Bolens 18M Servicehandbuch

1.  Always observe safety rules when performing  

any maintenance.

2.  The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover 

items that have been subjected to operator abuse 
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, 
operator must maintain the lawn mower as  
instructed here. 

3.  Changing of engine-governed speed will void  

engine warranty. 

4.  All adjustments should be checked at least once 

each season. 

5.  Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these 

are tight.

1.  Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle 

at least once a season with light oil. The blade 

control must operate freely in both directions. See 

Figure 5-1.

2.  If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels, 

lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all 

other types require no lubrication. However, if the 

wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the 

surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the 

wheel with light automotive oil.

3.  Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot points periodi-

cally with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1. 

1.  Refer to the engine operation and maintenance 

sections in this manual for detailed instructions.

2.  Maintain engine oil level. 
3.  Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal 

conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely 

dusty conditions.

4.  Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. 

Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean 

to permit proper air circulation which is essential to 

engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all 

grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after 
each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, 
dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, 
it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper 
mulching. 
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scrap-
ing clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug 
wire is disconnected).

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especial-
ly if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. 
Follow the steps below for blade service:
1.  Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
2.  Tip mower on its side making sure that the air filter and 

the carburetor are up.

3.  Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which 

hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine 

crankshaft. See Figure 5-2.

4.  Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
5.  The blade may be resharpened by removing it and 

either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping as 
close to the original bevel as possible. Do not attempt 
to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.

6.  It is 

extremely important that each cutting edge 

receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an 
unbalanced blade.

NOTE: Improper blade balance will result in excessive 
vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and 
mower.  Be sure to carefully balance blade after sharpen-
ing. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance 
condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Always remove blade from the adapter for testing 
balance. 
7.  The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it 

on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the 
heavy side until it balances evenly.

8.  Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter 

to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the 
inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. 

We do not recommend 
the use of pressure 
washers or garden 
hose to clean your 
unit. These may cause 
damage to electrical 
components, spindles, 
pulleys, bearings, or 
the engine. The use 
of water will result in 
shortened life and 
reduce serviceability.