How to start, run and maintain the Scott Bonnar 38 Series power edger — air cleaner servicing intervals, belt tensioning, and how to fit new blades or brush cutters, including the replacement kit part numbers.
- Models38 Series Power Edger (380015)
- Pages4
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Full text of this manual
A full transcription of the operating instructions for the Scott Bonnar 38 Series Power Edger — starting, maintenance, belt tensioning and blade or brush replacement.
Controls
The cover photograph identifies the machine’s controls:
- Depth of cut adjustment lever
- Friction disc
- Air cleaner
- Petrol tank filler cap
- Starting cord
Before starting
Read the separate engine operating sheet for detailed instructions.
Caution: the engine does not contain oil when purchased.
- Fill the crankcase to overflowing, with the recommended grade of oil (Castrol GTX).
- Fill the fuel tank — use standard grade petrol (do not mix oil with petrol). Initial starting will be easier if the tank is completely full.
- To start — raise the cutting blades away from the ground by moving the depth of cut adjustment lever as far as possible towards the handle.
- Move the throttle control lever to ‘Start’.
- Place right foot on rear wheel as illustrated, and hold the handle with the right hand. Pull the starter cord with a long smooth action without jerking.
- When the engine has started move the throttle control lever to a fast run position, suitable to the edging conditions encountered.
- The cutting depth is adjusted by moving the depth control lever forward when ready to edge cut.
- To stop — move throttle lever to ‘Stop’.
Maintenance
Air cleaner
For detailed cleaning instructions refer to the engine operating sheet. The length of time between servicing the filter element will depend on the operating conditions. Dirt and grass can be thrown up by deep edging and in these conditions the filter element should be cleaned every 1–2 hours. For normal light edging clean every 5–10 hours.
Do not use the filter element dry, as fine dirt will pass through the pores and into the engine. After cleaning and re-oiling the element, squeeze out as much oil as possible.
Depth control lever
A spring tensioned friction disc is located in the depth control linkage — this must be kept free of oil.
Carburettor
No maintenance is required other than brushing away accumulated dirt from the linkages.
Wheels
Apply a few drops of oil to the axles adjacent to the wheel hubs as required.
General
Occasionally check that grass cuttings are not blocking the flow of cooling air through the starter screen or engine fins.
Blades and brushes
The steel cutting blade is designed for general purpose edging, such as trimming between a concrete strip and the turf, or deep cutting a raised or trenched edge.
The brush cutter requires less accuracy in control as it will ‘give’ on contact with concrete. It is most suitable for trimming growth that has encroached on paths or where contours make it difficult to accurately follow an edge.
To adjust belt or replace blades
Tilt the machine back onto the handle or raise onto a bench.
- Petrol leakage could occur if the tank is near full. Drain off petrol or use container to catch spill.
- Do not tilt sideways as crankcase oil may enter the engine cylinder.
- Remove spark plug lead to prevent accidental starting.
Adjusting belt tension
If the cutter slows or stops under heavy cutting the belt requires tightening.
- Loosen the hexagon nut (A) and press the tensioner roller onto the belt. Hold roller in position and retighten the nut.
- The belt is correctly tightened when it can be depressed about ¼ inch at a point above and midway between the pulleys.
Fitting new blades or brushes
- Turn the rotor to allow access to cutter bolts.
- Assemble parts in exactly the same sequence as illustrated.
- Make certain that the washer with the round hole is placed on the bolt before inserting the bolt in the rotor.
- Tighten the nut so that the blade or brush is firmly held but can be pivotted.
The exploded diagram shows the assembly order from the engine side through the rotor to the outside guard.
Replacement part numbers
- Blade Kit — 5001723
- Brush Kit — 5001766
- Brush Set — 5001820 (brushes only)
It is advisable to renew the nut and bolt every third replacement of brushes (included in P/N 5001766).
Always replace both blades or brushes — renewing one only will cause unbalance and excessive vibration.
Cross-reference: the Model 38 parts list gives these same kits under slightly different names — Blade Set 5001723, Brush Set 5001766 and Bolt Kit 5001758. The 5001820 brushes-only set appears in this manual but not in that parts list.
Warranty (as printed)
Scott Bonnar Limited undertakes to repair or replace without charge to the original purchaser any part of the mower which shall fail within a period of twelve months from the date of purchase where in the opinion of Scott Bonnar Limited such failure is due to defect in material or workmanship embodied in the mower.
Where the mower is used for other than domestic purposes, the warranty shall continue for a period of three months only.
The obligations of Scott Bonnar Limited shall extend only to repairing or replacing such part at its service branches or at the premises of an authorised service representative.
Conditions
- All transportation charges on, and damages and loss incurred in connection with the transportation of mowers or parts submitted for repair under this warranty will be borne by the purchaser.
- This warranty does not apply to defects which, in the opinion of Scott Bonnar Limited, are caused by accident, wear or tear, misuse or neglect, or by interference with the construction of the machine as completed by the manufacturers.
- Items such as cleaning of spark plugs and carburettor jets, adjustment of cutters etc., are not covered under this warranty. While the services of our representatives are available to carry out minor adjustments, a charge is made to cover travelling and time involved.
- Warranty in respect of the engine is as laid down by the engine manufacturer.
Due to our constant efforts to improve the performance and design of our product, slight variations from the illustrations may occur.
This warranty is reproduced for historical completeness only. It expired with the original purchaser decades ago and confers no rights today.
Scott Bonnar Limited service centres (as printed)
Registered office and factory: 33–47 Holland Street, Thebarton, Adelaide, South Australia 5031 (Telephone 43 9155). Member: Challenge Corporation Ltd.
- South Australia: 33–47 Holland Street, Thebarton 5031 · Telephone 43 9155
- Queensland: 27 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba 4102 · Telephone 391 2676
- Western Australia: 104 Belgravia Street, Belmont 6104 · Telephone 277 1288
- New South Wales: Clyde Industrial Park, 321–325 Parramatta Road, Auburn 2144 · Telephone 648 0431
- Victoria: 265 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale 3166 · Telephone 544 1277
- Tasmania: C/- Wm. Holyman & Sons Pty. Ltd., 71 Lampton Avenue, Derwent Park 7009 · Telephone 72 3177
Transcribed from the original Scott Bonnar 38 Series Power Edger operating instructions. The scanned pages in the viewer above are the authoritative source.