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 Garden Cultivator
ModelBL410
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 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
Rules for Safe Operation ............................... 3
Know Your Unit ....................................... 6
Assembly Instructions ................................. 7
Oil and Fuel Information ............................... 8
Starting/Stopping Instructions ......................... 9
Operating Instructions ............................... 10
Maintenance and Repair Instructions ................. 11
Cleaning and Storage ................................ 14
Accessories and Replacement Parts ................... 14
Troubleshooting Chart ............................... 15
Specifications ........................................ 16
Warranty Information ................................ 18
Parts List .............................. Inside Back Cover
CONTENTS OF CARTON
• Model BL410Garden Cultivator with Handlebars and
Wheel Bracket Assembly
• Bottle of 2-Cycle Oil
• Operator's Manual
• Product Registration Card
- ri iN m" r Model Humber
_e e _n ee -_ ParentPertHumber
I\ F
S/N ITEM /
lilililiilililliilliliilililillililililiillili
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.
THISPRODUCTISCOVEREDBYONEORMOREU.S.PATENTS.
OTHERPATENTSPENDING.
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 SERVICEDEALER 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
SAFETYALERTSYMBOL:Indicates danger, warn- 1
ing or caution. Attention is required in order to [
avoid Serious personal injury. May be used in I
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
f re,e ectr c shock, and persona njury. J
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may I
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will 1
result in serious injury to yourself or to others. I
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce I
the riskoffire, electric shockand personal injury. J
• • result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety I
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 •
READALL INSTRUCTIONS
Clear the area to be cultivated before each use. Remove
low the safety rules, Please read these instruc- I
tions before operating the unit in order to [
I1_ WARNING: When using the unit, you must fol-
ensure the safety of the Operator and any I
bystanders. Please keep these instructions for
later use. I
BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Become 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 parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any
way. Do not operate with loose or damaged parts.
• Be aware of the potential risk of injury to your head, hands
and feet.
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects
which may be thrown by the unit. 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 protec-
tion. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and make sure that it auto-
matically returns to the idle position. Make all adjustments
or repairs before using the unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not
start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and
its vapors Can explode if ignited. Follow the
ensuing precautions.
3
RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling
the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank. or add
fuel when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit with-
out the fuel cap securely m place. Loosen the fuel tank cap
slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where
there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap
only after stopping engine. Do not smoke while fueling.
Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately.
• 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 from the area while adding
fuel or operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or build-
ing. Breathing exhaust fumes can be lethal. Operate thls
unit only in awell ventilated area outdoors.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting
ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear/hearing protection when
operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the opera-
tion is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve
shirt. Do not wear. short 3ants. sandals or go barefoot.
• To reduce the risk of injury associated with objects pulled
into rotating parts, do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
scarves etc. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Keep outside surfaces flee from oil and fuel OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary when
the engine is idling. If they do not. have the unit adjusted
by an authorized service technician.
• Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position when-
ever pulling the starter rope. The operator and umt musl
be in a stable position while starting. Refer to the Starting/
Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only Jsethis tool for the purpose intended.
• Do not force the unit. It will do the job more effectively,
with a smaller chance of injury, if you use the unit for the
task _twas designed.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit
towards you.
• Do not overreach. Take extra care when working on steep
slopes or inclines.Alwayskeep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on the handlebar grips.
• Keep hands, face and feet at a distance from all moving
parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines when they are
rotating. Do not operate without guards in place.
• Do not touch the engine, muffler or gearbox. These parts
get extremely hot from operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed
to do the job. Do not run the engine at high speed when
not in use.
• Always stop the engine during suspended or delayed
operation, or when you walk from one location to another.
• Stop the engine for maintenance, repair or to install or
remove the tines. To avoid injury, stop the unit and make
sure the tines no longer turn.
• The tines become very sharp from use. Always wear heavy
gloves when handling, removing, installing or cleaning the
tines.
• Use only Genuine Factory Parts Tureplacement parts and
accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any non original factory
parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user,
or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They
may become lodged between the tines and gearbox or guard.
• To reduce the risk of fire, replace a faulty muffler and spark
arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, 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 place, either locked up or up high to
prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the
reach of children.
• Clean the tines with a hose and water. Wipe the tines with
a light machine oil to prevent rust.
• Never douse or squirt the engine with water or any other liq-
uid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after
each use, as described in the CleaningandStoragesectioe.
• 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
• ONIOFF STOP CONTROL
O
Indicates danger, warning or caution.
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL I
May be used in conjunction with other
symbols or pictographs.
WARNING - READ
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Readthe operator's manual(s) and follow
all warnings and safety instructions.
Failureto do so can result in serious
injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
O • ONIOFF STOP CONTROL
ON /START/RUN
OFF orSTOP
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
WEAR EYE AND HEARING
PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects and loud
noise can causesevere 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 50
feet (15 m) from the operating area.
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always useclean, fresh unleaded fuel.
• OIL
Referto operator's manual for the proper
type of oil.
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.
I' 1I$1
GARDEN CULTIVATORS - ROTATING
TINES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Stop the engine and allow
the tines to stop before installingor
removing tines, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Keep
hands and feet away from rotating tines.
NO STEP
Alwayskeepproper footing and balance.
Donot overreach,take extra carewhen
working on steep slopesor inclines.
• CHOKE CONTROL
A• FULLchoke position.
B• PARTIALchoke position.
C•RUN position.
•THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING
CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE
//
INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without the
proper attachments and guards in place.
Keep away from the rotating tines.
5
PLACE LEFT FOOT HERE
Avoid accidental starting. Stand in the
starting position whenever pulling the
starter rope. The operator and unit must
be in a stable position while starting.
RULES FOR SAFEOPERATION
KNOW YOUR UNIT
Application:
• Cultivating sod and light to medium soil
• Cultivating in garden areas,around trees, etc.
Handgrip
STOP/OFF (0)
\
Handgrip
Primer Bulb
Throttle
Control
Throttle
Cable and
Switch Wires
/
Choke Control
Handlebar
Handlebar
Knob
Air Filter/
On/Off Stop
Control
START/ON (I)
FuelCap
Starter Rope Grip
Handlebar
Knob
Shaft Tube Grip
Tine Guard
Spark
Plug
\
Muffler
Wheel Bracket
Assembly
__ Gearbox
/
/
/
_Tines
6