Know The Unit; Assembly Instructions; Oil And Fuel Information; Starting/Stopping Instructions - MTD Bolens BL160 Manual Del Operador

APPLICATIONS
As a trimmer:
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Edging
• Decorative trimming around trees,
fences, etc.
Shaft Housing
Line Cutting
Cutting Head Shield
Blade
Cutting Head

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL CUTTING ATTACHMENT SHIELD
WARNING:
To prevent serious personal injury, never operate the trimmer without the cutting
attachment shield in place.
Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield on the unit is not installed.
1. Place the cutting head shield onto the guard mount bracket, making sure to align
the holes on the shield with the ones in the guard mount bracket. (Fig. 1)
2. Take the 2 shield screws and screw each one into the shield until finger tight.
3. Using an appropriate screw driver, tighten the screws until the shield is firmly in
place.
INSTALL AND ADJUST THE D-HANDLE
1. Push the D-handle down onto the shaft housing (Fig. 2). The hex bolt hole in the
handle should be on the left side.
2. Insert the bolt into the hex hole in the handle and push through. Place the washer
on the bolt, then screw the wing nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten until making the
handle adjustment.
3. Rotate the D-handle to place the grip above the top of the shaft housing. Place it
a minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip.
4. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 6), move the D-handle to the
location that provides the best grip.
5. Tighten the wing nut until the D-handle is secure.

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

OIL AND FUEL MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel are the main reasons for the unit not running properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean
unleaded fuel. Follow the instructions carefully for the proper fuel/oil mixture.
DEFINITION OF BLENDED FUELS
WARNING:
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 15% ethanol will likely damage this engine
and void the warranty.
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol,
methanol, or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1%
water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate. It forms acids when stored.
When using alcohol-blended fuel, use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old).
USING BLENDED FUELS
If choosing to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow
recommended precautions:
• Always use the fresh fuel mix explained in the operator's manual
• Always agitate the fuel mix before fueling the unit
• Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit
USING FUEL ADDITIVES
CAUTION:
For proper engine operation and maximum reliability, pay strict attention to the oil and fuel
mixing instructions on the 2-cycle oil container. Using improperly mixed fuel can severely damage the engine.
The bottle of 2-cycle oil contains a fuel additive which will help inhibit corrosion and minimize the formation of gum
deposits. It is recommended to use our 2-cycle oil with this unit.
If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL® Gas
Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml.) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the
container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's fuel tank.
Thoroughly mix the proper ratio of 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded fuel in a separate fuel can. Use a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.
Do not mix them directly in the engine fuel tank. See the table for specific gas and oil mixing ratios.
NOTE: One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded fuel mixed with one 3.2 oz. (95 ml.) bottle of 2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.
NOTE: Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.
WARNING:
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine
and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.
FUELING THE UNIT
WARNING:
Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the
fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
Add fuel in a clean, level and well ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
1. Turn unit on its side, with the fuel cap facing up, and remove the fuel cap.
2. Place the gas container's spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank and fill the tank.
NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.

KNOW THE UNIT

Spark Plug
Muffler
Starter Rope Grip
Fuel Cap
On/Off Control
Shaft Grip
Throttle Control
D-Handle
Cutting
Head
Shield
Wing Nut
Washer
UNLEADED GAS
1 GALLON US
(3.8 LITERS)
1 LITER
MIXING RATIO - 40:1
WARNING:
Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.
Choke Lever
WARNING:
position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 5). To avoid serious injury, the
operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting.
Air Filter Cover
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix fuel with oil. See Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel mix. Refer to Fueling the Unit.
NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Control is in the ON ( I )
position at all times (Fig. 3).
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel
should be visible in the primer bulb (Fig. 4). If fuel can not be seen in the bulb,
press and release the bulb until fuel is visible.
4. Place the choke lever in Position 1 (Fig. 4).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 5). Squeeze the throttle control lever. Pull the
starter rope 5 times.
6. Place the choke lever in Position 2 (Fig. 4)
7. Squeeze the throttle control, pull the starter rope in a controlled motion 3 to 5
times to start the engine.
8. Keep the throttle squeezed and allow the engine to warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.
Primer
Bulb
9. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke lever to Position 3 (Fig. 4)
and continue warming the engine for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be
used during this time.
NOTE: The unit is properly warmed up when the engine accelerates without
hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 4) and continue the warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, place the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the throttle control.
Pull the starter rope in a controlled motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start. If not, repeat.
IF WARM... If the engine is already warm, start the unit with the choke lever in Position 2. After the unit starts, move
the choke lever to Position 3.
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release the throttle control and allow the engine to cool down by idling.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a complete stop (Fig. 3).
HOLDING THE UNIT
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating
this unit.
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position (Fig. 6). Check for the
following:
• The operator is wearing eye protection and proper clothing
• With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator's hand is holding the shaft grip
• The operator's left arm is straight, the left hand holding the D-handle
• The unit is at waist level
• The cutting head is parallel to the ground and easily contacts the grass without
the need to bend over
ADJUSTING TRIMMING LINE LENGTH
WARNING:
premature engine failure and / or unit damage.
Screw (2)
Guard The Bump Head™ cutting head allows the release of trimming line without stopping the engine. To release more line,
Mount
lightly tap the cutting head on the ground (Fig. 7) while operating the unit at high speed.
Bracket
NOTE: Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line release becomes more difficult when the cutting line
gets shorter.
Each time the head is bumped, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) of trimming line releases. A blade in the cutting head shield will
cut the line to the proper length if any excess line is released.
For best results, tap the bump knob on bare ground or hard soil. If attempting a line release in tall grass, the engine
Fig. 1
may stall. Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line release becomes more difficult when the cutting line gets
shorter.
Grip
NOTE: Do not rest the Bump Head™ on the ground while the unit is running.
Some line breakage will occur from:
• Entanglement with foreign matter
Min 6 in.
• Normal line fatigue
(15.32 mm)
• Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds
Handle
• Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts
Bolt
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
Fig. 2
• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.
• Do not force the cutting head. Allow the tip of the line to do the cutting, especially along walls. Cutting with more
than the tip will reduce cutting efficiency and may overload the engine.
• Cut grass over 8 inches (200 mm) by working from top to bottom in small increments to avoid premature line wear
or engine drag.
• Cut from right to left whenever possible. Cutting to the left improves the unit's cutting efficiency. Clippings are
thrown away from the operator.
• Slowly move the unit into and out of the cutting area at the desired height. Move either in a forward-backward or
side-to-side motion. Cutting shorter lengths produces the best results.
• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
• The life of the cutting line is dependent upon:
• Following the trimming techniques
• What vegetation is being cut
• Where vegetation is cut
For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against a foundation wall as
opposed to trimming around a tree.
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation around trees, posts, fences, etc.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 8).
2 CYCLE OIL
3.2 FL. OZ.
(95 ml)
25 ml
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING:
service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be
a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If unsure about these procedures take the
unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any
non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
FREQUENCY
Before starting engine
Every 10 hours
Every 25 hours

STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Avoid accidental starting. Make sure to be in the starting

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Do not remove or alter the line cutting blade assembly. Excessive line length will cause
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel
Clean and re-oil air filter
Check spark plug condition and gap
OFF (O)
ON (I)
Throttle
Control
Fig. 3
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
Fig. 4
Starting Position
Starter
Rope
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
SEE
p. 3
p. 4
p. 4
3