Poulan 178500 Before Starting the Engine, Mowing Tips, Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

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OPERATION

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.

•Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, 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 Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

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

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank. 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.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract 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.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 9)

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.

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

•Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

•Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.

•Move throttle control to fast position

•Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed.

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, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

•When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly.

•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, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

•The attachments can be used during the engine warm- up period and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

MOWING TIPS

•Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor.

•Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

•The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

•Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.

•When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished (See Fig. 12).

•If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip- pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.

•Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

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Contents PRGT2046B General Operation Safety RulesIV. Service II. Slope OperationSafety Rules Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On MowersTable of Contents Contents of Hardware Pack HOW to SET UP Your Tractor AssemblyTools Required for Assembly To Remove Tractor from CartonInstall Seat See Fig Assemble Gauge Wheels to Mower Deck See FigInstall Mower and Drive Belt See Figs To SET UP Your Mower for Mulching See FigInstall Mulcher Plate See Fig To Convert to Bagging or DischargingCheck for Proper Position of ALL Belts Check Tire PressureCheck Mower Levelness Check Brake SystemOperation Height Adjustment Knob Used to adjust the mower height Know Your TractorHOW to USE Your Tractor To Transport To Adjust Gauge Wheels See FigTo Operate on Hills To Operate Mower See FigCheck Engine OIL Level Before Starting the EngineMowing Tips ADD GasolineMulching Mowing Tips Provide the best recutting action of the bladesGeneral Recommendations Service DatesCustomer Responsibilities Before Each USETractor Belts Clean AIR ScreenEngine Transaxle CoolingEngine OIL Filter CleaningClean AIR INTAKE/COOLING Areas MufflerTo Level Mower Housing Service and AdjustmentsTo Install Mower To Remove Mower See FigTo Replace Mower Drive Belt To Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt See FigBelt Installation To Adjust Attachment Clutch See FigTo Adjust Brake See Fig To Replace Motion Drive Belt See FigFront Wheel Camber To Adjust Steering Wheel AlignmentFront Wheel TOE-IN Adjustment To Remove Wheel for RepairsTo Replace Fuse To Replace Headlight BulbInterlocks and Relays To Adjust Throttle Control Cable See Fig To Remove Hood and Grill Assembly See FigTo Adjust Carburetor To Adjust Choke Control See FigFuel System StorageOther Engine OILTroubleshooting Points Problem Cause CorrectionWith attachment clutch Schematic Tractor - Model Number PRGT2046BElectrical KEY Part Description 178861Chassis and Enclosures 175289X428 175282177679 177956Ground Drive 117 4855 150 61567563R Washer, Thrust, Axle 150035 NylinerSteering Assembly 137347 137156Engine 175440X428 177748175437X428 Seat Assembly KEY Part NO. NO.DESCRIPTION178500 DecalsWheels & Tires 178501Lift Assembly 175689 175805175560 Mower Deck 174493 178342Transaxle Repair Parts Service Notes Service Notes Limited Warranty Sighting Guide CUT This OUT Dotted Is a SlopeParts and Service

178500 specifications

The Poulan 178500 is a powerful and versatile string trimmer that caters to the needs of both professional landscapers and homeowners looking for an efficient lawn maintenance tool. Known for its robust design and user-friendly features, the Poulan 178500 stands out in the market of outdoor power equipment.

One of the main features of the Poulan 178500 is its potent 17cc, 2-cycle engine. This engine delivers a strong performance, allowing users to tackle tough grass, weeds, and overgrown areas with ease. The 2-cycle technology ensures that the trimmer is not only powerful but also lightweight, making it easier to maneuver during extended use. Users will benefit from a balanced weight distribution, which minimizes user fatigue.

Equipped with a dual-line cutting head, the Poulan 178500 ensures efficient cutting performance. The dual-line system offers a wider cutting path, enabling greater coverage with each pass. This feature is especially beneficial for larger yards or heavily landscaped areas, as it reduces the time spent on trimming tasks. Additionally, the trimmer utilizes a bump-feed line advancement system, allowing users to easily release more line with a simple tap on the ground, keeping productivity high without interruptions.

The ergonomic design of the Poulan 178500 enhances user comfort and usability. It boasts cushioned grips that reduce vibration and improve handling. Furthermore, the adjustable handle allows users to customize the position for optimal control, making trimming at various angles easier and more efficient.

Another remarkable characteristic of the Poulan 178500 is its ease of starting. The trimmer is equipped with a simplified starting mechanism, minimizing the effort required to get the engine running. This feature is particularly advantageous for those who may struggle with traditional starting methods.

For added convenience, the Poulan 178500 features a lightweight frame, making it one of the more portable options in the string trimmer market. This ease of transport and storage ensures that users can easily move from one area of their property to another without hassle.

In summary, the Poulan 178500 is a high-performance string trimmer that merges power, comfort, and user-friendly technology. Its robust engine, dual-line system, ergonomic design, and easy starting mechanism make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient lawn maintenance tool. Whether for professional landscaping or routine yard care, the Poulan 178500 is built to meet diverse trimming demands while delivering excellent results.
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