Poulan 418793 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
15
FIG. 21
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac-
tor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number of hours the
engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine
or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the
service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine
and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in
any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure
key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not
running.
ADD GASOLINE
Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use
fresh, clean, regular un lead ed 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 quan ti ties that can
be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
START ING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which
leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion 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
In struc tions for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 13)
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 brake pedal
and set parking brake.
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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with sum mer weight oil.
Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Maintenance sec tion of this manual).
To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
Transmission Engaged
Transmission Disengaged
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 sec onds 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.