Bolens 41BD100G163 Owner’s Manual

Operator's

Manual

®

Since it began making garden tools in
1850,Bolens has beenknown for long-

lasting, dependable products. Bolens

eventually carried that hard.working

hedtage 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.

2-Cycle Gas Trimmer

ModelBL100

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.

Bump HeadTMisa trademark of MTD SOUTHWESTINC.
SplitLineTMisatrademark of MTD SOUTHWESTINC.
Copyright o2003 MTD SOUTHWESTINC,All Rights Reserved.

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 1-800-520-5520 to obtain a list of authorized

service dealers near you.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF

PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FORWARRANTY 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

Service Information ................................... 2

Rulesfor Safe Operation ............................... 3

Know Your Unit ....................................... 6

Assembly Instructions ................................. 7

Oil and Fuel Information ............................... B

Starting/Stopping Instructions ......................... 9

Operating Instructions ............................... 10

Maintenance and Repair Instructions ................. 11

Cleaning and Storage ................................ 16

Accessoriesand Replacement Parts ................... 16

Troubleshooting Chart ............................... 17

Specifications ........................................ 1B

Warranty Information ................................ 20

Parts List .............................. Inside Back Cover

CONTENTS OF CARTON

• Model BL1O0Trimmer with Bump Head

A D-Handle and Hardware
A Cutting Attachment Shield with Hardware

• Operator's Manual

• Product Registration Card

• Bottle of 2-Cycle Oil

S .... Model Humber

erlal NumBer --_

--_ \ Parent Part Humber

'_S/N ITEM I

ilIllmllllillllllilillillillflHlmlll

Copy the model / parent part

Copy the serial number here:

number here:

Makesureyou carefully read and understand this manual before

starting or operating this equipment.

THISPRODUCTISCOVEREDBYONEORMOREU.S.PATENTS.
OTHERPATENTSPENDING.

A This item will either be installed on the unit or in the

hardware pack

Examine all parts to make certain that nothing is missing and
no breakage has occurred during shipping. Any damaged or
missing part must be replaced before using this product.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

THE ENGINE EXHAUSTFROM THIS PRODUCT

CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THESTATE

OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER,BIRTH

DEFECTS,OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

2

RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION

NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon, and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and
the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon, and Washington require by law that certain internal com-

bustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective
working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local
authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a

fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE DEALER to install
the Accessory Part #182747 Spark Arrestor.

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 1-800-520-5520

• SAFETY SYMBOLS •

The purpose of safety symbols is to 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

SAFETYALERT SYMBOL: Indicates danger, warn- 1

ing or caution. Attention is required in order to l
avoid serious personal injury. May be used in I

conjunction with other symbols or pictographs. I

DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will 1
result in serious injury to yourself or to others, l

Always follow the safety precautions to reduce I
the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury. I

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SYMBOL MEANING

WARNING: Failureto 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

yourself or to Others. Always follow the safety

precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric

shock, and persona njury.

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •

READALL INSTRUCTIONS

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. Check

for fuel leaks. 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, aswell as damage to the unit.

• Use only a 0.080-inch (2.03 mm) diameter Genuine Factory

PartsTM 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.

• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns auto-
matically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using the unit.

• 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.

• This unit was not designed to be used as a brushcutter. Do
not attach or operate this unit with any type of brushcut-
ring blade or brushcutting attachment.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS TRIMMERS

vapors can explode if ignited. Follow the ensu- |
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and its 1

ing precautions. ]

• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.

• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling
the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel
when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the
fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly
to relieve any pressure in the tank.

3

RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •

• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where
there are no sparks or flames. Remove the fuel cap slowly,

and only after the engine stops. Do not smoke while fuel-
ing or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit
immediately.

• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not

start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling

source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke.
Keep sparks and open flames away from the area while

adding fuel or operating the unit.

WHILE OPERATING

• Neverstartorruntheunitinsideaclosedroomorbuildin 9.

Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate this unit
only in awell-ventilated outdoor area.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 stan-

dards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection

when operating this unit. Wear aface 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.

• This unit does not have a clutch. The cutting attachment
continues rotating when the engine is idling.

• AdJust the D-handle to your size in order 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. Be in the starting position when-

ever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must
be in a stable position while starting. Refer to the

Starting/Stopping Instructions,

• 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.

• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These
parts get extremely hot from operation, even after the unit
is turned off.

• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to
cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed
when not cutting.

• Always stop the engine 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 engine immediately and check for damage. Do
not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the
unit with loose or damaged parts.

• Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the
spark plug for maintenance or repair.

• Use only Genuine Factory Parts TMreplacement parts and
accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized 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.

• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark
arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Never store a fueled unit inside a building where fumes
may reach an open flame or spark.

• AIIowthe engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be
sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent
unauthorized use or damage, 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 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.

SAVETHESE 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

Indicates danger, warning or caution. /

May be used in conjunction with other / //_

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL __

symbols or pictographs. _/

WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S
MANUAL

CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE
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 cancause severe eye injury and
hearing loss.Wear eye 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.

• UNLEADED FUEL

I<1

I

HOT SURFACE WARNING

Do not touch a hot muffler, gear housing
or cylinder. You may get burned. These

parts get extremely hot from operation.
They remain hot for a short time after the

unit isturned off.

SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on cutting

attachment shield. To prevent serious
injury, do not touch line cutting blade.

• CHOKE CONTROL

A • FULLchoke position.
B• PARTIALchoke position.

C• RUN position.

• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON/ START/RUN

Always useclean, fresh unleaded fuel.

• OIL
Referto operator's manual for the proper

type of oil.

• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL

0

5

OFFor STOP

RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS

As a trimmer:

• Cutting grass and light weeds

• Edging

• Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.

Choke

Lever

Primer

Bulb

D-Handle

FuelCap

Shaft

Grip \

Starter

Rope Grip

\

Throttle

Control

Spark Plug Muffler

Cutting

Attachment

'\\\\

Air Filter/Muffler

Cover

Shaft
Tube

\

\

\\

On/Off Stop

Control

\

\

\

Cutting Attachment Shield

6

i

i

LineCutting Blade

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

On some units, the handle may be pre-installed. In this case
you must loosen hardware and adjust the handle to fit the

operator. Go to step 3 if the D-handle is pre-installed.

INSTALL AND ADJUST THE D-HANDLE

1. Push the D-handle down onto the shaft housing so that
the handle slants towards the shaft grip (Fig. 1). The
squared bolt hole in the handle is to the right.

. Shaft Grip j Fig. 1

Shaft Housing _ D-Handle

Tighten

Wing Nut

Bolt

2.

Insert the shoulder bolt into the squared hole in the
handle and push through. On the left side of the handle,
place the washer on the bolt, then screw the wing nut
onto the bolt. Do not tighten until you make the handle
adjustment.

.

If the D-handle was pre-installed, loosen the wing nut on

Washer

itjust enough sothe handle can freely move. Rotate the
D-handle to place the grip above the top of the shaft
housing. Place it a minimum of 6 inches (15.24cm) from
the end of the shaft grip.

4. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 2),
position the D-handle to the location that provides you

the best grip.

5. Tighten the wing nut until the D-handle is secure.

INSTALLING THE CUTTING SHIELD

Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield

on your unit is not installed or if you ever need to re-install it.

_L WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury,

1. Place the cutting attachment shield onto the shaft housing.
Be sure the guard mounting bracket slides into the slot on

the edge of the cutting shield. Rotate the shield into place,
counterclockwise (Fig. 3). The holes in the guard mounting

bracket and cutting attachment shield will line up.

2,

From inside the cutting attachment shield, push the
square bolt through the hole until the threaded end

protrudes through the guard mounting bracket (Fig. 4).

never operate the trimmer withou t the cutting

attachment shied n place.

Guard

Mounting

Bracket

Shield

Guard

Mounting

Bracket _ Washer

Wing Nut

Squa_reBolt

3. Put the washer on the bolt, then screw the wing nut onto
the bolt and tighten. Figure 5 shows the installation

process from underneath the unit.

Square Bolt

/ Hole

/

Cutting _Washer

Attachment

Shield

-Wing Nut

Cutting Attachment and Shield: Underside View

7