Poulan 954 14 00-50, C38D, 140603 User Manual

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OWNER’S MAN U AL
Model No. C38D
Product No. 954 14 00-50

38 Inch Mower
Grass Catcher

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Re spon si bil i ties

• Repair Parts

140603 Rev. 6 8.19.03 rad

Printed in U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

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

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

I. GENERAL OPERATION

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

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

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

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

• Never carry passengers.

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

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

• Slow down before turning.

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

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.

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

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.

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

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

II. SLOPE OPERATION

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

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

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

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

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

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

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

• Keep all movement on the slopes
make sudden changes in speed or direction.

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

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

slow

and

gradual

straight

. Do not

down the

DO NOT:

•

Do not

turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly

and gradually 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 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 under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.

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

• Before and when backing, look behind and
children.

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

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

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

down

for small

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 operation
regularly.

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

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

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.

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

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

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

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

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

• Never carry passengers or children even with the blades
off.

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

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

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

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

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.

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

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn
the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

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

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

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift
into reverse and back down slowly.

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

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

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

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of
the ma nu fac tu rer of your tractor.
Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible
speed when on a slope. Too heavy
of a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.

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

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Grass Catcher. 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 au tho rized service center/

department. They have com pe tent, well trained tech ni cians and the prop er tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The in struc tions will enable you to assemble and main tain your Grass Catch er properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

BAG OF PARTS ..........................................................4-5

ASSEMBLY.................................................................... 6

OPERATION ................................................................ 11

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES............................... 12

STORAGE .................................................................... 12

PREPARATION .......................................................13-14

REPAIR PARTS...................................Center of Manual

3

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS CATCH ER.
Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly. Study
the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass Catcher and to
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields be fore starting your trac tor and
while mow ing. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spec tacles or stan dard safety
glasses.

00155

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Fold fl aps to inside of carton and tur n carton upsidedown
on fl oor of work area. To protect grass catcher cover
during assembly place cover upsidedown on overturned
carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts
are there.

NOTE: For ease of assembly, aside of your work area, lay out all hardware in the following groups. Each step of the as­sembly instructions will identify the group needed for that step.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Post

(1) Mounting Bracket
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Cover Seal
(1) Bag of Parts
(1) Owner's Manual

BAG OF PARTS CONTENTS

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

GROUP "A"

MOWER

DECK

BAFFLE

HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

REAR

MOUNTING

BRACKET

TO

DRAW BAR

SUPPORT

POST

TO

CONTAINER

SUPPORT

GROUP "B"

(4) Shoulder Bolt - Self Tapping

GROUP "C"

(3) Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 3/4

(1) Locknut 3/8-16(1) Bolt 3/8-16 x 1-1/4

(4) Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 3/4

(3) Locknut 5/16-18

(4) Locknut 5/16-18

4

BAG OF PARTS CONTENTS (continued)

GROUP "F"

GROUP "E"

(1) Screw #10 x 1-1/8

(2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga. (1) Nut, Acorn #10

(1) Spacer, Split #10

(1) Rubber Latch

GROUP "G"

(1) Nut, Weld #10

(1) Washer, Lock #10

(1) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.

(1) Screw #10 x 5/8

(1) Wing Nut

(1) Washer 13/32 x 1 x 16 Ga.

SUPPORT

POST

TO

MOUNTING

BRACKET

GROUP "D"

(1) Bracket Support Pin

(1) Retainer Spring

(3) Tubing End Caps

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

LOWER

CHUTE

TO

MOWER

DECK

CHUTE

LATCH

TO
UPPER
CHUTE

CHUTE

LATCH

ASSEMBLY

TO

LOWER

CHUTE

5

ASSEMBLY

BEFORE YOU START TO ASSEMBLE THE GRASS CATCHER

Some tractor models may need minor modifi cations before you can mount the grass catcher to the tractor. Look care­fully at the mower deck on your tractor and compare the deck mandrel to the illustrations below. If your mower deck
mandrel looks like STYLE "A", your tractor is ready - proceed with the grass catcher assembly. If your mower deck

mandrel looks like STYLE "B", go to the PREPARATION section in this manual.

DECK MANDREL

STYLE "A"

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

02

GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS

341

DECK MANDREL

STYLE "B"

COVER

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LOWER CHUTE

UPPER CHUTE

DUMP
BAG
INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

LOWER CHUTE
ATTAC HI NG
WING NUT

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the

tractor, in the operator's position.

THESE ARE THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO
ASSEMBLE YOUR GRASS CATCHER:

(1) 3/8" Wrench
(1) 1/2" Wrench
(2) 9/16" Wrenches
(1) 1/2" Socket

(1) Drive Ratchet
(1) 3" or longer Extension
(1) Short Handle
Phillips Screwdriver

(1) 9/16" Deep well Socket

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

• Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.

• Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

• Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

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

6

02085

02335

MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1)

02

3

3

6

1

1. Raise your tractor mower deck to its highest position.

2. Install the hex bolt, and locknut through mower deck

LOCKNUT

Use Hardware - - GROUP "A"

baffl e and tighten securely.

MOWER DECK BAFFLE

FIG. 1

HEX BOLT

02342

REAR MOUNTING BRACKET

2

(See Figs. 2A, 2B & 2C)

NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts

installed on the rear draw bar, simply hang the mounting
bracket, lanced tabs towards bottom, on the bolts. Discard
hardware group "B" and disregard the remaining Step 2
instructions.

UPPER CORNER

UPPER CORNER
RIBS

SELF
TAPPING
SHOULDER
BOLTS

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

RIBS

FIG. 2B

BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS (See Fig. 2C)

IMPORTANT: ON TRACTORS WITH FUEL TANK UNDER THE

SEAT, THE DRAWBAR MUST BE REMOVED FOR INSTALLATION
OF MOUNTING BRACKET. TO REMOVE DRAWBAR, REMOVE
TWO HEX BOLTS ON BOTH SIDES OF DRAWBAR.

1. Assemble the mounting bracket, lanced tabs towards
bottom, using the four smaller inside holes on the
drawbar.

NOTE: If your tractor drawbar does not have the four correct
holes for mounting the bracket, refer to the PREP A RA TION
sec tion of this man u al.

2. Install the four bolts and locknuts as shown and tighten
securely.

3. If drawbar was removed from tractor, reassemble to
tractor at this time. Tighten securely.

SHOULDER
BOLTS

7

3
3
2

0

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2A

If your tractor does not have four (4) shoulder bolts installed
on the drawbar, follow the instructions below.

Use Hardware - - GROUP "B"

Only one set of hardware in GROUP "B" will be used to
mount the rear mounting bracket. To determine which set
is correct for your tractor, check to see if there are (2) two
upper corner ribs on each side of drawbar. If your tractor
has the upper corner ribs, use the (4) four self tapping
shoulder bolts. If your tractor does not have the corner ribs,
use the set of (4) four bolts and locknuts.

SELF TAPPING SHOULDER BOLTS (See Fig. 2B)

1. Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, install the
four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely.

2. Hang the mounting bracket, lanced tabs towards bottom,
on the bolts.

BOLTS

LOCKNUTS

DRAWBAR
MOUNTING
BOLTS
(BOTH SIDES)

LANCED TABS TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2C

COVER SEAL (See Fig. 3)

3

No hardware required

1. Align mark on seal with mark at cover opening.

2. Work seal into opening so cover sits between fl anges
of seal.

ALIGNMENT
MARKS

FIG. 3

COVER SEAL

7