Poulan 438511 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
10
OPERATION
PARKING BRAKE
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
Fig. 5
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL "DRIVE"
POSITION
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
LEVER "ENGAGED"
POSITION
IGNITION KEY
"DIS EN GAGED"
POSITION
PARKING BRAKE
"EN GAGED"
POSITION
GEAR SHIFT
LEVER
THROT TLE/
CHOKE
CONTROL
LEVER
"BRAKE"
POSITION
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 5)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
Full throttle of fers the best bagging and mower per for -
mance.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 5)
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 gearshift lever to desired position.
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start move-
ment.
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 ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 5)
The position of the attachment lift lever determines the
cutting height.
Grasp lift lever.
Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired
position.
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" during the cool season and to over 3" during hot
months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow
often and after moderate growth.
For best cutting performance, grass over 6" in height
should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively
high; the second to desired height.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 5)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens -
ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the
op er a tor 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 re lease pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal
should re main in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking
brake will hold tractor secure.
STOPPING (See Fig. 5)
MOWER BLADES -
To stop mower blades, place attachment clutch control
in the “DIS EN GAGED” position ( ).
GROUND DRIVE -
To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full “BRAKE” po si tion.
Move gearshift lever to neutral po si tion.
ENGINE -
Move throttle control between half and full speed (fast)
position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full
speed (fast) position, before stop ping may cause engine
to “back fire”.
Turn ignition key to “STOP” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
un au tho rized use.
Never use the choke to stop the engine.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY
TO BE DIS CHARGED, (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, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com -
plete ly, 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 dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating
your tractor or per form ing any ad just ments or repairs. We rec om mend standard safety
glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.