Bolens 300 User Manual
OWNEirS GUIDE
ASSEMBLY OPERATION MAINTENANCE •
TRANSMATIC
FRONT
ENGINE
LAWN
$1.00
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.
in
AMERICA
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service
dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 360900, Cleveland, Ohio 44136.
TRACTORS
Model Series
300 and 400
Lawn Tractors
IMPORTANT!
Record the Model No. and Mfg. Code which
appear on your unit in the space below. You
must have these numbers, along with the date
of purchase, in order to receive warranty or ser
vice.
MEETS ANSI SAFETY STANDARDS
MODEL NO. MFG. CODE
FORM NO. 770-7631G
IMPORTANT
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSON
AL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
A
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UNI T. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— A HEED ITS WARNING.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
DANGER:
A
This cutting 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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the m inual and
on the machine before starting. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future reference and for ordering replacemer t parts.
2. Only allow responsible adults familiar with the instri ctions to
operate the machine. Know controls and how to stop the
machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or nea' rotating
parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, f tc. which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A small object
may have been overlooked and could be accidently tirown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repa r, to pro
tect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) wh m cross
ing 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 be eking up.
Always look down and behind before and while backirg.
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge dire ction and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mowe r without
either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in pi ice.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the tractor smoothly. Avoid
erratic operation and excessive speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Alway; turn off
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brike, 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 chite, or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass nr debris.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the influenc î of alco
hol or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roac iways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the mach ne 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 jnit must
be pushed manually to load or unload properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engire is run
ning if operator must dismount to do so.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitti ig slacks
and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jew( jry. They
can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a un t in bare
feet, sandals, or sneakers.
19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under power
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, before
entering or leaving buildings, or in any other situati in 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, linibs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep tractor 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 slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or brak
ing 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 straight down the slope.
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.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. A wheel over
the edge or an edge caving in could cause sudden overturn.
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 pres
ence 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 chil
dren.
4. Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured
or interfere with the safe machine operation.
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 instruc
tion.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision.
(continued on page 5)
/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<LrUi A. Jims Line----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USE THIS SHEET AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
--------------------
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AC WARNING I
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2Va feet every 10 feet). A
riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a waik-behind 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.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Remove this sheet from your owner’s manual and lay the hardware on the illustration for identification purposes.
After assembly, keep the Slope Gauge which is on the reverse side of this sheet for future use.
(Hardware pack may contain extra items iirhich are not used on your unit. Part numbers are shown in
parantheses.)
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
A
) mii.
[IpI
B
.......
ATTACHING THE
STEERING MECHANISM
(300 Series Only)
Flat Washer
5/8" I.D.
X IV4" O.D.
Hex
Flange
Bearing
Ca 3le
Te
Cupped Washer
5/ 6" I.D. X
7 8" O.D
Hex Nut
5/16-24 Thread
ATTACHING THE
STEERING WHEEL
O
c
o
3
(O
I I I I
0
INCHES
Washer
^—>v^5/16" I.D.
- Hex Bolt
5/16-18 X
5/8" Long
Spacer
“Flat Washer
5/16" I.D.
X 1-1/8" O.D.
Lock
Steering-
Column Bearing
Countersink
Screw #10
X 5/8" Lo ig
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling. Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an
open flame, or spark, such as a water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer and the like.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. Check frequently and keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in safe working condition.
4. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regular
ly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
5. To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves or other
debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool
before storing.
6. Stop and inspect the equipment for damage if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before re-starting and operating the machine.
7. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
8. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterio
rate, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently, check components and replace with manufacturer’s recom
mended parts when necessary.
9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves
and use extra caution when servicing blade(s).
10. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
11. Muffler, engine, and belt guards become hot during operation and can
cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
DANGER:
A
Your unit 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. If you violate any of these rules,
you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
ASSEMBLY
This owner’s manual covers various models of lawn
tractors. The units illustrated may vary slightly from
your unit. Follow only those instructions which per
tain to your model lawn tractor.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT
GASOLINE or OIL; however, a small amount of oil
may be present from the factory. Do not overfill.
After assembly, service engine with gasoline and
oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
Hex Seif-Tapping
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver’s seat, facing
forward.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn tractor from the carton as follows.
Open the top flaps. Remove all loose parts and car
ton inserts. Cut the front corners of the carton.
Make certain brake is released, and push the unit
out of the carton.
2. Remove page four from this manual and lay the
contents of the hardware pack on the illustration
for identification.
ATTACHING THE SEAT
1. The seat on your lawn tractor has been mounted
backward for shipping purposes. Remove the four
hex self-tapping screws which secure the seat to
the seat pivot bracket.
2. 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 hex self-tapping screws. See figure 1.
BATTERY
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, rub
ber gloves and apron) when working with it.*
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area im
mediately 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.
INFORMATION
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat
tery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen gas
generated during charging can be combustible.
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.
Screwdriver
FIGURE 3.
DANGER
A
Battery contains suifuric acid. Refer to warning
on page 5. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush with water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water o milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eg 3s or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EiYES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce expiosive gases, ke ep aii
lighted materiais (cigarettes, iighters, matches,
etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery only ir well-
ventilated areas. Make certain venting path ( f bat
tery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
Do not activate battery (fiii with battery acid) untii
battery is actuaiiy piaced in service. Be certain to
read previous warnings before activating the
battery.
NOTE: On most units the battery will be found inside
the battery box, located under the seat. Some units will
have the battery packed in the same carton as the bat
tery fluid.
1. Open the battery box (located under the seat) by
pressing in on the end (right hand side) and lifting
up. Remove the battery. The clear plastic drain
tube should be attached to the battery.
2. Open the battery pack. Be careful not to puncture
the box. It contains the battery fluid (acid) in a
plastic container and one short plastic tube.
3. Place the battery on a table or workbench. Make
certain the long plastic drain tube is in place on
the vent elbow.
4. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the bat
tery with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage
the fill caps. See figure 2.
5. Place the battery fluid container on the table or
workbench. Carefully cut off tip of the spout and
attach the short plastic tube provided. Do not
squeeze the container when cutting tip.
6. Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the UP
PER LEVEL line marked on battery. See figure 3.
Use caution as the acid level will rise rapidly after
the bottom of the cell is filled.
7. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the fill
caps removed, while the plates absorb acid.
8. If acid level has fallen after the 30 minute standing
period, refill each cell with battery acid to the UP
PER LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fill caps.
9. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize
any residue with baking soda and rinse container
with water. Puncture container several times
before discarding.
10. Charge the battery after the 30 minute standing
period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY (DO NOT
FAST CHARGE) at a maximum bench rate of 1.4
amperes until the specific gravity reading is
1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of 2 hours and
a maximum of 8 hours.
NOTE: This engine is equipped with an alternator. The
current for the battery charger alternator is unregulated.
During normal operation, it is only necessary to charge
the battery:
1. When it is activated for the first time.
2. Before winter storage.
3. Before using the lawn tractor after winter storage.
NOTE: Charging rate after battery has been put into
operation—the battery is to be charged for a period of
14-16 hours. NO LONGER THAN 30 HOURS.
After battery has been charged, add only distilled
water. Do not add acid.
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