Bolens 139-402A - Manual (Page 3)

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 or 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 RIDING VEHICLES
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
2. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do
not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction.
Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
3. Do not carry passengers.
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. 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.
5. Clear work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction.
6. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift
into neutral before attempting to start engine.
N 7. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before leaving operator position.
8. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before making any repairs or adjust­
ments. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent
accidental starting.
9. Before attempting to unclog thé 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.
10. Disengage power to attachment(s) when
transporting or not in use.
11. Take all possible precautions when leaving
vehicle unattended such as disengaging
power-take-off, lowering attachments, shift­
ing into neutral, setting parking brake,
stopping engine and removing key.
12. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphili or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes ; never across the face.
13. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
14. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
5. 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 suggested in owner’s manual.
16. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
17. When using any attachments never direct dis­
charge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
18. 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.
Keep the vehicle and attachments in good
operating condition, and keep safety devices
in place. Use guards as instructed in owner’s
manual.
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Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi­
tion.
Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or ispark. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
To reduce fire hazard keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
The vehicle and attachments should be
stopped and inspected for damage after
striking a foreign object, and the damage
should be repaired before restarting and
operating the equipment.
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overSpeed the engine.
When using the vehicle with mower, proceed
as follows :
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial
light.
(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 bolts for proper
tightness at frequent intervals.
Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear
or deterioration. For safety protection replace
only with new bag meeting original equip­
ment specifications.
Look behind to make sure the area is clear
before placing the transmission in reverse and
backing up.