Poulan 271150 User Manual - Page 12

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing 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. 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and hold. 2. Pull parking brake lever up and release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should remain in brake position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure. • Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use. • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go 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, always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas. Throttle/Choke Control Clutch/ Brake Pedal Attachment Clutch Lever "Engaged" Position Ignition Key "Disengaged" Position Parking Brake "Engaged" Position "Brake" Position "Disengaged" Position Gearshift Lever STOPPING MOWER BLADES - • To stop mower blades, move attachment clutch lever to disengaged position. GROUND DRIVE - • To stop ground drive, depress clutch/ brake pedal all the way down. • Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position. ENGINE - • Move throttle control to slow position. NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position to allow engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to "backfire". CAUTION: Always stop tractor completely, as described above, before leaving the operator's position. TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL Always operate engine at full throttle. • Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the battery charging rate. • Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower performance. TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever. 1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 2. Move gearshift lever to desired position. 3. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement. 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 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 12