5

Maintenance

TRANSMISSION GEAR OIL SERVICE

Check the transmission gear oil level after every 30 hours of operation or whenever you notice any oil leak. Operat- ing the tiller when the transmission is low on oil can result in severe damage.

A. To Check the Transmission Gear Oil Level:

1. Check the gear oil level when the transmission is cool.

Gear oil will expand in warm operating temperatures

and this expansion will provide an incorrect oil level

reading.

WARNING

Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all mov- ing parts to stop and disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the ignition key on electric start models.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury

See your engine manual packaged with your unit for detailed instructions pertaining to starting the engine.

2.

With the tiller on level ground, pull the Depth Regula-

 

tor Lever all the way up.

3.

Remove the oil fill plug (A, Fig. 5-2) from the transmis-

 

sion housing and look inside the oil fill hole to locate

 

the main drive shaft situated below the hole.

4.

The gear oil level is correct if the gear oil is approxi-

 

mately halfway up the side of the main drive shaft.

5.

If the gear oil level is low, add gear oil as described

 

next. If the gear oil level is okay, securely replace the

 

oil fill plug.

IMPORTANT: Do not operate the tiller if the gear oil level is low. Doing so will result in severe damage to the transmission components.

6.If adding only a few ounces of gear oil, use API rated GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil having a viscosity of SAE 140, SAE 85W-140 or SAE 80W-90. If refilling an empty transmission, use only GL-4 gear oil having a viscosity of SAE 85W-140 or SAE 140.

IMPORTANT: Do not use automatic transmission fluid or motor oil in the transmission.

7.While checking frequently to avoid overfilling, slowly add gear oil into the oil fill hole until it reaches the halfway point on the drive shaft.

8.Securely replace the oil fill plug.

B. To Drain the Transmission Gear Oil:

The transmission gear oil does not need to be changed unless it has been contaminated with dirt, sand or metal particles.

1.Drain gasoline from the fuel tank or run the engine until the fuel tank is empty. See “DANGER” statement below.

WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Follow these safety practices to prevent personal injury or property damage from fire or explosion.

Allow the engine and muffler to cool for at least two minutes before draining the tiller’s gasoline tank.

Do not allow open flames, sparks, matches or smoking in the area.

Wipe away spills and push tiller away from spilled fuel.

Figure 5-2: Remove oil fill plug (A) to check gear oil level and to add gear oil. Remove four cover screws (B) to drain gear oil.

Use only an approved fuel container and store it safely out of the reach of children.

Do not store gasoline in an area where its vapors could reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present (such as hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.)

2.Drain the oil from the engine.

3.Remove four screws (B, Figure 5-2) and remove transmission cover and gasket.

4.Remove the left-side wheel.

5.Tilt the left-side wheel shaft into a drain pan and allow the gear oil to drain through the top of the transmis- sion.

6.Reinstall the wheel.

7.Install a new gasket (do not reuse old gasket) and reinstall the transmission cover.

8.Refill the transmission using GL-4 gear oil (SAE 85W-140 or SAE 140).

9.Refill the engine with motor oil and replenish the fuel tank with gasoline.

BOLO TINES

The bolo tines will wear with use and should be in- spected at the beginning of each tilling season and after every 30 operating hours. The tines can be replaced either individually or as a complete set. See the Parts List pages for tine identification and part numbers.

A. Tine Inspection:

With use, the tines will become shorter, narrower and pointed. Badly worn tines will result in a loss of tilling depth, and reduced effectiveness when chopping up and turning under organic matter.

B. Removing/Installing a Single Tine:

1.With the engine shut off and the spark plug wire disconnected, remove the two screws (A, Figure 5-3) and nuts (B) that attach a single tine to a tine holder. If needed, use penetrating oil on the nuts.

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Bolens 643B, 643C, 645A warranty Transmission Gear OIL Service, Bolo Tines

643B, 643C, 645A specifications

The Bolens 645A, 643C, and 643B are celebrated models in the lineup of Bolens garden tractors, known for their durability and versatility. These machines, produced during the 1970s and 1980s, are vintage favorites for homeowners and garden enthusiasts seeking rugged equipment for their gardening needs.

The Bolens 645A is especially noted for its robust build and powerful performance. Equipped with a 7-horsepower engine, the 645A can tackle a variety of tasks, from mowing to snow removal, making it a multipurpose tool in any garden or landscape. One of the main features of the 645A is its hydrostatic transmission, which allows for seamless speed adjustments, providing exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces and varied terrain.

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All three models are engineered with a focus on user comfort. The seating is designed ergonomically, allowing users to operate for extended periods without discomfort. Additionally, the accessibility for maintenance tasks is a notable characteristic, ensuring that both professional and amateur gardeners can perform regular upkeep with ease.

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In summary, the Bolens 645A, 643C, and 643B models stand out in the garden tractor market due to their powerful engines, user-friendly designs, and robust construction. They represent a blend of efficiency and reliability, catering to a wide range of gardening tasks and maintaining a loyal following among vintage equipment enthusiasts.