Poulan 961240002 manual Table of Contents, Safety Rules

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules	................. 2-3	Maintenance	16-18	Storage	25-26
Assembly	4-7	Service and		Troubleshooting	26-27
Operation	8-15	Adjustments	19-24

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob- jects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed to an authorized Service Center.

PROBLEM		CAUSE	CORRECTION
Loss of power	1.	Rear of lawn mower	1.	Raise cutting height.
		housing or cutting blade
		dragging in heavy grass.
	2.	Cutting too much grass.	2.	Raise cutting height.
	3.	Dirty air filter.	3.	Clean/replace air filter.
	4.	Buildup of grass, leaves,	4.	Clean underside of mower
		and trash under mower.		housing.

Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, ad- justing or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times.

•Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to oper- ate the machine.

•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.

•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richo- chet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight / good artifi cial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glass- es with side shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe in- jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

	DO:
	• Mow across the face of slopes: never
	up and down. Exercise extreme caution
2	when changing direction on slopes.

	5.	Too much oil in engine.	5.	Check oil level.
	6.	Walking speed too fast.	6.	Cut at slower walking speed.
Poor cut –	1.	Worn, bent or loose blade.	1.	Replace blade. Tighten
uneven				blade bolt.
	2.	Wheel heights uneven.	2.	Set all wheels at same
				height.
	3.	Buildup of grass, leaves	3.	Clean underside of
		and trash under mower.		mower housing.
Excessive	1.	Worn, bent or loose blade.	1.	Replace blade. Tighten
vibration				blade bolt.
	2.	Bent engine crankshaft.	2.	Contact a qualified service
				center.
Starter rope	1.	Engine flywheel brake is on	1.	Depress control bar to
hard to pull		when control bar is released.		upper handle before
				pulling starter rope.
	2.	Bent engine crankshaft.	2.	Contact a qualified service
				center.
	3.	Blade adapter broken.	3.	Replace blade adapter.
	4.	Blade dragging in grass.	4.	Move lawn mower to cut
				grass or to hard surface.
Grass catcher	1.	Cutting height too low.	1.	Raise cutting height.
not filling	2.	Lift on blade worn off.	2.	Replace blade.
(If so equipped)	3.	Catcher not venting air.	3.	Clean grass catcher.
Hard to push	1.	Grass is too high or wheel	1.	Raise cutting height.
		height is too low.
	2.	Rear of lawn mower	2.	Raise rear of lawn mower
		housing or cutting blade		housing one (1) setting
		dragging in grass.		higher.
	3.	Grass catcher too full.	3.	Empty grass catcher.
	4.	Handle height position not	4.	Adjust handle height to suit.
		right for you.
Loss of drive	1.	Belt wear.	1.	Check/replace drive belt.
or slowing of	2.	Belt off of pulley.	2.	Check/reinstall drive belt.
drive speed	3.	Drive cable worn or broken.	3.	Replace drive cable.
	4.	“Loose” drive control system. 4. Adjust drive control.

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