Poulan PDC18H42STA Before Starting the Engine, Towing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments, ADD Gasoline

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OPERATION

Transmission Engaged

Transmission Disengaged

FIG. 9

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac- tor. Use common sense when towing. 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.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

•The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

•Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

•Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. Remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until “FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Maintenance section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES

 

BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE

 

GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER

13

STARTING.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at- tract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5)

When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

•Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position.

•Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

•Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.

•Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.

•Move throttle control to choke position.

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

•Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to“START” position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

•When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

•The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)

•When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast posi- tion. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

•Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

•Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

•Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly return to operating position.

•Allow one minute for transmission to warm up.This can be done during the engine warm up period.

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Contents PDC18H42STA Safety Rules Safety Rules Table of Contents Steering Wheel Seat Unassembled PartsGauge Wheel Slope SheetTools Required for Assembly AssemblyHOW to SET UP Your Tractor To Remove Tractor from CAR- TONAssemble Gauge Wheels to Mower Deck See a Check Battery See FigTo Convert to Bagging or Discharging To SET UP Your Mower for MulchingCheck Tire Pressure Check Deck LevelnessOperation Know Your Tractor HOW to USE Your Tractor To Operate on Hills To Adjust Gauge Wheels See FigTo Operate Mower See Fig To Transport See FigsTowing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments Before Starting the EngineCheck Engine OIL Level ADD GasolinePurge Transmission Mowing TipsMulching Mowing Tips Lubrication Chart MaintenanceService Dates General RecommendationsTractor Engine Clean AIR INTAKE/COOLING Areas CleaningMuffler Spark PlugsTo Install Mower See Fig Service and AdjustmentsTo Remove Mower See Fig FRONT-TO-BACK Adjustment See Figs To Level Mower HousingTo Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt See Fig To Check and Adjust Brake See FigTo Replace Motion Drive Belt See Fig Transaxle Motion Control Lever Neutral Adjustment See Fig Transmission REMOVAL/REPLACEMENTTo Adjust Steering Wheel ALIGN- Ment Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERReplacing Battery See Figs To Start Engine with a Weak Battery See FigTo Replace Headlight Bulb Interlocks and RelaysTo Adjust Throttle Control Cable See Fig To Remove Hood and Grill Assembly See FigTo Adjust Carburetor Other StorageFuel System Engine OILTroubleshooting Points OFF Tractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 SchematicTractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 Electrical KEY Part NO. NO. Description 209 208 207 142 212 161 145 KEY Part Description Tractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 Drive Repair Parts Repair Parts 180656 Wheel Steering Tractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 Engine KEY Part NO. NO. Description KEY Part Description Wheels & Tires Tractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 DecalsTractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 Mower Lift Repair Parts Tractor - Model Number PDC18H42STA, Product no 57 Mower Deck 182032X421 Limited Warranty Only Ride UP and Down Hill Not Across Hill Degrees MAX Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe OperationParts and Service

PDC18H42STA specifications

The Poulan PDC18H42STA is a robust riding lawn mower designed for homeowners seeking efficiency and reliability in lawn care. Packed with innovative features and advanced technologies, this machine is engineered to make mowing larger lawns a simpler and more enjoyable task.

One of the standout features of the Poulan PDC18H42STA is its powerful 18 HP engine. This reliable engine provides the necessary power to tackle tough grass conditions and uneven terrains, ensuring that the mower operates smoothly without bogging down. The mower's speed is adjustable, allowing users to choose the ideal pace for their specific lawn care needs.

The 42-inch cutting deck is another impressive characteristic of this model. This wide cutting deck enables the Poulan mower to cover large areas efficiently, reducing the overall mowing time. With a three-blade system, the mower offers a clean and even cut, resulting in a beautifully manicured lawn. Additionally, the cutting height is easily adjustable, ranging from one to four inches, allowing for tailored cutting heights based on seasonal conditions and grass types.

A notable technology implemented in the Poulan PDC18H42STA is its ergonomic design, which includes a comfortable high-back seat and a user-friendly control panel. The controls are intuitively positioned, enabling operators to adjust speed, cutting height, and direction with ease. The steering system features a tight turning radius, which is essential for maneuvering around obstacles and making precise turns on the lawn.

Durability is paramount in the construction of the Poulan PDC18H42STA. The mower features a steel frame and a reinforced cutting deck, ensuring longevity and resilience against wear and tear. Furthermore, with its maintenance-free battery and efficient fuel consumption, this mower is designed for prolonged use with minimal upkeep.

Safety is also a critical consideration in the design of the Poulan PDC18H42STA. The mower is equipped with safety features such as an automatic blade brake that engages when the operator leaves the seat, preventing accidents and promoting a safer mowing experience.

In summary, the Poulan PDC18H42STA stands out in the realm of riding lawn mowers with its powerful engine, wide cutting deck, user-friendly design, and durable construction. It combines advanced technologies and features that make lawn care more efficient, giving homeowners a reliable tool for maintaining their outdoor spaces.
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