Bolens 18M User Manual

Safety • Set-Up • Adjustments • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty • Parts Lists

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

19-inch Rotary Lawn Mower — Model 18M

IMPORTANT:

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

P. O. Box 1386, 97 Kent Avenue, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1

769-03084A

11/02/07

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new equipment. It will help you assemble,

�

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge........................................................ 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Set-Up & Adjustments ........................................ 6

Operation ............................................................. 8

Maintenance & Off-Season Storage ................ 10

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

Safety Labels ....................................................13

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFORE YOU START ASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the the model number and the serial number to the sample model plate provided to the right. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the machine.

Engine Operation .............................................. 14

Engine Maintenance ......................................... 16

Warranty ............................................................ 19

Illustrated Engine Parts Lists .......................... 20

Illustrated Parts Lists ....................................... 22

Emission Control System

Warranty Statement ..................................... 24

The SureStart Guarantee™ ............................. 26

Customer Support

Please do

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

1. Visit www.cubcadet.ca for many useful suggestions, click on Customer Support button.

2. Call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-668-1238.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues in terms of performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty, and service. Depending on the engine manufacturer, more information is included in this publication or packed separately with this product.

Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,

without ﬁrst contacting Customer Support.

Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

or a fence post

Fold along dotted line (represents a 15° slope)

15°

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes.

Slope

Gauge

WARNING

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walkbehind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the

face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.

HEED ITS 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.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

General Operation

1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it.

3. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

4. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the instructions in this manual and should be trained and super vised by a adult.

5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this machine.

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

8. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

9. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

10. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet.

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.

13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling ; release the handle immediately.

14. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping and then follow these steps:

a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms.

b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.

c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

15. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or

drugs.

16. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so equipped while starting engine.

17. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with the rotating blade. The blade control handle must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when released.

18. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds.

19. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never run.

20. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

21. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

22. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.

23. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.

24. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

25. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running.

26. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

27. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result.

28. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Call customer assistance for the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, 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 degrees, do not mow it.

Do:

Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise

extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps which can

cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your balance, release the blade control handle immediately, and the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you could lose your footing or balance.

2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge.

3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause slipping.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence

of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.

4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child who may run into the mower.

5. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a power mower. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should

be trained and supervised by a parent.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injur y can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

2. Use only an approved gasoline container.

3. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

4. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

5. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

6 Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

7. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.

8. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion.

10. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

11. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

13. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

14. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

General Service:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower.

8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running.

9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

10. Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

11. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.

12. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

13. Maintain or replace safety labels, as necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.

Spark Arrestor

Warning: This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or provincial laws (if any) .

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

HEED ITS WARNING!

Notice regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Setup and

Adjustments

WARNING

Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire as instructed in the separate engine manual.

IMPORTANT This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After as sembly, service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine section of this manual.

IMPORTANT Make sure to route cable outside the lower handle. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up.

NOTE: The units illustrated may vary slightly from your unit.

1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles.

Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the

handle from position A into the operating position. See Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1

Figure 3-2

b. Tighten hand knobs securing upper handle to lower

handle. Make sure that each carriage bolt is seated properly in the handle.

2. Tighten star knobs securing lower handle to handle brackets. See Figure 3-2. Make sure that each carriage bolt is seated properly in the handle.

3. Rope guide Setup as follows, see Figure 3-3:

a. Hold the blade control against the upper handle.

Position A.

b. Slowly pull starter rope out of engine. Position B.

c. Slip starter rope into the rope guide. Position C.

d. Tighten rope guide

4. Secure cables to the lower handle using the cable tie. Pull cable tie tight and cut off excess.

5. To assemble the grasscatcher:

a. Place bag over frame (black plastic side is the bottom

of bag.) Insert the hooks on the frame through the holes in the side plastic channels of the bag. See Figure 3-4.

b. Secure bag to frame by working the plastic channels

on bag over frame. All of the plastic channels except center top of bag attach from the outside of bag. Center top of bag attaches from the inside of bag.

6. Before attaching the grass catcher, the rear mulching plug must be removed. Refer to Figure 3-5.

a. Lift rear discharge door.

b. Remove rear mulching plug.

7. Attaching Grass Catcher to Mower

a. Lift the rear discharge door.

b. Place the grass catcher on the pivot rod. Let go of

discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher. See Figure 3-6.

wing nut. Position D.

Figure 3-3

Figure 3-4

To remove grass catcher lift rear discharge door on the mower . Lift grass catcher up and out, off of the pivot rod. Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of mower.

WARNING: Never operate mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly seated on the pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests firmly against top of the grass catcher.

8. To install the rear mulching plug.

a. Lift rear discharge door and lift grass catcher up

and out, off of the pivot rod.

b. Insert the rear mulching plug as shown in Figure

3-5 and release the rear discharge door.

9. If converting to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off unit and rear mulching plug is in place.

a. On the side of the mower deck, lift the hinged

mulching plug. See Figure 3-7.

b. Slide the two hooks on the side discharge deflec

tor under the hinge pin on the hinged mulching plug assembly. Lower the hinged mulching plug.

NOTE: Do not remove the hinged mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.

Figure 3-5

Setup and

Adjustments

NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside).

NOTE:

cables are routed to the outside of the handle so they are not in the way when attaching the grass catcher.

Make certain

Adjustments

Cutting Height

The height adjuster determines the cutting height of the mower. The adjuster is located above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever out and away from the mower and then move it forward or back to select a new cutting height. See Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-8

Figure 3-6

Figure 3-7

WARNING

Never operate mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly seated on the pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests firmly against top of the grass catcher.

All mowers are equipped with a rear protective guard. The guard helps eliminate projectiles thrown by the blade from injuring the operator. DO NOT REMOVE THIS GUARD.

Know Your Lawn Mower

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

This blade control mechanism is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.

Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Never fuel

Recoil Starter

Mulching Plug

Figure 4-1

Blade Control Handle

The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 4-1. The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Mulching Plug(s) (optional)

The mulching plug(s) is used to close the side and rear discharge chute openings when mulching or bagging grass. Do not remove the hinged mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

Choke Knob

Pull the choke knob to activate the choke on the engine. Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

Blade Control

Choke Knob

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Refer to the engine section in this manual for engine information.

1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out of the box.

2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine section of this manual.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

1. Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the upper handle, Figure 4-2.

Note: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2.

3. Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide.

Important: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back against the rope guide.

4. As the engine warms, slowly push in the choke knob. See Figure 4-2.

Stopping Engine

1. Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.

2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground against the engine.

WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.

Using Your Lawn Mower

WARNING: Never operate your mower without either the rear door or the entire grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

Figure 4-2

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

Operating Tips

1. For best results and effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.

2. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.

3. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than onethird of the total length of the grass.

4. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.

5. Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.

6. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using the grass catcher to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4 inches or less before mulching.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before doing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher.

NOTE: To operate your unit using the grass catcher,

mulcher or optional side discharge refer to page 6.

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

Maintenance

WARNING

Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on your machine.

We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

Figure 5-1

General Recommendations

1. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

2. The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.

3. Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.

4. All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.

5. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

Lubrication

1. Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.

2. If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels, lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all other types require no lubrication. However, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light automotive oil.

3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot points periodically with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.

Engine

1. Refer to the engine operation and maintenance sections in this manual for detailed instructions.

2. Maintain engine oil level.

3. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.

4. Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.

Deck

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching.

The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).

Blade Care

WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Tip mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.

3. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 5-2.

4. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.

5. The blade may be resharpened by removing it and either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping as close to the original bevel as possible. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.

6. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.

NOTE: Improper blade balance will result in excessive vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade after sharpening. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE: Always remove blade from the adapter for testing balance.

7. The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

8. Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.

Blade Adapter

Figure 5-2

9. Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. See Figure 5-2. Place the blade with the side marked “bottom” (or with part number) facing away from the adapter. Align the blade bell support over the blade with the tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt.

10. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:

Blade Mounting Torque

Center Bolt 450 in. lb. min., 600 in.lb. max.

To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Rear Flap Replacement

The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower deck, and is designed to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown from the rear of the mower toward the operator. If the rear flap becomes damaged, replace as follows.

1. To remove the old rear flap, lift rear door, and press flap in on either side to remove from hole. See Figure 5-3.

2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new flap following these steps in reverse order.

Figure 5-3

Off-Season Storage

The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.

1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.

2. We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.

3. Refer to page 20 for correct engine storage instruc tions.

4. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.

5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn mower before storage.

Maintenance

WARNING

When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotat ing at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower, and could break causing per sonal injury.

Cutting grass in sandy soil condition causes abrasive wear to the blade.

CauseProblem

Remedy

Trouble

Shooting

For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed here, contact an authorized service dealer.

Engine fails to start

Engine runs erratic 1. Connect and tighten spark

Engine overheats

1. Blade control handle disengaged.

2. Spark plug wire disconnected.

3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.

4. CHOKE not activated.

5. Faulty spark plug.

6. Blocked fuel line.

7. Engine flooding.

Spark plug wire loose.

2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.

3. Gas cap vent plugged.

4. Water or dirt in fuel system.

5. Dirty air cleaner.

6. Unit running with CHOKE applied.

1. Engine oil level low.

2. Air flow restricted.

1. Engage blade control handle.

Connect wire to spark plug.

3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

4. Choke engine as instructed in “Operating Your Lawn Mower”.

5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.

6. Clean fuel line.

Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not

plug wire.

2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

3. Clear vent.

4. Drain fuel tank and carburetor. Refill with fresh fuel.

5. Refer to engine maintenance section.

6. Push CHOKE knob in.

1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.

2. Remove blower housing and clean.

Occasional skip (hesitates) at high speed

Idles poorly

Excessive vibration

Mower will not mulch grass

Uneven cut

1. Spark plug gap too close.

1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.

2. Dirty air cleaner.

1. Cutting Blade loose or unbalanced.

2. Bent cutting blade.

1. Wet grass.

2. Excessive high grass.

3. Dull blade.

1. Dull blade.

1. Adjust gap to .030”. Refer to engine manual.

1. Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug. Refer to engine manual.

2. Refer to engine maintenance section.

1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade

2. See an authorized service dealer.

Do not mow when grass is wet;

wait until later to cut.

2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting path.

3. Sharpen or replace blade.

1. Sharpen or replace blade.

Safety

Labels

MADE IN U.S.A. / FABRIQUÉ AU E.U.

S32892

MAX 15˚

WARNING

AC 53

1 0 3 S

HEED ITS 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.

Fuel Cap

Air Cleaner

Spark Plug

Oil Drain

Oil Fill Cap

Starter Grip

Muffler

-30º -20º

10w

20w

20w40, 20w50

15w40, 15w50

10w40

10w30

-10º 0º

0º 20º 40º 60º 80º 100º

10º 20º 30º 40º

-20º

(ºC) (ºF)

Operating

Your

Engine

IMPORTANT

This engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.

IMPORTANT

Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could shorten the engine’s service life.

Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

Know Your Engine

Figure 9-1 - The major components of the engine. The shroud on your engine may differ.

Read this section before starting your lawn mower engine. Compare the illustrations in Figure 9-1 with your lawn mower engine to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Pre-Operation Check Oil Recommendations

IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.

• Before starting engine, fill with oil. Do not over-fill. Oil capacity is about.6 liter.

Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service classification SG, SF. Motor oils classified SG, SF will show this designation on the container.

SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general, all temperature use. If single viscosity oil is used, select the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area from the chart to the right.

Figure 9-2 Ambient Temperature

1. Single Viscosity

2. Multi Viscosity

IMPORTANT: Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could shorten the engine’s service life.

Check Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level

surface with the engine stopped.

1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. See Figure 9-3.

2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not

5PPER,EVEL

/IL&ILL#AP $IPSTICK

screw it in.

3. If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on the dipstick. See Figure 9-3 inset.

4. Tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.

Fuel Recommendations

Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or lowleaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be used

Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.

Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck) . After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.

Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.

Check Fuel Level

1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.

2. Fill tank to approximately 2 cm below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool 2 minutes.

Starting The Engine

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts.

1. Move the choke lever on the left side of the upper handle to START position. See Figure 9-4.

NOTE: Use of the choke may not necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

Operating

Your

Engine

Figure 9-3

WARNING

Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

Figure 9-4

2. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.

3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback and start engine. Repeat if necessary. See Figure 9-4 .

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

4. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob .

Stopping The Engine

1. Release the blade control handle. See Figure 9-4.

IMPORTANT

Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

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Bolens 18M User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual