Poulan 180196 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
11
OPERATION
STOPPING (See Fig. 6)
MOWER BLADES -
To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch lever to
“DISENGAGED” position.
GROUND DRIVE -
To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full “BRAKE” position.
Move gear shift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE -
Move throttle control to slow position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and
allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to
“backfire”.
Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
Never use choke to stop engine.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE
BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle
with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 6)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever.
Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
Move gear shift lever to desired position.
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE TO
DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
To engage choke control, pull knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-
mance.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.
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)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will
shut off the engine.
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
and hold.
Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
PARKING BRAKE
"ENGAGED" POSITION
GEAR SHIFT
LEVER
CHOKE
CONTROL
IGNITION
KEY
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
LEVER "ENGAGED"
POSITION
"BRAKE"
POSITION
PARKING BRAKE
"DISENGAGED" POSITION
FIG. 6
THROTTLE
CONTROL
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL "DRIVE"
POSITION
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 6)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction.
Turn knob clockwise ( ) to raise cutting height.
Turn knob counterclockwise (
) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4". The
heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with
the engine not running. These heights are approximate and
may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass
and types of grass being mowed.
The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
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.
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6B)
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.