OPERATION

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 slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position.

•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 fi ve (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 ATTACH- MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifi cations 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 fi lled with summer weight oil.

•Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

•Remove oil fi ll 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 overfi ll.

•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 fi ller neck. Do not overfi ll. 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.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6)

When starting the engine for the fi rst 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.

•Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

•Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

•Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.

•Move throttle control to choke () position.

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 fi fteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke ( ) position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

•When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

•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.

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Poulan PB18542LT manual Before Starting the Engine
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PB18542LT specifications

The Poulan PB18542LT, a robust and versatile lawn mower, has gained popularity among homeowners for its effective design and user-friendly features. This powerful machine utilizes a solid 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, ensuring reliable performance for various grass lengths and terrains. Whether tackling a small yard or a larger property, the PB18542LT's powerful engine makes effortless work of even the toughest lawns.

One of the standout characteristics of the PB18542LT is its 42-inch cutting deck. This larger cutting width allows for more efficient mowing, reducing the time needed to complete yard work. The deck is designed for optimal airflow and grass clipping distribution, ensuring a clean and even cut every time. The machine supports various cutting height adjustments, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches, allowing users to customize their cut according to their lawn's specific needs and seasonal variations.

Technology-wise, the Poulan PB18542LT features an automatic transmission system, which provides seamless operation and comfortable maneuverability. This feature eliminates the need for constant gear shifting, allowing users to focus more on mowing rather than managing speeds. The steering capability of the mower is enhanced, making it easy to navigate around tight corners and obstacles in the yard.

Durability is another key aspect of the PB18542LT, constructed from high-quality materials that withstand the rigors of regular use. The mower's heavy-duty frame contributes to its stability and longevity, ensuring that it can tackle diverse landscapes without compromising its performance.

Additional conveniences include an easy-to-access fuel tank, a comfortable seat designed for extended operation, and a user-friendly control panel that allows for quick adjustments. The inclusion of a mulching capability allows for efficient grass recycling, reducing the need for bagging and promoting a healthier lawn.

In summary, the Poulan PB18542LT is a feature-rich riding lawn mower designed for durability and efficiency. With its powerful engine, larger cutting deck, and innovative technologies, it combines performance and user comfort effectively. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a first-time buyer, the PB18542LT stands out as a reliable choice for maintaining your lawn with ease.
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