Poulan 961420036 manual Table of Contents, Safety Rules

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules	................. 2-3	Maintenance	14-16	Storage	18-19
Assembly	4-7	Service and		Troubleshooting	19-20
Operation	8-13	Adjustments	16-17

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.

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

CYLINDER

•Remove spark plug.

•Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.

•Pull starter handle slowly to distribute oil.

•Replace with new spark plug.

BATTERY (IF EQUIPPED) Disconnect the battery from the engine connector and charge battery 48 hours.

OTHER

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

• 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.

•Drain the fuel tank.

•Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

•Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

•Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al- ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Main- tenance section of this manual).

•Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

•Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.

•If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.

•Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust.

IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm.

CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

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.

• Mow only in daylight / good artificial 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.

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

PROBLEM		CAUSE	CORRECTION
Does not start	1.	Dirty air filter.	1.	Clean/replace air filter.
	2.	Out of fuel.	2.	Fill fuel tank.
	3.	Stale fuel.	3.	Drain fuel tank and refill tank
				with fresh, clean gasoline.
	4.	Water in fuel.	4.	Drain fuel tank and refill tank
				with fresh, clean gasoline.
	5.	Spark plug wire is	5.	Connect wire to plug.
		disconnected.
	6.	Bad spark plug.	6.	Replace spark plug.
	7.	Loose blade or broken	7.	Tighten blade bolt or
		blade adapter.		replace blade adapter.
	8.	Control bar in released	8.	Depress control bar to
		position.		handle.
	9.	Control bar defective.	9.	Replace control bar.
	10. Fuel valve lever (if so		10. Turn fuel valve lever
		equipped) in OFF position.		to the ON position.
	11. Weak battery (if equipped).		11. Charge battery.
	12. Disconnected battery		12. Connect battery to engine.
		connector (if equipped).
		19