Bolens BL250 User Manual

Operator's

Manual

Since it began making garden tools in

1850,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.

2-Cycle Petrol

Trimmer/Brushcutter

ModelBL250

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 Head TMis a trademark of MTD SOUTHWEST INC. SplitLine TMis a trademark of MTD SOUTHWEST INC.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period should be performed only by an authorized and approved

service dealer. DO NOT RETURN THE UNITTO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF

PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY 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

Rules for Safe Operation ............................... 3

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

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

Oil and Petrol Information ............................ I0

Starting/Stopping Instructions ....................... 11

Operating Instructions ............................... 12

Maintenance and Repair Instructions ................. 14

Cleaning and Storage ................................ 19

Accessories and Replacement Parts ................... 19

Troubleshooting Chart ............................... 20

Specifications ........................................ 21

Warranty Information ................................ 24

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

CONTENTS OF CARTON

• Model BL250Trimmer/Brushcutter A Large Bump Head Cutting Attachment

A 4-Tooth Brush Blade A Bull Handle and Hardware

• Cutting Attachment Shield with Hardware

• Shoulder Harness

• Locking Rod Tool

• Operator's Manual

• Product Warranty Card

Copy the model I parent part

number here:

Copy the serial number here:

Make sureyou 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 EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT

CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE

OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH

DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

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.

° 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

SAFETYALERT SYMBOL: Indicates danger, warn- ing or caution. Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

SYMBOL MEANING

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

fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will 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.

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 personal injury.

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

° IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •

READ ALL 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 petrol 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, as well asdamage to the unit.

• Use only a 2.41 mm (O.095-inch) diameter original equuip-

ment manufacturer replacement line. Never use metal-rein-

forced line, wire, chain or rope. These can break off and

become dangerous 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 15 m (50-foot) 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.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR PETROL TRIMMERS

WARNING: Petrol is highly flammable and its

vapors can explode if ignited. Follow the ensu-

ing precautions.

• Store petrol 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 petrol tank. Never remove the petrol tank cap or add petrol when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit with- out the petrol cap securely in place. Loosen the petrol tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.

• Add petrol in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Remove the petrol cap slow- ly, and only after the engine stops. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing petrol. Wipe up any spilled petrol from the unit immediately.

• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled petrol. Do not start the engine until petrol vapors dissipate.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

° IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •

Move the unit at least 9.1 m (30 feet) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke.

Keep sparks and open flames away from the area while

adding petrol or operating the unit.

WHILE OPERATING

• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.

Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate this unit

only in a well-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 a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

• 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 has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains sta- tionary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have the

unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.

• Adjust the 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. Both 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 original equipment manufacturer replacement

parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from

your authorized service dealer. Use of any non-original fac- tory parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the

user, or damage 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.

WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE

• Read and understand all safety warnings before operating this unit.

• Always use the shoulder harness when using the brush blade accessory.

• Keep the handle between the operator and cutting attach- ment or blade at all times.

• NEVER cut when the cutting blade is 76 cm (30 inches) or more above the ground level.

• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not immediately cut. Blade thrust can be violent enough to propel the unit and/or operator in any direction, possibly causing a loss of control. Blade thrust can occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is dif- ficult to see the material being cut.

• For operation with the brush blade, do not cut anything thick- er than 13 mm (1/2 inch) or a violent kickback could occur.

• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is rotating.

• A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to spin after the engine is stopped or the throttle trigger is released. Maintain proper control until the blade has com- pletely stopped rotating.

• Do not run the unit at high speed when not cutting.

• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Have any

damage repaired before attempting further operations. Do not operate unit with a bent, cracked or dull blade. Discard

blades that are bent, warped, cracked or broken.

• Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in use. This can result in severe personal injury. Replace the blade.

• Do not use the cutting blade for edging or as an edger; severe personal injury to yourself or others may incur. Use the cutting blade only for the purpose as described in this manual.

• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive vibra- tion. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts or damage before continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as necessary.

After Use

• Clean cutting blades with a household cleaner to remove any gum buildup. Oil the blade with machine oil to prevent rust.

• Lock up and store the cutting blade in an appropriate area to protect the blade from unauthorized use or damage.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

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

• Allow the 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS Thisoperator'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

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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 severe eye injury and

hearing loss. Wear eye protection

meeting ANSI Z87.1 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 15 m (50 feet) from the operating area.

A B

THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING

CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING: Do not operate without the

cutting attachment shield in place. Keep away from the rotating cutting

attachment.

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 • FULL choke position B • PARTIAL choke position

C • RUN position

• UNLEADED PETROL

Always useclean, fresh unleaded petrol.

• OIL Refer to operator's manual for the proper

type of oil.

° ON/OFF STOP CONTROL

ON / START/RUN

• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL

OFFor STOP

BRUSHCUTTERS • REPLACE DULL BLADES

Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in use. This can result in severe personal injury.

TRIMMER/BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY

WARNING: Thrown objects and rotating

cutter can cause severe injury. Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 15 m (50 feet) away from the cutting area. The cutting attachment shield must be used when using the

trimmer cutting attachment.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

KNOW YOUR UNIT

Applications

As a trimmer:

• Cutting grass and light weeds

• Edging

• Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.

On/Off Stop Control

Throttle Control Support Fitting

As a brushcutter:

• Cutting weeds and light bush of up to 13 mm (I/2 inch) in diameter

Petrol Cap

Starter Rope Grip

Hip Pad

Gear Housing

Foot Stand

Blade Shield 1 Shield Mount

Handlebar

Choke Lever

Cutting Blade

Shaft

Housing

Cutting Attachment Shield

Primer Bulb

Cutting

Line Cutting Blade

Muffler

Spark Plug

Air Filter/Muffler

Cover

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL AND ADJUST THE HANDLE

1. Place the handlebar between the top and middle clamp pieces (Fig. 1).

...........(4) Screws ........... Fig. 1

Middle Clam

.............N '_

2. While holding the three pieces together, install the four (4) screws through the top clamp and into middle clamp.

uts Clamp

NOTE: The holes in the top and middle clamp will line

up only when assembled correctly.

3. Place the clamps and the handlebar over the shaft housing and onto the bottom clamp.

4. Hold each hex nut in the bottom clamp recess with a finger. Start screws with a large Phillips screwdriver. Do not tighten until you make the handle adjustment.

5. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 2), move the handlebar to the location that provides you the best grip.

Fig. 2

INSTALL THE HARNESS

when using the cutting blade to avoid serious WARNING: Always use the shoulder harness

personal injury.

1. Push the strap through the center of the buckle.

2. Pull the strap over the cross bar and clown through the slot in the buckle (Fig. 3).

3. Put the harness on over your head and onto your shoulder. Snap it on to the support fitting (Fig. 4).

4. Adjust the length to fit the operator's size. Pull the tab to lengthen, pull the strap to shorten (Fig 5).

fz .• ••••••

I Fig. 3

I Fig. 4

Support Fitting

6. Tighten the clamp screws evenly, until the handlebar is secu re.

Fig. 5

REMOVE AND INSTALL THE CUTTING SHIELD Remove the cutting attachment shield when using the

unit as a brushcutter

WARNING: The cutting attachment shield must

NOT be installed when operating the unit with a blade. Remove the cutting attachment shield before removing or installing the blade.

Remove the cutting attachment shield from the shield mount by removing the three (3) screws with a flat blade screwdriver (Fig. 7). Store parts for future use.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Cutting

Attachment

Shield

Shield Mount

(3) Screws

Gear Housing

Fig.6

Install the cutting attachment shield when using the unit as a grass trimmer

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, the

cutting attachment shield MUST be in place at all times while operating the unit as a grass trimmer.

Install the cutting attachment shield on the shield mount by inserting the three (3) screws into the shield mount. Tighten securely with a flat blade screwdriver (Fig. 6).

REMOVE THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT AND INSTALL THE CUTTING BLADE

NOTE: To make cutting blade removal and installation easi-

er, place the unit on the ground or on a work bench.

Remove the Cutting Attachment Shield

See Remove and Install the Cutting Attachment Shield.

Remove the Cutting Attachment

I. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod slot and

insert the locking rod into the shaft bushing hole (Fig. 7).

WARNING: The gear housing gets hot with use.

It can result in injury to the operator. The hous- ing remains hot for a short time even after the unit is turned off. Do not touch the gear housing

until it has cooled.

2. Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to the boom of the unit (Fig. 8).

3. While holding the locking rod, remove the cutting attachment by turning it clockwise offofthe output shaft

(Fig. 9). Store the cutting attachment for future use.

NOTE: The blade retainer under the cutting attachment

will be used when installing the cutting blade.

I Fig. 8

Cutting Attachment Fig. 9

Locking Rod

Slot

Locking Rod

Install the Cutting Blade

always wear gloves while handling or installing

the blade.

4. Placethe cutting blade on the output shaft bushing (Fig. 10).

Blade Retainer _ Nut

Fig. 10

Shaft Bushing Hole

Locking Rod Slot

Locking

Fig. 7

Output

Shaft

Output Shaft

Bushing

Cutting

Blade

Shield

Mount

Pilot Hole

Output Shaft

Bushing

Locking Rod

+ 16 hidden pages

Bolens BL250 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual