Poulan 178087 owner manual Safety Rules, Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

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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 mowing. 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 backing.

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 unclog- ging 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 roadways.

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- related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

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 attach- ments. 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 traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

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 compo- nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended 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 PR185H42STD Safety Rules Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On MowersBecome ALERT!!! Your Safety is IN- Volved Table of Contents Slope Sheet Unassembled PartsSteering Wheel Seat HOW to SET UP Your Tractor AssemblyTools Required for Assembly To Remove Tractor from CartonInstall Seat See Fig Check Deck Levelness To SET UP Your Mower for MulchingCheck Tire Pressure To Convert to Bagging or DischargingOperation Know Your Tractor Motion Control Lever Selects the speedHOW to USE Your Tractor To Operate on Hills To Adjust Gauge Wheels See FigTo Operate Mower See Fig To Transport See FigsCheck Engine OIL Level Before Starting the EngineTowing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments ADD GasolineMowing Tips Purge TransmissionMulching Mowing Tips Before Each USE Customer ResponsibilitiesGeneral Recommendations Tires TractorBrake Operation Operator Presence SystemEngine Cleaning Clean AIR ScreenClean AIR INTAKE/COOLING Areas Engine OIL FilterTo Level Mower Housing Service and AdjustmentsTo Install Mower See Fig To Remove Mower See FigRecheck side-to-side adjustment To Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt See Fig To Adjust Brake See FigBelt Installation To Replace Motion Drive Belt See FigTo Adjust Steering Wheel Alignment Transmission REMOVAL/REPLACEMENTTransaxle Motion Control Lever Neutral Adjustment See Fig Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERTo Replace Headlight Bulb To Start Engine with a Weak Battery See FigReplacing Battery See Figs To Attach Jumper CablesTo Replace Fuse To Adjust CarburetorInterlocks and Relays Fuel System StorageOther Engine OILTroubleshooting Points OFF Schematic Tractor - Model Number PR185H42STDElectrical 2122175141 175158175566 121433XChassis 174930 174619176554 159 169473X428 CupholderDrive 175556 175765175578 175410Steering Assembly 175146 175121177876 175118Seat Assembly 174894Decals Wheels and TiresEngine Optional Equipment Spark ArresterEngine 146 142 147 Mower Deck143 159 144 150 145 148 147 14271081010 174493174284 173443Mower Lift 159460 Wire Asm Inner/Sprg W/plunger LT Limited Warranty Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Sighting GuideParts and Service