MTD Bolens BL160 Operator'S Manual Download

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• SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS •

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating, maintenance, and repair information.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and their explanations, deserve careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.

NOTE:

Advises of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SYMBOL

MEANING

SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington.

All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and
Washington require, by law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-
covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be
constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with state or local authorities for
regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability
or a fine.

This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor.

If it requires replacement, ask a LOCAL

SERVICE DEALER to install the

Accessory Part #753-06418 Muffler Assembly

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.

• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.

• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before operating the unit.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.

Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.

• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.

• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 feet

(15 m) radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye
protection. If approached, stop the unit immediately.

• Use only 0.095 inch (2.41 mm) diameter original equipment manufacturer replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced

line, wire or rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.

• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs

before using unit.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS

• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.

• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the

engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank before fueling. Do not smoke.

• Always mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Do not smoke.

• Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately before starting the

unit. Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke.

• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a

well-ventilated outdoor area.

WHILE OPERATING

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards. Also wear ear/hearing protection

when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Long sleeve shirts are recommended.

• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure

hair above shoulder level.

• The cutting head shield must always be in place while operating the unit. Do not operate unit without both trimming lines

extended, and the proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.

• The cutting attachment will spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety instructions

to prevent serious personal injury.

• Adjust the D-handle to provide the best grip.

• Be sure the cutting head is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a

stable position while starting. See Starting and Stopping Instructions.

• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.

• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or grips.

• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting head when it is

rotating.

• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from operation. They remain hot for a short time after

turning off the unit.

• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when not

cutting.

• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when walking from one cutting location to another.

• If the unit is struck or becomes entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not

operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance, repair, or for changing the cutting head or other Add-Ons.

• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from an

authorized service dealer. The use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or
damage to the unit, and void the warranty.

• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become lodged between the cutting head and shield.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each

use. See the

Cleaning and Storage instructions

• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If loaning someone this unit, also loan

them these instructions.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

SERVICE INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Rules for Safe Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Know Your Unit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly Instructions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Oil and Fuel Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Starting and Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Cleaning and Storage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Troubleshooting Chart  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Warranty Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright© 2011 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.

DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.

For assistance regarding the assembly, controls, operation or maintenance of the unit, please call the
Customer Support Department at

1-800-800-7310

in the United States or

1-800-668-1238

in Canada.

Additional information about the unit can be found on our website at

www.mtdproducts.com

www.mtdproducts.ca

For service, please call the Customer Support Department to obtain a list of authorized service dealers
near you. Service on this unit, both within and after the warranty period, should only be performed by an
authorized and approved service dealer. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.

Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so

can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-800-7310 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 IN CANADA

SAFETY ALERT:

Indicates danger, warning or caution. Attention is required in order to

avoid serious personal injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

DANGER:

Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to

others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

WARNING:

Failure to obey a safety warning can result in injury to yourself and others. Always

follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

CAUTION:

Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury

to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock and personal injury.

WARNING:

When using the unit, all safety rules must be followed. Please read these

instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any
bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.

WARNING:

Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the

following precautions:

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols
or pictographs.

• HOT SURFACE WARNING

Do not touch a hot muffler or cylinder. These parts get extremely hot from operation
and may cause severe burns. When turned off they will remain hot for a short time.

• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

WARNING:

Read the operator’s manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety

instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

WARNING:

Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing

loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear protection
when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

WARNING:

Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m.)

from the operating area.