Poulan 176975 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
15
OPERATION
PURGE TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Never engage or disengage
freewheel lever while the engine is
running.
To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom-
mended that the transmission be purged before operating
tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any
trapped air inside the transmission which may have devel-
oped during shipping of your tractor.
IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION
REQUIRE REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR
REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER
REINSTALLATION BEFORE OPERATING THE
TRACTOR.
Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and
parking brake set.
Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in
freewheeling position (See TO TRANSPORT in this
section of manual).
Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine
is running, move throttle control to slow position. With
motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly
disengage clutch/brake pedal.
Move motion control lever to full forward position and
hold for five (5) seconds. Move lever to full reverse
position and hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this
procedure three (3) times.
NOTE: During this procedure there will be no movement of
drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive
system.
Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. Shut-
off engine and set parking brake.
Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in
driving position (See TO TRANSPORT in this section
of manual).
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 9)
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.
Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission en-
gaged position.
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set parking brake.
Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
Move attachment clutch to DISENGAGED position.
Move throttle control to fast position
Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt.
For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may
not be needed.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to
START position and release key as soon as engine
starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than
fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start
after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a
few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start,
pull the choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts
to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a
few seconds and then continue to push the control in
slowly.
The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50° F and below)
When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the
choke control in small steps allowing the engine to
accept small changes in speed and load, until the
choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run
roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few
seconds and then continue to push the control in
slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period
from several seconds to several minutes, depending
on the temperature.
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. R e -
lease 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 warm-
up period after the transmission has been warmed up
and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.
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.
ADD GASOLINE
Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER
GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD
WEATHER STARTING.
WARNING: 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. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor-
age 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. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.