Operator's
Manual
Sinceit began making garden tools in
7850,Bolens has been known for long-
lasting, dependable products. Bolens
eventually carried that hard-working
heritage into the outdoor power
equipment industry, when it designed
and built the first-ever power-driven
garden tractor.
°®
Today,homeowners around the country rely
on Bolens for durable, reliable power
equipment at an affordable price.
Electric Trimmer
Model BL50
INTRODUCTION
THANKYOU
Thank you for buying this quality product. This modern
outdoor power tool will provide many hours of useful service.
You will find it to be a great labor-saving device. This
operator's manual provides you with easy-to-understand
operating instructions. Read the whole manual and follow all
the instructions to keep your new outdoor power tool in top
operating condition.
PRODUCT REFERENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS
All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual
are based on the latest product information available at the
time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any
time without notice.
Copyright o2002 MTD SOUTHWESTINC,All Rights Reserved.
Bump HeadTMisatrademark of MTD SOUTHWESTINC
SplitLineTMisa trademark of MTD SOUTHWESTINC
SERVICE INFORMATION
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period
should be performed only by an authorized and approved
service dealer.
For service call 1-330-558-7220 or 1-866-840-6483 to
obtain a list of authorized service dealers near you.
DO NOT RETURNTHEUNIT TOTHE RETAILER.PROOFOF
PURCHASEWILL BE REQUIREDFORWARRANTY SERVICE.
Before beginning, locate the unit's model plate. It lists the
model and serial numbers of your unit. Referto the sample plate
below and copy the information for future reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Calling Customer Support ............................. 2
Rulesfor Safe Operation ............................... 3
Know Your Unit ....................................... 6
Assembly Instructions ................................. 7
Operating Instructions ................................ 8
Maintenance and Repair Instructions ................. 10
Cleaning and Storage ................................ 12
Accessoriesand Replacement Parts ................... 12
Specifications ........................................ 12
Troubleshooting Chart ............................... 13
Warranty Information ................................ 14
Parts List .............................. Inside Back Cover
CONTENTS OF CARTON
• Model BL50Trimmer
A Large Bump HeadCutting Attachment
A D-Handle and Hardware
• Cutting Attachment Shield with Hardware
• Operator's Manual
• Product Registration Card
A These items are either pre-installed on the unit or located
in the hardware pack
SerialNumber
Model/Parent Pert Number
MDL/PPN: _F
Sar,No
IllliIHIIllllllJlHIllllHIIllI
Copy the model / parent part
number here:
Copy the serial number here:
Makesureyou carefully read and understand this manual before
starting or operating this equipment.
THISPRODUCTISCOVEREDBYONEOR MOREU.S.PATENTS.
OTHERPATENTSPENDING.
2
INTRODUCTION
Read the Operator's Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders,
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-330-558-7720 or 1-866-840-6483
• SAFETY SYMBOLS •
The purpose of safety symbols isto attract your attention to possible dangers, The safety symbols, and their explanations,
deserve your careful attention and understanding, The safety warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger, The
instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates danger, warn- ]
ing or caution. Attention is required in order to J
avoid serious personal injury, May be used in con- J
unction with other symbols or pictographs. J
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will 1
result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury. ]
_, yourself or tO others. Always follow th e safety
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can
result in injury to yourself and others. Always fol-
low the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
f re, e ectr c shock, and persona njury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may
result in property damage or personal injury to
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and persona njury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
READALLINSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using the unit, you must follow
the safety rules. Please read these instructions
before operating the unit in order to ensure the
safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please
keep these instructions for later use.
BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influ-
ence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Children under the age of 15 must not use the unit; teens
may operate the unit with adult guidance.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Make
sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace cutting
attachment parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in
any way. Make sure the cutting attachment is properly
installed and securely fastened. Be sure that the cutting
attachment shield is properly attached, and positioned as
recommended. Failure to do so can result in personal injury
to the operator and bystanders, as well as damage to the
unit.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a brushcutter. Do
not attach or operate this unit with any type of brushcut-
ting blade or brushcutting attachment.
• Use only a 0.065-inch (1.65 mm) diameter genuine factory
parts replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced line,
wire, chain or rope. These can break off and become dan-
gerous projectiles.
• Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove rocks,
broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects which
may be thrown or become entangled in the cutting attach-
ment. Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep
them outside a 50-foot (15 m.) radius, at a minimum. Even
then, they are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage
bystanders to wear eye protection. If you are approached,
stop the unit immediately.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNINGS
DANGER: When using electric gardening appli-
ances,basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury. Carefullyread and understand
the entire operator's manual before using your
trimmer. Pay close attention to the operating
instructions andsafety warnings.
• Since the tool is double-insulated, a 2-wire extension cord
(an extension cord without a ground) may be used. A 3-
wire extension cord (an extension cord with a ground) that
uses a NEMA type connector (parallel blade, U ground) is
recommended. Extension cords are available from your
local retailer. Use only round-jacketed extension cords
approved for outdoor use.
3
RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION
• This tool is double-insulated. Use only identical replacement
parts when servicing. Repair or replace damaged cords.
_IWARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, I
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this unit has a polar-
ized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This unit will
fit with a polarized plug in one way only. If the plug does
not fit fully into the unit, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, use a cord with the correct connection. Do not modify
the unit in any way.
• CORD SETS: Make sure your cord set is in good condition,
with a cord that is heavy enough to carry the current that
your unit will draw. An undersized cord set will cause a
drop in line voltage resulting in a loss of power, as well as
overheating. The table shown above illustrates the correct
size to use depending on the cord length and nameplate
amperage rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier size line
gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the
cord. To prevent the cord from disconnecting from the
unit, use the cord hook shown in the Operating Instructions.
• Do not abuse the power cord. Do not pull or carry the unit
by the cord, use the cord as a handle, close a door on the
cord, or pull the cord around sharp edges or corners. Keep
the cord away from heated surfaces, oil and sharp edges.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCl) protection should
be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) that will be used
for the unit. Use receptacles with built-in GFCI protection
for an extra measure of safety.
• A nameplate on your unit indicates the voltage used. Never
connect the unit to an AC voltage that differs from this
voltage.
use only SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, I
SJOW-A, SJTW-W or SJTOW-A cord typeS. 1
MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOREXTENSION CORDS FOR 120
VOLT APPLIANCES USING 0,,6 AMPS
Cord length (ft.) 50 100 150
Wire size (AWG) 16 16 16 14
• Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate your unit in
damp or wet conditions. Moisture is ashock hazard.
• Inspect all extension cords and the unit power connection
periodically. Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in
the insulation. Also inspect the connections for damage.
Repair or replace the cords if any defects appear.
• Do not use the unit in the rain.
• Do not handle the plug or the unit with wet hands.
WHILE OPERATING
• Wear safety glassesor goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 stan-
dards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation isdusty.
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve
shirt. Do not wear loose clothing,jewelry, short pants, san-
dals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place while
operating the unit. Do not operate unit without both trim-
ming lines extended, and the proper line installed. Do not
extend the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
• AdJust the D-handle to your size to provide the best grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with any-
thing before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Do not carry around a unit that is
plugged in with your finger on the trigger switch. Be sure
the switch is in the off position when plugging in the unit.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both handles or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving
parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting attachment
when it rotates.
• Always stop the motor when cutting is delayed or when
walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object,
stop the motor immediately and check for damage. Do not
operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit
with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop the unit and unplug it for maintenance or repair.
• Use only genuine original equipment replacement parts
and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any non-original parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or dam-
age to the unit, and void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may
become lodged between the cutting attachment and shield,
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Disconnect the unit from the power supply when it is idle,
when you are storing or transporting it, when you are ser-
vicing it, and when you are changing attachments.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up to prevent unautho-
rized use or damage, and stored in a high place out of the
reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liq-
uid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean
after each use. See the Cleaning and Storage instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them
to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also
loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
4
RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Readthe operator's manual for complete safety,assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL MEANING
•THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING
CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE
Indicates danger, warning or caution. //._/_
_k • SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL __
May be used in conjunction with other //
symbols or pictographs.
• WARNING - READ
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without the
cutting attachment shield in place.
Keep away from the rotating cutting
attachment.
©
Read the operator's manual(s) and follow
all warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious
injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING
PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects and loud
noise can cause severeeye injury and
hearing loss.Weareye protection
meeting ANSIZ87.1 standards and ear
protection when operating this unit. Use
a full face shield when needed.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders,
especially children and pets, at least 50
feet (15 m) from the operating area.
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch hot surfaces like the gear
housing. You may get burned. These parts
get extremely hot from operation. They
remain hot for a short time after the unit is
turned off.
• SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on cutting
attachment shield. To prevent serious
injury, do not touch line cutting blade.
5