IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away 02139 OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL: PDGT26H54A WARNING: Read the Owner's 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 188724 Rev. 2 4.16.04 TR/MH 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 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Never carry children.They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
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 Steering Wheel Gauge Wheels Steering Sleeve Steering Sleeve Extension (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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) • Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed. • Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline. • Place freewheel control in "transmission engaged" position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in Operation section of this manual). • Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal and set the parking brake. • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Start the engine.
ASSEMBLY • TO ATTACH NOSE ROLLER (See Fig. 6) • Assemble brackets "A" and "B" to the inside of mower mounting brackets as shown. Tighten securely. NOTE: Be sure bracket tabs are positioned in tab holes in mower brackets. • Position nose roller between brackets and install rod and retainer spring. LOCK NUT • • • • HEX BOLT ROD "B" BRACKET TAB HOLE NOSE ROLLER 02612 "A" BRACKET • RETAINER SPRING • FIG. 6 • INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT (Sees Fig.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST IMPORTANT: CHECK BELT FOR PROPER ROUTING IN ALL MOWER PULLEY GROOVES. • BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions have been completed. ✓ No remaining loose parts in carton. ✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened 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 location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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 NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause “browning” of grass.
OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 10) LIFT LEVER HIGHEST POSIITON Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation section of this manual).
OPERATION 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 • • • • Remove retainer spring from the drive belt tension handle to relieve belt tension. Start engine and allow it to warm up for three (3) minutes. Shut-off engine and engage parking brake. Engage drive belt tension handle and replace the retainer spring. • • • AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP • Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: • Be sure the tractor is on level ground. • Place the motion control lever in neutral.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE S E GE S RS RS US UR N RA UR OU HOU HO ASO TO O H 0 S 8H SE RE 25 10 50 E RY ERY ERY ERY ERY FO OR E F E V V V V V B SERVICE E E E E E BE H C EA 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-Belts Che
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR MANDREL ASSEMBLY 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). BLADE BOLT (SPECIAL) 02 54 4 STAR TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
MAINTENANCE NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR SCREEN IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 18) 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 brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • 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. TRACTOR • TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 3/16". • Recheck measurements after adjusting. BOTTOM EDGE OF MOWER TO GROUND A Check adjustment on right side of tractor. Position any blade so the tip is pointing straight forward.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 24) MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION • Install belt around both mandrel pulleys and around idler pulleys as shown. • Install belt onto electric clutch pulley. MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL • Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. • Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest position. • Disengage belt tension rod from lock bracket. IMPORTANT: CHECK BELT FOR PROPER ROUTING IN ALL MOWER PULLEY GROOVES.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Remove belt from all idler pulleys, transaxle pulley and then from engine pulley. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt around engine pulley first, then around transaxle pulley and lastly into all the idler pulleys. • Check to be sure belt is positioned correctly and is on proper side of all belt keepers. • Engage the drive belt tension handle and replace the retainer spring. • Reinstall mower. TO ADJUST ATTACHMENT CLUTCH (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO AD JUST STEER ING WHEEL ALIGNMENT TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 29) 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. WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 30) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 31) 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. • • • • Raise hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. To replace, reverse above procedures.
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. 11. Hard to start CORRECTION Engine valves out of adjustment. Extreme cold conditions. 10. 11. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start.
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.
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 FOL D AL ONG THIS DOT IS A TED 15 D LINE EGR EE S LOP 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.