Bolens 820, 829 User Manual

Operator s Manual

TRANSMATIC

GARDEN

TRACTORS

Models

820 thru 829
840 thru 849

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. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10119

(10/98)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain your lawn tractor. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your lawn tractor for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from it in this Operator's Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need
help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every lawn tractor has a model plate. You can locate it by pivoting the seat forward and looking under
the seat at the seat pivot bracket. See Figure 1.

This is where your model number will be.

xxx-x-xxx-x-xxx xxxxxxxxxxx

-This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:.

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here: _

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER — Record this information in the space

provided. To find your unit’s specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.

Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your
call can be processed.

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT

A

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 YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the

A

A

1. GENERAL OPERATION

State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your lawn mower 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 lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
operator’s manual and on the machine before
starting. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.

• Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near
rotating parts.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. A small object may have been overlooked and
could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause injury to you or a bystander. To
help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep children,
bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet from the
mower while it is in operation. Always wear safety
glasses or safety goggles during operation or while
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes
from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) when crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and
backing up. Always look down and behind before and
while backing.

• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate
the mower without either the entire grass catcher or
the chute guard in place.

• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set
park brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.

Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a

complete stop before (a) removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs, adjusting
or removing any grass or debris.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence

of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing

roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the

machine 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 unit must be pushed
manually on a ramp to load or unload properly.

Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine
is running if operator must dismount to do so.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.

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 situation where the operator may be struck
or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious
injury.

Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral before
attempting to start engine.

• Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt to
mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture)
or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up on the
mower deck or contact the engine exhaust presenting
a potential fire hazard.

2. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip­over 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.

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:

Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, 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 machine 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 braking 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, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.

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.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is
over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

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.

3. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful
care of an adult other than the operator.

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.

Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.

Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with

the safe machine operation.

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 instruction.

Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure your
vision of a child or other hazard.

Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent

unauthorized operation.

4. SERVICE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.

Use only an approved container.
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.

Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire
or explosion.

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

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

Never store the fuel container or machine inside
where there is an open flame or spark, such as a gas
hot water heater, space heater or furnace.

Never run a machine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of

grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.

Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive
wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which
meets original equipment specifications.

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

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and operating the mower.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution
when servicing blade(s).

Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.

Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool
down before touching.

Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.

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

Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to
dispose of waste from your local Environmental
Protection Agency. Recycling centers are
established to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.

Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not
use food or beverage containers that may mislead
someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose
of the containers immediately following the draining
of fluids.

DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground,
down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other
body of water. Observe Environmental Protection
Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other
harmful waste.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons

A

who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

I adawgerT

KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS
THIS GUARD OR ENTIRE GRASS­CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.

ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT BEFORE OPERATING

___________________________mm.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT
OPERATE MOWER UNLESS REAR TRAILING
SHIELD AND THIS GUARD OR ENTIRE
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.

A

ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR

BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE.

DANGER

TO THIS UNIT

A DANGER

Мою SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

* AMD FEET AWAY FROM

«ОТДТ/NG PARTS

* OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY THE

* direction, wear SAFETY GLASSES,

00 WOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS
ARE AROUND. NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.

OSE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES. DO NOT MOW

greater than 15“ MOW UP AND OOWN^

ROTACROSS. avoid sudden turns, use low gear

■^^Onor».^ МДЦПД1 KEEP SAFETYDEVtCES

Figure 2 Safety labels found on your unit

5

0)

U)

3

(0

uSE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPEo WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

----------A POWER POLE

---------------------A CORNER OF A BUILDING

--------------------------------OR A FENCE POST

CD

0)

Q.

O

C/)

CD

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 walk-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

Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit. Part numbers are shown in parentheses.)

A ATTACHING THE DECK LINKS

Co^

Eyebolts

(711-0817)

(Not Shown to

Scale) Quantity 3

Hex Nuts

1/2-13 Thread

(712-0206) Quantity 3

■mDD

C ATTACHING THE DECK WHEELS

(If not already attached)

rr^quu

(46" Deck

Deck

Wheels are
Not Shown

Only)

B ATTACHING THE CUTTING DECK

Small

Clevis Pin
(711-0701)

Spacers
(750-0932A)

Hairpin Clips
(714-0101)

Hairpin
Clip
(714-0104)

Flat

Washers

1/2" I.D.

(736-0192)

NOTE: This

hardware may

be assembled

to the deck

Front

Axle Bolts

3-1/4"

-----

Long

(738-3056)

Flat Washers

1/2" I.D.

(736-0192)

Cupped

Washers

3/8" I.D.

(736-0105)

Rear

Axle Bolts

2-1/4" Long

(738-0533)

Lock

Washers

3/8" I.D.

(736-0169)

Hex Nuts

3/8-16 —

Thread

(712-0798)

SECTION 4: UNPACKING

TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CRATE

1. Remove all screws from the top of the crate
using a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade
screwdriver.

2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in a downward motion.
(A hammer may be helpful).

3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.

4. Repeat procedure for each side of the crate.

5. Remove and discard plastic bag which covers
unit.

6. Loose parts (may include the owner's guide,

7. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor. Make

8. Remove page seven from this manual and lay

SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine

with gasoiine, and check oii ievei as instructed
in the separate engine manuai packed with your
unit.

NOTE: Reference to right or ieft hand side of

the unit is observed from the driver’s seat, facing
forward.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriver
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
*lf your steering wheel cap is square, you must have
a socket wrench in order to install the steering wheel.

BATTERY INFORMATION

D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into

E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to

F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,

G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in

*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing

steering wheel, battery fluid, chute deflector,
etc.) are on the seat or in a box and wrapped in
plastic. Carefully cut and remove the plastic
wrap. Remove loose parts from the seat.

certain parking brake is released and unit is in
neutral. See the controls section of this manual
for location of the parking brake release and the
shift lever. Push unit off of the skid.

out the contents of the hardware pack according
to the illustration for identification.

any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.

battery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.

lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen
gas generated during charging can be combusti
ble.

a well-ventilated area.

when working near batteries.

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 (gog
gles, rubber gloves and apron) when working with
it.

B.

Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area
immediately with clean cold water. If there is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical atten
tion.

If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.

WARNING

A

Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning
at right. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush with water.

INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or

vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES:

Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then

get prompt medical attention.

Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep
all lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters,
matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery

only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain venting
path of battery drain tube (if equipped) is always
open.

KEEP BATTERIES

OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!

DANGER

BATTERY IDENTIFICATION

Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with the illustration above. Type “A”
batteries are activated and are ready to use. Type
“B” batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid)
and charged before they are put into service. Follow
the instructions which apply to the battery in your
lawn tractor.

ACTIVATING AND CHARGING THE BATTERY

(TYPE “B” BATTERY ONLY)
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid)
until battery is actually placed in service. Be
certain to read previous battery warnings before
activating the battery.

1. Pivot the seat pivot bracket forward. Unhook the
strap which secures the battery (hook is on rear

frame, under fender). Disconnect the positive

cable from the positive terminal. Save the
hardware for reassembly.

2. Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,
and how the drain tube (attached to the battery)
is routed.

3. Activate the battery as instructed in the “Quick
Start” brochure included with the battery fluid.

Read instructions carefully.

NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn

tractor while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after
filling with acid), and later while you are charging the

battery.

IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum life from

your battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to
initial use.

CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute

standing period. Battery P/N 725-1705D—Charge at
2-3 amps for one hour. Battery P/N 725-1707D, 725­0453G, 725-1750, 725-1706—Charge at 6 amps for
one hour.

NOTE: If you charge the battery at a lower AMP

rate, use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is
completely charged. The hydrometer should read

1.260 minimum at an electrolyte temperature of eo
li 0°F. DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6

AMPS.

STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION

1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel
has been packed inside the steering wheel.
Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and
remove the hardware.

2. Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of tractor. Place steering
bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash. See Figure 3.

NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering

bellow are two different sizes, the smaller end goes
down against the dash of the tractor.

3. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the
steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as
desired.

4. Place the washer with the cupped side down
over the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock
bolt. See Figure 3.

NOTE: If your steering wheel cap is square, you

must use a socket wrench.

5. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of
the steering wheel and seat it with your hand.