Poulan 178097 User Manual - Page 12

OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6) 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. NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO AD- JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual). • With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 17/32 washer, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely. • Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole. GAUGE WHEEL MOUNTING BRACKET 3/8-16 LOCKNUT 3/8 WASHER GAUGE WHEEL FIG. 6 17/32 WASHER SHOULDER BOLT TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 7) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut. • Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. • TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control. "ENGAGED" POSITION ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place. TO OPERATE ON HILLS CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. • Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. • Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement. • To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal. • Make all turns slowly. TO TRANSPORT • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. • When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. 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. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION FIG. 7 LOW POSITION DEFLECTOR SHIELD BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL • The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer 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 Customer Responsibilities section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities 12 section in this manual.