Poulan WE1538C Safety Rules, General Operation, II. Slope Operation, III. Children, IV. Service

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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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

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

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 blade.

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- 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.

Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

Slow down before turning.

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

Turn off blades when not mowing.

Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un- clogging chute.

Mow 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.

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.

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 tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac- tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

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DO NOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

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

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

Never allow children to operate the machine.

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

-Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

-Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

Never run a machine inside a closed area.

Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam- age, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recom- mended parts, when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

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Contents Model NO. WE1538C General Operation Safety RulesIV. Service II. Slope OperationSafety Rules Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On MowersTable of Contents Unassembled Parts Steering Wheel SeatTo Remove Tractor from Carton AssemblyTools Required for Assembly Before Removing Tractor from SkidCheck Battery See Fig HOW to SET UP Your TractorInstall Seat See Fig Check for Proper Position of ALL Belts Check Tire PressureCheck Deck Levelness Check Brake SystemOperation Know Your Tractor HOW to USE Your Tractor Towing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments Before Starting the EngineTo Operate on Hills To Transport Check Engine OIL LevelMowing Tips To Start Engine See FigService Dates MaintenanceLubrication Chart General RecommendationsTires TractorBrake Operation Operator Presence SystemBelts BatteryEngine Transaxle CoolingAIR Filter See Fig Clean AIR ScreenEngine Cooling Fins See Fig Spark Plugs CleaningMuffler IN-LINE Fuel Filter See FigTo Remove Mower See Fig Service and AdjustmentsTo Install Mower See Fig To Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt See Fig To Level Mower HousingBelt Installation Belt RemovalTo Replace Motion Drive Belt See Fig To Check and Adjust Brake See FigTo Adjust Steering Wheel ALIGN- Ment Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERTo Remove Wheel for Repairs See Fig To Start Engine with a Weak Battery See FigReplacing Battery See Figs To Attach Jumper CablesInterlocks and Relays To Adjust CarburetorTo Replace Headlight Bulb To Replace FuseFuel System StorageOther Engine OILTroubleshooting Points OFF Schematic Tractor - Model Number WE1538C, Product no 56Electrical KEY Part Description Chassis Repair Parts Drive Transaxle Steering Repair Parts Optional Equipment 170551 Control Th/ch Flag Seat Decals Wheels & TiresMower Lift Repair Parts Mower Deck CAB Service Notes Limited Warranty Policy Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Only Ride UP and Down Hill Not Across Hill Degrees MAX