IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away 02478 OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL: WARNING: Read this Owner's Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. PDC18H42STA LAWN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION 186274 12.05.02 RH 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 THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT: • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
SAFETY RULES SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON 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. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has 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 technicians 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.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Seat Steering Wheel (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Wheel Insert (1) Knob Gauge Wheel (4) Adjusting Bar Steering Extension Shaft (4) Wheels Steering Sleeve (4) Locknut 3/8-16 (4) Clevis Pins (4) Retainer Springs (double loop) (1) Large Flat Washer (4) Washers 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga.
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 INSERT A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY • • • • Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely. SEAT TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) 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. • Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed.
ASSEMBLY IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE MULCHER PLATE WAS PREATTACHED TO YOUR MOWER.THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON. • 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. YOUR MOWER CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES, WHICH ARE THE BEST BLADES FOR BAGGING AND DISCHARGING.
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. AMMETER ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT SWITCH POSITION LIFT LEVER PLUNGER THROTTLE/ CHOKE CONTROL ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/ BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB PARKING BRAKE MOTION CONTROL LEVER FREE WHEEL CONTROL 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 BRAKE (See Fig. 6) IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
OPERATION • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height. "ENGAGED" POSITION ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 7) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position.
OPERATION Transmission Engaged CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
OPERATION • The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up. NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
OPERATION MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN AFTER EACH USE. • • • MAX 1/3 The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE E E S S RS S AG US UR OUR OU SON OR H UR O H C T O H H A 0 S EA 8H SE RE 25 50 10 Y Y Y Y Y RE O R R R R R O F E E E E E F BE SERVICE EV EV EV EV EV BE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R A C T 0 R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners 5 Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Bel
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR MANDREL ASSEMBLY TRAILING EDGE UP BLADE Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. CENTER HOLE BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). FLAT WASHER LOCK WASHER STAR TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
MAINTENANCE Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS MUFFLER To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control 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 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. 19 and 20) • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 23) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION • Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE PULLEY NEUTRAL LOCK GATE MOTION CONTROL LEVER CLUTCHING IDLER STATIONARY IDLER ADJUSTMENT BOLT FIG. 26 TRANSMISSION INPUT PULLEY TO AD JUST STEER ING WHEEL ALIGNMENT CENTER SPAN KEEPER If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER FIG.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 28) • WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. • If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BATTERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 31) • • • • TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, see engine manual. IHigh speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust - damage may result. Raise hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor.
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 POINTS PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 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. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. 10. Hard to start CORRECTION Engine valves out of adjustment. 10. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS 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, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 ELECTRICAL 22 21 42 24 41 43 27 27 40 26 27 27 81 81 81 25 16 16 33 30 D.C .
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 SEAT ASSEMBLY 1 8 8 9 14 9 7 7 10 5 6 22 21 2 24 5 16 25 15 11 4 13 17 3 12 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 171683 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 73800600 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X Seat Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk ) Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga Clip Push-In Hinged Nut Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 DECALS 9 4 3 2 12 8 10 12 8 16 1 7 6 13 20 5 14 15 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 157032 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 172743 176307 176308 186372 170563 179128 182005 172740 157140 KEY NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 MOWER LIFT KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 50 PART NO. 184418 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 175830 139865 139866 4939M 173288 73350800 175689 73800800 139868 163552 110807X 19131016 2876H 169484 126971X 73350600 138057 150233 169865 73540600 155097 123935X 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 110452X DESCRIPTION Plunger Asm.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PDC18H42STA, PRODUCT NO. 954 57 07-89 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 182032X421 72140506 138017 165460 4939M 178024 850857 10030600 140296 11 --13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Asm Fr.
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.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION FO L D AL ONG THIS DOT IS A TED 15 D LINE EGR EE S LO P E 47 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.
PARTS AND SERVICE Your POULAN PRO 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 SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS: 1. Consult your dealer/place of purchase. 2. Consult the yellow pages of your phone directory for the name of the nearest service dealer (under “saws” for Chain Saws or under “lawn mowers” for Trimmers, Brushcutters, and Blowers). 3.
