Poulan Lawn Mower 183046 User Manual

IMPORTANT MANUAL  
Do Not Throw Away  
02478  
WARNING:  
Read this Owner's Manual and  
follow all Warnings and Safety  
Instructions. Failure to do so  
can result in serious injury.  
OWNER'S MANUAL  
MODEL:  
PR1742STF  
LAWN TRACTOR  
Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation183046 Rev. 2 6.28.04 RD/MH  
Printed in U.S.A.  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
SAFETY RULES  
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers  
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.  
Look for this symbol to point out im-  
portant safety precautions. It means  
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR  
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.  
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.  
Never carry passengers or children even with the blades  
off.  
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al-  
ways look down and behind before and while backing.  
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously  
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.  
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the  
watchful care of another responsible adult.  
CAUTION: Inordertopreventacciden-  
talstartingwhensettingup,transport-  
ing, adjusting or making repairs, al-  
ways disconnect spark plug wire and  
placewirewhereitcannotcontactspark  
plug.  
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.  
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in  
neutral, you may lose control of the  
tractor.  
Useslowspeed. Choosealowgearsothatyouwillnothave  
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.  
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn  
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.  
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments  
that are recommended by and comply  
withspecificationsofthemanufacturer  
of your tractor. Use common sense  
when towing. Operate only at the low-  
est possible speed when on a slope.  
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,  
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction  
with the ground and cause you to lose  
control of your tractor.  
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.  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
SAFETY RULES ...................................................... 2 - 3  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................... 4, 15 - 18  
ASSEMBLY.............................................................. 6 - 8  
OPERATION........................................................... 9 - 14  
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE....................................... 15  
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .......................... 19 - 23  
STORAGE ................................................................... 24  
TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................... 25 - 26  
REPAIR PARTS ................................................... 28 - 43  
WARRANTY ................................................................ 45  
3
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
CONGRATULATIONS onyourpurchaseofanewtractor. It  
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give  
you the best possible dependability and performance.  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  
GASOLINE CAPACITY  
AND TYPE:  
2.00 GALLONS  
UNLEADED REGULAR  
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily  
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service  
centre/department. Wehavecompetent,well-trainedtech-  
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.  
OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ):  
OIL CAPACITY:  
SAE 30 (above 32°F)  
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)  
W/FILTER: 3.5 Pints  
W/O FILTER: 3.0 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: .030")  
CHAMPION RC12YC  
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES  
1st  
1.2  
1.5  
2.4  
3.5  
4.8  
5.3  
Read and observe the safety rules.  
2nd  
3rd  
4th  
5th  
6th  
Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining,caringforand  
using your tractor.  
Follow the instructions under “Customer Responsibili-  
ties” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.  
REVERSE: 1.5  
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 engine’s 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.  
TIRE PRESSURE:  
CHARGING SYSTEM:  
BATTERY:  
FRONT: 14 PSI  
REAR: 10 PSI  
3 AMPS BATTERY  
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS  
AMP/HR:  
28  
MIN. CCA:  
230  
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your  
nearest authorized service centre/department (See RE-  
PAIR PARTS section of this manual).  
CASE SIZE: U1R  
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:  
27-35 FT. LBS.  
4
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK  
Seat  
Steering Wheel  
Steering  
Wheel Insert  
(1) Washer  
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge  
Steering  
Extension  
Shaft  
(1) Knob  
Steering  
Sleeve  
Slope Sheet  
Steering Adapter  
(1) Large Flat  
Washer  
(1) Locknut 1/2-20  
Key  
(2) Keys  
(2) Mulch Blades  
(1) Locknut  
1/4-28  
(1) Oil Drain Tube  
(1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4  
5
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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.  
STEERING  
WHEEL INSERT  
1/2 HEX NUT  
(2) 7/16" wrenches  
(1) 3/4" wrenches  
Utility knife  
Tirepressuregauge  
Pliers  
LARGE FLAT  
WASHER  
STEERING  
WHEEL  
Whenrightorlefthandismentionedinthismanual,itmeans  
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the  
steeringwheel).  
STEERING  
BOOT  
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CAR-  
TON  
TABS  
UNPACK CARTON  
Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons  
from carton.  
ADAPTER  
EXTENSION SHAFT  
1/4 HEX BOLT  
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.  
1/4 LOCKNUT  
LOWER  
STEERING  
SHAFT  
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM  
SKID  
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)  
TAB  
SLOTS  
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT  
Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mount-  
ing holes in extension and lower shafts and install  
1/4 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely.  
FIG. 1  
IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO  
10-12 FT. LBS TORQUE.  
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR  
Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push  
down to secure.  
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)  
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL  
Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing  
Lift seat pan to raised position.  
straight forward.  
Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and  
slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.  
Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to  
right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.  
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).  
Assemblelargeflatwasher, 1/2hexnutandtightensecurely.  
Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel.  
Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.  
SEAT PAN  
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES  
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR  
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.  
LABEL  
TERMINAL  
TERMINAL  
FIG. 2  
6
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
ASSEMBLY  
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera-  
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)  
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.  
tion section, page 10, for location and  
function of controls)  
Removeadjustmentknobandflatwashersecuringseat  
tocardboardpackingandsetasideforassemblyofseat  
to tractor.  
Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to  
its highest position.  
Releaseparkingbrakebydepressingclutch/brakepedal.  
Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.  
Roll tractor forward off skid.  
Remove banding holding deflector shield up against  
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.  
Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which  
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.  
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake  
pedal and set the parking brake.  
SEAT  
Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.  
Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to  
its highest position.  
SEAT PAN  
Starttheengine.Afterenginehasstarted,movethrottle  
control to idle position.  
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position  
and hold. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear.  
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive  
tractor off skid.  
Applybraketostoptractor, setparkingbrakeandplace  
gearshift lever in neutral position.  
SHOULDER  
BOLT  
Turn ignition key to “OFF” position.  
Continue with the instructions that follow.  
FLAT WASHER  
ADJUSTMENT  
KNOB  
FIG. 3  
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.  
Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the  
tractor from the skid.  
7
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
ASSEMBLY  
IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE  
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE  
The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for  
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for  
best cutting performance.  
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.  
Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT  
SPECIFICATIONS” section 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.  
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).  
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 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Fig. 4)  
NOTE: If you installed the mulching blades you will need to  
install the mulcher plate.  
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.  
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM  
Afteryoulearnhowtooperateyourtractor,checktoseethat  
the brake is properly adjusted. See “TO ADJUST BRAKE”  
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.  
CHECKLIST  
CAUTION:Donotremovedeflectorshield  
frommower.Raiseandholdshieldwhen  
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to  
rest on plate while in operation.  
BEFOREYOUOPERATEANDENJOYYOURNEW TRAC-  
TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE  
BESTPERFORMANCEANDSATISFACTIONFROMTHIS  
QUALITYPRODUCT.  
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:  
DEFLECTOR  
MULCHER  
All assembly instructions have been completed.  
No remaining loose parts in carton.  
Batteryisproperlypreparedandcharged. (Minimum1  
hour at 6 amps).  
SHIELD  
PLATE  
Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.  
All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,  
the tires were overinflated at the factory).  
LATCH  
HOOKS  
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.  
Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure  
and wires are properly clamped.  
FIG. 4  
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARG-  
ING  
NOTE:Themulcherbladeswilldischargeandbaggrass,but  
forbestbagginganddischarginginstallthehighperformance  
blades.  
WHILELEARNINGHOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR,PAY  
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT  
ITEMS:  
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.  
8
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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  
LIGHTS ON  
FAST  
SLOW  
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  
9
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
OPERATION  
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR  
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR  
Comparetheillustrationswithyourtractortofamiliarizeyourselfwiththelocationsofvariouscontrolsandadjustments. Save  
this manual for future reference.  
IGNITION  
SWITCH  
LIGHT SWITCH  
POSITION  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH LEVER  
AMMETER  
THROTTLE/  
CHOKE  
CONTROL  
LIFT LEVER  
PLUNGER  
ATTACHMENT  
LIFT LEVER  
CLUTCH/  
BRAKE  
PEDAL  
PARKING  
BRAKE  
HEIGHT  
ADJUSTMENT  
KNOB  
GEAR SHIFT  
LEVER  
FIG. 5  
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.  
GEARSHIFT LEVER - Selects the speed and direction of  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the  
the tractor.  
mowerblades,orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor.  
LIGHT SWITCH POSITION: Turns the headlights on and  
off.  
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used for starting and  
controllingenginespeed.  
CLUTCH/BRAKEPEDAL: Usedfordeclutchingandbrak-  
ing the tractor and starting the engine.  
PARKINGBRAKE:Locksclutch/brakepedalintothebrake  
position.  
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise, lower, and  
adjustthemowerdeckorotherattachmentsmountedtoyour  
tractor.  
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release attachment lift  
lever when changing its position.  
IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and stopping the  
engine.  
AMMETER - Indicates charging (+) or discharging (-) of  
battery.  
HEIGHTADJUSTMENTKNOB-Usedtoadjustthemower  
cutting height.  
10  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
OPERATION  
Theoperationofanytractorcan resultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan  
resultinsevereeyedamage. Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating  
your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision  
safetymaskoverspectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses.  
NOTE: Undercertainconditionswhentractorisstandingidle  
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR  
with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may  
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility,  
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.  
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 6)  
Yourtractorisequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing  
switch. Whenengineisrunning,anyattemptbytheoperator  
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will  
shut off the engine.  
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-  
pletely,asdescribedabove,beforeleav-  
ing the operator's position; to empty  
grasscatcher,etc.  
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position  
andhold.  
Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and  
releasepressurefromclutch/brakepedal. Pedalshould  
remain in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake  
will hold tractor secure.  
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)  
Always operate engine at full throttle.  
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the  
batterychargingrate.  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH  
LEVER "ENGAGED"  
POSITION  
Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-  
mance.  
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See  
Fig. 6)  
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the  
gearshift lever.  
IGNITION KEY  
THROTTLE/  
CHOKE  
"DISENGAGED"  
POSITION  
CONTROL  
LEVER  
Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and  
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.  
Move gearshift lever to desired position.  
PARKING BRAKE  
"ENGAGED"  
POSITION  
"BRAKE"  
POSITION  
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.  
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP  
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE TO  
DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR  
TRANSAXLE.  
GEAR SHIFT  
LEVER  
CLUTCH/BRAKE  
PEDAL "DRIVE"  
POSITION  
HEIGHT  
PARKING BRAKE  
"DISENGAGED"  
POSITION  
ADJUSTMENT  
KNOB  
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See  
Fig. 6)  
Thecuttingheightiscontrolledbyturningtheheightadjust-  
FIG. 6  
ment knob in desired direction.  
STOPPING (See Fig. 6)  
MOWER BLADES -  
Turn knob clockwise (  
Turn knob counterclockwise (  
height.  
) to raise cutting height.  
) to lower cutting  
Tostopmowerblades,moveattachmentclutchleverto  
“DISENGAGEDposition.  
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4". The  
heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with  
theenginenotrunning. Theseheightsareapproximateand  
may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass  
and types of grass being mowed.  
GROUNDDRIVE-  
To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into  
full “BRAKE” position.  
Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.  
Theaveragelawnshouldbecuttoapproximately2-1/2  
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches  
during hot months. For healthier and better looking  
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.  
ENGINE -  
Move throttle control to slow position.  
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and  
allowingenginetoidlebeforestoppingmaycauseengineto  
“backfire”.  
For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in  
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut  
relatively high; the second to desired height.  
Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.  
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent  
unauthorizeduse.  
Never use choke to stop engine.  
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY  
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE  
BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).  
11  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
OPERATION  
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 7)  
"ENGAGED" POSITION  
Gaugewheels areproperlyadjustedwhentheyareslightly  
offthegroundwhenmowerisatthedesiredcuttingheightin  
operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in  
proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain  
conditions.  
ATTACHMENT  
LIFT LEVER  
HIGH POSITION  
NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level  
surface.  
LOW  
POSITION  
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  
wheelsshouldbeassembledsotheyareslightlyoffthe  
ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with  
shoulderbolt,3/8washer,and3/8-16locknutandtighten  
securely.  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH LEVER  
"DISENGAGED"  
POSITION  
DEFLECTOR  
SHIELD  
Repeatforoppositesideinstallinggaugewheelinsame  
adjustmenthole.  
FIG. 8  
GAUGE WHEEL  
MOUNTING  
BRACKET  
TO OPERATE ON HILLS  
CAUTION: Donotdriveupordownhills  
with slopes greater than 15° and do not  
drive across any slope.  
Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down  
hills.  
3/8-16  
LOCKNUT  
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.  
If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to  
slowerposition.  
SHOULDER  
BOLT  
3/8 WASHER  
GAUGE WHEEL  
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.  
Torestartmovement,slowlyreleaseparkingbrakeand  
clutch/brakepedal.  
Make all turns slowly.  
FIG. 7  
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8)  
Yourtractorisequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing  
switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with  
the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will  
shut off the engine.  
Select desired height of cut.  
Lower mower with attachment lift control.  
Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch  
control.  
TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment  
clutch control.  
TO TRANSPORT  
Raiseattachmentlifttohighestpositionwithattachment  
lift control.  
When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift  
lever is in neutral (N) position.  
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower  
without either the entire grass catcher,  
onmowerssoequipped,orthedeflector  
shield in place.  
Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.  
NOTE: Toprotecthoodfromdamagewhentransportingyour  
tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and  
securedtotractor. Useanappropriatemeansoftyinghood  
to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).  
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-  
MENTS  
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and  
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your  
tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a  
load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction  
withthegroundandcauseyoutolosecontrolofyourtractor.  
12  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
OPERATION  
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6)  
Whenstartingtheengineforthefirsttimeoriftheenginehas  
run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel  
from the tank to the engine.  
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.  
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake  
pedal and set parking brake.  
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.  
Place gear shift 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  
proceduresbelow.  
For cold weather operation you should change oil for  
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the  
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).  
Tochangeengineoil,seetheCustomerResponsibilities  
section in this manual.  
Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to  
“START&rdquo