Bosch ROTAK 34 / 37 / 40 / 43 Manual

Safety Notes

Read these instructions carefully, be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the lawnmower. Please keep the instructions safe for later use.

Explanation of symbols on the lawnmower

	General hazard safety alert.
	Read instruction manual.
	Beware of thrown or flying objects to bystanders.
	Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine.
	Sharp blade(s). Beware of severing toes or fingers.
	Not applicable.
	Switch off and remove plug from mains before adjusting, cleaning or if the cable is entangled and before leaving the lawnmower unattended for any period. Keep the supply flexible cord away from the cutting blades.
	Wait until all machine components have completely stopped before touching them. The blades continue to rotate after the machine is switched off, a rotating blade can cause injury.
	Do not mow in the rain or leave the lawnmower outdoors whilst it is raining.
	Beware electric shock hazard.
	Keep supply flexible cord away from cutting means.

• This appliance is not intended for used by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children or pets, are nearby.
• The operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
• Do not operate the lawnmower when barefoot or wearing open sandals, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the lawnmower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones and other foreign objects.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Avoid operating the lawnmower in wet grass, where feasible.
• Walk, never run.
• Never operate the appliance with defective guards or shields, or without safety devices, for example deflectors and/or grass catchers in place.
• Mowing on banks can be dangerous:
  • Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
  • Always be sure of your footing on slopes or wetgrass.
  • Mow across the face of slopes – never up anddown.
  • Exercise extreme caution when changing direc-tion on slopes.
  • Use extreme caution when stepping back or pull-ing the lawnmower towards you.
  • Never mow by pulling the mower towards you.
• Stop the blades if the lawnmower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass and when transporting the lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
• Do not tilt the machine when starting or switching on the motor, except if the machine has to be tilted for starting in long grass. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and tilt only the part which is away from the operator. Always ensure that both hands are in the operating position before returning the machine to the ground.
• Switch on the lawnmower according to instructions and with feet well away from the blades.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.
• Never pick up or carry the lawnmower while the motor is running.
• Remove the plug from the socket:
  • whenever you leave the machine
  • before clearing a blockage
  • before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn-mower
  • after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn-mower for damage and make repairs as necessary
  • if the lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormally(check immediately).
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure that the lawnmower is in safe working condition.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Ensure replacement parts fitted are Bosch approved.
• Always wear gardening gloves when handling or working near the sharp blade.

Technical data

Lawnmower		ROTAK 34	ROTAK 37	ROTAK 40	ROTAK 43
Part number (typ)		3 600 H81 A..	3 600 H81 B..	3 600 H81 C..	3 600 H81 D..
Rated power	[W]	1300	1400	1600	1700
Blade width	[cm]	34	37	40	43
Height of cut	[mm]	20 – 70	20 – 70	20 – 70	20 – 70
Grassbox capacity	[l]	40	40	50	50
Weight (max.)	[kg]	11.0	11.2	13.2	13.5
Protection class		/II	/II	/II	/II
Serial Number	See serial No 13 (rating plate) on machine.

Introduction

This manual gives instructions on the correct assembly and safe use of your machine. It is important that you read these instructions carefully.
When fully assembled the machine weighs approximately between 11.0 and 13.5 kg. If necessary, obtain assistance to remove from packaging.
Take care when carrying the mower to the lawn, as the blades are sharp.

Intended Use
This product is intended for domestic lawn mowing.

Delivered Items

Carefully remove the machine from its packaging and check that you have all the following items:
Lawnmower with handle assembly
1 Handle bottom
2 Bolts
2 Wing nuts
2 Screws
2 Grassbox parts (ROTAK 34/37)
3 Grassbox parts (ROTAK 40/43)
2 Cable clips
Cable restraint (if supplied separately)
Operating instructions

When parts are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer.

Operating Controls

1. Switch lever
2. Safety button
3. Handle top
4. Cable restraint**
5. Mains plug**
6. Grassbox
7. Deflector guard
8. Handle bottom
9. Ventilation slots
10. Wheels
11. Grass comb
12. Height of cut lever
13. Serial Number

**Country specific
Not all of the accessories illustrated or described are included as standard delivery.

For Your Safety

Switch off, remove plug from mains before adjusting, cleaning or if cable is cut, damaged or entangled.
The blades continue to rotate for a few seconds after the machine is switched off.

Do not touch rotating blades.

Electrical Safety
Your machine is double insulated for safety and requires no earth connection. The operating voltage is 230 V AC, 50 Hz (for non-EU countries 220 V, 240 V as applicable). Only use approved extension cables. Contact your Bosch Service Center for details.
Extension cords/leads should only be used if they comply with H05VV-F, H05RN-F types or IEC (60227 IEC 53, 60245 IEC 57).
If you want to use an extension cable when operating your product, only the following cable dimensions should be used:

• 1.0 mm²: max length 40 m
  1. 5 mm²: max length 60 m
  2. 5 mm²: max length 100 m

It is recommended for increased electrical safety to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more than 30 mA. Always check your RCD every time you use it.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a Bosch Service Centre.

For products not sold in GB:

For safety, it is essential that the mains plug 5 attached to the machine is fitted to the power supply cable 15.
The couplings of connection leads must be protected against splashes and the coupling sockets on the leads must be made of rubber or coated with rubber.
Fixing means for the connection leads must be used.
The connection lead must be inspected for signs of damage at regular intervals and may only be used if in perfect condition.
Products sold in GB only: Your mower is fitted with an approved 13 A (BS 1363/A) electric plug and is protected by a 13 A fuse (ASTA Approved to BS 1362).
If the fitted plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an authorized customer service agent.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a 13 A socket elsewhere.

Assembly

Handle assembly

1. Insert the handle bottom 8 into the holes provided and
2. Secure with the screws.
   Note: The handle top 3 is height adjustable. Fix handles in desired position I or II.
3. Attach the handle top 3 with the bolts and wing nuts 14 to the handle bottom8.
   Note: Ensure that the cable clips supplied are used to fix the cable to the handle.
   Attach cable to cable restraint 4 ensuring that sufficient cable slack is available.
   

Snap together the grassbox

ROTAK 34/37

Snap the grassbox top on the grassbox bottom by pushing all the "snap fits" together around the edges starting at rear and working towards the front.

ROTAK 40/43

1. Snap the grassbox bottom halves together by pushing all the "snap fits" together around the edges starting at rear and working towards the front.
2. Snap together both top and bottom half of the grassbox.

Ensure the cables are not trapped when folding/unfolding top handles. Do not drop the handles.

Grassbox

Fitting
Lift the deflector guard 7 and hold up, fit the grassbox 6.

Removing/Emptying
Lift the deflector guard 7 and hold up. Remove grassbox 6.
For non grass collection the mower can be used without the grassbox 6 in position, with the deflector guard 7 in the down position.

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Stop, release switch lever and wait until the motor stops before adjusting height. The blades continue to rotate after the machine is switched off, a rotating blade can cause injury.

Do not touch rotating blades.
For the first cutting of the season, a high cutting adjustment should be selected.
The lawnmower can be set to 10 cutting heights between 20 mm and 70 mm. For this purpose, press the height of cut lever 12 inwards then lift or push down the mower until required height is selected.

Starting and Stopping

The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the machine is switched off. Allow the motor/blade to stop rotating before switching "on" again.
Do not rapidly switch off and on.

To aid starting tilt mower to side.

Starting:

1. Press and hold the safety button 2.
2. Squeeze the switch lever 1 towards the handle.
   Release the safety button 2.

Stopping:
Release the switch lever 1.
The mower is fitted with a blade brake. This safety feature stops the blade from rotating in a few seconds. You may notice a slight smell during the first few operations of the brake (on releasing the On/Off switch). This is entirely normal and will cause no damage to your machine.
The blade maybe stiff to turn by hand while the machine is not in operation, this is due the brake.
Always wear gardening gloves when handling or working near the sharp blade.

Mowing

Place the lawnmower on the edge of the lawn, as close to the power point as possible. Work away from the power point. Then at right angles.
Position the cable to opposite side (already cut) at the end of each turn.

When mowing do not allow the motor to labour particularly in heavy conditions. When the motor labours the speed of the motor drops and you will hear a change in the motor sound, when this occurs stop mowing, release the switch lever and raise the height of cut. Failure to do so will could damage the machine.
NOTE: The motor is protected by a safety cut out which is activated when the blade becomes jammed or if the motor is overloaded. When this occurs stop, remove the plug from the power supply. The safety cut out will only reset when the switch lever 1 is released. Clear any obstruction and wait for a few minutes for the safety cut out to reset before continuing to use the mower. At this time do not operate the switch lever 1 as this will prolong the reset time of the safety cut out. If the mower cuts out again increase the height of cut to reduce the load on the motor.
The grass combs11 allow a very close cut to the wall or edge. Beware of running combs into objects while cutting close to walls/edges.

Maintenance

Stop, remove plug from the power supply and remove the grassbox.
Always wear gardening gloves when handling or working near the sharp blade.
Note: To ensure long and reliable service, carry out the following maintenance regularly.
Regularly check for obvious defects such as loose, dislodged or damaged blade, loose fixings, and worn or damaged components.
Check that covers and guards are undamaged and correctly fitted. Carry out necessary maintenance or repairs before using.
If the mower should happen to fail despite the care taken in manufacture and testing, repair should be carried out by an authorised customer service agent for Bosch garden products.
For all correspondence and spare parts orders, always include the 10-digit part number (TYP) from the nameplate of the machine!

Blade Maintenance

Stop, remove plug from the power supply and remove the grassbox.
Turn the machine on its right side and inspect the blade; if blunt or damaged, replace.
Use the following procedure to remove and replace the blade.
Hold the blade 17 using gardening gloves (not provided) use a spanner (not provided) to remove the blade bolt 16, blade washer 18 (ROTAK 34/37 only), bevel washer20 and blade. Fit the bevel washer, blade, blade washer and the blade bolt. Ensure that the blade is the correct way up (so that this symbol can be seen located as in figure J) and tighten the bolt firmly.

In the event of a blade becoming difficult to remove or fit, insert a screwdriver into hole 21 to lock the drive. Ensure the screwdriver is removed before attempting to turn the machine on.
Do not lubricate blade or blade bolt during refitting.

After Mowing/Storage

Clean the exterior of the machine thoroughly using a soft brush and cloth. Do not use water, solvents or polishes. Remove all grass and debris, especially from the ventilation slots 9.
Using a soft brush clean the grass comb 11 removing any grass and debris.
Turn the machine on its side and clean the blade area. If grass cuttings are compacted in the blade area, remove with a wooden or plastic implement.
Always wear gardening gloves when handling or working near the sharp blade.
Store the machine in a dry place. Do not place other objects on top of the machine.
To aid storage loosen the wing nuts 14 and fold the handles.
Ensure cables are not trapped when folding/ unfolding top handles, do not drop the handles.

Accessories

Blade
ROTAK 34: F016 800 271
ROTAK 37: F016 800 272
ROTAK 40: F016 800 273
ROTAK 43: F016 800 274

Fault Finding

The following table gives checks and actions that you can perform if your machine does not operate correctly. If these do not identify/remedy the problem, contact your service agent.

Switch off and remove plug from mains before investigating fault.

After-Sales Service and Customer Assistance

Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. Exploded views and information on spare parts can also be found under: www.bosch-pt.com
Our customer consultants answer your questions concerning best buy, application and adjustment of products and accessories.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham
Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ
Tel. Service: +44 (0844) 736 0109
Fax: +44 (0844) 736 0146
E-Mail: SPT-Technical.de@de.bosch.com

Ireland
Origo Ltd.
Unit 23 Magna Drive
Magna Business Park
City West Dublin 24
Tel. Service: +353 (01) 4 66 67 00
Fax: +353 (01) 4 66 68 88

Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands
Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd.
Power Tools
Locked Bag 66
Clayton South VIC 3169
Customer Contact Center
Inside Australia:
Phone: +61 (01300) 307 044
Fax: + 61 (01300) 307 045
Inside New Zealand:
Phone: +64 (0800) 543 353
Fax: +64 (0800) 428 570
Outside AU and NZ:
Phone: +61 (03) 9541 5555
www.bosch.com.au