OPERATION

Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.

Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO AD- JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation section of this manual).

With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely.

Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

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.

3/8-16

LOCKNUT

GAUGE WHEEL

MOUNTING

BRACKET

3/8 WASHER

SHOULDER

BOLT

GAUGE WHEEL

 

FIG. 6B

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 five (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.).

TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 7)

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-

MENTS

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and

switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with

comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your

the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will

tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a

shut off the engine.

 

load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction

• Select desired height of cut.

 

with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

• Lower mower with attachment lift control.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

• Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch

control.

 

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment

clutch control.

 

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the

 

 

 

factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower

• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

without either the entire grass catcher,

• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the

on mowers so equipped, or the deflector

 

dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,

shield in place.

 

 

remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until

 

 

 

“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

 

"ENGAGED" POSITION

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for

 

ATTACHMENT

 

easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the

 

 

Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

 

LIFT LEVER

 

 

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities

 

HIGH POSITION

 

 

 

section in this manual.

 

LOW

ADD GASOLINE

 

POSITION

Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gaso-

ATTACHMENT

 

 

line with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded

 

 

gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits

CLUTCH LEVER

 

 

"DISENGAGED"

DEFLECTOR

 

and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.

POSITION

 

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30

 

SHIELD

 

days to assure fuel freshness.

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES

FIG. 7

 

BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE

 

 

GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

 

STARTING.

 

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels

 

 

CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills

(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract

with slopes greater than 15° and do not

moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids

drive across any slope.

during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of

 

 

an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the

• Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down

fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or

hills.

 

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until

• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.

12 the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next

Page 12
Image 12
Poulan PR18542STC owner manual Before Starting the Engine