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can
change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking
could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over
backwards which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disen
gage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
slow
and
gradual.
straight
Do not make
down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not
turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and grad
ually downhill, if possible.
Do not
mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.The mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not
mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not
try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do not
use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
‘ Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence
of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an
adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
3. Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine oper
ation.
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine.
Children 14 years and over should only operate machine under
close parental supervision and proper instruction.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or other
hazard,
7. Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.
IV. SERVICE
' 1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel before
starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.
d. Extinguish ail cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will
accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there
is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater,
space heater or furnace.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade
and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire, and keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
5. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage
{e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which
meets original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire
from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the
mower.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown. For your safety protection, frequently check com
ponents and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear
gloves and use extra caution when servicing bladefs).
11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation
and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis
posal of fluids and materials can harm the environment and the
ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to dispose of
waste from your local Environmental Protection Agency.
Recycling centers are established to properly dispose of
materials in an environmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not use food
or beverage containers that may mislead someone into
drinking from them. Properly dispose of the containers
immediately following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down a drain
or into a stream, pond, lake or other body of water. Observe
Environmental Protection Agency regulations when dispos
ing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and
other harmful waste.
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY.
ADAMGERj
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS
IMIS GUARD DR ENTIRE GRASS-
CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
AmmiE CHUTE deflector to this unit before operating.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY,
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS
DISCHARGE CHUTE COVER OR GRASS
CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
A
WARNING — YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this
manual and on the machine.
A DANGER
ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
TO THIS UNIT
BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
avoid serious INJURY OR DEMH
PARTS
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UNPACKING
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CRATE
1. Remove all screws from the top of the crate using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade screwdriver.
2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in a downward motion.
3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.
4. Repeat procedure for each side of the crate.
5. Remove and discard plastic bag which covers
unit.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT; After assembly, service engine
with gasoline, and check oil level as instructed
in the separate engine manuai packed with your
unit.
NOTE; Reference to right or ieft hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver’s seat, facing for
ward.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriver
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
*lf your steering wheel cap is square, you must have a
socket wrench in order to install the steering wheel.
6. Loose parts (may include the owner’s guide,
steering wheel, optional oil drain sleeve, battery
fluid, chute deflector, optional mulching kit, etc.)
are on the seat or in a box wrapped in plastic.
Carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.
Remove the loose parts.
7. Make certain brake is released. Raise the deck
and push the unit off the skid.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
R Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen
gas generated during charging can be combusti
ble.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
BAHERY INFORMATION
WARNING
A
A.
Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is
also advisable to wear protective clothing
(goggles, rubber gloves and apron) when working
with it.*
B.
Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area
immediately with clean cold water. If there is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
C.
If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
D.
Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty electro
lyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing solu
tion.
DANGER
A
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning
at right. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush with water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES;
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep
all lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters,
matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery
only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain venting
path of battery drain tube (if equipped) is always
open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
BAHERY IDENTIFICATION
Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with the illustration above. Type “A”
batteries are activated and are ready to use. Type “B”
batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid) and
charged before they are put into service. Follow the
instructions which apply to the battery in your lawn
tractor.
ACTIVATING AND CHARGING THE BAHERY
(TYPE “B” BATTERY ONLY)
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
read previous battery warnings before activating
the battery.
1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery (hook is on rear frame, under
fender). Disconnect the positive cable from the
positive terminal. Save the hardware for reassem
bly.
2. Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,
and how the drain tube (attached to the battery) is
routed.
3. Activate the battery as instructed in the "Quick
Start” brochure included with the battery fluid.
Read instructions carefully.
NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn tractor
while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling
with acid), and later while you are charging the battery.
IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum life from your
battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial use.
CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute standing
period. Battery P/N 725-1705B—Charge at 2-3 amps
for one hour. Battery P/N 725-1707B and 7250453E—Charge at 6 amps for one hour.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a lower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is com
pletely charged. The hydrometer should read 1.260
minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-110°F.
DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6 AMPS.
AHACHING THE STEERING WHEEL
1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed inside the steering wheel. Carefully
pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the
hardware.
2. Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of lawn tractor. Place steering
bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash.
NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering bel
low are two different sizes, the smaller end goes down
against the dash of the lawn tractor.
3. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steer
ing shaft, positioning steering wheel as desired.
4. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt.
NOTE: If your steering wheel cap is square, you must
use a socket wrench.
5. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of
the steering wheel and seat it with your hand.
Steering
FIGURE 1.
Screws
AHACHING THE SEAT
Remove the four screws which secure the seat to the
seat pivot bracket. Turn the seat around and place in
position against the seat pivot bracket, lining up the
slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the holes in the
seat. Select desired position for the seat, and secure
with the four screws. See figure 2.
NOTE: Your seat may have been shipped in a box.
Remove the four screws from the bottom of seat and
place seat in position against the seat pivot bracket.
Follow the directions above to attach the seat.
AHACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
The chute deflector must be attached to the right side
of the deck so that it covers the chute opening.
WARNING: Do not operate your unit
unless the chute deflector has been
A
1. Make certain deck is raised to its highest position
NOTE: Your mowing deck may be equipped with a
optional mulching plug. Remove the mulching plug by
removing the wing nut on top of the deck. Grasp the
mulching plug and pull out of the deck.
2. Remove the hex head cap screws, cupped
3. Place the chute deflector in position as shown in
— figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.
4. If you wish to mulch, lift up the chute and insert
properly installed.
(lift lever pulled all the way back).
washers and hex nuts which are attached to the
deck next to the chute opening.
Cupped sides of washers go against the chute
deflector.
optional mulching plug through chute opening.
Line up the bolt on mulching plug with the hole in
the top of deck. Push up on the end of the mulch
ing plug and secure with the wing nut.
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating
the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is
approximately 12 p.s.i.
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
A
pressure shouid be maintained on all
tires.
Deck Hanger CT
FIGURE 4.
Positive Terminal
(Inside Rubber Boot)
Negative
Cable Negative Battery
FIGURE 5. Terminal Compartment
Transaxie
FIGURE 6.
Reinforcement
Bracket
Battery
Strap
Battery
Strap
-LEVELING THE DECK
With unit on hard, level surface, measure the distance
from the bottom edge of the center of the left side of
deck to the ground. Measure the same distance on the
center of the right side of the deck, just behind the
chute area. Or, place the blades in a straight line, and
measure the distance from the outside edge of the
blade tips to the ground.
If adjustment is needed, proceed as follows.
1. Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
bottom of the adjustable lift link on the left side of
the deck. (Hairpin clip and flat washer are on the
inside of the lift link.)
2. Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. See figure 4. Turn the adjustable lift link
up or down as necessary to level the deck.
Usually only one or two turns are needed.
3. Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the
hole in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the
adjustment. Readjust if necessary.
4. When deck is level, secure end of adjustable lift
link with flat washer and hairpin clip.
INSTALLING THE BAHERY (TYPE “A” BAHERY)
NOTE: If battery is put into service after date shown
on top of battery, charge for minimum of 1 hour at 6-10
amps.
1. Lift the seat.
2. Remove the plastic cover from the negative terminal.
3. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the nega
tive terminal with this bolt and nut.
-INSTALLING THE BAHERY (TYPE “B” BATTERY)
1. Lift the seat.
2. Make certain both the negative (black) cable and
the positive (red) cable are routed up through the
battery compartment as shown in figure 5.
3. Replace the battery into the battery compartment
in the same position as it was before (positive ter
minal is toward the front of the unit).
4. Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive
terminal of the battery. Secure with hex bolt and
nut previously removed. Slide rubber boot down
over the positive terminal.
5. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the nega
tive terminal with this bolt and nut.
6. Secure battery by hooking battery strap into slot in
rear frame, under the fender. See figure 6.
7. Insert the drain tube through the hole in the transaxle reinforcement bracket located on the right
side of the unit. See figure 6. Be certain drain tube
is routed away from the wheel rim.
8. Trim excess end of drain tube if necessary (about
4" should extend past the bracket or cable tie).
CONTROLS
Choke
Contro
Clutch-Brake
Pedal
Ignition
Switch
Light
Switch
(Optional)
m meter
Optional)
FIGURE 7.
Shift Lever
THROHLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed. To get maximum efficiency from cutting, the
throttle should be in the FAST position when operating
the mower. See figure 7.
CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation are
covered in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit. See figure 7.
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located in the center of the console
and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and
REVERSE. See figure 8. The clutch-brake pedal must
be depressed and the lawn tractor must not be moving
when shifting gears. Do not force the shift lever.
Release the clutch-brake pedal slightly to line up the
shifting collar in the transmission. Then try to shift
gears.
SPEED CONTROL LEVER
The speed control lever is located either on the con
sole or on the right fender. See figure 8. The speed
control lever allows you to regulate the ground speed
of the lawn tractor. To select the ground speed,
depress clutch pedal. Move speed control lever out of
the notches and backward to slow lawn tractor, forward
to increase speed. When desired speed has been
obtained, release lever in that position. Whenever
clutch is released, unit will automatically go to the pre
set speed.
IGNITION SWITCH
The engine is started by turning the key to the START
position. After the engine starts, let the key return to
the ON position. To stop the engine, turn the key to the
left to the OFF position and remove it to prevent acci
dental starting. See figure 7.
Speed
Control
Lever
Shift Control
Lever Lever
Speed
FIGURE 8.
LIGHT SWITCH (Optional)
Push the light switch to turn on the lights. The lights
will only operate when the engine is running.
NOTE: If your unit is not equipped with a light switch,
the lights will be on when the engine is running.
AMMETER (Optional)
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge or
discharge. The ammeter will register on the discharg
ing side when starting the engine. It should register on
the opposite side (charging) when the engine is run
ning in the fast position until the battery is completely
charged. With a fully charged battery or with the
engine idling, the ammeter will not show a charge. See
figure 7.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the
lawn tractor. Depressing the clutch-brake pedal part
way disengages the clutch. Pressing the pedal all the
way down disengages the clutch and engages the disc
brake. See figure 7.
NOTE: The clutch-brake pedal must be depressed to
start the engine.
PARKING BRAKE
The speed control lever is used to set the parking
brake. To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-
brake pedal. Move the speed control lever out of the
notches to the parking brake position. Release the
speed control lever and the clutch-brake pedal.
To release the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and move the speed control lever out of the
notches to the desired position. Release the speed
control lever and the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running.
INTERLOCKS (Not Shown)
Interlock safety switches are located by the clutchbrake pedal, the lift lever, the shift lever and under the
seat.
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