Poulan PR185H42STD Before Starting the Engine, Towing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments, ADD Gasoline

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OPERATION

FIG. 9

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. 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.

•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. 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 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.

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 s l o w l y return to operating position.

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

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

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Contents PR185H42STD Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers Safety RulesBecome ALERT!!! Your Safety is IN- Volved Table of Contents Steering Wheel Seat Unassembled PartsSlope Sheet Tools Required for Assembly AssemblyHOW to SET UP Your Tractor To Remove Tractor from CartonInstall Seat See Fig Check Tire Pressure To SET UP Your Mower for MulchingCheck Deck Levelness To Convert to Bagging or DischargingOperation Motion Control Lever Selects the speed Know Your TractorHOW to USE Your Tractor To Operate Mower See Fig To Adjust Gauge Wheels See FigTo Operate on Hills To Transport See FigsTowing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments Before Starting the EngineCheck Engine OIL Level ADD GasolinePurge Transmission Mowing TipsMulching Mowing Tips General Recommendations Customer ResponsibilitiesBefore Each USE Brake Operation TractorTires Operator Presence SystemEngine Clean AIR INTAKE/COOLING Areas Clean AIR ScreenCleaning Engine OIL FilterTo Install Mower See Fig Service and AdjustmentsTo Level Mower Housing To Remove Mower See FigRecheck side-to-side adjustment Belt Installation To Adjust Brake See FigTo Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt See Fig To Replace Motion Drive Belt See FigTransaxle Motion Control Lever Neutral Adjustment See Fig Transmission REMOVAL/REPLACEMENTTo Adjust Steering Wheel Alignment Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERReplacing Battery See Figs To Start Engine with a Weak Battery See FigTo Replace Headlight Bulb To Attach Jumper CablesInterlocks and Relays To Adjust CarburetorTo Replace Fuse Other StorageFuel System Engine OILTroubleshooting Points OFF Tractor - Model Number PR185H42STD Schematic2122 Electrical175566 175158175141 121433XChassis 176554 174619174930 159 169473X428 CupholderDrive 175578 175765175556 175410Steering Assembly 177876 175121175146 175118174894 Seat AssemblyWheels and Tires DecalsSpark Arrester Engine Optional EquipmentEngine 143 159 144 150 145 148 Mower Deck146 142 147 147 142174284 17449371081010 173443Mower Lift 159460 Wire Asm Inner/Sprg W/plunger LT Limited Warranty Sighting Guide Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe OperationParts and Service

PR185H42STD specifications

The Poulan PR185H42STD is a robust and efficient lawn mower that is designed to meet the needs of residential users looking for a reliable machine for lawn maintenance. This model combines power, versatility, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for homeowners with medium to large-sized yards.

One of the standout features of the PR185H42STD is its 18.5 HP engine, which provides ample power to tackle a variety of mowing tasks. This Briggs & Stratton engine is known for its durability and performance, ensuring that the mower can handle thick grass and uneven terrain with ease. The engine's overhead valve design contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option.

The mower is equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, which allows for wide swath mowing, reducing the time it takes to complete lawn care tasks. The cutting deck is designed with multiple height adjustments, enabling users to customize their cut between 1.5 to 4 inches. This versatility helps achieve the desired lawn height, catering to the varying needs of different grass types and seasonal conditions.

Another notable feature of the Poulan PR185H42STD is its electric start system, which eliminates the hassle often associated with manual pull starts. With the simple turn of a key, the mower roars to life, making it user-friendly and convenient, especially for those who may have difficulty with traditional starting mechanisms.

The PR185H42STD incorporates a hydrostatic transmission that offers smooth and continuous speed adjustment without shifting gears. This technology provides exceptional control over the mower’s speed, allowing users to navigate easily through tight corners and around garden beds. The mower’s tight turning radius further enhances maneuverability, making it suitable for intricate landscaping.

Furthermore, the mower features a comfortable high-back seat and ergonomic steering wheel design, promoting an enjoyable mowing experience. It also comes equipped with a cup holder and storage compartment for added convenience during operation.

With dependable construction and thoughtful design, the Poulan PR185H42STD promises a powerful, user-friendly lawn care solution that stands up to the demands of any residential lawn. Whether you’re maintaining a pristine yard or managing overgrown areas, this mower is a worthy companion for all your lawn maintenance needs.
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