BOMAX BM436 User manual

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OPERATION MANUAL
WALK-BEHIND
POWER TROWEL
PERFORMANCE • EFFICIENT • RELIABLE
Your Model # : ____________________
Your Serial # : ____________________

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BOMAX sincerely thanks you for selecting the
Walk-Behind Power Trowel. For your safety and
proper operation, before you start to operate or
carry out any maintenance on this equipment, YOU
MUST READ and STUDY this manual carefully. Be
sure to always keep it ready for reference.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Daily Pre-Operation Checklist …………………………………. 4
Safety Alert & Hazard Symbols …………………………………. 5-7
Safety Messages ……………………………………………….. 8-11
Technical Specifications ……………………………………… 12
Machine Descriptions …………………………………………... 13-15
Pre-Operation Inspection ……………………………………… 15-17
Start / Stop Procedure …………………………………………… 17-19
Operation …………………………………………………………. 20-22
Maintenance …………………………………………………….. 22-24
Storage …………………………………………………………. 25
Troubleshooting ………………………………………………… 26
Warranty ………………………………………………………….. 27
Notes ………………………………………………………………. 28

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DAILY PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
NOTE
Make copies of this checklist and use it on a daily basis.
1. Engine Oil Level
2. Gearbox Oil Level
3. Engine Fuel Level
4. Condition of Blades
5. Blade Pitch Operation
6. Safety Cut-Out Switch Operation
7. Fasteners (Bolts & Nuts)
Comments:

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SAFETY ALERT & HAZARD SYMBOLS
For your safety and the safety of OTHERS! Safety precautions should be
followed at all times when operating this equipment. Failure to read and
understand the Safety Messages and Operation could result in injury to
yourself or others.
NOTE
This Owner’s Manual has been developed to provide complete instructions for
the safe and efficient operation of BOMAX Walk-
Behind Power Trowel. Please
refer to the engine manufacturers instructions for related safe operation and
maintenance of the engine.
Before using this equipment, ensure that the operator has read and fully
understands all instructions in this manual.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS
The following safety alert symbols will inform you about potential hazards that
could injure you or others. They represent the level of exposure to the
operator, and are preceded by one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or
CAUTION.
DANGER: You WILL be KILLED
or SERIOUSLY injured
if you DO NOT follow directions.
WARNING: You CAN be KILLED
or SERIOUSLY injured
if you DO NOT follow directions.
CAUTION: You CAN be injured if you DO NOT follow
directions.
Potential hazards associated with Pro-Series Trowel operation will be
referenced with “Hazard Symbols” which appear throughout this manual,

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and will be referenced in conjunction with “Safety Alert Symbols”.
HAZARD SYMBOLS
Lethal Exhaust Fumes
Engine e
xhaust fumes contain poisonous carbon monoxide.
This fume is colorless and odorless, and can cause death if
inhaled. NEVER
operate this equipment in a confined area
or enclosed structure that does not provide ample free flow
air.
Explosive Fuel
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and its vapors can cause
an explosion if ignited. DO NOT
start the engine near spilled
fuel or combustible fluids. DO NOT fill the fuel tank while the
engine is running or hot. DO NOT overfill tank, since spilled
fuel could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine parts
or sparks from the ignition system. Store fuel in approved
containers, in well ventilated areas and away from sparks
and flames. NEVER use fuel as a cleaning agent.
Burn Hazards
Engine components can generate extreme heat. To prevent
burns, DO NOT
touch these areas while the engine is
running or immediately after operations. NEVER operate the
engine with heat shields or heat guards removed.
Rotating Parts
NEVER
operate equipment with covers, or guards removed.
Keep fingers, hands, hair and clothing
away from all
moving parts to prevent injury.

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Accidental Starting
ALWAYS place the engine ON/OFF switch in the “OFF”
position when the equipment is not in use.
Over Speed Conditions
NEVER
tamper with the factory settings of the engine
governor or settings. Personal injury and damage to the
engine or equipment can result if operating in speed ranges
above maximum allowable.
NOTE
This equipment
, other property, or the surrounding environment could be
damaged if you do not follow instructions.
Respiratory Hazard
ALWAYS wear approved respiratory protection.
Sight and Hearing Hazard
ALWAYS wear approved eye and hearing protection.
Equipment Damage Messages
Other important messages are provided throughout this manual to help
prevent damage to your equipment, other property, or the surrounding
environment.

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SAFETY MESSAGES
CAUTION:
For your own personal safety and those around you, YOU
MUST READ and ensure you FULLY UNDERSTAND the
following safety information. It is the responsibility of the
operator to ensure that he/she fully understand
s how to
operate this equipment safely. In the event you are unsure
about the safe and correct use of the Power Trowel, please
consult your supervisor or nearest ACE dealer or ACE.
The following safety guidelines should always be used when operating the
Walk-Behind Power Trowel.
CAUTION:
IMPROPER maintenance or use can be hazardous. READ
and FULLY UNDERSTAND
this section before you perform
any maintenance, service or repairs.
• This equipment is to be used for its intended application only.
• This equipment must be operated only by well-trained personnel.
• The owner of this equipment must observe, and train the operator of the
equipment to observe the effective Labor Protection Regulation in the
country of application.
• Use a suitable lifting equipment to lift the equipment.
• Cordon off the work area and keep members of the public and
unauthorized personnel at a safe distance, including animals.
• Keep FINGERS, HANDS, HAIR and
CLOTHING away from moving parts.

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• Never allow a person to act as a weight for this equipment.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn by the operator
whenever this equipment is being used.
• Make sure you know how to safely switch this equipment OFF before you
switch it ON in case you get into difficulty.
• Always switch OFF the engine
before servicing it.
•
During use, the engine becomes
very hot. Allow the engine to cool
before touching it.
• Never leave the engine running and unattended.
• Never remove or tamper with any guards fitted, they are there for your
protection. Always check guards for condition and security. If any are
damaged or missing, DO NOT USE THE EQUIPMENT until the guard has
been replaced or repaired.
•
Do not operate the machine when
you are ill, fee
ling tired, or when
under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
• This equipment is designed to eliminate the possible risks arising from the
use of it. However, risks DO reside, and these risks are not clearly
foreseeable, and may cause personal injury or property damage, even
possible death. If such unpredictable and unforeseeable risks become
apparent, the equipment must be stopped immediately, and operator or his

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supervisor must take appropriate measures to eliminate such risks. It is
sometimes necessary to inform the manufacturer of such event for future
counter measuring.
WARNING:
Fuel is highly flammable. It may cause injury, death or
property damage. SHUT DOWN
the engine, extinguish all
open flames and DO NOT
smoke while filling the fuel tank.
ALWAYS wipe up any spilled fuel.
• Before refueling, switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
• When refueling, DO NOT
smoke or
allow naked flames in the area.
• When refueling, use proper funnel, and avoid spilling over the engine.
• Spilt fuel must be made safe immediately, using sand. If fuel is spilt on
your clothes, change them.
• Store fuel in an approved, purpose made container away from heat and
ignition source.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Suitable PPE must be worn when using this equipment i.e. Safety Goggles,
Gloves, Ear Defenders, Dust Mask and Steel Toe capped footwear (with
anti-slip soles for added protection). Wear clothing suitable for the work you
are doing. Always protect skin from contact with concrete.

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FUEL
Do not ingest fuel or inhale fuel vapors and avoid contact with your skin. Wash
fuel splashes immediately. If you get fuel in your eyes, irrigate with copious
amounts of water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
EXHAUST FUMES
WARNING:
The exhaust fumes produced by the engine are HIGHLY
toxic and CAN KILL!
Do not operate your Power Trowel indoors or in a confined
space, make sure the work area is adequately ventilated.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BM436
MODEL BM436-H BM436-B
DIMENSION (LxWxH) - mm (in) 2,100 x 950 x 1,010 (83 x 37 x 40)
GUARD RING DIAMETER - mm (in) 950 (37)
OPERATING WEIGHT - kg (lb) 82 (181) 86 (185)
GEARBOX HEAVY-DUTY
FINISHING BLADE SIZE (LxW) - mm (in) 350 x 150 (14 x 6)
NO. OF BLADES 4
BLADE OPERATING SPEED - rpm 61 - 131
ENGINE Honda GX160 B&S I/C 6.5HP
ENGINE TYPE 4-STROKE GASOLINE
MAX. POWER OUTPUT - hp (kW) 5.5 (4.1) 5.0 (3.7)
MAX. ENGINE SPEED - rpm 3,600
BM446
MODEL BM446
DIMENSION (LxWxH) - mm (in) 2,100 x 1,135 x 1,010 (83 x 45 x 40)
GUARD RING DIAMETER - mm (in) 1,135 (45)
OPERATING WEIGHT - kg (lb) 95 (209)
GEARBOX HEAVY-DUTY
FINISHING BLADE SIZE (LxW) - mm (in) 450 x 150 (18 x 6)
NO. OF BLADES 4
BLADE OPERATING SPEED - rpm 61 - 131
ENGINE Honda GX270
ENGINE TYPE 4-STROKE GASOLINE
MAX. POWER OUTPUT - hp (kW) 9.0 (6.7)
MAX. ENGINE SPEED - rpm 3,600
BOMAX reserves the right to change technical specifications without prior notice and incurring obligations.

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PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION
CAUTION:
NEVER operate the Trowel in a confined
area or enclosed structure that does not
provide ample free flow of air.
ALWAYS wear approved eye and hearing protection before
operating the Trowel.
NEVER place hands or feet inside the guard rings while the
engine is running. ALWAYS shut the engine down before
performing any kind of maintenance service on the Trowel.
NOTE
The following Pre-Operation Inspection
must be performed before the start
of each work session or after every four hours of use, whichever is first.
Please refer to the maintenance section for detailed guidance.
If any fault is
discovered, the Trowel must not be used until the fault is rectified.
1. Thoroughly inspect the machine for signs of damage. Make sure all
guards are in place and secured.
2. Check hoses, filler openings, drain plugs and any other areas for signs of
leakage. Fix any leaks before operating.
3. Check the engine oil level and top up as necessary. Use proper engine oil
with the proper viscosity. (Refer to engine manufacturer manual for
specific servicing instructions)
Table 1. Engine Oil Type
Season
Temperature
Oil Type
Summer
25°C or Higher
SAE 10W-30
Spring / Fall
10°C ~ 25°C
SAE 10W-30/20
Winter
0°C or Lower
SAE 10W-10

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4. Check the engine fuel level and top up as necessary. Use clean fuel. Use
of contaminated fuel may damage the fuel system.
5. Check the engine air filter is clean. Excessive dirt/dust accumulation
within the filter element will cause erratic engine operation. Clean the air
filter element when it is contaminated. (See Maintenance Section)
Explosive Fuel
Fuel Check
Fuels are highly flammable and can be dangerous if mishandled. DO NOT
smoke while refueling. DO NOT attempt to refuel the Trowel if the engine is
still hot! or running.
6. Check for fuel and oil leaks.
7. Check engine carburetor for external dirt and dust. Clean with dry
compressed air.
8. Check fastening bolts and nuts for tightness.
9. Check the gearbox oil is up to point. If the oil is not up to middle of the oil
sight glass, fill with oil. Below are some compatible gearbox oils:
- Mobil 600W Cylinder Oil 320
- BP Energol GRP 320
- Shell Tevela Oil SC 320 EP
- AGMA 250.04 Comp.
10. Check the V-Belt for wear and tear. Replace any worn belts.
11. Check for worn or damaged blades. Replace any worn blades.
START / STOP PROCEDURE
CAUTION:

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IMPROPER operation can be hazardous. READ and
UNDERSTAND this section before you start the equipment.
NOTE
Before starting the engine, make sure that the Centrifugal Cut-Out Switch is in
ON position. For Electric Cut-Out Lever (optional)
, make sure the lever is
held down to be in the ON position. Throttle Lever is set to low position.
CAUTION:
NEVER disable or disconnect the Centrifugal Cut-Out
Switch or Electric Cut-Out Lever (optional)
. It is provided
for the operators’ safety and injury may result if it is
disabled, disconnected or improperly maintained.
CAUTION:
The Trowel is heavy and awkward
to move around. Use
appropriate lifting device
and proper heavy lifting
procedures. DO NOT lift the Trowel by the guard rings.
START PROCEDURE
CAUTION:
DO NOT attempt to operate the Trowel until the Safety
Information and Inspection sections of this manual have
been READ and thoroughly UNDERSTOOD. Depending on
engine manufacturer, operating steps may vary. See engine
manufacturers operating manual.
SHOWN BELOW HONDA ENGINE
1. Place the engine Fuel Valve Lever (Figure 1) to the “ON” position.

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Figure 1. Engine Fuel Valve Lever
2. Place the Choke Lever (Figure 2) to the “OPEN” position.
Figure 2. Engine Choke Lever
3. Place the Throttle Lever to “LOW” position.
CAUTION:
ENSURE
correct starting position. Failure to do so may
result in injuries.
Figure 3. Correct Starting Position
4. Set the Centrifugal Cut-Out Switch to “ON” position or “HOLD” down the

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Electric Cut-Out Lever.
5. Grasp the Recoil Starter Grip (Figure 4) and pull it out slowly. Pull till
resistance is felt, then continue pulling the Recoil Starter Grip briskly and
smoothly to start the engine.
Figure 4. Recoil Starter Grip
6. If the engine has started, slowly return the Choke Lever (Figure 2) to the
“CLOSE” position. If the engine has not started, repeat steps 1 to 5.
7. Run the engine for several minutes before actual operation.
8. Place Throttle Lever to “HIGH” position to begin troweling operation.
STOP PROCEDURE
1. Return the Throttle Lever to “LOW” position.
2. Switch off the engine.
OPERATION
CAUTION:
Visually check to be sure that the blades are free of
obstructions and the area is clear for operation.
CAUTION:

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NEVER place hands or fe
et inside the guard rings while
operating this equipment.
CAUTION:
ALWAYS keep clear of rotating or moving
parts while
operating this equipment.
1. Get into operator’s position behind the centre of handlebar with good
footing and apply the throttle slowly until desired speed is obtained. The
blades of the Trowel spin in a clockwise direction (Figure 5). All ACE
Trowels are directed left or right by applying a slight upward (lifting) or
downward (lowering) pressure on the handlebar (respectively).
Figure 5. Blade Rotation Direction
• Push handlebar down and Trowel will move to the right.
• Lift handlebar up and Trowel will move to the left.
• Slightly twist handlebar to the right and the Trowel will move forward.
• Slightly twist handlebar to the left and the Trowel will move backward.
• Holding the handlebar in neutral position, the Trowel will remain
stationary.
PREPARATION OF CONCRETE SURFACE
Use of a mechanical or air vibrating screed equipment to strike the concrete
surface to level will provide good compaction to the slab and produce an ideal

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surface for finishing. It should be remembered floating/finishing equipments
will not repair or correct a poorly screeded slab.
FLOATING OPERATION
Before starting the floating operation, be sure that the Float Pan is correctly
mounted on the blades. Be aware that with the blade arms turning clockwise,
the Float Pan should be positioned the same way. The slab will be ready to
work for the first floating operation when the heel of your shoes leave a print
of 2~3mm on the surface of the slab. On all other floating operations, the
blades should be almost flat. After the floated slab has set and your footprint
is slightly visible, it is ready to start the finishing operation. The timing of all
these operations is dependent on weather conditions. After each operation,
the engine should be stopped.
Never park the machine with the engine running, especially during the floating
operation when the concrete is relatively soft. Considering the machine is
heavy, should it be left running on the soft concrete in the same spot, this will
cause damage to the finished floor tolerances.
FINISHING OPERATION
After the floating operation, the first thing to do is to remove the Float Pan
from the blades and clean the blades, spider assembly and guard ring of
cement/concrete paste collected during the floating operation. Increase the
blade pitch up to 10mm for the first finishing operation and then continue to
increase the pitch on the following finishing operations.
Continue the finishing passes until you obtained the desired finished floor
surface. The time required between each finishing pass is dependent on the
weather conditions, cement and water content of the concrete. If some areas
of the concrete set harden too fast, you may apply a small amount of water
with a brush to help achieve a finish. Be careful when running the Trowel on
areas where water has been applied because the Trowel will tend to skate
away. Be sure to maintain control of the Trowel at all times.
PITCH ADJUSTMENT
The pitch control knob is in easy reach of the operator. The pitch adjustment
has a limited pitch variation. Rotate the pitch control knob clockwise to tilt the
blades and counterclockwise to decrease the angle of the blades. Adjustment
is based on the desired performance for the specific job application.

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SPIDER PLATE
By experience, we know the major problem on the Trowel arm is lack of
lubrication. During mounting, we undertake the greasing and sealing the
Trowel arms on the spider plate. Greasing to be carried out on a weekly basis
using the grease nipple provided. If an arm becomes jammed, this is probably
due to the arm being bent and will require replacement.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION:
ALWAYS allow engine to cool before
performing any maintenance. NEVER
attempt any maintenance work on a hot!
engine.
NOTE
See the engine manual supplied with your equipment for appropriate engine
maintenance schedule and troubleshooting guide for problems.
BOMAX Trowels are designed to give many years of trouble free operation. It
is, however, important that the simple regular maintenance listed in this
section is carried out. It is recommended that an approved BOMAX dealer
carry out all major maintenance and repairs. Always use genuine BOMAX
replacement parts, the use of spurious parts may void your warranty. Before
any maintenance is carried out on the equipment, switch off the engine and
disconnect the HT lead from the spark plug. Always set the equipment on
level ground to ensure any fluid levels will be correctly read. Use
recommended oils only.
EQUIPMENT CLEANING
Clean the Trowel after it has been used to prevent the collection of hardened
cement. The blades can usually be cleaned with a high pressure hose and
water while the cement/concrete is still wet. Hard cement/concrete paste is
very difficult to remove. Replace decals immediately that are worn, missing, or
damaged.
CHANGING BLADES