Bolens 111-050R304 User manual

$1.00
OWNEirS GUIDE
ASSEMBLY • OPERATION • MAINTENANCE • PARTS
(Model 050R Shown)
20 "
ROTARY
MOWERS
Model Numbers
111-050R304
111-051R372
i90-O^C'OOQ
Important: Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the
engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state
laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order
by the operator.
In the State of California the above Is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service
dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 360900, Cleveland, Ohio 44136.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-7626F

IMPORTANT
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTR JCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY
AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE AHEMPTING
TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO CON PLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN^
YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL- A HEED ITS WARIIING.
A Your lawn mower was bull: to be operated according to the rules for safe operation In this manual. As
DANGER: with any type of power equ pment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. If you violate any o these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
TRAINING
k 1. Read this owner's guide carefully in its entirety before attempting
% to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely fi imiliar with
the controls and the proper use of this machine beforj operating
it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regul; r reference
and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equijment, not
a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all l imes. Your
unit has been designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do
not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a po\ /er mower.
Children 14 years old and over should only operate mower under
close parental supervision. Only persons well acquaintec with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use yo jr mower.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, partici ilarly small
children and pets. Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower to help prevent blade contact or throwi object in¬
jury. Although the area of operation should be comple ely cleared
of foreign objects, an object may have been overlookei I and could
be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator or any others allowed in
the area.
PREPARATION
U. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is o be used.
^ Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and other foreign objects
which could be picked up and thrown by the mower ir any direc¬
tion and cause serious personal injury to the operator oi any others
allowed in the area. Plan your mowing pattern to avoii I discharge
of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders anc the like.
2. Always wear safely glasses or eye shields during operal on or while
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes fi om foreign
objects that may be thrown from the machine in an ' direction.
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and
shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and leg; and steel¬
toed shoes are recommended. Do not wear loose titling clothes
or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Ne'er operate
a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
4. Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel level bef )re starting
the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel Do not fill
the gasoline tank indoors, while the engine is runni ig, or until
engine has been allowed to cool for at least two m nutes after
running. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or
explosion.
5. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clul :h on units
so equipped before starting the engine.
6. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attemi it to bypass
its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and
may result in personal injury through contact with 1 he rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate easily in both direc¬
tions and automatically return to the disengaged pos tition when
released.
7. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjus :ment while
the engine is running.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sjre of your
footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal I ijury. Keep
a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run. Mow onl' in daylight
or in good artificial light.
9. F or your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15° as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
OPERATION
k 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 as the rotating blade can
cause injury.
3. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
4. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire
from the spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the
mower.
5. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warn¬
ing of trouble.
6. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete
stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute.
The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after ~
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the bl
area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
7. Before 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 spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
8. Do not run the engine indoors.
9. Never cut grass by pulling mower toward you. Mow across the
face of slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious
personal injury.
10. Never operate mower without proper guards, plates or other safety
protective devices in place.
11. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
touch.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
3.
4.
Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness. Also visually inspect blade for damage (e.g.
bent, cracked). Replace with blade which meets original equip¬
ment specifications.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
Never store the mower with gasoline in the tank or gas containers
inside of a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark
(e.g. gas hot water heater). Allow the engine to cool before stor¬
ing in any enclosure.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves and
excessive oil.
5. Check the grass catcher bag frequently for wear or deterioraf
Replace a worn or damaged bag Immediately. For safety pro.
tion, replace only with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
2

SLOPE GAUGE
3
Do
not
mow
on
inclines
with
a
slope
in
excess
of
15
degrees
(a
rise
of
approximately
2Vt
feet
every
10
feet).
A
riding
mower
could
overturn
and
cause
serious
injury,
if
operating
a
walk-behind
mower
on
such
a
slope,
it
is
extremely
difficult
to
maintain
your
footing
and
you
could
slip,
resulting
in
serious
injury.
Operate
RIDING
mowers
up
and
down
slopes,
never
across
the
face
of
slopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowers
across
the
face
of
slopes,
never
up
and
down
slopes.

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Remove this sheet from your owner’s manual and lay the hardware on the illustration for identification purposes. After assembly,
keep the Slope Gauge which is on the reverse sice of this sheet for future use.
(Hardware pack contains extra items which ar j not used on your unit. Part numbers are shown in parentheses.)
A ATTACHING THE
UPPER HANDLE
Split Wast ers
5/16" l.li.
(736-0113)
Blade Control
Handle^
Upper-
Handle
Throttle
- Control
Curved
Head
Bolts
Hex Nuts
5/16-18 Tt read
(710-0671) (712-02(17)
ATTACHING THE
STARTER ROPE
y Rope
^ Guide
(710-1205)
Rope ^
Guide- ►
Lower
Handle-
Handle^
Mounting
Brackets .
Chute^
Deflector
, Starter
\Rope '
-Engine
Spark
-Plug
Hex Lock Nut
V4-20 Thread
(712-032^ i)
(Model 050R Shown)
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
ATTACHING THE CABLE BRACKET AND
THROTTLE CONTROL ^
Sp ing Washer
I.D.
_fl ] (736-0175)
Hex Nut
U-20 Thread
.(712-0287)
Cable
Bracket
(17174)
Hex Bolt
14-20 X 1-7/8" Long
(710-1216)
SECURING THE CABLES
3able Ties
[726-0240)
INSTALLATION OF WHEELS
(This hardware is shown one-half size)
Axle Bolts
(738-0533)
Cupped Washers
3/8" I.D. X 7/8" O.D.
(736-0105)--
Cupped Washers
3/8" I.D. X ->
1-1/8" O.D.
(736-0331)
Hex Nuts
3/8-16 Thread-
(712-0798)
o o o o
o o o o
iuoivino

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OIL. After assembly, service engine with gasoline and
oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is
observed from the operating position.
The instructions in this manual cover various models of
mowers. Follow only those instructions which pertain to
your unit.
Tools Required for Assembly
(1) Pair of Pliers
(1) 1/2" Wrench
(2) 7/16" Wrenches
(1) 9/16" Wrenches
(1) Adjustable Wrench
(Two 6" Adjustable Wrenches may be used instead of the
above.)
Hole in
Blade Control
Washer
FIGURE 2.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn mower from the carton by opening the
top flaps and lifting the unit out. Be careful of the staples.
Make certain all parts and literature have been removed
from the carton before the carton is discarded.
2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against the
engine.
3. Stretch out all control cables and place on the floor. Be
careful not to bend or kink the cables at any time during
assembly.
4. Remove page four from this manual and lay the contents
of the hardware pack on the illustration for identification.
ATTACHING THE LOWER HANDLE
1. Remove the hairpin clips from the holes in the handle
brackets, which extend through the rear of the deck. See
figure 1.
2. Attach the lower handle by placing the bottom holes in
the lower handle over the weld pins on the handle
brackets.
NOTE: There are two (2) holes in the handle mounting
brackets. Place the hairpin clip in the inner hole for operation.
Outer hole is for storage.
ATTACHING THE UPPER HANDLE (Hardware A)
1. Place the upper handle in position over the lower han¬
dle. The hole in the side of the blade control handle (at¬
tached to the upper handle) must be on the left side.
2. Secure the upper handle to lower handle using the
curved head bolts, split washers and hex nuts as shown
in figure 2.
AHACHING THE CABLE BRACKET AND
THRDTTLE CDNTRDL (Hardware C)
Attach the throttle control to the left side of upper handle as
M —follows. See figure 2.
1. Route the throttle control cable inside the legs and
beneath the upper bar of the lower handle.
2. Place cable bracket against left side of upper handle,
lining up the hole in the bracket with the bottom hole in
upper handle. Place 1/4" hex bolt through cable bracket
and handle, from the inside to the outside.
3. Place throttle control on the hex bolt (outside of upper
handle), with the throttle lever facing upward.
4. Secure with spring washer (cupped side against the throt¬
tle control) and hex nut.
3. U s i n g a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower
handle against the handle mounting bracket. Insert the
hairpin clip into the Inner hole on the weld pin. See figure
—1. Repeat on other side.
5

I
FIGURE 5.
AHACHING THE BRAKE CABLE
1. T he brake cable is attached to the engine, and has a “Z”
fitting on the loose end. Route the brake cable below the
lower handle. Place end of cable through the hole in the
-bracket as shown in figure 3. Be careful not to bend or
kink the cable at any time. Push the plastic fitting until
it locks Into the hole in the bracket.
A WARNING: Brake cable must be assembled as
shown for proper blade brake operation.
2. H o ok the “Z” end of the brake cable into the hole in the
blade control handle from the inside to the outside as
shown in figure 3.
SECURING THE CABLES (Hardware D)
Secure the cables to the left side of the handle as follows.
WARNING: When attaching the control cables,
the cables must be routed to avoid contact with
all sharp edges and hot surfaces to prevent
damage to the cables, which will render the con¬
trols inoperative.
1. I n s ert posts on cable ties into holes provided on the in¬
side of the handle, one on the upper handle and two on
the lower handle. The holes may be either on the inside
^ _or outside of the handles. See figure 4A.
2. S e cure the cable(s) with the cable ties. See figure 4B.
3. T r im excess ends of cable ties.
ATTACHING THE STARTER ROPE (Hardware B)
1. The Starter rope is inside the top of the engine. Additional
rope may be wound around the starter handle. If so, un¬
wind the rope from the handle.
2. With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded,
depress the blade control handle and pull the rope out
of the engine.
< 3. Place the rope guide around the starter handle, so the
rope guide is positioned as shown (bends downward
slightly). Insert the rope guide into the handle, and secure
with hex lock nut.
INSTALLATION OF WHEELS (Hardware E)
The three holes provide three cutting heights for your mower.
Use the same hole location for all four wheels when assem¬
bling. If wheels are to be assembled in the lowest cutting posi¬
tion (highest hole in the deck), refer to the note below.
If your mower has two sets of holes (see figure 6), the front
wheels must be assembled in one of the three holes nearest
the front of the deck. The rear wheels must be assembled
in one of the three holes nearest the rear of the deck.
^—To assemble the wheels: (See figure 6)
1. Place axle bolt through wheel.
2. Place one smaller cupped washer on axle bolt, with the
cupped side of washer toward the deck (away from
wheel).
3. S e cure wheel to deck with one larger cupped washer on
the inside of the deck (cupped side against the deck) and
hex nut. Tighten securely.
4. A ssemble the other wheels in the same manner.
NOTE: If the lowest cutting position (highest hole in the deck)
is used, it is necessary to place the larger washer on the out¬
side of the deck and the smaller washer on the inside.
6

FINAL ASSEMBLY OF MOWER
1. The chute deflector on your mower is held in an upright
position by a block for shipping purposes only. This ship¬
ping block must be removed and discarded before the
-mower is put into operation. See figure 7.
To remove the shipping block, move the spring-loaded
chute toward the engine by pushing above the shipping
block. Remove the block and carefully lower the chute
into operating position, keeping fingers out of the way.
2. Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened securely.
CONTROLS
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of
the mower. See figure 8. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the blade con¬
trol handle to stop the engine and blade.
A WARNING: The blade will be rotating whenever
the engine is running.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the left side of the upper
handle or on the engine. It is used to regulate the engine
speed. The engine should be started with the engine in the
FAST or START position.
A WARNING: The throttle control cannot be used
to stop the engine.
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
WARNiNG: This control mechanism is a safety
device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle. See figure
8. Stand behind the unit in the operating position to start the
unit.
7

I
OPERATION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT
OPERATE MOWER UNLESS REAR TRAILING
SHIELD AND THIS GUARD OR ENTIRE
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
FIGURE 10.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the Trouble
Shooting Guide on page 11.
FIGURE 9.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting
deck. See figure 9.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes, which can 'esult in
severe eye damage. Always wrar safe¬
ty glasses or eye shields. We recom¬
mend wide vision safety mask for over
spectacles or standard safety glasses.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as inst ucted in
the separate engine manual packed with your mower. Read
instructions carefully.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoc rs, with
engine running or until the engine has been
allowed to cool for at least two minu ;es after
running.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
1. Attach spark plug wire securely to spark plu<|.
2. Move the throttle control lever to FAST 0 ‘ START
position.
3. Tecumseh engines only: Prime engine as ins:ructed in
the separate engine manual.
4. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade co itrol han¬
dle and hold it against the upper handle as shown In
figure 10.
5. Grasp the recoil starter handle as shown and pull back
rapidly, extending rope fully. Return it slowly to the rope
guide bolt.
6. After engine starts, move throttle control lever i o desired
engine speed.
TO STOP ENGINE AND BLADE
1. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and
blade.
A WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a
few seconds after the engine is shut off.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent accidental starting while equipment
is unattended.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other ob¬
jects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such ob¬
jects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction
and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick
to the underside of the mower, preventing proper discharge
of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall. New
grass or thick grass may require a narrower cut.
The best mowing pattern is one that allows the clippings to
discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn. This permits
recutting of the clippings to further pulverize them. When cut¬
ting high weeds, discharge towards cut portion, then recut
at right angles to first direction.
For best results, cut off one-third or less of the total length
of the grass. Lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there
is growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at fuli throttle to give
you the best cut and do the most effective job of bagging the
cut grass.
A WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark piug,
thoroughiy inspect the mower for any damage,
and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the
mower during operation is an indication of
damage. The unit shouid be promptiy inspected
and repaired.
8

ADJUSTMENTS
A WARNING: Do not at any time make any adjust¬
ment to lawn mower without first stopping
engine and disconnecting spark plug wire.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment may be made by removing and moving axle bolts
to desired position. Cutting heights will be raised as axle bolts
are moved to a lower hole and lowered as axle bolts are
moved to a higher hole in the deck. All axle bolts must be
mounted in the same relative position. Cupped washers must
be assembled so that the cupped side of the washers are
against the deck. Refer to figure 6.
THROTTLE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
If the throttle control requires adjustment or has been re¬
placed, adjust the throttle control as follows.
1. L oosen (do not remove) the screw on the cable clamp
so that the cable will move freely under the clamp. See
figure 11.
2. P l a ce the throttle control lever on the handle all the way
forward to START position.
3. P lace the control lever on the engine in the full open posi¬
tion by pushing it as far toward the outside (Briggs and
Stratton engine) or rear (Tecumseh engine) of the engine
as it will go. Tighten the screw on the cable clamp to
secure the cable in this position.
FIGURE 11 A.—Briggs and Stratton Engine
FIGURE IIB.^Tecumseh Engine
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
A WARNING: If any adjustments are made to the
engine while the engine is running (e.g. car¬
buretor), keep clear of all moving parts. Be
careful of heated surfaces and muffler.
Minor carburetor adjustment may be required to compen¬
sate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude and load.
Refer to the separate engine manual packed with your mower
for carburetor adjustment information.
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner will cause an engine to run rough.
Be certain air cleaner is clean and attached to the carburetor
before adjusting carburetor. Refer to the separate engine
manual.
LUBRICATION
A WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect
spark piug wire before cleaning, lubricating or
doing any kind of work on lawn mower.
Blade Control— L ubricate the pivot points on the blade con¬
trol handle and the brake cable at least once a season with
light oil. See figure 12. The blade control must operate free¬
ly in both directions.
FIGURE 12.
Chute Deflector— The torsion spring and pivot point should
be lubricated periodically with light oil to prevent any rust or
binding. Deflector must work freely.
Wheels— The wheels 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 oil.
A 4 oz. plastic bottle of light oil lubricant is available. Order
part number 737-0170. Engine oil may also be used.
Engine— F ollow engine manual for lubrication instructions.
Throttle— P eriodically lubricate throttle control lever and
throttle wire assembly with a few drops of light oii for ease
of operation.
MAINTENANCE
A WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and ground
the spark plug wire before performing any
repairs or maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and keep
engine spark plug side up.
9

I
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to page 11 of this manual for trouble shooting infor¬
mation.
CUTTING BUDE
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or ref lace-
ment, protect hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to ijrasp
the cutting blade. Remove the bolt and bell washer which
hold the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft. Re Tiove
the blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
If the blade or blade adapter needs replacing, remove the
two small bolts, lock washers and nuts which hold the 3lade
to the adapter.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the }lade
adapter for cracks, especially if you stiike a
foreign object. Replace when necessary.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle o1 grind
as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge
receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbal¬
anced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibra¬
tion when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage to the
mower and could break, causing personal injury.
It is recommended that the blade always be removec from
the adapter for the best test of balance.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side i ntil it
balances evenly.
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. Lubricating the bolt loles,
bolts and inner surface of the nuts with light oil is also r scorn-
mended. A 4 oz. plastic bottle of light oil lubricant is ava liable.
Order part number 737-0170. Engine oil may also be used.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blada with
the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part ni mber)
facing the ground when the mower is in the operating pc sition.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt and Blade Adapter Bolts;
375 in. lb. min., 450 in. lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and bolt;; must
be checked periodically for correct tightness.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after
each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leavus, dirt
or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, It will
invite rust and corrosion, and may cause an uneven disi :harge
of grass clippings at the next cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping
clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire
is disconnected).
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine main¬
tenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions
carefully.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions.
Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor
engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the
air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner,
refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once
a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the
start of each mowing season; check engine manual for cor¬
rect plug type and gap specifications.
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.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower
for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in
the lubrication instructions.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage in¬
structions.
3. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to pre¬
vent rusting.
4. Store mower in a dry, clean area.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in an un-
ventiiated or metai storage shed, care should be taken to rust¬
proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the
equipment, especially cables and ail moving parts.
NOTE: The use of any accessory on this Rotary Mower other than those manufactured by the mower
manufacturer is not recommended. GRASS CATCHER model 086 is available as optional equipment for
the mowers shown in this manual.
A WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not operate mower unless rear trailing shieid
and guard or entire grass ca cher is in its proper piace.
NOTE: Under normal usage bag material s subject to wear and should be checked periodically. Be sure
any replacement bag complies with the me wer manufacturer’s recommendations. For replacement bags,
use only factory authorized replacement bag part number 764-0271.
10

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
1 . Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Throttle control lever not in FAST
or START position.
4. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
5. Blocked fuel line.
6. Faulty spark plug.
7. Engine flooded.
1 . Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Move throttle lever to FAST or
START position.
4. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
5. Clean fuel line.
6. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
7. Remove spark plug, dry the plug, and
crank engine with plug removed and
throttle in off position. Replace spark
plug, connect wire and resume starting
procedures.
Engine runs erratic
1. Unit running in START position.
2. Spark plug wire loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
4. Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
6. Dirty air cleaner.
7. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean,
fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Clean air cleaner.f
7. Adjust carburetor.!
Engine overheats
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Remove blower housing and clean.f
3. Adjust carburetor.f
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at high speed
1 . Carburetor idle speed too slow.
2. Spark plug gap too close.
3. Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
improperly set.
1 . Adjust carburetor.f
2. Adjust gap to .030".
3. Adjust carburetor.f
Idles poorly
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap
too wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace
spark plug.
2. Adjust carburetor.f
3. Clean air cleaner.f
Excessive vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1 . Tighten blade and adapter.
Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
Mower will not
discharge grass
1 . Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
1. Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
2. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait
until later to cut.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath (1/2 width).
Uneven cut
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1 . Place all four wheels in same height
position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
tRefer to separate engine manual packed with your unit.
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, please contact your local authorized service dealer.
11

111-050R304
111-051R372
PARTS LIST FOR MODELS 050R AND 051R ROTARY MOWERS
REF.
NO.
PART
NO.
CODE
DESCRIPTION
REF.
NO.
PART
NO.
CODE
DESCRIPTION
1
747-0748
Control Handle Ass’y-
32
710-1044
Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.5" Lg.
2
736-0270
Bell-Wash. Va" I.D.
33
742-0520
20" Blade
3
17174
Cable Brkt.
37
712-0324
Hex L-Nut 1/4-20 Thd.
4
710-1216 N
Hex Bolt 1/4-20 x 1.875" Lg.*
38
12894A
Cable Clamp (B&S)
5
736-0175
Spr. Wash. 1/4" I.D.
39
_
Engine
6
712-0287
Hex Nut 1/4-20 Thd.*
41
710-0429
Hex B-Tap Scr. #10 x .38"
7
712-0355
Hex L-Nut 3/8-24 Thd.
(B&S)
8
749-0756A
Upper Handle
42
751-0369
Cable Clamp (B&S)
10
747-1205
N
Rope Guide
43
710-0227
Hex AB-Tap Scr. #8 x .38"
11
736-0119
L-Wash. 5/16" I.D.*
(B&S)
12
712-0267
Hex Nut 5/16-18 Thd.*
46
738-0533 Axle
Bolt
13
710-0671
Curved Carriage Bolt 5/16-18
47
736-0105
Bell-Wash. .400" I.D. x .88"
X 1.38" Lg.
48
710-0696
Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x .88" Lg.
14
726-0240
Cable Tie
52
734-1170
Wheel Ass’y. Comp.
15
749-0372B
Lower Handle
54
746-0801
Throttle Control Ass’y. Comp.—
16
714-0104
Hairpin Cotter
51.62" (B&S)
17
18
17098
731-0872
Hinge Clip
Rear Flap
746-0830
Throttle Control Ass’y. Comp.—
38.62" (Tec.)
19
17189
Handle Bracket Ass’y —L.H.
55
746-0553
Control Cable—36" (B&S)
20
17188
Handle Bracket Ass’y.—R.H.
746-0552
Control Cable—49" (Tec.)
21
736-0331
Bell-Wash. .39" I.D.
57
710-0654A
Hex L-Wash. Hd. Scr.
22
712-0798
Hex Nut 3/8-16 Thd.*
3/8-16 X 1.0" Lg.
26
710-1055
Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1" Lg.*
60
731-1034
Chute Deflector Ass’y.
27
736-0169
L-Wash. 3/8" I.D.*
61
732-0593
Torsion Spring
■ ^28
712-0241
Hex Nut 3/8-24 Thd.*
62
17032
Adapter Plate
29
17036
638
20" Deck Ass’y.
63
747-0710
Hinge Pin
30
753-0484
Blade Adapter Kit (Keyed)
64
710-0599
Hex Self-Tap Scr. 1/4-20 x .5" Lg.
31
736-0452
Bell-Wash. .39" I.D.
If these Items cannot be obtained locally, order by part number and
size as shown on parts list.
NOTE: The engine is not under warranty by
the mower manufacturer. . .If repairs or
service is needed on the engine, piease
contact your nearest author¬
ized engine service outlet.
Check the “Yellow Pages” of
your telephone book under
“Engines^Gasoline.”
Find It Fast
In The
Yellow Pages
CODE: N notates a new part (not previously existing). A three digit
number is the color code. Specify color code if color or finish is
important when ordering parts as shown below, [i.e., 638 for Red
Finish].
Color Codes
456—Radiant Tangerine
629—Silver Flake
460“Green Fiake
630—Metallic Blue
483—Charcoal Gray
637—Black
498—Yellow
638—Red
499—Beige
640—Green
621—Brilliant Fire Mist
646—CM Blue
■ i^NOTE
This instruction manual covers various
models and all specifications shown
do not necessarily apply to your
model. Specifications subject to
change without notice or obligation.
13

I
REPLACEMENT PARTS • PlO. BOX 360900 • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136