Poulan 183046 User Manual

IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away

02478

WARNING:

OWNER'S MANUAL

Read this Owner's Manual and
follow all Warnings and Safety
Instructions. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury.

MODEL:

PR1742STF

LAWN TRACTOR

Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation

183046 Rev. 2 6.28.04 RD/MH

Printed in U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road­ways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them­selves and others from serious injury.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build­up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

slow

and

gradual

. Do

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly
the slope.

DO NOT:

•

Do not

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•

Do not

The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•

Do not

sliding.

•

Do not

the ground.

•

Do not

turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on

use grass catcher on steep slopes.

straight

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity.
will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and when backing, look behind and
children.

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

Never

assume that children

down

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build­up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.

2

down

for small

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
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. Al­ways 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.

• 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.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Look for this symbol to point out im­portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transport­ing, adjusting or making repairs, al­ways disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low­est 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ...................................................... 2 - 3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................... 4, 15 - 18

ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 6 - 8

OPERATION ........................................................... 9 - 14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 15

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer­tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .......................... 19 - 23

STORAGE ................................................................... 24

TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................... 25 - 26

REPAIR PARTS ................................................... 28 - 43

WARRANTY ................................................................ 45

3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE CAPACITY 2.00 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 3.5 Pints

W/O FILTER: 3.0 Pints

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
(GAP: .030")

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
centre/department. We have competent, well-trained tech­nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:

1st 1.2
2nd 1.5
3rd 2.4
4th 3.5
5th 4.8
6th 5.3

REVERSE: 1.5

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 28

MIN. CCA: 230
CASE SIZE: U1R

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 27-35 FT. LBS.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under “Customer Responsibili­ties” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com­bustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov­ered 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.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service centre/department (See RE­PAIR PARTS section of this manual).

4

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Steering Wheel

Steering
Sleeve

Steering

Wheel Insert

Steering
Extension
Shaft

Seat

(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

(1) Knob

Slope Sheet

(1) Large Flat
Washer

Steering Adapter

(1) Locknut 1/2-20

Key

(2) Keys

(2) Mulch Blades

(1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4

(1) Locknut

1/4-28

(1) Oil Drain Tube

5

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. 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.

(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife
(1) 3/4" wrenches Tire pressure gauge

Pliers

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the
steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CAR­TON

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.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mount­ing holes in extension and lower shafts and install
1/4 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO
10-12 FT. LBS TORQUE.

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push
down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
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.

• Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex nut and tighten securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel.

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.

STEERING
WHEEL INSERT

1/2 HEX NUT

LARGE FLAT
WASHER

STEERING
WHEEL

STEERING
BOOT

ADAPTER

1/4 LOCKNUT

LOWER
STEERING
SHAFT

TABS

EXTENSION SHAFT

1/4 HEX BOLT

TAB
SLOTS

FIG. 1

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)

• Lift seat pan to raised position.

• 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" in CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
section of this manual for charging instructions).

SEAT PAN

LABEL

TERMINAL

TERMINAL

FIG. 2

6

ASSEMBLY

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.

• Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat
to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat
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.

• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

SEAT

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER
BOLT

FLAT WASHER

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera­tion section, page 10, for location and
function of controls)

• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.

• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal.

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding deflector shield up against
tractor.

TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera­tion section, page 10, for location and func­tion of controls)

WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow

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.

• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.

• Start the engine. After engine has started, move throttle
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.

• Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place
gearshift lever in neutral position.

• Turn ignition key to “OFF” position.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

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

ASSEMBLY

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.

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).

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: 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.

CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield
from mower. Raise and hold shield when
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to
rest on plate while in operation.

DEFLECTOR
SHIELD

FIG. 4

MULCHER
PLATE

LATCH
HOOKS

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARG­ING

NOTE: The mulcher blades will discharge and bag grass, but

for best bagging and discharging install the high performance
blades.

• Remove mulcher plate and mulcher blades and install
high performance blades, (see BLADE REMOVAL in the
CUSTOMER RESPONSABILITY section of this manual).

• Store mulcher blades and mulcher plate in a safe place.
Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation
of optional grass catcher accessory.

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.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service
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.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is properly adjusted. See “TO ADJUST BRAKE”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

3

CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRAC­TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE
BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS
QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

✓ All assembly instructions have been completed.
✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1

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.

✓ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, 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.

8

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

BATTERY CAUTION OR

WARNING

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE

FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT

REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

LIGHTS ON

PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

UNLOCKED

MOWER LIFT

P

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

IGNITION

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

PARKING BRAKE

15

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

(Automatic Models only)

15

FREE WHEEL

15

9