OPERATION

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).

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.

Move motion control lever to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds. Move lever to full reverse position and hold for five (5) seconds. 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.

Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. Shut- off engine and set parking brake.

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

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.

Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to the neutral (N) position. Repeat this procedure with the motion control lever three (3) times.

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

MOWING TIPS

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

The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

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. 10).

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 mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper dis- charge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting perfor- mance 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.

FIG. 10

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Poulan PR185H42STE owner manual Mowing Tips, Purge Transmission

PR185H42STE specifications

The Poulan PR185H42STE is a versatile riding mower designed to make lawn care effortless for homeowners. With a powerful engine and user-friendly features, this mower stands out as a reliable choice for managing larger lawns and properties.

One of the key features of the PR185H42STE is its robust 18.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. This engine provides the necessary power to tackle thick grass and uneven terrain with ease. The mower's engine is designed for easy starting and smooth operation, ensuring that users can get to work quickly without the frustration of difficult startups.

The PR185H42STE comes equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, which enables users to cover more ground in less time. This mid-sized deck is ideal for navigating through tight spaces while still being large enough to handle larger areas efficiently. The cutting height can be easily adjusted to suit different grass types and cutting preferences, offering versatility for varied mowing conditions.

Another standout feature of this mower is its hydrostatic transmission, which provides seamless speed changes without the need for gear shifting. This allows for a smoother ride and easier control when maneuvering around obstacles or adjusting speed on slopes. The steering wheel is designed for comfort, providing users with a pleasant experience during those longer mowing sessions.

The Poulan PR185H42STE also emphasizes user comfort and safety. With a padded seat and armrests, operators can enjoy a more relaxed mowing experience. Additionally, safety features such as an automatic blade stop when the operator leaves the seat ensure safety while maintaining productivity.

To enhance efficiency, the mower is equipped with a mulching option. This feature allows users to finely chop grass clippings and return them to the lawn, which can improve soil health and promote a lush, green appearance. The mower's bagging capability also adds to its versatility, making it easy to collect clippings for disposal or composting.

Finally, consumer-friendly aspects like easy access to routine maintenance points ensure that upkeep is simple and straightforward. The Poulan PR185H42STE combines power, convenience, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable riding mower for their lawn care needs. Whether tackling routine maintenance or preparing for the growing season, this mower proves to be an indispensable gardening tool.