Poulan 376110 Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

SELF-PROPELLED ROTARY

LAWN MOWER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

AWARNING: This lawn mower 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.

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 muffler is available through your nearest

authorized service center.

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

Safety Rules ................. 2-3 Maintenance ............. 16-18 Storage ..................... 22-23

Assembly ...................... 4-7 Service and Troubleshooting ........ 23-24

Operation .................... 8-15 Adjustments .............. 18-21

IMPORTANT: Thiscutting 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. _t, Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. _i, WARNING: In order to prevent accidental

starting when setting up, transporting, ad-

justing or making repairs, always disconnect

spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with plug. _IbWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

ACt,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.

CAUTION: Muffler and ,-,dq'Y,-,

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 instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly 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 instructions, 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 machine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. 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 richo-

chet back toward the operator. Stop the

blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

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

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories ap-

proved by the manufacturer.

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

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning 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 artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wearsafety goggles or safety glass-

es with side shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip &

fall accidents which can result in severe in-

jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you

feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

2 when changing direction on slopes.

• Removeobstacles(rocks,treelimbs,etc.)

• Watchfor holes,ruts,orbumps.Tall grasscanhideobstacles.

DONOT:

• Donot trimneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Theoperatorcouldlose

footingor balance.

• Donot trimexcessivelysteepslopes.

• Donot mowon wetgrass.Reducedfoot- ingcouldcauseslipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurif the operatoris

notalerttothepresenceofchildren.Children are oftenattracted to the machineand the

mowingactivity.Never assume that children

will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

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

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the mower.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE Use extreme care in handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely flammable 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 contain- er where there is an open flame, spark

or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

• Never fill 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, engi- neered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and

the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at- tempt 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. 3

away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equip- ment 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 overfill 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. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation 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 attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which

could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.Frequentlycheckcomponents

and replace with manufacturer's recom- mended parts, when necessary.

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

• Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc- tion labels, as necessary.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

• Remove all loose parts from carton.

• Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN

MOWER

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 dis-

charge mower. Only rear discharge lawn

mowers have a grass catcher included with

the mower. Approved grass catchers for

side discharge mowers may be purchased

from your nearest authorized 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 manual, it means when you are in the operating position (standing behind 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 manu- facturer and type or brand name of the engine.

BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES

CLASSI C__r_

sTr-TroO

LEFT

HAND

SIDE

BACK or REAR

(Operating Position)

_:;_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 Prod-

ucts Safety Commission. ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

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

RIGHT

HAND

SIDE

QUAnTum°

TECUMSEH HONDA

ENGINES ENGINES

HONDA

"llEOIIMS_

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables. 2 POSITION/"ADJUSTABLE" HANDLES

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

Operator MOWING presence POSITION

controlbar _,/

UP handle

Upper

Handle

knob

Lower handle

ALL HANDLES

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

• Remove handle padding holding opera- tor presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be ad-

justed 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 .J'_ Bolt

J Handle

adjustment

bracket

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

Handle

adj

bracket

INSTALL REAR WHEELS (HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY) Some high wheel models require washers

which will be provided in a parts bag. If provid- ed, install washers on the axle first as shown.

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

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

• Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.

Wheel Axle assembly

Wave

Washers

Flanged

Iocknut

ASSEMBLE 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 illustra- tions that follow. Determine which type of grass catcher you have and follow the appropriate instructions.

"FABRICTOP" GRASSCATCHERS

TOASSEMBLEANDATTACHGRASS

CATCHER

• Putgrasscatcherframe intograssbag with rigidpart ofbagon the bottom•

• Slipvinylbindingsoverframe•

NOTE: Ifvinylbindingsaretoo stiff,hold

themin warmwaterfora fewminutes•If

baggetswet, letitdry beforeusing•

• Liftthe reardooronthe mowerhousing•

• ForHINGEBRACKETmountedcatcher, placethe grasscatcherframeontothe

formedtabs on the reardoor hinge bracket•

• ForHANDLEBRACKETmounted catcher,placeframesidehooksinto

slotsin handlebrackets•

• ForDOORPIVOTPINmountedcatcher, placethe grasscatcherframehooks

ontothedoorpivotpins.

• ForDOORSLOTmountedcatcher, placethe grasscatcherframehooksinto

theslots of the reardoor.

NOTE:The grasscatcherissecuredtothe lawnmowerhousingwhenthe reardooris

loweredontothe grasscatcherframe•

HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED

Rear door

Hinge bracket

Grass

catcher

frame

Formed tabs

HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED

Handle bracket hooks Rear Grass

\ _---. door catcher

handle

Vinyl Frame

bindings opening

ACAUTION: Under normal usage, the catcher material is subject to deterioration

and wear and should, therefore, be

checked frequently for replacement• Any

replacement catcher should be checked to

ensure compliance with original manufac- turer's specifications•

ACAUTION: Do not run lawn mower without the discharge guard (rear door),

approved grass catcher, clipping deflector or mulcher plate in place• Never attempt

to operate mower with the discharge guard

(rear door) removed or propped open.

_L_ Frame

handle

Catcher frame side hook

DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED

Pivot pins Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

DOOR SLOT MOUNTED

Rear door slots

Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

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.

ACAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental

starting when transporting or storing your lawn mower after the season.

HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH

Engine Harness connector connector

(male) ale)

Boot

TO PREPARE 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:

• Connect battery charger connector (male) to harness connector (female).

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

• Disconnect engine connector (male) from battery connector (female).

• Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery connector (female).

ALL UNITS:

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

• Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for the

first time.

UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH ONLY:

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

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

your battery.

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

• After charging, connect engine connector (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for

partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.

Charger

connector (male)

DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY

Engine

connector

(Male)

Battery

let

charger

./ connector

Battery connector (Female) (Male)

TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH

Charger connector Battery connector

(female)

Engine

7connector (male) Battery charger

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 adjustments 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 controlled by the throttle

control located on the upper handle.

• Move lever forward to FAST engine speed for starting 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.

FAST

I'.,I

CHOKE (START)

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

optimum performance. Engine speed is not adjustable.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most lawns. Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut.

MODELS WITH MANUAL ADJUST BOLT-ON WHEELS

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

Remote

throttle

control

• 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 require- ments. Medium position is best for most

lawns.

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

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-

position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

Plate tab

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