Poulan 271190, 189956 User Manual

MODEL NO. 271190

15.5 HP 38 INCH LAWN TRACTOR

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor:

call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886

189956 11.03.03 TR

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules .......................................... 2

Product Speciﬁ cations........................... 5

Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 7

Operation............................................. 10

Maintenance Schedule........................ 16

Maintenance........................................ 16

Service and Adjustments..................... 20

Storage................................................ 25

Troubleshooting ................................... 26

Repair Parts......................................... 30

Warranty.............................................. 46

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is ca pa ble of amputating hands and feet and throw-

ing objects. Failure to observe the fol low ing 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 in struc tions, 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 mow ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless ab so lute ly necessary. Always look down and behind before and while back ing.

• 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 un at tend ed. 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 un clog ging chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artiﬁ cial light.

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

• Watch for trafﬁ c when operating near or crossing road ways.

• Use extra care when loading or un load ing 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 them selves and others from serious injury.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-up 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 lossof-control and tipover accidents, which can re sult 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.

Tall grass can hide ob sta cles.

• 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 rec om men da tions for wheel weights or coun ter weights to improve stability.

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

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

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

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless nec es -

sary, and then, turn slowly and grad u al ly downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. 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 mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the op er a tor is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children 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 down for small 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.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are ﬂ ammable 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 ﬂ ame, 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 op er a tion regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. 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 run ning.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam age, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check com po nents and replace with manufacturer's rec om mend ed parts, when nec es sary.

• 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.

• 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 ab so lute ly 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.

• 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.

SAFETY RULES

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, dis en gage 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 nec es sary, and then, turn slowly and grad u al ly downhill, if possible.

WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, always dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire where it can not contact spark plug.

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

WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are rec om mend ed by and comply with spec i ﬁ ca tions of the man u fac tur er 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 dan ger ous. Tires can lose trac tion with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth defects or oth er re pro ductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline 1.25 Capacity and Unleaded and Type: Regular

Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) (API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30

(below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 3 Pints

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030")

Ground Speed (MPH):

Forward: 1st 1.1 2nd 2.2 3rd 3.4 4th 4.3 5th 5.5 Reverse: 1.7

Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI

Rear: 12 PSI

Charging 3 Amps Battery System: 5 Amps Headlights

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R

CUSTOMER RE SPON SI BIL I TIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in main tain ing, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under “Main te nance” and “Stor age” sec tions of this own er’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 op er a tor. In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the mufﬂ er is available through your nearest authorized service center/department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your pur chase of a new tractor. It has been designed, en gi neered and man u fac tured to give you the best pos si ble de pend abil i ty and per for mance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please con tact your nearest authorized service center/ department. We have competent, welltrained tech ni cians and the prop er tools to service or repair this trac tor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to as sem ble and maintain your tractor prop er ly. Always observe the “SAFE TY RULES”.

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

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

Steering Wheel

Adapter

(1) Hex nut 1/2-20

(1) Locknut

1/4-28

Seat

(1) Washer

17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

(1) Large Flat Washer

Steering Extension

Steering

Boot

Shaft

(1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use

Keys

(1)Knob

Slope Sheet

(2) Keys

599

ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you as sem ble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as nec es sary to in sure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before you begin.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard wrench sizes you need are listed below. (1) 3/4" wrench (1) Pliers (2) 7/16" wrench (1) Utility knife (1) Tire pressure gauge When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means, from your point of view, when you are in the op er at ing po sition (seat ed be hind the steer ing wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes from carton.

2. Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels ﬂ at.

3. Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steer ing wheel.

8. Remove protective materials from trac tor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires where tractor is to roll off skid.

1/2 Hex Nut

Insert

Steering Wheel

Adapter

1/4 Locknut

Large Flat Washer

Steering Boot

Tabs

Extension Shaft

1/4 Hex Bolt

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

1. Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mount ing holes in extension and lower shafts and install 1/4 hex bolt and lock nut. Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut securely to 10-12 ft. lbs torque.

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

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

3. Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward.

4. Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto steer ing shaft ex ten sion.

5. Position steering wheel so cross bars are hor i zon tal (left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapt er.

6. Assemble large ﬂ at washer, 1/2 hex nut and tighten se cure ly.

Lower Steering Shaft

Ta b Slots

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

02602

INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.

1. Remove adjustment knob and ﬂ at washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan.

4. Push down on seat to engage shoul der bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor.

5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as sem ble adjustment knob and ﬂ at washer loosely. Do not tighten.

6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat.

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

8. Get off seat without moving its ad just ed position.

9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

Seat

Seat Pan

Flat Washer

Adjustment Knob

CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat pan to raised position.

NOTE: 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 Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions).

Shoulder Bolt

02464

Seat pan

Label

Terminal

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and function of con trols)

1. Press lift lever plunger and raise at tach ment lift lever to its highest po si tion.

2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake ped al.

3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) po si tion.

4. Roll tractor forward off skid.

5. Remove banding holding deﬂ ector shield up against tractor.

TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and func tion of con trols)

WARNING: Before starting, read, un-

der stand and follow all in struc tions 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.

1. Be sure all the above assembly steps have been com plet ed.

2. Check engine oil level and ﬁ ll fuel tank with gasoline.

3. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set the parking brake.

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

5. Press lift lever plunger and raise at tach ment lift lever to its highest position.

6. Start the engine. After engine has started, move throttle control to idle position.

7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position and hold. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear.

8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive tractor off skid.

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

10.Turn ignition key to "STOP" position.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were over in ﬂ ated at the factory for shipping pur pos es. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in

“PRODUCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the ﬁ gures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments sec tion of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

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 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.

✓CHECKLIST

Before you operate your new trac tor, we wish to assure that you receive the best per for mance and sat is fac tion from this Quality Prod uct. 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 tight-

ened securely.

✓ All tires are properly inﬂ ated. (For ship-

ping purposes, the tires were overinﬂ ated at the factory).

✓ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inﬂ ated 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 con nec tions

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 ﬁ lled with fresh, clean, regu-

lar 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 operat-

ing condition.

OPERATION

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

REVERSE

ENGINE OFF

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

NEUTRAL

LIGHTS ON

FUEL

OIL PRESSURE

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

HIGH

ENGINE ON

LOW

ENGINE START

BATTERY

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

CHOKE

PARKING BRAKE

REVERSE

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate injury.

FAST

FORWARD

KEEP AREA CLEAR

SLOW

PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED

MOWER HEIGHT

SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

IGNITION

PARKING BRAKE

UNLOCKED

MOWER LIFT

Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards which can result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference.

Attachment Clutch Lever

Throttle/Choke Control

Clutch/Brake Pedal

Ignition Switch

Light Switch Position

Lift Lever Plunger

Attachment Lift Lever

Height Adjustment Indicator

Gearshift Lever

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the

American National Stan dards Institute.

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage the mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your trac tor. ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise, lower, and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor. CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for declutching and brak ing the tractor and starting the engine. GEARSHIFT LEVER - Selects the speed and direction of tractor.

Parking Brake Lever

IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping the engine. LIFT LEVER PLUNGER - Used to re lease attachment lift lever when chang ing its position. LIGHT SWITCH POSITION - Turns the head lights on and off. PARKING BRAKE LEVER - Locks clutch/brake pedal into the brake po si tion. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for starting and controlling engine speed.

The op er a tion of any trac tor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Al ways wear safety glass es or eye shields while op er at ing your trac tor or per form ing any ad just ments

00155

or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vi sion safe ty mask over spec ta cles or stan dard safety glass es.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRAC TOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor to leave the seat without ﬁ rst setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and hold.

2. Pull parking brake lever up and re lease pres sure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should re main in brake position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.

Throttle/Choke Control

Clutch/ Brake Pedal

01995

“Brake” Position

“Disengaged” Position

Attachment Clutch

Lever “Engaged”

Position

Ignition Key

“Disengaged” Position

Parking Brake “Engaged” Position

Gearshift Lever

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, move at-

tach ment clutch lever to disengaged po si tion.

GROUND DRIVE -

• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/

brake pedal all the way down.

• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N)

po si tion.

ENGINE -

• Move throttle control to slow po si tion.

NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position to allow engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to “backﬁ re”.

• Turn ignition key to “STOP” position and

remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent un au tho rized use.

• Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead. NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle 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.

CAUTION: Always stop tractor com plete ly, as described above, before leav ing the operator's position.

TO USE THROTTLE CON TROL

Always operate engine at full throttle.

• Operating engine at less than full

throttle reduces the battery charg ing rate.

• Full throttle of fers the best bagging and

mower per for mance.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever.

1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal

depressed and gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

2. Move gearshift lever to desired po-

si tion.

3. 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.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height.

• Grasp lift lever.

• Press plunger with thumb and move

lever to desired position. The cutting height range is ap prox i mate ly 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.

• The average lawn should be cut to ap prox i mate ly 2-1/2 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.

• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the ﬁ rst cut relatively high; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.

1. Select desired height of cut.

2. Start mower blades by engaging at-

tach ment clutch control. TO STOP MOWER BLADES disengage at tach ment clutch con trol.

• If slowing is necessary, move throt tle control lever to slower position.

• 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 trac tor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

• To restart movement, slowly re lease parking brake and clutch/brake ped al.

• Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment lift to highest position with at tach ment lift control.

• When pushing or towing your trac tor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position.

• Do not push or tow tractor at more than ﬁ ve (5) MPH.

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the en tire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deﬂ ector shield in place.

Attachment Clutch Lever “Engaged” Position

Attachemnt Lift Lever High Position

Low Position

“Disengaged” Position

Deﬂ ector Shield

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

WARNING: Do not drive up or down

hills with slopes great er than 15° and do not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide provided at the back of this manual.

• Choose the slowest speed before start-

ing up or down hills.

• Avoid stopping or changing speed on

hills.

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are rec om mend ed by and comply with spec i ﬁ ca tions of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when tow ing. 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.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already ﬁ lled with sum mer weight oil.

1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

2. Remove oil ﬁ ll cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If nec es sary, add oil until “FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overﬁ ll.

• For cold weather operation you should

change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Main te nance sec tion of this man u al).

• To change engine oil, see the Main te -

nance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of ﬁ ller neck. Do not overﬁ ll. Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open ﬂ ame. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gas o line to help insure good cold weather start ing.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and for ma tion of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage In struc tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

When starting the engine for the ﬁ rst time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

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

3. Move attachment clutch to dis en gaged po si tion.

4. Move throttle control to choke po si tion.

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

5. Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than ﬁ fteen sec onds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throt tle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

6. When engine starts, move the throt tle control to the fast position.

• The attachments and ground drive can

now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the en gine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as de scribed above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)

6. When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, im me di ate ly move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the tem per a ture, the longer the warm-up).

• The attachments can also be used dur-

ing the engine warm-up period. 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).

MOWING TIPS

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• Tire chains cannot be used when the mower hous ing is attached to tractor.

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

• The left hand side of mower should be used for trim ming.

• Drive so that clippings are dis charged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even dis tri bu tion 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 ﬁ nished.

• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible ﬁ re hazard from dried clip pings. Make ﬁ rst 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 throt tle when mowing to assure better mow ing performance and proper dis charge of material. Regulate ground speed by se lect ing a low enough gear to give the mower cut ting per for mance as well as the quality of cut desired.

• When operating attachments, se lect a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the at tach ment being used.

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