Poulan 193733 User Manual

SELF-PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and

should not be used on or near any un im proved 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. 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.

193733 Rev. 3 04.20.06 BY Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules .................2-3

Assembly......................4-7

Operation.................... 8-15

Maintenance.............16-18

Service and

Adjustments.............. 18-21

Storage.....................22-23

Troubleshooting ........ 23-24

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob-

jects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Look for this symbol to point out im por tant safety precautions. It means CAU TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.

WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal 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 come in contact with plug.

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 duc tive 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.

CAUTION: Mufﬂ er and

other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

in struc tions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the in struc tions, to oper-

ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare-

foot or wearing open sandals. Al ways

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec es sary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or oth er safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing grav el drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip ment, before clean ing the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight / good artiﬁ cial light.

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

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a ﬁ rm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech a nism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vi brate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safe ty glasses with side shields when op er at ing mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: nev er up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles (rocks, tree limbs, etc.)

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

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

Never

mowing activity. will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of an oth er re spon si ble adult.

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

• Before and while walking back wards, look behind and

• Never allow children to operate the mower.

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

assume that children

down

for small chil dren.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely ﬂ ammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open ﬂ ame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

• Never ﬁ ll containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Lawn Mower. It has been designed, en gi neered and manu fac tured to give you the best pos sible de penda bil ity and per form ance. Should you experience any prob lems you can not easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. They have com pe tent, well trained tech ni cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

• Your new lawn mower 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 lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

• All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

away from your vehicle before ﬁ lling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never overﬁ ll fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Dis con nect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent ac ci den tal starting.

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

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation reg u lar ly.

• 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 nec es sary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are sub ject to wear, dam age, and de te ri o ra tion, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check com po nents and replace with man u fac tur er’s recommended parts, when necessary.

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

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

• Remove all loose parts from carton.

• Remove lawn mower hous ing with care. Avoid touch ing blade under hous ing. Always wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

THINGS TO KNOW BE FORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOW ER

Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on your mower. If the opening is on the right side of the mower housing, it is a side discharge mower. If the opening is at the back of the mower housing, it is a rear discharge mower. Only rear discharge lawn mowers have a grass catcher in clud ed with the mower. Approved grass catchers for side discharge mow ers may be purchased from your nearest au tho rized dealer.

Do I have a mulching lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on your mower. Raise the discharge guard (rear door on rear discharge mowers). If the opening is closed off by a plate, then your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To convert to a discharging mower, see the Operation section of this manual.

FRONT

What is the right and left side of the lawn mower?

When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is mentioned in this man ual, it means when you are in the operating po si tion (stand ing be hind the handle).

What kind of engine is on my lawn mower?

When learning how to operate your new lawn mower, you will need to know what kind of engine powers the mower. A decal on the engine will indicate the man u fac tur er and type or brand name of the engine.

BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES

LEFT

HAND

SIDE

BACK or REAR

(Op er at ing Position)

RIGHT

HAND

SIDE

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION: Do not operate this lawn

mower without the discharge guard or an entire approved grass catcher in place. These guards are for your protection and are required by the American National Standards Institute and Consumer Products Safety Com mis sion.

CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

TECUMSEH

EN GINES

HONDA

ENGINES

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOW ER

UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage con trol cables.

2 POSITION / “ADJUSTABLE” HANDLES

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in operating position.

Operator presence control bar

LIFT UP

LIFT

MOWING

POSITION

Upper

handle

Handle

knob

Lower handle

ALL HANDLES

• Raise upper handle section into place on lower han dle, remove protective padding and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding operator pres ence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to “ADJUST HANDLE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower may not be adjusted to the same position as the front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting height.

3 POSITION “EZ” HANDLES

• Raise lower handle section to operating position and align hole in handle with one of three height positioning holes.

• Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and secure with knob.

• Repeat for opposite side of handle.

Knob

ad just ment

Bolt

Handle

brack et

3 POSITION “QUICK” HANDLES

• Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes.

Handle pin

SQUEEZE

Handle ad just ment bracket

INSTALL REAR WHEELS (HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)

Some high wheel models require wash ers which will be pro vid ed in a par ts bag. If provided, install washers on the axle ﬁ rst as shown.

• Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of rear wheel adjuster.

• Install 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely.

• Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.

Wheel assembly

Flanged locknut

Axle

Wave Washers

AS SEM BLE GRASS CATCHER (REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)

IMPORTANT: If your model lawn mower

is mulcher ready, the mulcher plate or plug must be removed before using mower as a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see the Operation section in this manual.

Look at the different grass catcher illustrations that follow. Determine which type of grass catcher you have and follow the appropriate instructions.

“FABRIC TOP” GRASS CATCHERS

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS CATCH ER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing.

• For HINGE BRACKET mounted catcher, place the grass catch er frame onto the formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.

• For HANDLE BRACKET mounted catcher, place frame side hooks into slots in handle brackets.

• For DOOR PIVOT PIN mounted catcher, place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• For DOOR SLOT mounted catcher, place the grass catcher frame hooks into the slots of the rear door.

NOTE: The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED

Hinge bracket

Formed tabs

HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED

Handle bracket hooks Rear

door

Rear door

Grass

catcher

frame

Grass

catcher

handle

Frame

handle

Vinyl bindings

CAUTION: Under normal usage, the

Frame

opening

catcher material is subject to de te ri o ra tion and wear and should, therefore, be checked frequently for replacement. Any replacement catcher should be checked to ensure compliance with original man u fac tur er's spec i ﬁ ca tions.

CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower

with out the discharge guard (rear door), approved grass catcher, clipping de ﬂ ec tor or mulcher plate in place. Never attempt to operate mower with the dis charge guard (rear door) removed or propped open.

Catcher frame side hook

DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED

Pivot pins Grass

Catcher frame hook

DOOR SLOT MOUNTED

Catcher frame hook

Rear door

Rear door slots

catcher

handle

Grass

catcher

han dle

SPARK PLUG BOOT

On some models a spark plug boot is packed loose in the parts bag. If your model has the boot, install on spark plug wire and reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Spark plug

IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will not charge a discharged battery.

ALL UNITS: At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter storage.

CAUTION: Always dis con nect the

en gine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent ac ci den tal start ing when trans port ing or stor ing your lawn mower after the season.

HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH

Boot

TO PRE PARE BATTERY (ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY)

NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH ONLY:

• Con nect battery charger con nec tor (male) to harness con nec tor (fe male).

UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:

• Disconnect engine connector (male) from battery con nec tor (female).

• Connect battery charger connector (male) to bat tery connector (fe male).

ALL UNITS:

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for the ﬁ rst time.

UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH ONLY:

• After charging, disconnect harness connector (female) from bat tery charger connector (male).

Connect your battery charger to charge battery after each use. IMPORTANT: The engine will not recharge your battery.

Engine connector (male)

Battery charger

connector (male)

Harness

connector

(female)

Charger

DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY

Engine

connector

(Male)

connector

Battery connector (Female)

TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH

Charger connector (male)

Battery connector

(female)

Battery

charger

Battery

charger

(Male)

UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:

• After charging, connect engine con nec tor (male) to bat tery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge battery as re quired.

Engine connector (male)

Battery charger

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any ad just ments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

MODELS WITH REMOTE THROTTLE Engine speed is con trolled by the throttle

control located on the upper handle.

• Move lever forward to FAST engine speed for start ing and better bagging.

• Move lever backward for SLOW engine speed.

• Some models have engines equipped with a choke feature. Move the lever all the way forward to the CHOKE position when starting a cold engine.

SLOW

FAST

CHOKE (START)

Remote

throttle control

MODELS WITH FIXED SPEED ENGINES Engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum per form ance. Engine speed is not adjustable.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Adjust cutting height to suit your re quire ments. Me di um position is best for most lawns. Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

• Reinstall wheel components in the same order as they were before removal. Tighten securely.

• Make sure all wheels are at same height.

Flat washer

Wheel

Bolt

3/8-16

Spacer

Locknut

MODELS WITH “QUICK ADJUST” WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTERS NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower may not be adjusted to the same position as the front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting height.

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Me di um position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your re quire ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER

Plate tab

MODELS WITH MANUAL ADJUST BOLT-ON WHEELS

• Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and reassemble in desired adjustment hole.

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER

Lever

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