Poulan 404973 User Manual
IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away
03090
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
WARNING:
MODEL:
Read this Man u al and follow all Warnings and
Safety Instructions. Fail ure to do so can re sult
in serious in ju ry.
PBGT26H54
LAWN TRACTOR
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION
Visit our website: www.poulan-pro.com
404973 Rev.1 03.16.06 VB
Printed in U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up,
trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, al ways 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 low est 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 con stit u ents, and cer tain 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 de fects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine 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 unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• 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.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• 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.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related ac ces so ries
contain lead and lead compounds, 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. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
• 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 blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. 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 back ing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other at tach ments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.
2
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator 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 in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, 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 approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open fl ame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
• Never fi ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when 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.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working 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 and remove any fuelsoaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
run ning.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Al ways look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
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.
3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity 4 Gallons
and type: Unleaded Regular
Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: W/ Filter: 4.0 Pints
W/O Filter: 3.75 Pints
Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC
(Gap: .040")
Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 0 – 5.8
Reverse: 0 – 2.1
Charging System: 16 AMPS @ 3600 RPM
Battery: AMP/HR: 35
MIN. CCA: 280
Case Size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55FT. LBS.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized servicecenter/
de part ment We have competent, well-trained tech ni cians
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 prop erly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor age” sec tions of this own er’s manual.
WARNING: This tractor 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 en gine’s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting ap pli ca ble 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/depar tment (See RE PA I R
PARTS section of this manual).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES .........................................................2-3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES................................. 4
ASSEMBLY .................................................................6-9
OPERATION ...........................................................10-16
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 17
MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 17-20
SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................21-25
STORAGE .................................................................... 26
TROU BLE SHOOT ING ............................................27-28
WARRANTY................................................................. 30
4
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
(2) Rear Lift Link
Assemblies
(5) Large Retainer
Springs - 7/16
(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use
Mower
(1) Front Link
Assembly
(1) Smaller Retainer
Springs - 5/16
(5) 1-3/16 O.D. Washers
Slope Sheet
(1) Wheel
(1) Shoulder Bolt
Mower Front Wheel
(1) 1-1/4 O.D. Washer
(1) Locknut
3/8-16
Keys
(2) Keys
5
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard
wrench sizes are listed.
(1) 3/4" wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) 9/16" wrench (1) Pliers
(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 operating po si tion (seated be hind the steer ing wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton .
• Cut along dashed lines on all four panels of carton.
Remove end panels and lay side panels fl at.
• Remove mower and packing materials.
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
A
FIG. 2
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.
Follow the ap pro pri ate instruction below to remove the
tractor from the skid.
WARNING: Before start ing, read, un der stand and fol low
all in struc tions in the Op er a tion section of this man u al. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in
front of tractor is clear of other peo ple and objects.
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)
• Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year
indicated on label (L) (label is 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).
L
02931
FIG. 1
ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 2)
• Sit in seat.
• Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
• Release lever to lock seat in position.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and function of
con trols)
• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest po si tion.
• Release parking brake by de press ing brake ped al.
• Place freewheel control in dis en gaged po si tion to dis en gage trans mis sion (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the
Op er a tion section of this manual).
• Roll tractor forward off skid.
TO DRIVE TRAC TOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and function of
con trols)
• Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed.
• Check engine oil level and fi ll fuel tank with gasoline.
• Place freewheel control in "trans mis sion engaged"
position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in Operation section
of this manual).
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal
and set the parking brake.
• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.
• Remove key from bag and start the engine (see "TO
START" in the Operation section of this manual). After
engine has started, move throttle control to idle (slow)
position.
• Release parking brake.
• Slowly depress forward drive pedal and drive tractor
off skid.
• Apply brake to stop tractor and set park ing brake.
• Turn ignition key to "STOP" position.
Continue with the in struc tions that follow.
6
ASSEMBLY
02051
ASSEMBLE FRONT WHEEL TO
MOWER (See Fig. 3)
• Using shoulder bolt, washer and locknut from parts
bag, as sem ble front wheel to mower as shown. Tighten
securely.
A
FIG. 5
FIG. 3
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
(See Figs. 4-10)
See MOWER AND DRIVE BELT ASSEMBLY Supplement
Sheet for additional guidance on this assembly.
Be sure tractor is on level surface and engage park ing
brake.
• Lower attachment lift lever to it's lowest position.
CAUTION: Lift lever is spring loaded. Have
a tight grip on lift lever, lower it slowly and
engage in lowest position.
• Turn steering wheel to the left as far as it will go and
position mower on right side of tractor with defl ector
shield to the right.
NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension arms (A) are pointing forward before sliding mower under tractor.
• Slide mower under tractor until it is centered under
tractor.
• ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO
CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside
of tractor chassis and secure with washer and retainer
spring.
• Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
A
B
FIG. 6
02965
FIG. 4
• Remove plastic tie securing belt, bring belt forward
and check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley
grooves.
7
ASSEMBLY
• ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS (C) - Insert rod end of lift
link assembly into hole in tractor lift shaft suspension
arm (L) and pivot link down to mower. Lift rear corner
of mower and position slot in link assembly over pin on
rear mower bracket (D) and secure with washer and
retainer spring.
• Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
L
C
D
FIG. 7
• Turn steering wheel to position wheels straight forward.
• ATTACH FRONT LINK (E) - Work from left side of
tractor. Insert rod end of link assembly through front
hole in tractor front suspension bracket (F) and secure
with7/16 retainer spring (G) through hole in link located
behind the bracket.
• Insert other end of link (E) into hole in front mower
bracket (H) and secure with washer and 5/16 retainer
spring (J).
5/16
E
F
G
7/16
H
J
FIG. 8
• Disengage belt tension rod (K) from locking bracket
(L).
• Install belt onto engine clutch pulley (M).
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower
pulley grooves.
L
K
C
D
B
M
A
F
E
H
FIG. 9
8
ASSEMBLY
M
FIG. 10
• Engage belt tension rod (K) on locking bracket (L).
CAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring
loaded. Have a tight grip on rod and engage slowly.
• Raise attachment lift lever to highest position.
• If necessary, adjust gauge wheels before op er at ing
mower as shown in the Operation section of this
manual.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinfl ated at the factory
for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important
for best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.
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 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
cor rect ly.
✓CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, 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 com plet ed.
✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged.
✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
✓ All tires are properly infl ated. (For shipping 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 connections are still secure
and wires are properly clamped.
✓ Before driving tractor, be sure free wheel control is in
“transmission engaged” position (see “TO TRANS PORT” in the Operation section of this man u al).
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, 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.
✓ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-
eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the
Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).
✓ It is important to purge the transmission before op er -
at ing your tractor for the fi rst time. Follow proper starting and transmission purging instructions (See “TO
START EN GINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION” in
the Op er a tion section of this manual).
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is operating properly. See “TO CHECK BRAKE”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
9
OPERATION
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
REVERSE
ENGINE OFF
LIGHTS ON
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED
FREE WHEEL
(Automatic Models only)
NEUTRAL
REVERSE
OPERATION
SYSTEM (ROS)
FUEL
HIGH
ENGINE ON
BATTERY
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH ENGAGED
REVERSE
LOW
ENGINE START
DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
CHOKE
PARKING BRAKE
FORWARD
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
MOWER HEIGHT
CRUISE CONTROL
KEEP AREA CLEAR
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
SLOW
15
SLOPE HAZARDS
IGNITION SWITCH
MOWER LIFT
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL
15
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.
10
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