Poulan PR5524ES User Manual - Page 11

OPERATION TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 16) SELF-PROPELLING, forward and reverse movement of the snow thrower, is controlled by the traction drive control lever located on the left side handle. • Squeeze traction drive control lever to handle to engage the drive system. • Release traction drive control lever to stop the forward or reverse movement of the snow thrower. SPEED and DIRECTION are controlled by the drive speed control lever. • Press downward on the speed control lever and move lever to desired position BEFORE engaging the traction drive control lever. Be sure lever springs back and locks into desired position. CAUTION: Do not move speed control lever when traction drive control lever is engaged. Damage to the snow thrower can result. • Slower speeds are for heavier snow and faster speeds are for light snow and transporting the snow thrower. It is recommended that you use a slower speed until you are familiar with the operation of the snow thrower. TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 17) SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 17) The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After considerable use it may become worn. When it has worn almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed, providing additional service before requiring replacement. Replace a damaged or worn scraper bar. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 18) The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with oil. 1. Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground. 2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw 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. • To change engine oil, see "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Maintenance section of this manual. ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 18) • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. HIGH POSITION (LOW GROUND CLEARANCE) HEX NUTS AUGER HOUSING SCRAPER BAR SKID PLATE LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE) FIG. 17 NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be used to adjust the skid plates. Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to proper height for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in normal conditions, such as a paved driveway or sidewalk, place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper clearance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface to be cleared is uneven. NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property damage or damage to the snow thrower. • If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface, use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted to lowest (highest scraper clearance) position. 1. Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. 2. Adjust skid plates by loosening the hex nuts, then moving skid plate to desired position. Be sure both plates are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely. 11 WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. CHOKE CONTROL THROTTLE PRIMER ENGINE OIL FILL CAP / DIPSTICK SAFETY IGNITION KEY GASOLINE FILLER CAP RECOIL STARTER HANDLE FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE STARTER BUTTON POWER CORD PLUG NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION. ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT. FIG. 18