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15

MAINTENANCE

TRACTOR

Always observe safety rules when per form ing any 

main te nance.

BRAKE OPERATION

If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest 

speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved 

surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See 

“TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments 

section of this manual).

TIRES

•  Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See the sides 

of tires for proper PSI).

•  Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control 

chemi cals which can harm rubber.

•  Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and 

other hazards that may cause tire damage.

NOTE: 

To seal tire punctures and pre vent flat tires due 

to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your 

local parts dealer. Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot 

and corrosion.

OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND REVERSE 

OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 9)

Be sure operator presence and reverse operation sys tems 

are work ing properly.  If your tractor does not function as 

described, repair the problem immediately.
•  The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is 

fully de pressed, and the attachment clutch con trol is 

in the dis en gaged position.

CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• 

When the engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor 

to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake 

should shut off the engine.

• 

When the engine is running and the at tach ment clutch 

is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the 

seat should shut off the engine.

•  The attachment clutch should never operate unless 

the operator is in the seat.

CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
•  When the engine is running with the ignition switch in 

the engine "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch 

engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into 

reverse should shut off the engine.

•  When the engine is running with the ignition switch 

in the ROS "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch 

engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into 

reverse should NOT shut off the engine.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp.  Re place 

bent or damaged blades.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap-

proved by the manufacturer of your tractor. 

Using a blade not approved by the manu-

facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could 

damage your tractor and void your warranty.

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient 

for normal use.  However, periodic charging of the battery 

with an automotive charger will extend its life.
•  Keep battery and terminals clean.
•  Keep battery bolts tight.
•  Keep small vent holes open.
•  Recharge at  6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

NOTE:

 The original equipment battery on your tractor is main-

tenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or cov-

ers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause 

the battery to “leak” power.
• Raise 

seat.

•  Disconnect BLACK battery cable first  then RED  bat -

tery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•  Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• 

Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush 

until bright.

•  Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• 

Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the 

Service and Adjustments section of this man u al).

Fig. 9

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 10)

•  Raise mower to highest position to allow access to 

blades.

NOTE: 

Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade 

with heavy cloth.
•  Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.
•  Install new or resharpened blade with stamped "THIS 

SIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly.

IMPORTANT:

 TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER 

HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL 

ASSEMBLY.

•  Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. 

torque).

IMPORTANT

:  SPECIAL BLADE BOLT HEAT TREATED.

Fig. 10

ROS "ON" 

POSITION

ENGINE "ON" POSITION

(NORMAL OPERATING)

02828

BLADE

BLADE BOLT 

(SPECIAL)

CENTER HOLE

STAR

MANDREL ASSEMBLY

Summary of Contents for 438511

Page 1: ...YE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website www poulan com WARNING Read this Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions Failure to do so can result in serious injury IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away 5000 438511 09 16 10 TH Printed in the U S A ...

Page 2: ...op engine and remove keys before dismounting Disengage blades when not mowing Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge chute Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Watch for traffic when operating nea...

Page 3: ...ch towed equipment except at the hitch point Follow the manufacturer s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment On slopes the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop V SERVICE SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE To avoid personal injury ...

Page 4: ... pleasecontactyournearestauthorizedservicecenter department We have competent well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor Please read and retain this manual The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly Always observe the SAFETY RULES CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and observe the safety rules Follow a regular schedule in mainta...

Page 5: ...eel 1 Washer 1 Knob Steering Wheel Insert Seat 1 Seat Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Keys 2 Keys Slope Sheet 1 Oil Drain Tube For Future Use 1 Hex Bolt 5 16 18 x 4 1 5 16 Lock Washer 1 Large Flat Washer ...

Page 6: ...d packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor Pivotseatupwardandremovefromthecardboardpack ing Remove the cardboard packing and discard TO CHECK BATTERY See Fig 1 Lift seat to raised position NOTE If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label label is located between terminals charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6 10 amps See BATTERY in Maintenance sec...

Page 7: ...for best cutting results Tires must be properly inflated for leveling Check mower and drive belts Be sure they are routed properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers Check wiring See that all connections are still secure and wires are properly clamped WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS Engine oil is at proper level Fuel tank is fille...

Page 8: ...r death The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform ation about hazards which can result in death serious injury and or property damage DANGER indicates a hazard which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING indicates a hazard which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury CAUTION indicates a hazard which if not avoided might result in minor or mod...

Page 9: ...ects the speed and direction of the tractor IGNITION SWITCH Used for starting and stopping the engine Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute Fig 4 PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL GEAR SHIFT LEVER ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER LIFT LEVER PLUNGER IGNITION SWITCH ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ROS ON POSITION HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT INDICATOR LIGH...

Page 10: ...ght 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 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 ...

Page 11: ...ithenginerunning turnignitionkeycounterclockwise to ROS ON position Look down and behind before backing Move gear shift lever to reverse R position and slowly release clutch brake pedal to start movement When use of the ROS is no longer needed turn the ignition key clockwise to engine ON position ROS ON POSITION ENGINE ON POSITION NORMAL OPERATING 02828 Fig 6 TO OPERATE MOWER See Fig 7 Your tracto...

Page 12: ...ion Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur TO START ENGINE See Fig 4 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 Sit on seat in operating position depress clutch brake pedal and set parking brake Place gear shift lever in neutral pos...

Page 13: ...nces driveways etc After one or two rounds mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished See Fig 8 If grass is extremely tall it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip pings Make first cut relatively high the second to the desired height Do not mow grass when it is wet Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps Allow grass to...

Page 14: ... wear A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer BEFORE EACH USE Check engine oil level Check brake operation Check tire pressure Check operator presence and ROS systems for proper operation Check for loose fasteners T R A C T 0 R 1 Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures 2 Service...

Page 15: ...he ignition switch in the ROS ON position and the attachment clutch engaged any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine BLADE CARE Forbestresultsmowerbladesmustbekeptsharp Replace bent or damaged blades CAUTION Useonlyareplacementbladeap proved by the manufacturer of your tractor Using a blade not approved by the manu facturer of your tractor is hazardous could...

Page 16: ... pressure water or steam to clean transaxle TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL See Fig 12 Determine temperature range expected before oil change All oil must meet API service classification C Be sure tractor is on level surface Oil will drain more freely when warm Catch oil in a suitable container Remove oil fill cap dipstick Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil Slide oil drain ext...

Page 17: ...sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline Fig 15 FUEL FILTER CLAMP CLAMP AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions See engine manual MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester if equipped as it could create a fire hazard and or d...

Page 18: ... side of tractor Lower lift lever to its lowest position Connect front links to mower deck and secure with retainer springs Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with retainer springs Connect anti swaybar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer spring Push clutch cable housing guide into bracket slide col lar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring Place flat washer...

Page 19: ...nt nut on that side To lower one side of mower loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side NOTE Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 1 8 Recheck measurements after adjusting BOTTOM EDGE OF MOWER TO GROUND Fig 16 Fig 17 A A GROUND LINE BOTTOM EDGE OF MOWER TO GROUND Checkadjustmentonrightsideoftractor Measuredistance D directly in front and behind the mandrel at bottom e...

Page 20: ...ve belt upwards from transaxle pulley by deflecting belt keep ers Remove belt from center span keeper and pull belt away from tractor BELT INSTALLATION Carefully work new belt down between transaxle belt keepers and onto the input pulley Slide belt into the center span keeper Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll around the top groove of engine pulley Install belt through stationary idler and...

Page 21: ...short against tractor chassis ConnectoneendoftheBLACKcabletotheNEGATIVE terminal C of fully charged battery Connect the other end of the BLACK cable D to good chassis ground away from fuel tank and battery TO REMOVE CABLES REVERSE ORDER BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery RED cable last from both batteries Fig 24 WEAK OR DEAD BATTERY FULLY CHARGED BATTERY ADJUSTM...

Page 22: ... is not adjustable If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems take your tractor to an authorized service center for repair and or adjustment TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive type plug in fuse The fuse holder is located behind the dash 02495 HOOD HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECTOR REPLACING BATTERY See Fig 25 WARNING Do not short battery terminals by allowing ...

Page 23: ...FUELSYSTEMPARTSSUCH AS CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER FUEL HOSE OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOLORMETHANOL CANATTRACTMOISTUREWHICH LEADSTOSEPARATIONANDFORMATIONOFACIDSDURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and ...

Page 24: ...own fuse 4 Replace fuse 5 Corroded battery terminals 5 Clean battery terminals 6 Loose or damaged wiring 6 Check all wiring 7 Faulty ignition switch 7 Check replace ignition switch 8 Faulty solenoid or starter 8 Check replace solenoid or starter 9 Faulty operator presence switch es 9 Contact an authorized service center department Engine clicks but will not start 1 Weak or dead battery 1 Recharge ...

Page 25: ... Replace blade Tighten blade bolt 7 Buildup of grass leaves and trash under mower 7 Clean underside of mower housing 8 Mower drive belt worn 8 Replace mower drive belt 9 Blades improperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades used 10 Replace with blades listed in parts manual 11 Cloggedmowerdeckventholesfrombuildup of grass leaves and trash around mandrels 11 Clean around...

Page 26: ...26 SERVICE NOTES ...

Page 27: ... 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 Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure 3 Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope ...

Page 28: ...sed for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the date of origi nal purchase 5 This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled adjusted operated and maintained in ac cordance with the instructions furnished This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to altera tion misuse abuse improper assembly or installation delivery damage o...

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