Bolens 140-830A User Manual
.50
ASSEMBLY
MODEL NUMBER
140-830A
OPERATION
18 H.P.
MAINTENANCE
GARDEN
PARTS LIST
TRACTOR
NOTE
IMPORTANT:
Read Safety Rules
and Instructions
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-0251
OPTIONAL 44" DECK
MODEL NO. 190-935A
AVAILABLE
INDEX
Safe Operating Practices
Know Your Tractor
Assembiy
Battery information
Controls and Preliminary Checks.................................9
Operation
Maintenance—Tractor
Maintenance—Cutting Deck
Off-Season Storage....................................................20
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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
11
12
18
3
4
5
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Electrical Diagram and Parts List...............................21
Illustrated Parts for Tractor
Parts List for Tractor..........................23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Illustrated Parts for Cutting Deck (Optional). .. .32
Parts List for Cutting Deck (Optional)
Illustrated Parts for Transaxle.
Parts List for Transaxle
Troubleshooting Chart...............................................36
Parts Ordering Information.........................Back Cover
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22, 24, 26, 28, 30
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34
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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 land, 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.
The return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written
permission has been extended by MTD.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights.You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
I WARNING \
TO PURCHASERS
OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINE OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
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IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and amount.
This unit is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise extreme caution at
all times.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
2. 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.
3. Do not carry passengers
4. Keep the area of operation clear of alt 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.
5. Clear work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction.
6. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift
into neutral before attempting to start engine.
7. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before leaving operating position.
8. 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.
9. Before attempting to unclog the mower or
discharge chute, stop the engine and be sure
the blade(s) have stopped completely. Discon
nect the spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental start
ing.
10. Disengage power to attachment(s) when
transporting or not in use.
11. Take all possible precautions when leaving
vehicle unattended such as disengaging
power-take-off, lowering attachments, shift
ing into neutral, setting parking brake, stop
ping engine and removing key.
12. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes; never across the face.
13. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise ex
treme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
14. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
15. 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.
3 and backing up.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in owner’s manual.
16. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
17. When using any attachments, never direct dis
charge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
18. 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 spilled gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage. Ex
haust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
19. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good
operating condition, and keep safety devices
in place. Use guards as instructed in owner’s
manual.
20. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi
tion.
21. 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.
22. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
23. The vehicle and attachments should be stop
ped and inspected for damage after striking a
foreign object. The damage should be
repaired before restarting and operating the
equipment.
24. Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine.
25. 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 bolts for proper
tightness at frequent intervals.
26. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear
or deterioration. For safety protection, replace
only with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
27. Look behind to make sure the area is clear
before placing the transmission in reverse
4 Speed Cast
Iron Transaxle
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
Comfortable Dual Spring,
Adjustable 4 Position
Attachment Lift Lever
Segment and Pinion Steering
Head Lamps
23 X 8.50 Wheels
16 X 6.50 Wheels
ASSEMBLY
The Garden Tractor is packed and shipped in one
container and is fuliy assembied except for the
steering wheel, seat, battery and mounting the
cutting deck.
BATTERY INFORMATION
Battery acid must be handled with great care
A.
as it wiii biister the skin and damage ciothing.
It is advisabie to wear goggies, 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 immediateiy with clean
cold water. Seek medical aid if discomfort con
tinues.
if acid gets on clothes, dilute it with ciean
C.
water first, then neutraiize with diiute ammonia
water or a water solution of baking soda.
Since battery acid is corrosive to metais, do
D.
not pour into any sink or drain. Rinse empty
eiectrolyte containers and mutilate before
discarding.
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added)
A. Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes away.
B. Hydrogen gas is generated during charging
and discharging.
C. Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed
space.
D. When using a charger—to avoid sparks,
NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on.
E. Always shield eyes and protect skin and
clothing when working near batteries.
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
NOTE
If. your battery is activated (elec
trolyte in the battery) and installed
in the unit, go directly to step 9.
1.
Place the battery to be filled on a workbench.
Never activate a battery in the unit.
2.
Remove the fill caps from all cells.
3.
Fill each cell carefully using 1.265 specific
gravity electrolyte. Fill each cell to the top of
the separators. Do not overfill.
4.
Let the battery sit for 20 minutes to allow the
chemical reaction to take place.
5.
Charge the battery at a MAXIMUM RATE OF 5
AMPS, until the specific gravity reads 1.265.
Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravi
ty.
A
An excessive rate of charge wil
damage the battery.
Check the level of electrolyte. Adjust level to
6.
bottom of split ring if necessary with elec
trolyte.
7.
Replace fill caps.
Once the battery has been activated, never
8.
add anything except distilled water or a good
grade of drinking water.
If your battery has been installed in your unit
9.
at the factory:
A. Use a hydrometer to check the specific
gravity. The specific gravity should be
1.265 at 80° F.
If it is less, remove the fill caps and use a
B.
battery charger to bring the specific gravi
ty up to 1.265. NEVER CHARGE AT MORE
THAN 5 AMPS.
Replace the fill caps.
C.
The positive cable has been attached to
D.
the positive terminal of the battery at the
factory. You only have to attach the
negative cable (grounded to the negative
(Neg, N or -) terminal of the battery with a
hex head bolt, lock washer and nut.
CAUTION
MAINTENANCE OF BATTERY
1. Check electrolyte level periodically (at least
every two weeks). Keep the level to the split
rings. Use only distilled water or a good quali
ty drinking water. Never add acid or any other
chemicals to the battery after initial activa
tion.
2. The battery should be checked with a
hydrometer after every 25 hours of operation.
If the specific gravity is less than 1.225, the
battery should be recharged. Maximum
charge rate 5 AMPS.
3. Coat the terminals and exposed wire with a
thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly for
longer service and protection against corro
sion.
4. The battery should be kept clean. Any
deposits of acid should be neutralized with
soda and water. Be careful not to get this solu
tion in the cells.
5. Avoid tipping the battery. Even a “sealed” bat
tery will leak electrolyte when tipped.
STORAGE OF THE BATTERY
1. Store the battery in the unit.
2. Keep the exterior of the battery clean,
especially the top. A dirty battery will
discharge itself.
3. Check the battery with a hydrometer. The bat
tery must be stored with a full charge. A
discharged battery will freeze.
Specific Gravity
1.265
1.250
1.200 -16° F.
1.150 5° F.
1.100
Freezing Po
-71° F.
-62° F.
16° F.
BATTERY REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION
I WARNING (
(§)
When removing the battery, follow
this order of disassembly to prevent
your wrench from shorting against
the frame.
1. Remove the Negative cable.
2. Remove the Positive cable.
To install a battery;
1. Attach the Positive cable.
2. Attach the Negative cable.
JUMP STARTING
1. Attach the first jumper cable from the Positive
terminal of the good battery to the Positive
terminal of the dead battery.
2. Attach the second jumper cable from the
Negative terminal of the good battery to the
FRA ME OF TH E UN IT WIT H TH E
BATTERY.
I WARNING J
CAUTION
All batteries discharge during
storage.
4. Recharge battery whenever the specific gravi
ty is less than 1.225, before returning to serv
ice or every two months, whichever comes
first.
COMMON CAUSES FOR BATTERY FAILURE
1. Overcharging
2. Undercharging
3. Lack of water
4. Loose hold downs and/or corrodedconnec-
tions.
5. Excessive loads
6. Battery electrolyte substitutes
7. Freezing of electrolyte
NOTE
These failures do not constitute
warranty.
Failure to use this starting pro
cedure could cause sparking, and
the gases in either battery could ex
plode.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
Installing the Battery
NOTE
The positive battery terminal is
marked Pos. { + ). The negative bat
tery terminal is marked Neg. (-).
1. Place the battery in the battery box with the
terminals towards the rear of the tractor.
2. Secure the battery with the two hold down
rods, battery hold down, lock washers and
wing nuts. See figure 1.
SEAT ASSEMBLY
The seat can be adjusted to four positions. With
the seat tipped forward, hook the front of the seat
spring into the slots on the tractor frame. Allow
the seat to pivot backwards until it rests on the
rear of the springs. (See figure 3.)
FIGURE 1.
3. Attach the positive cable (from the starter
solenoid) and the small wire (from the circuit
breaker) to the positive battery terminal ( + )
with a V4-20 X 3/4" long bolt, lock washer and
hex nut.
4. Attach the negative cable (grounded) to the
negative battery terminal (-) with the other
1/4-20 X 3/4" long bolt, lock washer and hex nut.
Four Position Adjustment
FIGURE 3.
STEERING WHEEL
1. Place the steering wheel over the steering col
umn extending through the dash. Line up the
flats on the steering column with the flats in
the steering wheel. (See figure 4.)
FIGURE 2.
The vented battery allows any gases
or liquid from the battery to be car
ried to the rear of the tractor and on
to the ground.
NOTE
FIGURE 4.
2. Place the washer with the cupped side down
over the steering column and secure with a
hex nut 5/16".
3. Place the cap over the center of the steering
wheel and seat it with your hand.
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires have been over-inflated for shipping.
Reduce the rear wheel tire pressure to 15 p.s.i. for
operation. Equal tire pressure should be maintain
ed on ail tires. Maximum tire pressure is 30 p.s.i.
ATTACHING THE CUTTING DECK
(Deck may be optional.)
Deck Assembly Screw Pack
4 Flat Washers 1/2" I.D.
1 Small Cotter Hairpin
4 Medium Cotter Hairpins
2 Large Cotter Hairpins
2 Deck Wheels
2 Shoulder Bolts
2 Belleville Washers
1. Assemble the deck wheels. Place wheel on
the shoulder bolt, then the belleville washer
(crown side against the wheel). Secure to
wheel pivot bar, using a %" wrench. See il
lustration on page 32.
2. Remove the round belt keeper from the idler
by removing the cotter hairpin. (See figure 5.)
3. Unscrew the “L” bolt and swing the wire belt
guard on the engine pulley forward.
7. Slide the deck under the tractor from the left
side.
8. Attach the four tractor hanger brackets to the
deck with four 1/2" I.D. washers and four
medium cotter hairpins. (See figure 6.)
NOTE
The left front tractor hanger bracket
goes through the center of the
V-belt.
FIGURE 6.
9. Assemble the front cross bar as shown in
figure 7 using two large cotter hairpins to at
tach the deck linkage to the tractor frame.
FIGURE 5.
4. Adjust the deck wheels to their lowest cutting
position.
5. Move the tractor lift handle all the way back to
the full raised position.
6. Turn the tractor steering wheel all the way to
the left.
Large Cotter
Hairpin
Large Cf'**
.Hair
FIGURE 7.
10. Place the deck belt around the engine pulley
and idler. (See figure 8.)
11. Replace the round belt guard and swing the
wire belt guard over the engine pulley and
secure it with the “L” bolt.
12. Check all belt guards for clearance. The belt
guards must be between 1/16" and 1/8" away
from the belt when the PTO lever is in the
engaged position.
13. Hook the brake release cable into the tractor
idler bracket and secure it with the small cot
ter hairpin.
Choke Control
The choke control is located on the right side of
the dashboard and is operated manually. Details
for the choke operation are covered in the Engine
Operating and Maintenance Instructions Manual.
(See figure 9.)
Light Switch
The headlamps are operated by pushing the light
switch located on the dashboard. The headlamps
will only operate when the engine is running. (See
figure 9.)
Ammeter
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge
or discharge. The ammeter should register on the
plus (H-) side when the engine is running in the
FAST position until the battery is completeiy
charged.
With a fully charged battery or with the engine idl
ing, the ammeter may not show a charge.
The maximum charging rate is 3 amps. The
headlamps operate directly from the engine alter
nator and do not register on the ammeter. (See
figure 9.)
FIGURE 8.
CONTROLS AND
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
CONTROLS
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is located in the center of the
dashboard. Turn the key to the START position to
start the engine. When the engine is running,
leave the key in the ON position. To stop the
engine, turn the key to the OFF position. (See
figure 9.)
Remove the key from the tractor
when the tractor is not in use to pre
vent accidental starting.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the left side of
the dashboard and is used to regulate the engine
speed. (See figure 6.) The engine should be
operated from to full throttle (FAST) when
operating any equipment that uses the tractor
engine as a source of power such as the mowing
deck, snow thrower or rotary tiller. (See figure 9.)
FIGURE 9.
Gasoline Tank
The gasoline tank is located under the tractor
seat. Fill the gasoline tank with approximately 1.9
gallons of clean, fresh, lead-free or leaded
“regular” grade automotive gasoline. Tip the seat
forward to fill the tank. (See figure 10.)
Seat Adjustment
The tractor seat is adjustable to four positions. To
change positions, tip the seat all the way forward
and lift it out of the slots on each side. (See figure
10.)
Parking Brake
FIGURE 11.
Clutch
Brake
- Pedal
1
—I—
FIGURE 10.
Gear Shift Lever
The transaxle has four forward gears, neutral and
reverse. Do not shift through the gears on the
transaxle as you would in an automobile. Pre
select the gear appropriate for the job you are do
ing. (See figure 10.)
You must depress the clutch-brake pedal and
come to a complete stop before shifting gears.
(See figure 11.)
Clutch-Brake Pedal
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the right side
of the 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.
NOTE
The clutch-brake pedal must be de
pressed to start the engine.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and pull up the parking brake knob. It will
stay in the raised position. To release the parking
brake, depress and release the clutch-brake pedal.
(See figure 11.)
Hill Hold Brake Lever
When stopping on a hill, hold the lever back while
you release the clutch-brake pedal until the tractor
begins to move, then release the lever. This
prevents you from rolling down the hill while
releasing the clutch. (See figure 11.)
Lift Lever
The five position lift lever is used to change the
operating position of the attachments. To operate,
pull the lever towards you. To release, move the
lever to the right and then forward. (See figure 12.)
10
Lift Lever
CHECKING OIL AND GASOLINE
NOTE
When packaged for shipment, the
machine contains no oil or gasoline.
Before starting the engine, oil must
be added to the engine crankcase
and gasoline to the tank. DO NOT
mix oil with gasoline.
Briggs & Stratton. Use a high quality detergent oil
classified “For Service SC or SD or MS”. Nothing
should be added to the recommended oil.
Summer. (Above 40° F.) Use SAE 30. If
available use SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40.
not
Winter. (Under 40°F.) Use SAE 5W-20 or SAE
5W-30. If not available, use SAE 10W or SAE
10W-30. Below 0°F., use SAE 10W or SAE 10W-30
diluted 10% with kerosene.
Place the engine level. Fill the oil sump to the
FULL mark on the dipstick. Pour slowly.
Crankcase Capacity—3 Pints.
FIGURE 12.
Power Take Off (PTO) Lever
The PTO lever is located on the right side of the
dashboard. To engage the PTO, lift the lever slow
ly and lock it into the notch. (See figure 13.)
NOTE
The PTO lever must be in the dis
engaged position (down) to start the
¿nginSj
FIGURE 13.
OPERATION
CAUTION
1. KEEP ALL SHIELDS & GUARDS IN PLACE
2. BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION:
SHIFT CONTROLS INTO NEUTRAL
SET PARKING BRAKE
DISENGAGE ATTACHMENT DRIVE
SHUT ENGINE OFF
REMOVE IGNITION KEY
3. WAIT FOR ALL MOVEMENT TO STOP BEFORE
SERVICING MACHINE
4. KEEP PEOPLE & PETS A SAFE DISTANCE
AWAY FROM MACHINE
Operation
1. Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (down)
position.
2. Puil out the choke control. A warm engine re
quires less choking.
3. Set the throttle control in the FAST Position.
4. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it
down.
5. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key.
6. With the clutch-pedal depressed, move the
gear shift lever into one of the forward gears.
7. Slowly release the clutch-brake pedal and the
tractor will move forward.
11
8. When stopping, depress the clutch-brake
pedal. This will apply both the clutch and the
brake.
9. To shut off the engine, turn the ignition key to
the left to the OFF position.
Step 1. Remove oil filler plug.
Step 2. Drain the oil.
Step 3. Replace oil filler plug.
Step 4. Refill crankcase with oil. See page 10 for
quantity and type of oil.
►IMPORTANT
After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair
damage before restarting
operating the mower
the
and
MAINTENANCE—Garden
T ractor
TROUBLESHOOTING
Refer to the chart on page 36 for troubleshooting
engine problems.
CRANKCASE OIL
To ensure maximum engine performance, perform
the following periodic maintenance:
Oil Check
Check the oil level in the crankcase before each
use of the machine and after every two hours of
operation. Keep the oil level between ADD and
FULL. See figure 14.
Oil Fill
tick
Steering Gears
Wipe off the old grease and dirt. After every 25
hours of operation place an automotive multi
purpose grease in the teeth of the segment and pi
nion gears. (See figure 15.)
FIGUREIS.
Transaxle
Check the oil level four times a year. Lubricant
should be at the point of overflowing. Use E.P. 90
oil. Drain and refill every two years. Capacity 4
pints. (See figure 16.)
FIGURE 14.
Oil Change
After the first two hours of operating a new
engine, drain the oil (see figure 14) from the
crankcase while engine is still hot and refill
crankcase with new oil; thereafter change the oil
after every 25 hours of operation. This procedure
ensures for minimum wear of engine parts and
provides for virtually trouble-free operation. To
change the oil, proceed as follows:
FIGURE 16.
12
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