IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away 03032 OPERATOR'S MANUAL WARNING: MODEL: PBGT26H54 Read this Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. GARDEN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.poulan-pro.com 436155 Rev. 1 06.21.10 JA 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 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline Capacity and type: 4 Gallons Unleaded Regular • • Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) • Oil Capacity: W/ Filter: W/O Filter: Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC (Gap: .040") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: 16 AMPS @ 3600 RPM Battery: Case Size: AMP/HR: MIN. CCA: U1R Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS. 64 oz 60 oz Read and observe the safety rules.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Mower Mower Front Wheel (2) Rear Lift Link Assemblies (5) 1-3/16 O.D. Washers (1) Shoulder Bolt (1) 1-1/4 O.D. Washer (1) Small Retainer Springs (1) Front Lift Link Assembly (1) Wheel (5) Large Retainer Springs (1) Oil Drain Tube If Equipped (1) Anti-Sway Bar Keys (1) 3/4 O.D.
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 ensure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 2) A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY 4. SLIDE MOWER UNDER TRACTOR (See Fig. 8) • Bring belt forward and check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. 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. LIFT LEVER Fig. 4 2. ASSEMBLE FRONT GAUGE WHEEL (W) TO FRONT OF MOWER (See Fig. 5) H H. FRONT MOWER BRACKET W. FRONT GAUGE WHEEL X. SHOULDER BOLT Y. 1-1/4 O.D. WASHER Z. 3/8-16 LOCKNUT W X Z Q Y A.
ASSEMBLY ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) LOCATION 7. ATTACH REAR LIFT LINKS (C) (See Fig. 13) • Insert rod end of rear lift link (C) into hole (U) in tractor lift shaft suspension arm 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 large washer and large retainer spring. • Repeat on opposite side of tractor. TRANSAXLE BRACKET (T) LOCATED BETWEEN REAR TIRES E TO HOL END IN ° 0 9 E PL AC U C C. REAR LIFT LINK(S) D.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST 9 INSTALL BELT ON ENGINE CLUTCH PULLEY (M) (See Fig. 7 & 15) • Disengage belt tension rod (K) from locking bracket (L). • Install belt onto engine clutch pulley (M). BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: M ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ M.ENGINE CLUTCH PULLEY Fig. 15 ✓ IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves and under mandrel covers.
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. P E H G D C N B F A J M Fig. 16 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE AND GO DEAD. TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig.
OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 21) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.
OPERATION USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (See Fig. 24) Only use if you are certain no children or other bystanders will enter the mowing area. • Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. • With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise to ROS "ON" position. • Look down and behind before and while backing. • Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) position to start movement. • When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position.
OPERATION • Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly return to operating position. • Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up period. • The attachments can be used during the engine warmup period after the transmission has been warmed up and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.
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 Clean Debris Off Steering Plate Check Transaxle Cooling 5 Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with o
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 OIL DRAIN VALVE 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. CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling. Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot.
MAINTENANCE DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 32) IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 30) Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach. IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove bagger chute or mulch cover if attached. 2.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control 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 • If adjustment is necessary, see steps in Visual Adjustment instructions above. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 37 & 38) IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower blades should be adjusted so the front tip is 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear tip when the mower is in its highest position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 39) TO CHECK BRAKE If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be serviced. You may also check brake by: 1. Park tractor on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, depress brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. 2. Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in “transmission disengaged” position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. • RED cable last from both batteries. Your new tractor front wheel toe-in and camber is set at the factory and is normal. The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable. If damage has occurred to affect the factory set front wheel toe-in or camber, contact a qualified service center. TO REMOVE WHEEL (See Fig. 41) • • Block up axle securely.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • • • • Raise hood. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. Close hood. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. If adjustment is necessary, see engine manual.
STORAGE 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. ENGINE 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 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 PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 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. Poor cut - uneven 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
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.