IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away 5000 OPERATOR'S MANUAL MODEL: PO17542LT WARNING: Read this Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. LAWN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.poulan.com "This machine is approved by the EPA for E10 (10% ethanol) and lower fuel only. Do not use any fuel >E10 in this machine." 440606 11.18.10 SR Printed in the U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES 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 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.
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 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.50 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F/0°C) Oil Capacity: 48 oz. Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft Steering Boot Seat (1) Washer (1) Knob (1) Seat (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys 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. INSTALL STEERING WHEEL TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY • Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard straight forward.
ASSEMBLY • • • • • • CHECK DECK LEVELNESS Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely. Assemble adjustment knob 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 all the way down. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ROS "ON" POSITION IGNITION SWITCH LIFT LEVER PLUNGER LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT INDICATOR CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL PARKING BRAKE GEAR SHIFT LEVER 02829 Fig.
OPERATION 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 while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD). HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig.
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ENGAGED" POSITION Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION LOW POSITION WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 4) BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place gear shift lever in neutral position. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position. • Move throttle control to choke position.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS • • • • • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BEFORE EACH USE EVERY 8 HOURS EVERY 25 HOURS EVERY 50 HOURS EVERY 100 HOURS EVERY SEASON BEFORE STORAGE Check Brake Operation T R A C T 0 R Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) E N G I N E 1,2 Change
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. Always observe safety rules when per form ing any maintenance. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your tractor. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your tractor is hazardous, could damage your tractor and void your warranty.
MAINTENANCE V-BELTS TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 12) Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification C. • Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container. • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.
MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR SCREEN IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 14) Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. • Make sure the blades 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. TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Check adjustment on right side of tractor. Measure distance “D” directly in front and behind the mandrel at bottom edge of mower housing as shown. • Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To lower front of mower loosen nut “E” on both front links an equal number of turns.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 20) TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 21) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position. • Roll belt off engine pulley. • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 22) The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: • Make sure transaxle is in neutral. NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel. • Position the gear shift lever in the neutral position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 25) TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. WARNING: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from ac ci den tal grounding.
STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. CORRECTION Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2. Bent blade mandrel. 3. Loose/damaged part(s). 1. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. 2. Replace blade mandrel. 3. Tighten loose part(s). Replace damaged parts. Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department.
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION FOL DA L O NG D THIS O I T S T A E D LIN 1 5 DEG E RE E S LOP E ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
LIMITED WARRANTY The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions. 1.
