Bolens 241 User Manual
Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Front Tine Tiller — Model 241
IMPORTANT:
READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
P. O. Box 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1
772C0814
11/28/2005
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
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 3
Setup and Adjustments .....................................5
Operating Your Tiller ........................................... 6
Adjustments ......................................................10
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 tine shield.
Maintaining Your Tiller ...................................... 11
Off-Season Storage .......................................... 12
Trouble Shooting ..............................................
Parts Lists .........................................................
Warranty ............................................................
13
14
16
Customer Support
Please do
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit,
please call a Customer Support Representative: 1-800-668-1238.
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.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit,
for more information.
NOT
return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,
without first contacting Customer Support.
2
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.
2
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know
how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. 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.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
2 Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral
(“N”) before starting the engine.
4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
running.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.
6. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can
occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes
which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.
7. Use only an approved gasoline container.
8. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
9. Never fuel machine indoors.
10. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or
running.
11. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling
12. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expan
sion.
13. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
-
14. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
15. Never store the machine or fuel container inside near an
open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water or
space heater, clothes dryer etc.).
16. Allow machine to cool 5 minutes before storing.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
3. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.
4. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if
anyone enters the area.
5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let
go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
7. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard
or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
9. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or
pulling machine towards you.
10. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, discon
nect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating.
12. Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before
you leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
until the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging
the tines, making any adjustments, or inspections.
13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
15. Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.
16. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil to
deep at to fast of a rate.
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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 man
ual 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.
-
3
2
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.
17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for
damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.
18. Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and
operating properly.
19. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
20. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support or your
authorized dealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
2. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine
and make certain the tines and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operat
ing speed of the engine.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as neces
sary.
6. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting,
and storage of this machine.
7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there
is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater,
furnace, clothes dryer etc.
8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions
on off-season storage.
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
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4
Assembly
1. Remove the star handle knobs and carriage bolts from
the lower handle, Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Remove hardware from lower handle.
2. Position the upper handle onto the lower handle, Step
A Figure 3-2. Align the holes on lower handle with the
holes on the upper handle (choose the upper or lower
holes depending on the desired handle height).
3. Insert carriage bolts through the holes and secure with
star knobs, Step B Figure 3-2. Make certain carriage
bolts are seated securely into one of the two positions
provided.
A
B
Figure 3-3: Install left side of the tine clutch control.
Figure 3-4: Hook cable into tine clutch control.
3
Assembly
NOTE: Stand behind
the tiller as if you were
going to operate it. Your
right hand corresponds
to the right side of the
tiller; your left hand
corresponds to the left
side of the tiller.
NOTE: This operator’s
manual may cover
various models of tillers.
The units illustrated
may vary slightly from
your unit. Follow only
those instructions which
pertain to your model
number.
B
Figure 3-2: Attach and secure upper handle.
4. Insert left end of tine clutch control into the hole on the
left side of the upper handle, Figure 3-3.
5. Insert the Z-fitting on the clutch cable into the hole
on the tine clutch control. Hook the “Z” end into the
opening from the inside to the outside as shown in
Figure 3-4.
6. Squeeze the tine clutch control inward. Insert right
end into the hole on the right side of the upper handle,
Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5: Install right end of tine clutch control.
5
IMPORTANT
This unit is shipped
without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Fill up
gasoline and oil as
instructed in the accom
panying engine manual
BEFORE operating your
machine.
-
4
Know Your Tiller
Operating
Your Tiller
WARNING
The tine clutch control
is a safety device.
Never attempt to
bypass its operation.
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.
Keep hands and feet
away from the tines.
Refer to warning label
on the unit.
Tine
Clutch
Control
Clutch Cable
Handle Knobs
Rear Wheel
with Depth
Stake
nes
Ti
Figure 4-1
WARNING: Read, understand, and
follow all instructions and warnings
posted on the machine and in this
manual before operating.
Tine Clutch Control
The clutch control lever is located on the upper handle.
Squeezing the lever against the handle engages the tine
drive. Release the lever to stop the tines from turning.
Rear Wheel with Depth Stake
The depth stake and wheel are located at the rear of
the tiller. Both may be adjusted. Refer to the “Wheel
Position” and “Depth Stake” sections for instructions.
Handle Knobs
The handle height may be adjusted. Loosen the knobs
and remove the carriage bolts to change the position.
Reinstall and tighten the hardware when complete.
Recoil
Starter
Engine Controls
NOTE: See the separate engine manual for additional
information and functions of the engine controls.
Throttle Control
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine’s speed and stops the engine.
• With the throttle control moved completely to the left,
the carburetor is in START or FAST position. Use
maximum engine speed for deep tilling.
• Move the throttle control lever to the right to reduce
engine speed. Throttle control should be at IDLE for
transporting the tiller.
• Move the throttle all the way to the right to stop the
engine.
Primer
The primer, located on the engine, is used to pump gas
into the carburetor and aid in starting the engine. Use it
to start a cold engine, but do not use it to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is located on the engine and is used to
manually start the engine.
6
WARNING: Read, understand, and
follow all instructions and warnings
posted on the machine and in this
manual before operating.
many other useful labor saving tasks in the garden. After
engine is running and appropriate speed set on throttle,
squeeze tine clutch control (see Figure 4-1) against
upper handle to engage the tine drive. Release the lever
to stop the tines from turning.
4
Before Starting
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your tiller. Read
instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel machine indoors
or while the engine is hot or running.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one is standing
in front of the tiller while the engine is
running or being started.
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make sure the
metal cap on the end of the spark plug is fastened
securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
2. Make sure that the tine clutch control is disengaged.
3. Place the throttle control in the FAST position.
4. For first time start-up, firmly press engine primer five
(5) times. For all future starts, press three (3) times.
Wait about two seconds between each press.
5. Place left hand on gas tank. Grasp recoil starter and
pull rope out slowly until engine reaches the beginning
of its compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder
at this point).
6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on handle. Let rope rewind slowly. Do
not let recoil starter snap back against engine. Repeat
until engine starts.
Wheel Position
The tiller is shipped with the wheel adjusted such that the
unit sits level. Before tilling, the wheel must be raised. To
do this, remove the clevis and cotter pins, raise the wheel
to the desired position, then reattach pins to secure,
Figure 4-2. For transporting the tiller, reverse the steps to
lower the wheel.
Figure 4-2: Wheel Adjustment
Depth Stake
The depth stake acts as a brake for the tiller and controls
the depth and speed at which the machine will operate,
Figure 4-3. Remove the clevis and cotter pins, raise or
lower the depth stake, then reattach pins to secure.
Operating
Your Tiller
WARNING
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the tiller
while starting engine
or operating the unit.
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 tiller.
Stopping Engine
1. Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF position.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
Using Your Tiller
Your tiller (also known as a cultivator) is a precision built
machine designed for seed bed preparation, cultivating,
furrowing, and mulching. It is engineered to minimize
the hardest work in the vegetable or flower garden, to
till the soil for planting and cultivating, and to perform
See your engine
manual packaged with
your unit for detailed
instructions pertaining
to starting the engine.
Figure 4-3: The Depth Stake
7
4
Operating
Your Tiller
For tilling, the depth stake must be lowered and the
wheel must be raised, Figure 4-4.
By increasing the depth of the depth stake, the forward
speed of the machine is reduced and the working depth
is increased. When the depth stake is raised, the working
depth of the machine is reduced and the forward speed
is increased. The working depth of the machine may
be predetermined by setting the depth stake so that the
wheels are about four inches from the ground when the
tines and depth stake are resting on the ground. This
setting will permit a working depth of about four inches.
When presetting the working depth, the handles should
be adjusted so the hand grips are a little above waist.
The tiller will be lower when the tines and depth stake
penetrate the ground.
WARNING
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the tiller
while starting engine
or operating the unit.
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 tiller.
Figure 4-4: Lower the depth stake and raise the wheel when
tilling.
Controlling Speed and Tilling Depth
When tilling, leave approximately 8 inches of untilled soil
between the first and second tilling paths, then make
the third path between the first and second, Figure 4-5.
In some soils, the desired depth is obtained the first
time over the garden. In other soils, the desired depth
is obtained by going over the garden two or three times.
Passes should be made across the length and width
of the garden alternately. Rocks which are turned up
should be removed from the garden area.
4 5 2 3 1
The type of soil and working conditions will determine the
actual setting of the depth stake and the handle pressure
required.
Cultivating
For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is desirable. The
throttle should be set to control forward movement to a
slow walking speed. With the outer tines installed, the
working width of the machine is 22 or 24 inches.
For cultivation, this may be reduced to 13 inches by
removing the outer tines, refer to the Adjustment Section.
When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough
width to permit cultivation between the rows. In growing
corn or similar crops, check-row planting will permit cross
cultivation and practically eliminate hand hoeing, Figure
4-6.
See your engine
manual packaged with
your unit for detailed
instructions pertaining
to starting the engine.
Figure 4-5: Recommended tiller paths.
Handle Pressure
Further control of tilling depth and travel speed can be
obtained by variation of pressure on the handles.
A downward pressure on the handles will reduce the
working depth and increase the forward speed. An
upward pressure on the handles will increase the
working depth and reduce the forward speed.
Figure 4-6: Allow enough area between rows.
The tiller has many uses other than tilling and cultivating
a garden. One of these is the preparation of lawn area
for seeding. The tiller will prepare a deep seed bed which
8
will be free of hard untilled spots, allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller is very useful for loosening hard
soil for excavation with a shovel; No tedious handwork will be necessary. Your tiller may be used for mixing compost
in the pile or for mixing it with the soil in your garden. This should be done after the soil has been broken to the full
working depth. The compost should be worked in to a depth of six to seven inches. This may be done by working the
length of the garden and then by making separate passes across its width. The addition of decayed organic matter will
substantially increase the fertility of your garden. For proper decaying action, fertilizer should be applied and worked in
with the mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw and mixing it with several inches of soil allows proper aeration
of the plant root system and retards the growth of weeds.
4
Operating
Transporting and Storing the Tiller
To transport the tiller, lower the wheel and move the
depth stake to the highest position, Figure 4-7.
Figure 4-7
To store the tiller, lower the wheel and orient the depth
stake so both are touching the ground, Figure 4-8.
Figure 4-8
Your Tiller
WARNING
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the tiller
while starting engine
or operating the unit.
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 tiller.
See your engine
manual packaged with
your unit for detailed
instructions pertaining
to starting the engine.
9
5
Adjustments
NOTE: This operator’s
manual may cover various models of tillers.
The units illustrated
may vary slightly from
your unit. Follow only
those instructions
which pertain to your
model number.
Making Adjustments
Warning: Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground it against
the engine before performing
any adjustments.
Engine Adjustment
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
adjustment instructions.
Tine Width Adjustment
The tilling width of the unit is 22 inches. Tilling
width can increase to 24 inches by removing
the clevis and cotter pins, sliding each outer
tine out one inch, and securing in this position
with the pins. For cultivation, reduce the tine
width to 13 inches by removing the outer tines
completely, Figure 5-1.
24-inch
22-inch
13-inch
NOTE: Stand behind
the tiller as if you were
going to operate it.
Your right hand cor
responds to the right
side of the tiller; your
left hand corresponds
to the left side of the
tiller.
-
Figure 5-1: Tine width adjustment.
10
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