Poulan BB185H42LT User Manual
IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away
02478
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.
BB185H42LT
LAWN TRACTOR
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION
Visit our website: www.poulan-pro.com
194992 10.26.04 RD
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 THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
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.
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 are.
• 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 2.0 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: 3.5 Pints
W/O Filter:3.0 Pints
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 5.5
Reverse: 2.4
Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI
Rear: 10 PSI
Charging System: 3 Amps Battery
5 Amps Headlights
Battery: AMP/HR: 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R
Blade Torque: 27-35 FT. 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 service center/
department. We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians
and the proper tools to ser vice 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 “Maintenace” 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 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.
A spark arrester for the muffl er is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES................................. 4
ASSEMBLY .................................................................6-8
OPERATION .............................................................9-14
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15
MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 15-18
SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................ 19-23
STORAGE .................................................................... 24
TROU BLE SHOOT ING ............................................ 25-26
WARRANTY................................................................. 27
4
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
(1) Large Flat
Washer
Steering Wheel
Steering
Boot
Steering
Wheel
Adapter
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Steering
Wheel
Insert
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Knob
Key
(2) Keys
(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4
(1) Oil Drain Tube
Slope Sheet
(1) 5/16
Lock Washer
5
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard
wrench sizes are listed.
(1) 3/4" wrench Pliers
(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
Utility knife
When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means
when you are in the operating po si tion (seated be hind the
steer ing wheel).
INSERT
5/16 HEX BOLT
5/16 LOCK WASHER
LARGE FLAT
WASHER
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CAR TON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton.
• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton.
Remove end panels and lay side panels fl at.
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT
• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.
• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.
• Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel
and slide adapter onto steer ing shaft ex ten sion.
• Position steering wheel so cross bars are hor i zon tal
(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapt er.
• Assemble large fl at washer, 5/16 lock washer, 5/16 hex
bolt and tighten se cure ly.
• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steer ing
wheel.
• 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.
STEERING
WHEEL
ADAPTER
LOWER
STEERING
SHAFT
STEERING
BOOT
TABS
EXTENSION
SHAFT
02823
TAB
SLOTS
FIG. 1
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 2)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
• Remove adjustment knob and fl at washer securing
seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly
of seat to tractor.
• Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.
• Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is
positioned over large slotted hole in pan.
• Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and
pull seat towards rear of tractor.
• Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment
knob and fl at washer loosely. Do not tighten.
• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached
which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the
way down.
• Get off seat without moving its ad just ed position.
• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
6
ASSEMBLY
SEAT
SEAT PAN
FLAT WASHER
02464
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 2
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 3)
• Lift seat pan to raised position.
• 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).
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
LABEL
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
.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and function of
con trols)
• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever
to its highest po si tion.
• Release parking brake by de press ing clutch/brake
ped al.
• Place freewheel control in "trans mis sion dis en gaged
position" (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the Op er a tion
section of this manual).
• Roll tractor forward off skid.
• Remove banding holding the defl ector shield up against
tractor.
TO DRIVE TRAC TOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and function of
con trols)
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.
• 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 en gaged"
po si tion (see "TO TRANSPORT" in Op er a tion section
of this manual).
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set the parking brake.
• Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever
to its highest position.
• Star t the engine. After engine has star ted, move throttle
control to idle position.
• Release parking brake.
• Slowly move the mo tion control lever for ward and slowly
drive tractor off skid.
• Apply brake to stop trac tor, set park ing brake and place
motion con trol lever in neutral po si tion.
• Turn ignition key to "STOP" position.
Continue with the in struc tions that follow.
FIG. 3
7
ASSEMBLY
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 in “PRODUCT
SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this manual.
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
correctly.
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 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. (Minimum
1 hour at 6 amps).
✓ 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).
8
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 DISENGAGED
FREE WHEEL
(Automatic Models only)
NEUTRAL
REVERSE
OPERATION
SYSTEM (ROS)
FUEL
HIGH
ENGINE ON
OIL PRESSURE
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH ENGAGED
LIGHTS 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
P
FORWARD
KEEP AREA CLEAR
SLOW
PARKING BRAKE
LOCKED
MOWER HEIGHT
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
IGNITION SWITCH
PARKING BRAKE
UNLOCKED
MOWER LIFT
15
SLOPE HAZARDS
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.
9
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