Before Starting the Engine, ADD Gasoline

OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

•The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

•Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

•Remove oil fill 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 overfill.

•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili- ties section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank. 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.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract 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.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 4)

When starting the engine for the first 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.

•Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position.

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

•Place motion control 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 fifteen 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.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)

•When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the tempera- ture.

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.

•Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/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 also be used during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up.

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 devel- oped 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).

PO165H42A specifications

The Poulan PO165H42A is a robust and reliable riding lawn mower designed for homeowners with medium to large yards. This machine is equipped to handle various lawn maintenance tasks, offering efficiency, comfort, and performance in one package.

One of the standout features of the PO165H42A is its powerful 16.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. This engine provides the necessary horsepower to tackle tougher terrains and thicker grass, ensuring a smooth cut every time. The mower's 42-inch cutting deck enables a wide cutting path, reducing the number of passes needed to achieve a well-manicured lawn. The deck also features six different cutting height adjustments, ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, allowing users to customize their mowing experience based on their lawn's grass type and condition.

Another notable aspect is the pedal-operated automatic transmission, which provides ease of use. This feature allows for seamless speed adjustments while driving, ensuring that users can mow their lawns at their preferred pace without constantly shifting gears. The responsive steering system enhances maneuverability, enabling users to navigate around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles with ease.

Comfort is a priority with the Poulan PO165H42A, evident in its ergonomically designed high-back seat that provides support during extended mowing sessions. The easy-to-reach control panel and steering wheel ensure that all necessary functions are within easy access, reducing strain and enhancing the overall user experience.

In addition to its practical features, the PO165H42A also includes a 15-gallon rear-mounted grass catcher that helps keep lawns tidy by collecting clippings as you mow. This feature not only saves time but also eliminates the hassle of raking up cut grass afterward.

Poulan's commitment to durability is reflected in the rugged construction of the PO165H42A. The heavy-duty steel frame and reinforced cutting deck offer long-lasting performance, making it a worthy investment for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently. This riding mower is not only designed for power and performance but also built to withstand the rigors of regular lawn maintenance.

Overall, the Poulan PO165H42A is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and user-friendly riding lawn mower that delivers powerful performance, comfort, and durability, ensuring a beautiful lawn year after year.

Poulan PO165H42A owner manual Before Starting the Engine, Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

Models: PO165H42A