OPERATION

•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

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.

•The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

•Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

•For best results, adjust the mower cutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades (See Fig. 11). For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly.

•Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

•Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAX 1/3

FIG. 11

14

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Poulan PRK17H42STA owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips
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PRK17H42STA specifications

The Poulan PRK17H42STA is a robust riding lawn mower designed for residential mowing tasks, blending efficiency with a user-friendly experience. This mower is powered by a reliable 17 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its durability and performance. The engine provides ample power to tackle various grass and terrain types, making it ideal for medium to large yards.

One of the standout features of the PRK17H42STA is its 42-inch cutting deck. This deck size strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and coverage, allowing users to navigate around obstacles with ease while still covering a substantial area in a single pass. The cutting height can be easily adjusted to ensure that your lawn is maintained to the desired length, accommodating different grass types and seasonal growth patterns.

The Poulan PRK17H42STA incorporates a manual drive system with a foot-operated hydrostatic transmission. This feature allows for smooth speed adjustments without the need for clutching or shifting gears, making it easier for users to focus on mowing without distractions. The comfortable high-back seat adds to the overall riding experience, providing support during longer mowing sessions.

In terms of design, the mower has a durable construction built to withstand regular use. Its solid frame and robust components contribute to longevity, ensuring that it can handle the rigors of residential mowing. The machine is equipped with easy-access maintenance points, making it simple to perform routine checks and service.

Another significant feature of the PRK17H42STA is its capability to attach various accessories, including mulching kits and baggers. This versatility allows homeowners to customize their mowing experience and manage grass clippings effectively. The incorporation of safety features such as a blade brake that stops the blades when the driver leaves the seat enhances user safety.

Overall, the Poulan PRK17H42STA is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and efficient riding mower. With its powerful engine, adjustable cutting deck, and comfortable riding experience, it is a valuable asset for proper lawn maintenance. Whether you have a small or moderately-sized lawn, this mower is designed to meet your needs, making it a commendable addition to any outdoor maintenance arsenal.
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