Bolens TMO-37478A User Manual
21" Self-Propelled Rotary Mower
Operating Manual
Model No. TMO-37478A
Montgomeiy Ward
INDEX
Slope Gauge.................................................................3
Contents of Hardware Pack..........................................4
Rules for Safe Operation..............................................5
Assembly
Controls.......................................................................10
Operation....................................................................11
Adjustments................................................................13
Lubrication..................................................................14
Maintenance...............................................................14
Off-Season Storage....................................................17
Illustrated Parts.....................................................18, 21
Repair Parts Lists
Trouble Shooting Chart
Parts Information
NOTICE: A data plate with the model number and serial numbers of your unit is located on the top rear
of the deck. Record these numbers in the spaces provided on the back cover of this guide.
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19-21
Back Cover
6
22
Dear Customer,
So often throughout the year we are all in a
rush to meet our daily obligations.
However, we at Montgomery Ward are tak
ing a quick moment out to sa/. , ,
"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?
• Fuel shut-off valve closed?
• If tank has been empty for a tong 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 for the muffler is available
through your nearest engine authorized service center.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
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5’
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OR A FENCE POST
AC WARNING ^
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2Vz feet every 10 feet). A
riding mower could overturn and cause serious in|ury. 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.
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.)
ATTACHfNG THE
LOWER HANDLE
Hairpin
Clips
ATTACHING THE
UPPER HANDLE
Curved Head-
Bolts
Split Washers-
5/16" I.D.
Hex Nuts
5/16-18 Thread.
ATTACHING THE DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
CABLE
Plastic-
Phillips
Head
Screws
Cap
Upper
Handle
Drive
Clutch
Housing
PARTS INFORMATION
ASSEMBLY OF GRASS CATCHER
(Upper Bag Support
Is Not Shown)
Blade Brake/Clutch
Control Handle
-Throttle Control
^_^Lower Handle
Housing
Catcher
Panel
o
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>
o
3
(Q
W
ATTACHING THE BLADE
BRAKE/CLUTCH CABLE
SECURING THE CABLES
r
u
M
I I i I I I I
0
INCHES
I I
Push Cap
Truss Machine-
Self-Tapping Screws
Q[ FINAL
ASSEMBLY
Hub Caps are
Not Shown
Cable Ties
I i I I I I I
▲
IMPORTANT
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY
ANO/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-
A HEED ITS WARNING.
A
A
A
Ai
Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for sate 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. t( you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury Id yourself or others.
TRAINING
1. Read this owner's manual carefully in its entirety before attempt
ing to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely familiar
with the controls and the proper use of this machine before
operatirrg li. Keep this manual in a safe place lor future and regular
reference and for ordering repiacement parts.
2. Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equipment, nrrt
a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at ail times.
3. Never allow cnildren to operate a power mower. Only persons well
acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed
to use your mower,
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small
children and pets. Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower to help prevent blade contact or thrown object in
jury. Although the area of operation should be completely cleared
of loreign objects, an object may have been overlooked and could
be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator or any others allowed in
the area.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and other foreign obiects
which could be picked up and thrown by the mower in any direc
tion and cause serious personal injury to the operator or any others
allowed in ihc-area.
2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign
objects that may be thrown from the machine m any direction.
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and
shirts to avoid entanglement in the moving pans. Never operate
a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
4. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extreme
ly flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the
engine is running, or until engine has been allowed to cool for
two minutes after running. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
ofi any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause
a fire or explosion.
5. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch on units
so equipped before starting the engine.
6. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass
its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and
may result in personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate easily in both
directions.
7. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while
the engine is running.
8. Never operate the equipment in wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing, A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. Keep
a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run. Mow only in daylight
or in good artificia! light.
DANGER
9. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure sfopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than IS*’ as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
OPERATION
1. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
A
A
engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.
2. Do not put hands or leet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times as the rotating blade can
cause injury.
3. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
4. 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.
5. It the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn
ing of trouble.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete
6.
stop before removing the grass catcher or unctogging the chute.
I he cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade
area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, таке 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.
Do not run the engine indoors.
Mow across the face of slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise ex
treme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Always be sure of your footing. A slip
and fall can cause serious personal injury.
Never operate mower without proper guards, plates or other safety
10
protective devices in place
11. Do not operate this mower with the chute door open, unless the
complete grass catcher is properly mounted on the mower.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness
2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
3. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow
the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
4. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease,
5 Check the grass catcher bag frequently for wear or deterioration.
For safety protection, replace only with new bag meeting original
equipment specifications.
Rules for Safe Operation (Continued)
BLADE BRAKE/CLUTCH MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
Any required repair work on the blade brake/clutch should be
performed by an authorized service dealer. If you cannot locate an
authorized service dealer, contact the manufacturer.
1. The blade brake/clutch hand control is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation.
inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with
the rotating blade. This hand control must operate freely in both
directions.
2.
Striking a solid object can cause damage to the blade brake/clutch
or to the engine crankshaft. Extensive vibration of the mower during
operation is an indication of damage and the unit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, service engine with
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating posi
Doing so makes the safety device
gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
tion. Refer to parts identification illustration on page 4 for location of parts when assem
bling the mower.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
3. A leak in the lower engine crankshaft oil seal could expose the
blade brake/clutch friction pads to excess oil resulting in blade
or brake slippage, which could increase the stopping time of the
blade. Oil collection on the floor beneath the mower dunng storage
may be an indication of an oil seal leak. The unit should be checked
by an authorized service dealer.
4, Periodically inspect the inner control cable in the area where it
attaches to the hand control. If the cable becomes frayed, it could
cause the blade brake/clutch to operate improperly. Also, be careful
to avoid pinching the blade brake/clutch control cable when stor
ing the handle.
Tools Required for Assembly
(1) Pair of Pliers
(1) Phillips Head Screwdriver
(1) 1/2" Wrench*
(1) 5/16" Wrench or Nutdriver*
(1) 7/16" Wrench*
*Or one 6" Adjustable Wrench.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn mower from the carton by open
ing the top flaps and lifting the unit out. Be careful
of the staples. Make certain all parts and literature
have been removed from the carton before the car
ton is discarded.
2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against
the engine. Check beneath the deck for any card
board packaging. Remove if present.
3. Stretch out all control cables and place on the floor.
Be careful not to bend or kink the cables at any
time during assembly.
4. Remove page four from this manual and lay the
contents of the hardware pack on the illustration
for identification.
ATTACHING THE LOWER HANDLE (Hardware A)
1. For shipping purposes your mower is set with the
wheels in the lowest cutting height position. Raise
the mower to the highest setting for assembly of
lower handle.
2. Attach the lower handle by placing the bottom
holes in the lower handle over the weld pins on the
handle wheel bracket assemblies on the rear of the
deck. Make certain the instruction label on the
lower handle can be read from the operating
position.
—3. Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower
handle against the handle wheel bracket assembly.
Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the
weld pin. See figure 1. Repeat on other side.
split Washer
Hex Nut
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 3.
ATTACHING THE UPPER HANDLE (Hardware B)
Place upper handle in position over lower handle. The
label on the throttle control housing and the control
lever must be facing up. Secure upper handle with two
curved head bolts, split washers and hex nuts. See
■figure 2.
ATTACHING THE BLADE BRAKE/CLUTCH CABLE
(Hardware O)
The blade brake/clutch cable is the cable which has
an “L” fitting on the loose end. and is attached to the
blade brake/clutch underneath the deck.
1. Route the blade brake/clutch cable to the outside
of the catcher panel and height adjustment lever,
and under the lower handle. Place end of cable into
the upper hole on the bottom of the control hous
ing, and through the slot on the side of the hous
ing as shown. The angle of the plastic flange must
------
be positioned downward as shown in figure 3. Be
careful not to bend or kink the cable at any time,
2. Push the plastic flange until it locks into the con
trol housing.
i WARNjNG ^
A
The cable must be assembled as
shown for proper blade brake/clutch
operation.
FIGURE 4.
3. Insert the “L” end of the blade brake/clutch cable
into the hole in the blade brake/clutch control han
dle, from the inside to the outside as shown in
—figure 4. Hold the end of the cable, and press push
cap on by hand.
FIGURE 5.
Rush^^^r Slotv Screw
Control Lever
on Engine
U J I r IJ1
l-i'i, P
ATTACHING THE THROTTLE CABLE
1. Push the throttle control lever on the handle all the
way forward to CHOKE, then back it off two
------
“clicks” (approximately 5/16"). See figure 5.
2. The throttle control cable is attached to the upper
handle. Route the throttle control cable to the out
side of the height adjustment lever and catcher
panel. Hook the ”2” end of the throttle control
cable into the hole in the control lever on the
engine. See figure 5.
3. Using a 5/16" wrench or nutdriver, remove the
screw on the cable clamp shown in figure 5. Slip
the control cable under the clamp. Replace the
screw (cable should be above the screw), but do
not tighten screw (cable must still move freely
beneath the clamp). Make certain the tab on the
cable clamp is seated into the slot on the engine.
4. Push the control lever on the engine as far toward
the outside of the engine as it will go. The edge
of the control lever should be flush with the bracket
on the engine. See figure 5. Hold the control lever
in this position as you tighten the screw on the
cable clamp to secure the throttle cable.
5. Loosen the screw on the clamp on the side of the
engine. Slip the cable casing under the clannp to
secure the cable away from the muffler Be
careful not to bend or kink the cable. Tighten the
screw.
FIGURE 6.
figure 7.
ATTACHING THE DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
CABLE (Hardware C)
■The drive clutch control cable is attached to the deck.
Attach the cable to the lever in the clutch control hous
ing, located in the middle of the upper handle, as
follows.
1. Place the lead ball end of the cable into the fitting
provided in the end of the clutch control lever. Slip
the braided wire into the vertical slot as shown in
figure 6.
2. Slide the braided wire around in the horizontal slot.
See figure 7.
3. Place the plastic fitting on the control cable Into
the first adjustment position in the clutch control
housing. See figure 6.
4. Secure the plastic cap to the clutch control hous
ing using the two Phillips head screws. See figure
------
7.
i WARNING 1
A
Drive clutch adjustment must be
checked before the unit is operated,
as described in the operation sec
tion.
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