IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away OPERATOR'S MANUAL MODEL: PD15538LT _l_ 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 194598 Rev. 1 12.13.04 TR Printed in U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES Practices for Ride-On Safe Operation 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. • 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 Practices for Ride-On Safe Operation II1.CHILDREN 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Champion RC12YC Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 1st 2rid 3rd 4th 5th Reverse: 1.1 1.2 3.3 4.4 4.9 1.4 Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: 14 PSI 12 PSI Charging System: 3 Amps Battery 5 Amps Headlights Battery: AMP/HR: Min. CCA: Case Size: Blade Torque: 27-35 FT. LBS.
CONTENTS Steering OF HARDWARE PACK Wheel Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge teering Boot m (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Wheel Insert I I (1) Bolt m Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Extension Shaft 1 Key (2) Keys Slope Sheet (1) 5/16_ Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 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. Standard wrench sizes are listed. _--_:.,_,-.
ASSEMBLY SEAT NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. SHOULDER BOLT TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) • • SEAT PA_ • • • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Roll tractor forward off skid.
ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ,/CHECKL IS T 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 in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THATYOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROMTHIS QUALITY PRODUCT. CHECK ,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. ing.
OPERATION KNOW YOU R 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 "ON" IGNITION SWITCH POSITION LIFT LEVER PLUNGER ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER THROTTLE/CHOKE o o CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT INDICATOR PAR KING BRAKE GEAR SHIFT LEVER 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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause "browning" of grass.
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ENGAGED" 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. POSITION LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION _I, WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK 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 (N) position. • Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position. • Move throttle control to choke (1"-,I)position.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS • • • • 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 machine. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE REGULAR SERVICE DATES Check Brake Check Tire Pressure Operation Check Operator Presence and T ROSSystems R Check A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Check V-Belts Check Engine for Loose Change Fasteners Mower Blades Chart Cooling Oil Level I_ Engine Oil (with oil filter) Engine Oil (without if E Change N Clean Air Filter Ill2 G Clean Air Screen t1_2 NI Inspect E Replace Cl
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. BRAKE OPERATION 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 checked and adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). approved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
MAINTENANCE • Slide blade on to an unth readed portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced. SAEVISCOSITY GRADES ,_ F -20 c -_o CENTER HOLE 0 30 -20 TEMPERATURE -1; RANGE 32 40 60 ; ANTICIPATED 1; BEFORE 80 _o NEXT 100 1o oilviscchart NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.
MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR SCREEN IN-LINE 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. AIR FILTER • Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS _ MENTS: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE ANY SERVICE OR ADJUST• ARNING: Depress TO clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking PERFORMING brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) 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.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 14 and 15) • Raise mower to its highest position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE (See Fig. 20) MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). MANDREL NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. • Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. • Remove belt downward from around engine pulley.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRALADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 21) RETAINING RING The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: WASHERS AXLE • Make sure transaxle is in neutral (N). NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY TO REPLACE (See Figs. 24 and 25' 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 accidental grounding. • • • • • FUSE TO REMOVE HOOD (See Fig.
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:ITIS IMPORTANTTOPREVENTGUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIALFUEL SYSTEM PARTSSUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOLOR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACTMOISTUREWHICH LEADSTOSEPARATIONAND FORMATIONOFACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE Hard to start CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Engine not "CHOKED" Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. POINTS properly. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE Engine dies when tractor is shifted POINTS CORRECTION Reverse operation system 1. (ROS) is not "ON" while mower or other attachment is engaged. into reverse Turn ignition key to ROS "ON" position. See Operation section. 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.
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.
ERVICE POLICY TECUMSE_ WARRANTY Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 LIMITED WARRANTIES FOR NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS A.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ,s,s -. ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN NOT ACROSS HILL IO _D 15 DEGREES _b HILL, MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and 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.
PARTS AND SERVICE This product has been expertly engineered and carefully manufactured to rigid quality standards. As with all mechanical products, some adjustments or part replacement may be necessary during the life of your unit. For Parts and service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 • For replacement parts, have available the following information: a. Model Number/Manufacturer's b. Description of part. I.D.
