Poulan PP18542 owner manual Before Starting the Engine

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OPERATION

•With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole as shown and tighten securely.

•Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

Fig. 12

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

WARNING: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope.

•Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills.

•Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.

•If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.

•Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

•To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

•Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

•Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.

•When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position.

•Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.

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 ATTACHMENTS

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.

•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 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 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.

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Contents PP18542 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers Safety RulesGeneral Operation II. Slope OperationGeneral Service ServiceIII. Children IV. TowingTable of Contents Unassembled Parts Tools Required for Assembly AssemblyTo Remove Tractor from Carton Before Removing Tractor from SkidCheck Battery See Fig Install Seat See Figs a and 2BCheck Deck Levelness Check Tire PressureCheck for Proper Position of ALL Belts Check Brake SystemOperation Know Your Tractor Mower Blades HOW to USE Your TractorGround Drive EngineTo Adjust Gauge Wheels See Fig To Adjust Mower Cutting Height See FigUsing the Reverse Operation System Reverse Operation System ROS See FigBefore Starting the Engine To Start Engine See Fig Mowing TipsLubrication Chart MaintenanceTractor BatteryCheck Operator Presence System Check Reverse Operation ROS SYS- TEMEngine IN-LINE Fuel Filter See Fig CleaningTo Install Mower See Figs Service and AdjustmentsTo Remove Mower See Fig Install belt on engine pulley M, in belt keepers G To Level Mower Visual SIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment See FigTo Check Brake To Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt See FigTo Replace Motion Belt Drive See Fig To Adjust Steering Wheel Alignment Transaxle Gear Shift Lever NEUTRAL- Adjustment See FigTo Start Engine with a Weak Battery See Fig Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERTo Adjust Carburetor To Adjust Throttle Control CableTo Replace Headlight Bulb Interlocks and RelaysFuel System StorageEngine OIL CylindersProblem Cause Correction Troubleshooting PointsEngine dies when Service Notes Service Notes Service Notes Only Ride UP and Down Hill Not Across Hill Degrees MAX Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation

PP18542 specifications

The Poulan PP18542 is a powerful and efficient lawn mower designed for residential yard care, delivering impressive performance and reliability. Equipped with a robust 18.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this riding mower ensures easy starts and steady power, making it ideal for tackling a variety of lawn sizes and terrains.

One of the standout features of the PP18542 is its 42-inch cutting deck, which allows for quick and efficient mowing. The wide cutting path reduces the number of passes needed to cover a lawn, saving both time and effort. The mower offers an adjustable cutting height feature, providing users with the flexibility to choose from six different height settings, accommodating the specific needs of their grass type and preference.

The Poulan PP18542 utilizes a hydrostatic transmission system, which offers seamless speed control and is incredibly user-friendly. This technology allows for smooth acceleration and deceleration without the need for shifting gears, making it a great choice for users of all skill levels. The responsive driving controls ensure ease of maneuverability around obstacles, improving overall efficiency during lawn maintenance.

Comfort is also a priority in the design of the PP18542. The mower comes equipped with a comfortable high-back seat that provides support during extended use. The strategically placed ergonomic steering wheel and foot pedal controls enhance the user experience, reducing fatigue even during longer mowing sessions.

Durability and maintenance are key considerations for the Poulan PP18542. The mower features a rugged frame and heavy-duty construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use. Routine maintenance is simplified thanks to the easy-access oil filter and an integrated deck wash system, which allows users to clean the underside of the cutting deck without needing special tools.

In addition to its core features, the PP18542 is compatible with various accessories and attachments, enabling users to expand its functionality beyond mowing. Options include mulch kits, baggers, and towing trailers, making it a versatile tool for yard care.

Overall, the Poulan PP18542 combines power, comfort, and durability, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a reliable riding mower to maintain their lawns efficiently.
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