Poulan Lawn Mower 178087 User Manual

IMP ORTANT MANUAL  
Do Not Th r ow Aw a y  
OWNER'S MANUAL  
WAR NING:  
Rea d th is Ow n er 's Ma n u a l a n d follow  
a ll Wa r n in gs a n d Sa fety In str u ction s.  
F a ilu r e to d o so ca n r esu lt in ser iou s  
in ju r y.  
MODEL:  
P R185H42STD  
LAWN TRACTOR  
ALWAYS WEAR EYE P ROTECTION DURING OP ERATION  
178087 Rev. 1 2.13.01 TR  
Printed in U.S.A.  
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SAFETY RULES  
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers  
Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing.  
Lookforthissymboltopointoutimportant  
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!  
BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS IN-  
VOLVED.  
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.  
Nevercarrypassengersorchildrenevenwiththeblades  
off.  
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.  
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.  
Nevercarrychildren. Theymayfalloffandbeseriously  
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.  
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the  
watchful care of another responsible adult.  
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in  
neutral, you may lose control of the trac-  
tor.  
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.  
Before and when backing, look behind and down for  
small children.  
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.  
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.  
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could  
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.  
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not  
have to stop or shift while on the slope.  
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose  
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly  
straight down the slope.  
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,  
shift into reverse and back down slowly.  
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments  
that are recommended by and comply  
with specifications of the manufacturer  
of your tractor. Use common sense  
whentowing. Operateonlyatthelowest  
possible speed when on a slope. Too  
heavy of a load, while on a slope, is  
dangerous. Tires can lose traction with  
thegroundandcauseyoutolosecontrol  
of your tractor.  
CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-  
tal starting when setting up, transport-  
ing,adjustingormakingrepairs,always  
disconnect spark plug wire and place  
wirewhereitcannotcontactsparkplug.  
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn  
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.  
WARNING  
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-  
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals  
knowntotheStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand  
birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
WARNING  
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories  
containleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknown  
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth  
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands  
afterhandling.  
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CONGRATULATIONS onyourpurchaseofanewTractor.  
Ithasbeendesigned,engineeredandmanufacturedtogive  
you the best possible dependability and performance.  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  
GASOLINE CAPACITY  
AND TYPE:  
2.0 GALLONS  
UNLEADED REGULAR  
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily  
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service  
center. We have competent, well-trained technicians and  
the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.  
OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ):  
SAE 30 (above 32°F)  
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)  
OIL CAPACITY:  
W/FILTER  
W/OFILTER 3.75 PINTS  
4.0 PINTS  
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will  
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.  
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".  
SPARK PLUG:  
(GAP: .040")  
CHAMPION RC12YC  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES  
GROUND SPEED (MPH): Forward:  
Reverse  
0-5.5  
0-2.4  
Read and observe the safety rules.  
Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining,caringforand  
using your tractor.  
TIRE PRESSURE:  
CHARGING SYSTEM:  
BATTERY:  
FRONT:  
REAR:  
14 PSI  
10 PSI  
Followtheinstructionsunderthe"CustomerResponsi-  
bilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.  
3 AMPS BATTERY  
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS  
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-  
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any  
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-  
ered land unless the engines exhaust system is equipped  
with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws  
(if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained  
in effective working order by the operator.  
AMP/HR:  
30  
MIN. CCA:  
240  
CASE SIZE: U1R  
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:  
2735 FT. LBS.  
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your  
nearestauthorizedservicecenter/department(SeeREPAIR  
PARTS section of this manual).  
InthestateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw(Section  
4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode). Otherstates  
mayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................4, 16-19  
ASSEMBLY................................................................ 6-8  
OPERATION............................................................. 9-15  
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE....................................... 16  
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .............................20-25  
STORAGE ................................................................... 26  
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................27-28  
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ..................................30-45  
WARRANTY ................................................................ 46  
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UNASSEMBLEDPARTS  
Seat  
Steering Wheel  
Steering  
Wheel Insert  
(1) Washer  
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge  
Steering  
Extension  
Shaft  
(1) Knob  
(1) Hex Bolt  
3/8-16 x 1  
Steering  
Sleeve  
(1) Oil Drain Tube  
For Future Use  
Steering Adapter  
Slope Sheet  
(1) Large Flat  
Washer  
(1) Lock  
washer 3/8  
(2) Keys  
(2) Mulch Blades  
(1) Locknut  
5/16-18  
(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4  
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ASSEMBLY  
Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleftunassembledforshippingpurposes. To  
ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the  
correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.  
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY  
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard  
wrench sizes are listed.  
INSERT  
3/8 HEX BOLT  
Utility knife  
Pliers  
(1) 9/16" wrenches  
(2) 1/2" wrenches  
Whenrightorlefthandismentionedinthismanual,itmeans  
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the  
steeringwheel).  
Tirepressuregauge  
3/8 LOCK WASHER  
LARGE FLAT  
WASHER  
TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM CARTON  
STEERING  
BOOT  
STEERING  
WHEEL  
UNPACK CARTON  
Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons  
from carton.  
Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners  
of carton, and lay panels flat.  
Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and  
remove.  
TABS  
ADAPTER  
EXTENSION SHAFT  
5/16 HEX BOLT  
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM  
SKID  
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)  
5/16 LOCKNUT  
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT  
Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align  
mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall  
5/16 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely.  
Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and  
push down to secure.  
LOWER  
STEERING  
SHAFT  
TAB  
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL  
SLOTS  
Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing  
straightforward.  
Removesteeringwheeladapterfromsteeringwheeland  
slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.  
Positionsteeringwheelsocrossbarsarehorizontal(left  
to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.  
Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex  
bolt and tighten securely.  
FIG. 1  
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR  
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)  
Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box  
door.  
If this battery is put into service after month and year  
indicated on label (label located between terminals)  
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.  
(See"BATTERY"inCUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES  
section of this manual for charging instructions).  
Snapsteeringwheelinsertintocenterofsteeringwheel.  
Removeprotectivematerialsfromtractorhoodandgrill.  
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES  
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR  
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.  
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ASSEMBLY  
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.  
Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the  
tractor from the skid.  
SEAT PAN  
TOROLLTRACTOROFFSKID(SeeOperation  
section, page 10, for location and function of  
controls)  
LABEL  
BATTERY  
BOX DOOR  
Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to  
its highest position.  
TERMINAL  
TERMINAL  
Releaseparkingbrakebydepressingclutch/brakepedal.  
Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to  
disengagetransmission(SeeTOTRANSPORTinthe  
Operation section of this manual).  
Roll tractor forward off skid.  
FIG. 2  
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)  
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.  
Remove banding holding discharge guard up against  
tractor.  
Removeadjustmentknobandflatwashersecuringseat  
tocardboardpackingandsetasideforassemblyofseat  
to tractor.  
Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard  
packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.  
Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is  
positioned over large slotted hole in pan.  
Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and  
pull seat towards rear of tractor.  
Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment  
knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.  
Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.  
Slideseatuntilacomfortablepositionisreachedwhich  
allowsyoutopressclutch/brakepedalallthewaydown.  
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.  
Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.  
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera-  
tion section, page 10, for location and func-  
tion of controls)  
WARNING:Beforestarting,read,understandandfollow  
all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be  
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in  
front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.  
Be sure all the above assembly steps have been  
completed.  
Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline.  
Place freewheel control in "transmission engaged" po-  
sition.  
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake  
pedal and set the parking brake.  
Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.  
Pressliftleverplungerandraiseattachmentliftleverto  
its highest position.  
Starttheengine.Afterenginehasstarted,movethrottle  
control to idle position.  
SEAT  
Releaseparkingbrake.  
Slowlymovethemotioncontrolleverforwardandslowly  
drive tractor off skid.  
Applybraketostoptractor,setparkingbrakeandplace  
motion control lever in neutral position.  
SEAT PAN  
Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.  
Continue with the instructions that follow.  
SHOULDER  
BOLT  
FLAT WASHER  
ADJUSTMENT  
KNOB  
FIG. 3  
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ASSEMBLY  
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE  
IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE  
MULCHER PLATE WAS PREATTACHED TO YOUR  
MOWER. THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED  
WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED  
SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON.  
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  
SPECIFICATIONSsection of this manual.  
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. 4).  
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS  
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly  
leveled. SeeTOLEVELMOWERHOUSINGintheService  
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.  
TO SET UP YOUR MOWER FOR MULCHING  
Remove high performance blades and install mulcher  
blades, (see BLADE REMOVAL in the CUSTOMER  
RESPONSABILITY section of this manual).  
TO INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Fig. 4)  
NOTE:Ifyouinstalledthemulchingbladesyouwillneedtoinstall  
themulcherplate.  
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM  
Afteryoulearnhowtooperateyourtractor,checktoseethat  
the brake is properly adjusted. See TO ADJUST BRAKE”  
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.  
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.  
CHECKLIST  
BEFOREYOUOPERATEANDENJOYYOURNEW TRAC-  
TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE  
BESTPERFORMANCEANDSATISFACTIONFROMTHIS  
QUALITYPRODUCT.  
CAUTION:Donotremovedeflectorshield  
frommower.Raiseandholdshieldwhen  
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to  
rest on plate while in operation.  
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:  
All assembly instructions have been completed.  
No remaining loose parts in carton.  
DEFLECTOR  
SHIELD  
MULCHER  
PLATE  
Batteryisproperlypreparedandcharged. (Minimum1  
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.  
LATCH  
HOOKS  
Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure  
and wires are properly clamped.  
FIG. 4  
Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in  
drive position.  
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR  
DISCHARGING  
NOTE:Themulcherbladeswilldischargeandbaggrass,but  
forbestbagginganddischarginginstallthehighperformance  
WHILELEARNINGHOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR,PAY  
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT  
ITEMS:  
blades.  
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.  
Remove mulcher plate and mulcher blades and install  
highperformanceblades,(seeBLADEREMOVALinthe  
CUSTOMERRESPONSABILITYsectionofthismanual).  
Storemulcherbladesandmulcherplateinasafeplace.  
Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation  
of optional grass catcher accessory.  
Itisimportanttopurgethetransmissionbeforeoperating  
yourtractorforthefirsttime. Followproperstartingand  
transmission purging instructions (See TO START  
ENGINEandPURGETRANSMISSIONintheOpera-  
tion section of this manual).  
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OPERATION  
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.  
BATTERY  
CAUTION OR  
WARNING  
REVERSE  
FORWARD  
FAST  
SLOW  
LIGHTS ON  
OVER TEMP  
LIGHT  
ENGINE ON  
ENGINE OFF  
OIL PRESSURE  
PARKING BRAKE  
LOCKED  
UNLOCKED  
MOWER LIFT  
FUEL  
CHOKE  
MOWER HEIGHT  
P
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH ENGAGED  
REVERSE  
NEUTRAL  
HIGH  
LOW  
PARKING BRAKE  
15  
15  
15  
KEEP AREA CLEAR  
SLOPE HAZARDS  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH DISENGAGED  
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)  
IGNITION  
FREE WHEEL  
(Automatic Models only)  
DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY  
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OPERATION  
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR  
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR  
Comparetheillustrationswithyourtractortofamiliarizeyourselfwiththelocationsofvariouscontrolsandadjustments. Save  
this manual for future reference.  
LIGHT  
SWITCH  
POSITION  
IGNITION  
SWITCH  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH LEVER  
AMMETER  
CHOKE  
CONTROL  
LIFT LEVER  
PLUNGER  
THROTTLE  
CONTROL  
ATTACHMENT  
LIFT LEVER  
CLUTCH/BRAKE  
PEDAL  
HEIGHT  
ADJUSTMENT  
KNOB  
PARKING  
BRAKE  
MOTION  
CONTROL  
LEVER  
FREE WHEEL  
CONTROL  
FIG. 5  
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the  
mowerblades,orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor.  
MOTION CONTROL LEVER: Selects the speed and  
direction of tractor.  
LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off.  
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise, lower, and  
adjustthemowerdeckorotherattachmentsmountedtoyour  
tractor.  
AMMETER - Indicates charging (+) or discharging (-) of  
battery.  
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release attachment lift  
lever when changing its position.  
IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and stopping the  
engine.  
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.  
THROTTLECONTROL: Usedforcontrollingenginespeed.  
CLUTCH/BRAKEPEDAL: Usedfordeclutchingandbrak-  
ing the tractor and starting the engine.  
HEIGHTADJUSTMENTKNOB-Usedtoadjustthemower  
cutting height.  
PARKINGBRAKE:Locksclutch/brakepedalintothebrake  
position.  
FREEWHEEL CONTROL: Disengages transmission for  
pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.  
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