Poulan PBGT2254 manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, General Operation

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SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making re- pairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and com- ply with specifications of the manu- facturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer- tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting.

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat- ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while back- ing.

Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Ma- terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

Slow down before turning.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.

Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road- ways.

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

Always wear eye protection when operating ma- chine.

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re- lated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.

Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

Mow up and down slopes, not across.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.

Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over

2the edge or if the edge caves in.

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Contents Model Always Wear EYE Protection During OperationII. Slope Operation Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On MowersGeneral Operation III. Children ServiceGeneral Service IV. TowingTable of Contents Unassembled Parts To Remove Tractor from Carton AssemblyTools Required for Assembly Before Removing Tractor from SkidInstall Seat See Fig Assemble Gauge Wheels to Mower Deck SeeInstall Mower and Drive Belt Sees To Attach Nose Roller See FigCheck for Proper Position of ALL Belts Check Tire PressureCheck Deck Levelness Check Brake SystemOperation Height Adjustment Knob Used to adjust the mower height Know Your TractorHOW to USE Your Tractor To Operate Mower See Fig To Adjust Gauge Wheels See FigUsing the Reverse Operation System Reverse Operation System ROSTowing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments Before Starting the EngineTo Transport Check Engine OIL LevelMowing Tips General Recommendations MaintenanceLubrication Chart Before Each USETractor Blade Removal See FigBelts BatteryEngine Transaxle CoolingCleaning To Level Mower Housing Service and AdjustmentsTo Install Mower To Remove Mower See FigFRONT-TO-BACK Adjustment See Figs Mower Drive Belt Removal Mower Drive Belt InstallationTo Replace Mower Drive Belt See Fig Belt RoutingTo Replace Motion Drive Belt See Fig To Adjust Attachment Clutch See FigTo Check and Adjust Brake See Fig To Start Engine with a Weak Battery See Fig Transmission REMOVAL/REPLACEMENTTo Adjust Steering Wheel ALIGN- Ment Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERTo Adjust Carburetor To Adjust Throttle Control CableTo Adjust Choke Control To Replace Headlight BulbEngine OIL OtherFuel System CylindersTroubleshooting Points Problem Cause CorrectionEngine dies when Limited Warranty Service Notes Service Notes Service Notes Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Only Ride UP and Down Hill Not Across Hill Degrees MAXParts and Service