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SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

•  Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-

ing.  Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•  Never carry passengers.
•  Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. 

Al ways look down and behind before and while back-

ing.

• 

Never carry children, even with the blades shut off.  They 

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with 

safe machine operation. Children who have been given 

rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing 

area for another ride and be run over or backed over 

by the machine.

• 

Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful 

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•  Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the 

area.

•  Before and while backing, look behind and down for 

small children.

•  Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
•  Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have 

to stop or shift while on the slope.

•  Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope.  If the 

tires lose traction,  disengage the blades and proceed 

slowly straight down the slope.

• 

If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, 

shift into reverse and back down slowly.

• 

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn 

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to 

the presence of children.  Children are often attracted to 

the ma chine and the mowing activity.  Never assume that 

children will remain where you last saw them.

• 

Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful 

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•  Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the 

area.

•  Before and while backing, look behind and down for 

small children. 

• 

Never carry children, even with the blades shut off.  They 

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with 

safe machine operation. Children who have been given 

rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing 

area for another ride and be run over or backed over 

by the machine.

•  Never allow children to operate the machine.

• 

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, 

trees, or other objects that may block your view of a 

child.

IV. TOWING

•  Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for 

towing. Do not attach 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 or property damage, use extreme 

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable 

and the vapors are explosive.
•  Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other 

sources of ignition.

•  Use only approved gasoline container.

•  Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine 

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

•  Never fuel the machine indoors.

• 

Never store the machine or fuel container where there 

is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water 

heater or other appliances.

•  Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or 

trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers 

on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.

•  Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or 

trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, 

then refuel such equipment with a portable container, 

rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• 

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or 

container opening at all times until fueling is complete. 

Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

•  If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-

ately.

•  Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten 

securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

•  Never operate machine in a closed area.

•  Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment 

is in safe working condition.

•  Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper 

operation regularly.

•  Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris 

build-up.  Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-

soaked debris.  Allow machine to cool before storing.

•  If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the 

machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• 

Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine 

run ning.

•  Check grass catcher components and the discharge 

chute frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-

ommended parts, when necessary.

•  Mower blades are sharp.  Wrap the blade or wear 

gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• 

Check brake operation frequently.  Adjust and service 

as required.

•  Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 

necessary.

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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