Table Of Contents; Service Information; Rules For Safe Operation - MTD Bolens BL100 Operator's Manual

For service call 1-888-864-3578, or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list of authorized service
dealers near you. For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE
REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S. PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period should be performed only by an
authorized and approved service dealer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Oil and Fuel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Starting/Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Maintenance & Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
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© 2008 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.
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 your 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 your LOCAL SERVICE DEALER to install the
Accessory Part #753-05709 Muffler Assembly.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
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 1-888-864-3578 IN U.S.
OR 1-800-668-1238 in CANADA
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
WARNING:
When using the unit, you must follow the safety rules. 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.
• 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 under the age of 15 must not use the unit; teens may operate the unit with adult
guidance.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all
fasteners are in place and secure. Replace cutting head parts that are cracked, chipped or
damaged in any way. Make sure the cutting head is properly installed and securely fastened.
Be sure that the cutting head shield is properly attached, and positioned as recommended.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.
• Use only 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) diameter original equipment manufacturer replacement
line. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or rope. These can break off and become
dangerous projectiles.
• Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and
other objects which may be thrown or become entangled in the cutting head. Clear the area
of children, bystanders and pets; keep them outside a 50-foot (15 m.) radius, at a minimum.
Even then, they are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position.
Make all adjustments or repairs before using the unit.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit
with any type of brushcutting blade.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS TRIMMERS
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors can explode if ignited.
Take the following precautions:
• 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. Never operate the unit without the fuel
cap securely in place. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the
tank.
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Do
not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors
dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the
engine. Do not smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the area while adding
fuel or operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can
be fatal. Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
2

SERVICE INFORMATION

Before beginning, locate the unit's model plate. It lists the model and serial numbers of your
unit. Refer to the sample plate below and copy the information for future reference.
Copy the model and parent part number here:
Copy the serial number here:

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety
symbols, and their explanations, deserve your 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.
SYMBOL
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and are marked as
such. Wear ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if
the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. 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.
• This unit does not have a clutch. The cutting head continues rotating when the engine is
idling. If it does not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Adjust the D-handle to your size in order 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. Refer to Starting/Stopping
Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both handles 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 rotates.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from
operation, even after the unit is turned off.
• 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 you strike or become 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 the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the spark plug for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These
are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and void your 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 a fueled unit 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 Cleaning and Storage instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan
someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL :
S/N :
ITEM :
In an effort to reduce the impact on the forests, and reduce carbon and
greenhouse gas emissions, MTD is using less paper by reducing the text
size of this manual.
MEANING
WARNING:
Failure to obey a safety warning can result in injury to yourself
and othe.rs. 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.
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.
of the equipment.