Poulan PDC18H42STA To SET UP Your Mower for Mulching, To Convert to Bagging or Discharging

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE MULCHER PLATEWAS PREATTACHEDTOYOUR MOWER.THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON.

YOUR MOWER CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES, WHICH ARE THE BEST BLADES FOR BAGGING AND DISCHARGING. TO USE YOUR MOWER WITH THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES THE MULCHER PLATE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE MOWER (SEE FIG. 4B).

TO SET UP YOUR MOWER FOR MULCHING

•Remove high performance blades and install mulcher blades, (see BLADE REMOVAL in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual).

TO INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Fig. 4B)

NOTE: If you installed the mulching blades you will need to install the mulcher plate.

•Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

•Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown.

•Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck.

•Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.

CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower.

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

MULCHER

PLATE

LATCH

HOOKS

FIG. 4B

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

NOTE: The mulcher blades will discharge and bag grass, but for best bagging and discharging install the high per-

formance blades.

•Remove mulcher plate and mulcher blades and install high performance blades, (see BLADE REMOVAL in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual).

•Store mulcher blades and mulcher plate in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

•Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING”in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

✓CHECKLIST

BEFOREYOU OPERATE AND ENJOYYOUR NEW TRAC- TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROMTHIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

✓All assembly instructions have been completed.

✓No remaining loose parts in carton.

✓Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).

✓Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.

✓All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory).

✓Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/ front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling).

✓Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

✓Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure and wires are properly clamped.

✓Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in drive position.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

✓Engine oil is at proper level.

✓Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline.

✓Become familiar with all controls - their location and function. Operate them before you start the engine.

✓Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.

✓It is important to purge the transmission before oper- ating your tractor for the first time. Follow proper start- ing and transmission purging instructions (See “TO START ENGINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION” in the Operation section of this manual).

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