Bolens 122-280R000 User manual

$ 1 .
OWNEirS GUIDE
» ASSEMBLY « OPERATION » MAINTENANCE • PARTS »
I 100-000
0 22" SELF-
PROPELLED
ROTARY MOWERS
Model Numbers
122-280R000
122-281ROOO
122-282R000
-0&& 00Q
IMPORTANT!
Record the Model No. and Mfg. Code which
appear on your unit in the space below. You
must have these numbers, along with the date
of purchase, in order to receive warranty or ser>
vice.
MEETS ANSI SAFETY STANDARDS
Important:
Read Safety Rules
and Instructions Carefully
MODEL NO.
MFG. CODE
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and shouid not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered iand 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 sen/ice department, P.O. Box 360900, Cleveland, Ohio 44136.
FORM NO. 770-7821G

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
A THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY I^STRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL
SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND C THERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE
AHEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER, FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— ^ HEE J ITS WARNING.
A Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manuai. As
DANGER: with any type of power equipment, 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
1. Read this owner’s guide carefully in its entirety before attempt¬
ing to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely famil¬
iar with the controls and the proper use of this macf ine before
operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for uture and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equipment,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme cau ion at all
times. Your unit has been designed to perform oie job; to
mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a power
mower. Children 14 years old and over should ony operate
mower under close parental supervision. Only persons well
acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, p irticularly
small children and pets. Stop engine when they ire in the
vicinity of your mower to help prevent blade contact or thrown
object injury. Although the area of operation shouk be com¬
pletely cleared of foreign objects, an object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the mower In
any direction and cause serious personal injury to th) operator
or any others allowed in the area.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and other foreign
objects which could be picked up and thrown by the mower in
any direction and cause serious personal injury to th) operator
or any others allowed in the area. Plan your mowing pattern to
avoid discharge of material toward roads, silewalks,
bystanders and the like.
2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or
while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect Byes from
foreign objects that may be thrown from the mach ne in any
direction.
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitt ng slacks
and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms anc legs and
steel-toed shoes are recommended. Do not wear lo )se fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught In moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
4. Before working with gasoline, extinguish all clgarettns, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel le/el before
starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flamn able fuel.
Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the engi le is run¬
ning, or until engine has been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running. Replace gasoline cap securelv and wipe
off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause afire or explosion.
5. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch on
units so equipped before starting the engine.
6. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never ittempt to
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety devi ;e inoper¬
ative and may result in personal injury through contai t with the
rotating blade. The blade control handle must operatj easily in
both directions and automatically return to the disengaged
position when released.
7. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment
while the engine is running.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be su e of your
footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal in ury. Keep
a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run. Mo/v only in
daylight or in good artificial light.
9. For 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 as shown
on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or
serious injury could result.
. OPERATION
1 .
5.
6 .
10 .
11 .
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.
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.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
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.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen¬
erally a warning of trouble.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a com¬
plete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the
chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds
after the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in
the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotat¬
ing.
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.
Do not run the engine indoors.
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.
Never operate mower without proper guards, plates or other
safety protective devices in place.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
touch.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent inter¬
vals for proper tightness. Also visually inspect blade for dam¬
age (e.g. bent, cracked). Replace with blade which meets origi¬
nal equipment specifications.
2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
3. Never store the mower with gasoline in the tank or gas con¬
tainers 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 storing in any enclosure.
4. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves and
excessive oil.
5. Check the grass catcher bag frequently for wear or deteriora¬
tion. Replace a worn or damaged bag immediately. For safety
protection, replace only with new bag meeting original equip¬
ment specifications.
2

SLOPE GAUGE
D
Do
not
mow
on
inclines
with
a
slope
in
excess
of
15
degrees
(a
rise
of
approximately
2-1/2
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 HARDWiVRE PACK/PARTS IDENTIFICATION
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 isi on the reverse side of this sheet for future use.
(Hardware pack may contain extra items \rhich are not used on your unit. Part numbers are shown in
parentheses.)
ATTACHING THE
LOWER HANDLE
Hairpin
Clips
(714-0104)
B
ATTACHING THE UPPER HANDLE
Split Washers
5/16" I.D.
(736-0119)
Curved
■ *—Head
Bolts
(710-0671)
Hex Nuts
5/16-18 Thread
(712-0267)
ATTACHING THE STARTER ROPE
Hex Lock Nut
1/4-20 Thread
(712-1)324)
Rope
Guide
(710-1205)
6
Drive Clutch
Upper Control Handle
Handle
Blade Control
'Handle
Throttle
Control
Rope
Guide
Lower-4
Handle
Handle
Mounting
Brackets
Engine
h
c
Chute
Deflector
o>
3
(D
(Model 280R Shown)
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
SECURING THE CABLES
n
azif
Cable Ties
(726-0240)
rax
EL£
roi
Lf
111111
11111
11
0
MCHES
1
2
3

1
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.
Tools Required for Assembly
(1) Pair of Pliers
(1) 1/2" Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
(1) Phillips Screwdriver
(1) 7/16" Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
Bracket
FIGURE 1.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
mower is observed from the operating position.
Refer to parts identification on page 4 for location
of parts when assembling the mower.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn mower from the carton by open¬
ing the top flaps and lifting the unit out. Be careful
of the staples. Make certain ali parts and literature
have been removed from the carton before the
carton is discarded.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move away
from the spark plug.
3. Stretch out all control cables behind the mower
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 (Hardware A)
1. Attach the lower handle by placing the bottom
holes in the lower handle over the weld pins on
the handle mounting brackets extending through
the rear of the deck.
2. Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the
lower handle against the handle mounting brack¬
et. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole in the
— weld pin. See figure 1. Repeat on other side.
NOTE: There are two (2) holes in the handle mount¬
ing brackets. Place the hairpin clip in the inner hoie
for operation. Outer hole is for storage.
FIGURE 2.
^ATTACHING THE UPPER HANDLE (Hardware B)
1. Place the upper handle in position over the lower
handle. The control handles (attached to the upper
handle) must be positioned as shown in figure 2,
on top of the handle.
2. Secure the upper handle to the lower handle using
the curved head bolts, split washers and hex nuts
as shown.
5

I
ATTACHING THE CONTROL BOX
One end of the throttle control cable and one end of
the brake cable are attached to the engine. The other
ends are attached to the control box. Attach the con¬
trol box to the upper handle as follows.
1. Remove the truss machine screw and hex lock
nut from the middle of the control box using a
Phillips screwdriver. Place your finger over the
hex lock nut to hold it inside the control box so
you can unscrew the truss machine screw.
2. Remove the drive clutch control handle from the
upper handle (pull right side out of hole in upper
handle first, then left side). Make certain blade
control handle stays on top of upper handle.
Refer to figure 2.
3. Route the control box (with cables attached)
under the lower handle. Make certain the cables
are not twisted. Hold the control box near the left
side of the upper handle (control box must be
inside the handle).
NOTE: If the brake cable is not attached to the control
box, insert the “Z” end of the cable into the control box
as shown in figure 3. Push the plastic fitting until it
locks into the control box.
4. Hook the “Z” end of the brake cable into the blade
control handle from the outside to the inside.
See figure 3.
5. Place the control box on the upper handle just
below the end of the control handle as shown in
-figure 4. Secure with hardware removed in step
one by placing hex lock nut into the indent on the
inside of the control box. Screw the truss machine
screw into the hex lock nut.
6. Insert long end (left side) of drive clutch control
handle into the hole in the control box as shown
in figure 4. Insert the short end (right side) into
the hole below the blade control handle.
ATTACHING THE DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE
1. The drive clutch cable is attached to the drive
cover, and has a spring on one end. Route the
cable under the cover lower handle. Hook the
spring on the end of the cable into the lower hole
-on the drive clutch handle. See figure 5.
2. Pull down on the plastic cable casing, and slip the
control wire through the slot in the cable bracket.
Push the plastic fitting on the end of the cable
casing into the cable bracket.
NOTE: If necessary, push down on the drive cover
(see figure 6) to obtain sufficient slack in the cable.
To adjust the drive clutch control cable, proceed as
follows.
1. Place the wheels in the lowest cutting height posi¬
tion.
6

Drive
Cover
FIGURE 6.
2. Loosen the screw which secures the cable brack¬
et.
3. With the drive clutch control handle released, pull
down on the cable and cable bracket until there is
a minimum of 1/8" clearance between the drive
-pinions and the drive wheels. See figures 5 and 6.
Tighten the cable bracket in this position.
NOTE: Two pieces of cardboard removed from the
carton may be used to measure the clearance as fol¬
lows. Place a piece of cardboard between the drive
pinion and wheel on each side of the unit. With the
drive clutch control handle released, pull down on the
cable and cable bracket until the drive pinions contact
the cardboard. Tighten the cable bracket in this posi¬
tion. Remove the cardboard.
Before starting the mower, check the drive clutch
adjustment as follows.
When the clutch control is engaged (clutch control
handle is squeezed against the upper handle), the
drive pinions should mesh with the gear tread tires.
The drive pinions should clear the drive wheels by a
minimum of 1/8" when the clutch is disengaged. See
figure 6. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the cable
bracket on the upper handle and adjust it as instruct¬
ed above. If additional adjustment is still required,
unhook the cable from the clutch handle, and move it
to the hole to obtain less clearance.
SECURING THE CABLES (Hardware D)
Secure all cables to the handle as follows.
A WARNING: When attaching the control
cables, the cables must be routed to
avoid contact with ali sharp edges and
hot surfaces to prevent damage to the
cables, which will render the controls
inoperative.
1.-Insert posts on cable ties into holes provided on
the handles. The holes may be either on the
inside or outside of the handles. Two go on each
leg of the lower handle (one near the top and one
near the bottom), and one goes on the left side of
-upper handle. See figure 7A.
2. S e c u r e the cables with the cable ties. See figure
7B.
3. T rim excess ends of cable ties.
FIGURE 7.
7

I
FIGURE 8.
ATTACHING THE STARTER ROPE (Hardware C)
1. The starter rope is inside the top of the engine.
Additional rope may be wound around the starter
handle. If so, unwind 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 rope, so
the rope guide is positioned as shown (bends
downward slightly). See figure 8. Insert the rope
guide through the right side of the upper handle,
the cable bracket, and secure with hex lock nut.
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 shipping block must be removed and
discarded before the mower is put into operation.
-See figure 9.
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.
Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened
securely.
CONTROLS
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
A WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to liypass
its operations.
The blade control handle is located on the upper han¬
dle of the mower. See figure 10. The blade control
handle must be depressed in order to operate the
unit. Release the blade control 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 side of the upper
handle. It is used to regulate the engine speed.
A WARNING: The throttle control cannot be
used to stop the engine.
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle.
See figure 10. Stand behind the unit in the operating
position to start the unit.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
Squeezing the drive clutch control handle engages
the drive mechanism to the wheels. Releasing the
clutch control stops the wheels from driving. Release
the drive clutch control to slow down when negotiating
an obstacle, making a turn or stopping. See figure 10.
8

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 11.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 11.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in for¬
eign objects being thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields. We recommend wide vision
safety mask for over spectacles or
standard safety glasses.
NOTE: Adjust the cutting height of your mower before
operating. See adjustment section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING
1. S e r v i ce the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit. Read instructions carefully.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
2. A ttach spark plug wire to spark plug.
3. B e fore each use, check drive clutch adjustment.
When the clutch handle is engaged, the drive pin¬
ions should mesh simultaneously with the gear
tread tires. When the clutch handle is released,
the pinions should clear the wheels by a minimum
of 1/8". See drive clutch adjustment on page 10
for further details.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
WARNING: When starting the unit for the
first time, face the mower against a solid
object such as a wall, fence, etc. Start the
unit, and if it shows any signs of motion
with the drive clutch control disengaged,
shut the engine off immediately. Refer to
page 10 for further instructions on the
drive clutch adjustment.
1. Move throttle control lever all the way forward.
2. If unit is equipped with a primer, prime engine as
instructed in the separate engine manual.
3. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade con¬
trol handle and hold it against the upper handle.
Be certain drive clutch handle is released.
4. Grasp the recoil starter handle and pull back
rapidly, extending rope fully. Return it slowly to
the rope guide.
5. After engine starts, move throttle control to
desired engine speed.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page 16.
TO STOP ENGINE AND BLADE
1. Move throttle control lever to SLOW position.
2. Release the blade control handle to stop the
engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate
for a few seconds after the engine is shut
off.
3. 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 objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. Such objects could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause serious person¬
al injury to the operator and others.
For the best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower, prevent¬
ing proper discharge of grass clippings, and could
cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or
wet grass may require a narrower cut. Blade speed
should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
The best mowing pattern is one that allows the clip¬
pings to discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn.
This permits recutting of the clippings to further pulver¬
ize them. When cutting high weeds, discharge towards
cut portion, then recut at right angles to first direction.
9

I
For best results, cut off one-third or less of the total
length of the grass. Lawn should be cut in th( fall as
long as there is growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at full 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, thoroughly inspect the mower for
any damage, and repair the dumage
before restarting and operating the
mower. Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation is an indication (if dam¬
age. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
ADJUSTMENTS
A W ARNiNG: Do not at any time make any
adjustment to lawn mower withojt first
stopping engine and disconnecting spark
piug wire.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
An adjusting plate and thumb lever at eacfi wheel
position provides cutting height adjustment Each
adjusting plate has nine height positions. Height of cut
will be changed when the thumb lever is movsd from
one hole to another. Simply depress the lever ©wards
wheel and move wheel and lever assembly to desired
position. All wheels must be placed in the same rela¬
tive position. See figure 12.
For rough or uneven lawns, move the whe els to a
position which will give a higher cutting height.
FIGURE 12.
DRIVE CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
The drive pinions should be a minimum of 1/8” from
the drive wheels when the clutch is disengaged
(clutch control handle is not squeezed against upper
handle). Refer to figure 6. When the clutch control is
engaged, the drive pinions should mesh with the tires.
If adjustment is necessary, loosen the screw which
secures the cable bracket on the handle. Adjust until
there is at least 1/8" of clearance. If additional adjust¬
ment is required, unhook the cable from the clutch
handle, and move it to the higher hole to obtain less
clearance. Using the lower hole gives more clear¬
ance. Retighten the cable bracket when the correct
adjustment is reached.
THROTTLE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
If the throttle control needs adjustment or if it has
been replaced, adjust as follows.
1. Remove the screw shown in figure 13A. Remove
the cable clamp from the cable.
NOTE: If you have a Tecumseh engine, simply loosen
the screw shown in figure 13B so the cable will move
freely beneath the clamp. It is not necessary to
remove the screw and clamp completely.
2. Push the throttle control lever on the handle all
the way forward as far as it will go, then back it off
one “click”. Make certain the throttle control
lever remains in this position.
3. Push the control lever on the engine as far toward
the rear of the engine as it will go. Secure the
cable in this position with the cable clamp and
screws.
FIGURE 13A.—Briggs & Stratton Engines
FIGURE 13B.—Tecumseh Engines
10