OPERATION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position.

Allow one minute for transmission to warm up.This can be done during the engine warm up period.

The attachments can be used during the engine warm- up period after the transmission has been warmed up and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

PURGE TRANSMISSION

CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is run-

ning.

To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom- mended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have de- veloped during shipping of your tractor.

IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLATION BEFORE OPERATING THE TRACTOR.

Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and parking brake set.

Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the en- gine is running, move throttle control to slow position. Disengage parking brake

Depress forward drive pedal to full forward position, hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Depress reverse drive pedal to full reverse position, hold for five

(5) seconds and release pedal. Repeat this procedure three (3) times.

NOTE: During this procedure there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive system.

Shut- off engine and set parking brake.

Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this sec- tion of manual).

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage parking brake.

Drive tractor forward for approximately five feet then backwards for five feet. Repeat this driving procedure three times.

Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal operation.

MOWING TIPS

Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per- formance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

The left hand side of mower should be used for trim- ming.

Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.

When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished (See Fig. 11).

00272

FIG. 11

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip- pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.

Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

Always operate engine at full throttle when mow- ing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by se- lecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used.

14

Page 14
Image 14
Poulan PD20PH42STA owner manual Mowing Tips, Purge Transmission, Automatic Transmission Warm UP

PD20PH42STA specifications

The Poulan PD20PH42STA is a versatile and powerful lawn tractor designed to meet the needs of homeowners with medium to large lawns. It offers a reliable and efficient solution for cutting grass, making yard maintenance a breeze. This model marries performance with ease of use, incorporating several features and technologies that set it apart in the lawn care market.

One of the standout characteristics of the Poulan PD20PH42STA is its robust engine. It is equipped with a dependable Poulan Pro 20-horsepower engine, which provides ample power for tackling tough lawn conditions. This engine is designed for enhanced fuel efficiency, allowing users to mow larger areas without the need for frequent refueling.

The 42-inch cutting deck is another notable feature of this lawn tractor. This size is ideal for maneuvering through residential lawns while providing sufficient coverage to reduce mowing time. The cutting deck is constructed from durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability through numerous mowing seasons. Additionally, the deck offers multiple height adjustments, allowing users to achieve their desired grass length, catering to different lawn types and seasonal growth.

Another essential technology integrated into the PD20PH42STA is its hydrostatic transmission. This feature delivers smooth and effortless control, allowing operators to change speeds without the need for shifting gears. As a result, mowing becomes an intuitive experience, enabling the operator to focus on achieving a clean cut rather than managing complex controls.

The design of the Poulan PD20PH42STA prioritizes user comfort and convenience. Its ergonomically designed seat provides ample cushioning, enabling longer mowing sessions without discomfort. The tractor also includes easy-to-reach controls, and an integrated cup holder, ensuring that users can enjoy their mowing time without having to sacrifice comfort.

In terms of maintenance, the design of this lawn tractor makes it relatively simple. For instance, it features an access point for easy oil changes and a removable cutting deck, which simplifies blade maintenance and replacement.

Overall, the Poulan PD20PH42STA is an impressive lawn tractor that combines power, efficiency, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re tackling a large yard or managing overgrown grass, this model is built to deliver exceptional performance, making it a valuable tool for any homeowner looking to maintain a pristine lawn.