Bolens 840, 849 User Manual

OWNER’S Guide

Model Series

820 thru 829
840 thru 849

TRANSMATIC

GARDEN TRACTORS

MTD

For A Growing World"

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internai combustion engine and shouid not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered iand uniess the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
appiicabie iocai or state iaws (if any), if a spark arrester is used, it shouid be maintained in effective working order by the operator,
in the State of Caiifornia the above is required by iaw (Section 4442 of the Caiifornia Pubiic Resources Code). Other states may have
simiiar iaws. Fédérai iaws appiy on fédérai iands. A spark arrester for the muffier is avaiiabie through your nearest engine authorized
service deaier or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cieveiand, Ohio 44136-9722.

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

’RINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-8552M

A

IMPORTANT

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY I \ISTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL
SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND DTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE
AHEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— ^ HEED ITS WARMING.

A

DANGER' power equipme it, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in injury. This lawn

Your lawn mower was bull to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with

A

I.

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and

2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the instructions

3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or i ear rotating

4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire etc., which '

5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before trowing. Stop

6. Never carry passengers.

7. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse anc backing up.

8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge ilirection and

9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machire smoothly.

10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Alwiys turn off

11

12. Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a complete stop

13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol

15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing r ladways.

16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the m; chine into a

17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engi le is running

18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- itting slacks

19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under power

uHinucn. ¡3 capable of amputiiting hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety

instructions could result in serious injury or death._____________________________

on the machine before starting. Keep this manual ir a safe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

to operate the machine. Know controls and how to stop the
machine quickly.

parts.

could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A sma I object may
have been overlooked and could be accidentally tf rown by the
mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a bystander.
To help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep childrer, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while i is in opera
tion. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles furing oper
ation or while performing an adjustment or repa r, to protect
eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) wten crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.

machine if anyone enters the area.

Always look down and behind before and while bacdng.

do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the me wer without
either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard ir place.

Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brake, stop
engine and remove key before dismounting.
Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.

before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging ;hute, or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grai s or debris.

or drugs.

trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven u) or down a

ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, because t le unit could
tip over, causing serious personal injury. The init must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload prop jrly.

if operator must dismount to do so.

and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewf Iry. They can

be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, or sneakers.

lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, before enter

ing or leaving buildings, or in any other situaticn 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.

21. 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.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over acci
dents 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, disen
gage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and grad

ually 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.
III. 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.

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
children.

(continued on page 5)

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 CORNER OF A BUILDING

A POWER POLE

OR A FENCE POST

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WARNING

AC

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

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 cont lin extra items which are not used on your unit.

Part numiters are shown in parentheses.)

ATTACHING THE DECK LINKS

Eyebolts

(711-0817)

(Not Shown to

Scale) Quantity—3

_ Hex Nuts

1/2-13 Thread

(712-0206) Quantity— 3

ATTACHING THE DECK WHEELS
(if not already attached).

IT TUT T t

(46" Deck

Wheels are
Not Shown

Axle Bolts

— Long

(738-3056)

Only)

Deck

Front

3-1/4"

ATTACHING THE CUTTING DECK

B

Small —^

Clevis Pin
(711-0701)

Hairpin Clips

(714-0101)

-0

Hairpin
Ciip
(714-0104)

Fiat

Washers

1/2" I.D.

(736-0192)

NOTE; This
hardware may
be assembied

to the deck.

to

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>

o

3

<p

B

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I I I

0

INCHES

Flat Washe rs

1/2" I.D

(736-0192)

Cuppei I

Washer s

3/8" I.D.

(736-0105)

Lock

Rear

Axle Bolts

2-1/4" Long

(738-0533)

I

I I I I I I I

1

I I I I I I I I I

I

Washers

3/8" I.D.

(736-0169)

Hex Nuts

3/8-16

Thread

(712-0798)

4. Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine oper
ation.

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 instruction.

6.

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

7.

Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.

IV.

SERVICE

1.

Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.

Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

c. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel before

starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

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

ignition.

e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will

accumulate in the area.

f. 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

4.
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.

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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 com
ponents and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts
when necessary.

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

11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.

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

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

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis
posal of fluids and materials can harm the environment and the
ecology.
a. 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.

b. 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.

c. 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 dispos
ing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and
other harmful waste.

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.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY,
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS
DISCHARGE CHUTE COVER OR GRASS

CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.

A

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.

A DANGER

ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR

TO THIS UNIT

BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE

A DANGER

SfR/OUS INJURY OR DEATH

' and FEET AWAY FROM

«pTAriNG PARTS
Jf OBJECTS THAT CAN 8E THROWN BY Wi

• nn ?,^'^^^''0IRECTI0N WEAR SAFETY GLASSES

WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS

ci n CAUTION ON SLOPES DO NOT MOW

^CTACROSS AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.USE LOW DEAR

NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.

CRMTER THAN 15 MOW UP AND DOVJN^

MAiiim .tcD safety n»ro»TÜSSi«aB

UNPACKING

TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CRATE

1. Remove all screws from the top of the cri te using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade scr« wdriver.

2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the ^md, and
pull towards you in a downward motion.

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.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

BAHERY INFORMATION

A

A. Battery acid must be handled with grea care as

contact with it can burn and blister the îkin. It is
also advisable to wear protective clothing [goggles,
rubber gloves and apron) when working with it.*

B. Should battery acid accidentally splattei 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 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.

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

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

NEVER connect or disconnect charger clias to bat

E.

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

Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,

F.

lighters) away from the battery as the hydiogen gas
generated during charging can be combu stible.

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

a well-ventilated area.

*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing

when working near batteries.

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

7. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor. Make
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.

8. Remove page four from this manual and lay out
the contents of the hardware pack according to
the illustration for identification.

DANGER

A

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

INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water or milk.

Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vege
table 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) is always open.

KEEP BATTERIES

OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!

iMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine

with gasoiine, and check oil level as instructed

in the separate engine manual 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
(1) Pair of pliers

* If your steering wheel cap is square, you must have a

socket wrench in order to install the steering wheel.

BATTERY IDENTIFICATION

Compare the battery in your tractor (located under the
nood) with the illustration above. Type “A” batteries are
activated and are ready to use. Type “B” batteries must
ae filled with battery fluid (acid) and charged before
:hey 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)

)o not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
lattery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
ead previous warnings before activating the
lattery.

1. Lift the hood of the tractor. Remove the wing nuts
from the hold-down rods which secure the battery

cover to the battery. Refer to figure 12 on page 11.
Remove the battery cover. Disconnect the positive
cable from the positive terminal. Save the
hardware.

2. Remove the battery from the tractor, paying atten
tion to how the battery is placed in the unit, and

how the drain tube (if equipped) is routed.

3. Activate the battery as instructed in the “Quick

Start” brochure included with the battery fluid.
Read instructions carefully.

lOTE: You can continue assembling the tractor while
attery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling with
cid), and later while you are charging the battery.

flPORTANTiTo obtain the maximum iife from your
attery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial use.

CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute standing

period. Battery P/N 725-1705B—Charge at 2-3 amps
for one hour. Battery P/N 725-1707B and 725­0453E—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 com
pletely charged. The hydrometer should read 1.260
minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-1ICPF.
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 1.

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 for
ward, 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 1.

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.

Hex Lock

Bolt

Steering

Shaft

FIGURE 1.

-Steering
Wheel

Cap

Cupped
Washer

Steering

Bellow

46" and 50"

Decks Shown

Setting for-

Left Rear Link

Screws

Setting for-

Front Links

SEAT ASSEMBLY

Remove the four screws from the bottom of the seat.

Place the seat 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 the four screws. See figure

2.

ATTACHING THE DECK LINKS (Hardware A)

The three adjustable deck links have been shipped

unassembled. Attach as follows.

1. Start 1/2" hex nuts on eyebolts provided. Insert

i

the hex nuts and eyebolts into the adjustable lift

-----

links as shown in figure 3.

2. Thread eyebolts into the lift links and hex nuts.
The left rear link should be adjusted so the eyebolt

is to the lower mark as shown. The two front links

should be adjusted to the higher mark.

FIGURE 4.

Hex Bolts

ATTACHING THE CUHING DECK (Hardware B)

1. Working beneath the tractor, remove the round
belt guard from the idler by removing the hairpin

-----

clip. See figure 4. Remove the two hex bolts which

act as belt keepers by the engine pulley.
Move the tractor lift handle all the way back to the

2.

full raised position. Turn the tractor steering wheel
all the way to the left.