Bolens TMO-33920A User Manual
12 H.P. 38^^ Lawn Tractors
Operating lVIanu2il
Model Nos. TMO-33920A
TMO-33921A
Montgomery Ward
INDEX
Slope Gauge.......................................................................3
Contents of Hardware Pack
Rules for Safe Operation...................................................5
Assembly Instructions.......................................................6
Controls............................................................................12
Operation..........................................................................14
Adjustments
Lubrication.......................................................................18
Maintenance.....................................................................18
Off-Season Storage
Trouble Shooting Chart
Illustrated Parts for Lawn Tractors
Illustrated Parts for Transaxle..................................36, 37
Electrical System ............................................................38
Parts Information
NOTICE: A data plate with the model number and serial numbers of your unit is located on the frame, under
the seat. Record these numbers in the spaces provided on the back cover of this guide.
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Back Cover
4
16
22
23, 24
25-35
Dear Customer,
So often throughout the year we are all in a
rush to meet our daily obligations.
However, we af Montgomery Ward are tak
ing a quick moment out to say. . .
“Thank you for your business.”
Sincerely,
MONTGOMERY WARD
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN WITH THIS SYM
BOL ARE FOR PERSONAL SAFETY. BE
A
SURE TO FOLLOW THEM.
BEFORE YOU CALL SERVICE
Check Spark Plug Wire
• Firmly attached?
• Wire terminal clean?
Check Crankcase Oil Level
• Overfilled/underfilled?
Check Fuel Tank
• Fuel in tank?
• Fuel dirty or stale?
• If tank has been empty for a long period,
fill tank completely.
Check Air Cleaner
• Clean?
• Choke plate stuck?
• Governor spring free to move?
Check Under Blade Housing (Disconnect Spark Plug First)
• Blade obstructed or bent?
Check Starting Instructions
• Read instruction manuals and labels for specific
instructions.
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unim
proved 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 muffler is available
at your nearest engine authorized service center.
2
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Cut Along This Line---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 POWER POLE
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-------------------------------
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A CORNER OF A BUILDING
------
.........Be.
OR A FENCE POST
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AC WARNING {
Do not mow on Inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2V2 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.
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CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Remove this sheet from your owner’s manual and lay the hardware on the illustration for identification purposes.
Refer to the separate deck manual for any assembly instructions concerning the deck. After assembly, keep the
Slope Gauge which is on the reverse side of this sheet for future use.
(Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
I A| installing the battery
I iiiiiimiMiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniM
J
I
______
Battery
Strap-
Hook
ATTACHING THE SEAT
Hex Bolts
1/2-13 X
1" Long-
y I
Cable
Tie
IGNITION
KEYS
(May Be
Attached to
T ractor)
(Battery Strap is Not Shown)
ATTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL
B
Hex Bolt
1/4-20 X
h1-1/4" Long
Hex
Lock
Nut
1/4-20
Thread
Steering-
Bellow
Hex Lock Nut
5/16-24 Thread
u
o>
c
o>
c
o
3
Lock
Washers'
1/2" I.D.-
ATTACHING THE
CHUTE DEFLECTOR
0
INCHES
Truss Machine-
Screw 1/4-20
X 3/4" Long
Washers
1/4" I.D.
Hex Jam Nut
1/4-20 Thread
i I I
1
1
Cupped Washer
5/16" I.D.
Steering ■
Wheel
Cap
A
IMPORTANT
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD EN
DANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS, READ AND FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL—
WARNING. •M
DANGER
Ai
Your unit 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. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself
or others.
A
HEED ITS
A
1. READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this unit. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2.
This unit is a precision piece of power equipment, not
a plaything. Therefore exercise extreme caution at all
times.
Know the controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction. Only per
sons well acquainted with these rules of safe operation
should be allowed to use your mower.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
5.
slacks and shirts to avoid entanglement in the moving
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or
sneakers.
6. To prevent injury, do not carry passengers or give rides.
Keep children, pets and bystanders out of the area while
mowing. Only the operator should ride on the unit and
only ride in the seat.
7. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under
power lines, guy 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.
To maintain control of the unit and reduce the possibil
8.
ity of upset or collision, operate the tractor smoothly.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particular
9.
ly small children and pets. Stop engine when they are
in the vicinity of your mower. Although the area of opera
tion should be completely cleared of foreign objects, a
small object may have been overlooked and could be
accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and
cause injury to you or a bystander.
10. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.
11. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into neutral
before attempting to start engine.
12. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
before leaving operating position.
13. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times as the
rotating blade(s) can cause injury.
14. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
before making any repairs or adjustments. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the plug
to prevent accidental starting.
15. Before attempting to unclog the mower or discharge
chute, slop the engine. The mower blade(s) may con
tinue to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut
off. Therefore, be sure the blade(s) have stopped com
pletely. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
16. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transporting or
not in use.
17. Take all possible precautions when leaving vehicle un
attended such as disengaging power take-off, lowering
attachments, shifting into neutral, setting parking brake,
stopping engine and removing key.
18. 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 seriotts injury could result.
19. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Mow up and down face of steep slopes; never
across the face. Use extreme caution if it is necessary
to drive the tractor up an incline or back the tractor down
an incline because the front of the tractor could lift and
rapidly flip over backward which could cause serious
injury.
20. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent
tipping or loss of control. Always keep the tractor in gear
when going down steep hills to take advantage of engine
braking action.
21. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden hazards
which may cause the unit to tip over.
22. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when sug
gested in owner’s manual.
23. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
24. When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near vehicle
while in operation.
25. Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flammable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a running or
hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled
gasoline.
C. Open doors If engine is run in garage. Exhaust fumes
are dangerous. Do not run engine indoors.
Rules for Safe Operation (continued)
26. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con
dition, and keep safety devices in place. Use guards as
instructed in operator’s manual.
27. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip
ment is in safe working condition.
28. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside
a building where ignition sources are present, such as
hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
29. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease.
30. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in
spected for damage after striking a foreign object. The
damage should be repaired before restarting and
operating the equipment.
31. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine.
32. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows:
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL; however, a small amount of oil may
be present from the factory. Do not overfill. After assembly, service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the unit is observed from the driver’s seat, fac
ing forward.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine
is running if operator must dismount to do so.
(3) Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher.
(4) Check blade mounting boits for proper tightness at
frequent intervals.
33. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or
deterioration. For safety protection, replace only with new
bag meeting original equipment specifications.
34. Look behind to make sure the area is clear before plac
ing the transmission in reverse and continue looking
behind while backing up. Disengage blades before shift
ing into reverse and backing up.
35. This unit should not be driven up 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 to load properly.
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn tractor from the carton as follows.
Open the top flaps. Remove all loose parts and car
ton inserts. Cut the front corners of the carton.
Make certain brake is released, and push the unit
out of the carton.
2. Remove page four from this manual and lay the
contents of the hardware pack on the illustration
for identification.
BATTERY INFORMATION
Ac WARNING I
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 (goggles, rub
ber gloves and apron) when working with it.*
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area im
mediately 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 elec
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat
tery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen gas
generated during charging can be combustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area.
'Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
Manifold
on Battery
Clear Plastic
Drain Tube
\
Screwdriver
Fill Caps
ACTIVATING AND INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1.
Upon opening the battery pack, you should receive
acid pack, battery, drain tube, filling adapter and
hardware.
WARNING
AC
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added).
2.
Place the battery on table or workbench to be filled.
3.
Place one end of clear plastic drain tube on
-manifold of battery. See figure 1.
FIGURE 1.
Large Tab
Filling
Adapter
FIGURE 2.
DANGER
Ai
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning on page
6. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush with water,
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable
oil. Seek prompt medical attention. EYES: Flush with
cool water for at least 15 minutes, then seek immediate
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.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
NOTE
Some batteries may already have
the drain tube installed, in which
case it may be necessary to snip off
the sealed end.
4.
Remove the six fill caps from the top of the bat
tery with a screwdriver. Care should be taken not
to damage the fill caps. See figure 1.
5.
Lay acid package down, with “push in” facing up.
Using thumb, push in small perforated tab at dot
on front of package. Tear down large tab to solid
line, exposing hose. Do not use any sharp object
to open acid package.
6.
Pull out hose from package and hold upright.
Squeeze hose forcing all acid back into package.
Cut off tip of hose and insert filling adapter. See
'figure 2.
7.
Fill each cell to upper level marked on front of bat
tery. Replace fill caps on battery. See figure 2.
8.
Allow battery to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Add addi
tional acid, if necessary, to bring it up to the proper
level.
The battery can be charged after the 20 minutes
9.
sitting period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY
(DO NOT FAST CHARGE) at a maximum bench
rate of 1.4 amperes until the specific gravity
reading is 1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of
2 hours and a maximum of 8 hours.
NOTE
Charging rate after battery has been
put into operation: The battery is to
be charged for a period of 14-16
hours. NO LONGER THAN 30
HOURS.
After battery has been in service,
add only distilled water. Do not add
acid.
FIGURE 3.
NOTE
This engine is equipped with an
alternator. The current for the bat
tery charger alternator is unregu
lated. During normal operation, it is
only necessary to charge the battery:
1. When it is activated for the first
time.
2. Before winter storage.
3. Before using the lawn tractor
after winter storage.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY (Hardware A)
1. Place gear shift lever in the “neutral” position.
-Unscrew the gear shift knob. See figure 3.
FIGURE 4.
2. Remove the two truss head screws which secure
------
the transmission cover. See figure 4.
3.
---
Lift the transmission cover. Unplug the safety wire
from beneath the transmission cover. See figure
-----
5. Remove transmission cover.
FIGURE 6.
4. Assemble one battery strap hook to each end of
-the battery strap as shown in figure 6. Adjust the
strap so there is about 2" of strap beyond the
hooks.
Hole for
Drain Tube
FIGURE 7.
Black
(Negative)
Cable
Battery
Strap
Negative
Terminal
5. Hook one end of the battery strap into the hole pro-
■vided in the frame. See figure 7. Lay the strap over
the side of the frame.
Set the battery in the lawn tractor so that the
negative terminal is toward the front of the unit.
See figure 8. Place the end of the drain tube into
-t*- lole in the frame shown in figure 7.
Slide the square nut (provided with battery hard
ware) into the positive ( + ) terminal. Place the
positive (heavy red wire) cable on the positive ter
minal. Secure with screw provided. See figure 8.
Slide the square nut (provided with battery hard
ware) into the negative (-) terminal. Place the
negative (heavy black wire) cable on the negative
terminal. Secure with screw provided.
FIGURE 8.
Battery Brake
Drain
\ Tube
Incline
Assistance
9. Slide the battery forward into position as shown in
-------
figure 9. Secure in place with the battery strap,
stretching strap over the battery and hooking into
hole in the frame.
10. Slide rubber boot over the positive terminal. See
figure 9.
Bend the positive cable down, out of the way, to
allow clearance for the gear shift lever and safety
switch (underneath the transmission cover).
Ac WARNIN^{
Make certain the positive cable does
not contact the safety switch when the
transmission cover is reassembled, to
avoid damage to the unit and serious
personal injury.
Route the battery drain tube toward the back of the
unit, over the shaft on the incline assistance brake
and inside the deck links. See figure 10.
12. Secure drain tube to hole in the side of frame with
cable tie as shown in figure 10. Trim excess end
of cable tie. Be certain tube is routed away from
wheel rim.
13. Plug the safety wire into the switch beneath the
transmission cover. Refer to figure 5. Replace the
transmission cover and gear shift knob.
FIGURE 10.
10
ATTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL (Hardware B)
1. Insert large end of the upper steering shaft through
the hole in the dash panel, over the lower steering
-------
shaft. See figure 11. The four holes in the upper
steering shaft provide four steering wheel heights.
Select desired hole, and secure with hex bolt and
hex lock nut.
Steering
Bellow
FIGURE 12.
Cupped
Washer
Hex Lock
steering
Wheel
2. Attach one end of steering bellow to the steering
-----
wheel as shown in figure 12.
Position the front wheels of the tractor so they are
3.
pointing straight forward.
4.
Place the steering wheel and steering bellow over
the steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as
desired.
5. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with 5/16" hex lock nut.
—See figure 13.
6. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the
steering wheel and seat it with your hand.
FIGURE 13.
Lock Washers
Hex Bolts
FIGURE 14.
Two
Two
ATTACHING THE SEAT (Hardware C)
1. The seat may be adjusted to three different posi
tions. Select desired position and secure to seat
spring with two hex bolts and lock washers. See
-------
figure 14.
Plug the wire lead which is in the wire harness
beneath the seat into the plug on the wire lead ex
tending from the right hand side of the seat. See
-figure 15.
11
FIGURE 16.
CONTROLS
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed. To get maximum efficiency from cutting, the
throttle should be in the FAST position when operating
the mower. See figure 17.
ATTACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
(Hardware E)
WARNING i
áki
Do not operate your unit unless the
chute deflector has been properly
installed.
Place the chute deflector in position on the deck.
Secure with truss machine screws, lock washers and
-hex nuts. See figure 16.
Light
Ammeter
Throttle
Clutch-Brake
Pedal
Switch j
Ignition
Switch
Clutch-Brake
Pedal
Throttle
Control
;
Ammeter
(Optional)
/
Gear Shift
Lever
FIGURE 17A.—Model TMO-33920A
Lift and
Disengagement
Lever
Ignition
Switch
Light Switch
(Optional)
Choke
(Optional)
Gear Shift
Lever
FIGURE 17B.—Model TMO-33921A
CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation are
covered in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit. See figure 17.
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located on the left side of the console
and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and
REVERSE. See figure 17. The clutch-brake pedal must
be depressed and the lawn tractor must not be mov
ing when shifting gears. Do not force the shift lever.
12
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