MTD Bolens BL160 - User Manual

769-07478 P00 10/11
Operator’s Manual
BL160
2-Cycle Trimmer
NEED HELP? CALL 1–800-800-7310 IN U.S. OR 1–800–668–1238 IN CANADA
IMPORTANT: READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND FOLLOW THE SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WHILE OPERATING THE UNIT.
Removing Unit From Carton
Assemble The Unit
Starting The Unit
Place shield onto mount
bracket. Securely screw 2 shield
screws through holes on mount
bracket and into shield. Make
sure screws are tightened equally
so there is an equal gap between
bracket and shield on each side.
Put handle on shaft. Move
handle a minimum 6 inches
away from shaft grip. Insert
bolt and tighten.
Assemble The Unit
Mix thoroughly in separate
fuel can:
– 3.2 fl. oz. of 2-cycle
engine oil
– 1 gallon of unleaded
gasoline
NOTE: Do not mix directly in
fuel tank.
Place unit on a level surface.
Fill fuel tank.
Press primer bulb 10 times,
or until fuel is visible
Crouch in starting position. SQUEEZE and HOLD
throttle for ALL further
steps.
Pull rope 5 times. Move choke lever to
Position 2 and squeeze
throttle.
Pull rope 3-5 times to start
engine. Run unit for 30-60
seconds to warm up.
Continue to squeeze
throttle. Move choke lever
to Position 3.
11 2
Remove all contents from
the carton.
4 5 6
18 9
3
Move choke lever to
Position 1.
Continue to squeeze
throttle. Run unit for an
additional 60 seconds to
complete warm-up. Unit
may be used during this
time.
7
Starting The Unit
10
11
12
13
14
Primer
Bulb
10 X
5 X
3-5 X
Choke Lever
Need Help?
Call 1-800-800-7310
DIDN’T START?
Repeat the starting instructions.
IF engine fails to start after 2 attempts,
move choke lever to position 3 and pull
the starter rope until engine starts
IF unit still fails to start, refer to operator’s
manual for additional starting and
troubleshooting information
1 Gallon 3.2 oz
40:1
Choke Lever
Choke Lever
ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED:
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
Min. 6"
Starter Rope
Fuel Cap
Throttle Control
On/ Off Switch
D-Handle
Cutting Head Shield
Bump
Knob
Inner
Reel
Outer
Spool
Spring
Top Hole
Bottom Hole
Split Wall
Unscrew the bump knob
counterclockwise.
Remove the inner reel and
spring.
Cut one 6-foot (1.8 m) length
of new 0.095” split line
trimming line. Split each end
about 6 inches (150 mm).
Insert the end of one line into
the top hole and the end of
the other line into the bottom
hole.
Wind the line tightly in the
direction shown on the inner
reel. The split wall will divide
the line. Wind the line until it
is completely divided and
about 6 inches (150 mm) of
line remains.
Insert the two 6-inch sections
into the two .095 holding
slots.
11 2
Pass the two line ends
through the eyelets. Place the
spring inside the inner reel.
Insert the inner reel into the
outer spool. Push the inner
reel and outer spool together.
Reloading the Line*
3
4
5
6
7
Hold the inner reel and outer
spool together. Firmly pull the
two line ends to release them
from the holding slots. Screw
the bump knob on clockwise.
Tighten the bump knob
securely.
18
For replacement line, call 1–800-800-7310 or go to
an authorized service dealer.
For single line installation or replacement spool
installation instructions, refer to the Replacing the
Trimming Line section of this manual.
*This is to assist in the reloading of Splitline® only. These instructions
are NOT part of the fast assembly instructions. Line does not need to
be installed on the initial assembly and start-up.
Reloading the Line
Holding Slots
Eyelets
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Summary

FASTGUIDE

Removing Unit From Carton

Instructions for safely removing the trimmer unit from its packaging.

Assemble The Unit

Steps for assembling the various components of the trimmer unit.

Starting The Unit

Procedure for safely starting the trimmer engine for the first time.

Reloading the Line

Guide on how to refill the cutting line spool for operation.

Rules for Safe Operation

While Operating

Essential safety practices and precautions to follow during unit operation.

Other Safety Warnings

Additional safety advisories and critical precautions for user protection.

Save These Instructions

Instruction to retain the operator's manual for future reference.

Spark Arrestor Note

Important information regarding the unit's spark arrestor and legal requirements.

Safety Symbols

Explanation of safety alert symbols and their meanings for user awareness.

Know Your Unit

Applications

Details the various uses and functions of the trimmer unit.

Assembly Tools Required

Lists the necessary tools for assembling the trimmer unit.

Oil and Fuel Information

Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions

Guidance on the correct mixture ratio for fuel and 2-cycle oil.

Using Blended Fuels

Precautions and recommendations for using fuels containing ethanol.

Fueling the Unit

Step-by-step instructions for safely adding fuel to the trimmer's tank.

Starting and Stopping Instructions

Starting Instructions

Detailed procedure for starting the trimmer engine safely.

Stopping Instructions

Procedure for safely shutting down and stopping the trimmer.

Operating Instructions

Assembly Instructions

Steps for assembling the cutting attachment shield and D-handle.

Holding the Unit

Proper grip and posture for operating the trimmer safely.

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

How to extend and adjust the trimmer line during operation.

Tips for Best Trimming Results

Advice for efficient and effective grass trimming.

Decorative Trimming

Techniques for performing detailed trimming around objects.

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Replacing the Trimming Line

Detailed steps for replacing the cutting line on the trimmer.

Air Filter Maintenance

Procedure for cleaning and maintaining the unit's air filter.

Idle Speed Adjustment

Instructions for adjusting the engine's idle speed.

Replacing the Spark Plug

Guide on how to replace the spark plug for engine maintenance.

Cleaning and Storage

Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the trimmer unit after use.

Storage

Guidelines for safely storing the trimmer for short or long terms.

Troubleshooting

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions for the engine failing to start.

Engine Will Not Idle

Troubleshooting steps for when the engine does not idle properly.

Engine Will Not Accelerate

Solutions for issues where the engine fails to accelerate.

Engine Lacks Power or Stalls

Diagnosing and fixing problems with reduced engine power.

Cutting Head Will Not Advance Line

Resolving issues with the trimmer line not feeding correctly.

Cutting Line Advances Uncontrollably

Addressing problems with the trimmer line feeding out excessively.

Specifications

Warranty Information

MTD Bolens BL160 Specifications

General

Engine Type	2-cycle
Engine Displacement	25 cc
Line Diameter	0.095 inches
Power Source	Gasoline
Shaft Type	Straight
Cutting System	Bump Feed
Cutting Width	16 inch