Bolens 18M warranty Maintenance

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Maintenance

WARNING

Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on your machine.

We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

Figure 5-1

General Recommendations

1.Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

2.The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.

3.Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.

4.All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.

5.Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

Lubrication

1.Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.

2.If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels, lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all other types require no lubrication. However, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light automotive oil.

3.Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot points periodi- cally with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.

Engine

1.Refer to the engine operation and maintenance sections in this manual for detailed instructions.

2.Maintain engine oil level.

3.Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.

4.Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.

Deck

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching.

The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scrap- ing clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).

Blade Care

WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especial- ly if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:

1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2.Tip mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.

3.Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 5-2.

4.Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.

5.The blade may be resharpened by removing it and either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping as close to the original bevel as possible. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.

6.It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.

NOTE: Improper blade balance will result in excessive vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade after sharpen- ing. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE: Always remove blade from the adapter for testing balance.

7.The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

8.Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.

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