IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY 5000 OPERATOR'S MANUAL MODEL: PXT12538 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-pro.com 431147 10.26.09 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: SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 48 Oz. SPARK PLUG: Champion RC12YC (GAP: .030") GROUND SPEED (MPH): Forward: Reverse: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 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 (1) Bolt Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Boot (1) Lock Washer Seat (1) Lock Washer (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Seat (1) Bolt Keys Slope Sheet (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Key(s) 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 TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 2) A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) CHECK TIRE PRESSURE Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. • Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. • Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan.
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 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 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 REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 7) TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) 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. • Select desired height of cut.
OPERATION ADD GASOLINE • COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50°F/10°C and below) • When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke ( ) position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. • The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up period.
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 Check Tire Pressure T Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems R A Check for Loose Fasteners C Check/Replace Mower Blades T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminals 3 4 Check Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 1,2 Change Engine Oil (wi
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 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. OIL DRAIN HOLE OIL DRAIN PLUG TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling. Do not attempt to clean transaxle while engine is running or while the transaxle is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.
MAINTENANCE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig. 12) Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove blower housing and clean the area shown to prevent overheating and engine damage. AIR SCREEN CLEAN OUT CHAFF AND DEBRIS 02744 Fig. 12 MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first.
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 BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 15 and 16) • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground. Distance “A” on both sides of mower should be the same or within 1/4" of each other. • 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.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 2. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. The rear wheels must lock and skid when you try to manually push the tractor forward. If the rear wheels rotate, then the brake needs to be serviced. Contact a qualified service center. NOTE: If additional clearance is needed to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. GEARSHIFT LEVER TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT(See Fig. 20) NEUTRAL LOCK GATE Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS If “jumper cables” are used for emergency starting, use the following procedure: NUT TERMINAL COVER IMPORTANT: YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A 12 VOLT SYSTEM. THE OTHER VEHICLE MUST ALSO BE A 12 VOLT SYSTEM. DO NOT USE YOUR TRACTOR BATTERY TO START OTHER VEHICLES. POSITIVE (RED) CABLE TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES • Connect one end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery(A-B), taking care not to short against tractor chassis.
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 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 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.
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 24 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.
SERVICE NOTES 25
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.