Bolens 117-030A - Manual (Page 2)

I M P O R T A N T
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE of OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and amount.
Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise extreme
caution at all times.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
TRAINING
1. Read the Operating and Service Owner’s
Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equip­
ment.
2. Never allow children to operate a power
mower. Only persons well acquainted with
these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all per­
sons, particularly small children and pets.
Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower. Although the area of operation
should be completely cleared of foreign
objects, a small object may have been over­
looked and could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equip­
ment is to be used and remove all stones,
sticks, wire, bones and other foreign objects
which could be picked up and thrown by the
mower in any direction.
2. Do not operate equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan­
tial footwear.
3. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
get caught on the mower.
4. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Do
not fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the
engine is running, or while the engine is still
hot. Wipe off any spilled gasoline before
starting the engine.
5. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or
drive clutch on units so equipped before
starting the engine.
6. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting
height adjustment while the engine is
running.
7. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial
light.
8. Never operate the equipment in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm
hold on the handle and walk, never run.
OPERATION
1. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine
speeds are dangerous.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
3. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drive,
walks or roads.
4. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, remove the wire from the spark plug.
thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage before restart­
ing and operating the mower.
5. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnor­
mally, stop the engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning
of trouble.
6. Stop the engine whenever you leave the
mower, before cleaning the mower housing,
and when making any repairs or inspections.
7. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent
accidental starting.
8. Before attempting to unclog the mower or
discharge chute, stop the engine and be sure
the blade(s) have stopped completely. Dis­
connect the spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
9. Do not run the engine indoors.
10. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop before removing
the grass catcher.
11. Mow across the face of slopes, never up-and-
down. Exercise extreme caution when chang­
ing direction on slopes. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes.
12. Always disconnect electric mowers (line
operated) before cleaning, repairing or
adjusting.
13. Never operate mower without proper guards,
plates or other safety protective devices in
place.
14. Keep washout ports and other mower­
housing service openings closed when
mowing.
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 condi­
tion.
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 en­
gine 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
2 equipment specifications.