Poulan PXT16542 (96016001900), 96016001900 Owner’s Manual

iMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

EL:

Read this Manual and follow all Warnings

and Safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

PXT16542

LAWN TRACTOR

ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.poulan-pro.com

50OO

_, WARNING:

424008 10.27.08 SBW Printed in the U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

DANGER: 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.

WARNING: in orderto 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.

WARNING: Do not coast down ahill in neu-tral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow onlythe attachments that

are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your

tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only atthe 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.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of itsconstituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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.

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 orunder

the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

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

* Cleartheareaofobjectssuchas rocks,toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked upand thrown bythe 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 backing.

. 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.

* Do not operate machine without the entire grass

catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

SAFETY RULES

* 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 artificial

light. Do not operate the machine while under the

influence 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.

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 themselves 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 allowthe mower deckto plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.

Cieananyoilorfuelspillagebeforeoperatingorstoring the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

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 attachments; 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 notmownear drop=offs, ditches, or embankments.

The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is

over the edge or if the edge caves in.

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

ill. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted

to the machine 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 ex=

treme 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 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 flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances.

Never fill 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 filling. 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 aportable 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 ira=

mediately. Never overfill fueltank. Replace gas cap andtighten

securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

Never operate machine in a closed area. Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equip= ment 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. Cleanoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel= soaked debris. Allow machineto 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 running.

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 op= erating. 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. 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.

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.50 GALLONS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API: SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OiL CAPACITY: 48 Oz.

SPARK PLUG: Champion RC12YC

(GAP: .030")

GROUND SPEED (MPH): Forward: 1st 1.0

2nd 1.4 3rd 2.1 4th 3.1 5th 4.0 6th 5.1

Reverse: 1.6

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/H R: 28

MIN. CCA: 230 CASE SIZE: U1R

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 45-55 FT. LBS.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.

Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured 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 competent, well-trained technF

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 properly. 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" sections of this owner's manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com- bustion engine and should not be used on or near any un-

improved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system isequipped with

a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, itshould be maintained

in effective working order by the operator. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your

nearest authorized service center/department (See REPAIR

PARTS section of this manual). 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

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

OPERATION ............................................................. 8=12

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 13

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 13=15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 16=19

STORAGE ....................................................................20

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 21=22

WARRANTY ................................................................. 24

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Steering

/ \

I \

\ I

\ /

Steering

Wheel Insert

(1) Bolt

Steering Wheel

L i

i J

Steering Wheel

Adapter

f -- ... Steering

/" _ Extension

k.... j Shaft

I -" I

I I

I I Steering

,_ _ .I / Boot

Seat

(1) Lock Washer (1) Large Flat Washer

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) Lock Washer

(1) Seat

(1) Bolt

Keys Slope Sheet

(1) Oil Drain Tube

For Future Use

Key(s)

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. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench Utility knife (2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers (1) 9/16" wrench

When right or left hand ismentioned inthis manual, itmeans when you are in the operating position (seated behind the

steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

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 flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove.

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 2)

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 steering shaft extension.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal

(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.

• Assemble large flat washer, lock washer, hex bolt and tighten securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert intocenter ofsteeringwheel.

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.

iMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKIDTHAT MAYPUNCTURETIRESWHERETRACTOR ISTO ROLL OFF SKID.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift seat to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and

year indicated on label (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).

• For battery and battery cable installation see "RE- PLACING BATTERY"in the "Service and Adjustments"

section in this manual.

SEAT

Fig. 1

LABEL

! i '_INSERT

'-i_BOLT

i LOCK

WASHER

LARGE FLAT

WASHER

/ STEERING

BOOT

ADAPTER

LOWER i STEERING _o SHAFT

_------_ EXTENSION

SHAFT_ __ _- 71

\ / /_,b

II #,,! " _'-_ _ _

i _. i /1

£ ii /

Fig. 2

ASSEMBLY

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.

• Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

• Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack- ing. 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 bolt, Iockwasher and flat 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 allthe way down.

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.

SEAT SHOULDER

SEAT

PAN, _

FLAT

LOCK

ADJUSTMEN]

BOLT

Fig. 3

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

,_,WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow

all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in

front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKiD (See Operation section for location and function of controls)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Release parking brake bydepressing clutch/brake pedal.

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against tractor.

Continue with the instructionsthat follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated 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 HOUSI NG" inthe Service

and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts inthe Service andAdjustments sec-

tion ofthis 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 operating properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

J'CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THATYOU RECEIVETHE BEST PER-

FORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

¢" All assembly instructions have been completed. v" No remaining loose parts in carton.

v" Battery is properly prepared and charged. ¢" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. v" All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

¢" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated 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.

WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USEYOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

v" Engine oil is at proper level. ¢" Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

v" 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).

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

REVERSE NEUTRAL HiGH

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON

LIGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

ATTACHM ENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEETAWAY

L I",1

LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW

IGNITION SWITCH

G ® d?

ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED UNLOCKED

REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT

BRAKE/CLUTCH

PEDAL

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, wili 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.

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

MOWER LiFT

Failure to follow instructions

could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol

is used to identify safety inform- ation 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.

+ 16 hidden pages