Poulan P54ZX Owner Manual - Page 23

MAINTENANCE Cutting Blades Safety System The machine is equipped with a safety system that prevents starting or driving under the following conditions. The engine can only be started when: • the mower deck is disengaged. • the steering controls are in the outer, locked neutral position. • the park brake is on. Make daily inspections to ensure that the safety system works by attempting to start the engine when one of the conditions is not met. Change the conditions and try again. If the machine starts when one of these conditions is not met, turn the machine off and repair the safety system before using the machine again. Make sure the engine stops when the park brake is not engaged and the operator leaves the seated position. Check that the engine stops if the mower blades are engaged and the driver temporarily moves off the driver's seat. IMPORTANT INFORMATION To be able to drive, the driver must sit in the seat and release the park brake before the steering controls can be moved into the neutral position, otherwise the engine will stop. Park Brake Visually check that no damage is found on the lever, links, or switch belonging to the park brake. Perform a standstill test and check that there is sufficient braking. For park brake adjustments, contact the PoulanPro service workshop. CAUTION! Blades are sharp. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blades with a heavy cloth when handling. The sharpening of blades must be carried out by an authorized service workshop. For the best mowing effect, it is important that the blades are well sharpened and not damaged. Replace blades that have been bent or cracked when hitting obstacles. Let the service workshop decide whether a blade with large nicks can be repaired/ground or must be replaced. Balance the blades after sharpening. Check the blade mounts. Blade Replacement 1. Remove the blade bolt by turning it counter clockwise. 2. Install the new or re-sharpened blade with the stamped GRASS SIDE facing toward the ground/grass (down) or THIS SIDE UP facing the deck and cutter housing. 3. Install and tighten the blade bolt securely. 4. Torque blade bolt to 45-55 ft/lbs (61-83 Nm). IMPORTANT INFORMATION The special blade bolt is heat treated. Replace it with a PoulanPro bolt if required. Do not a use lower grade hardware than specified. V-belts Check at 100 hour intervals of operation. Check for severe cracking and large nicks. NOTE: The belt will show some small cracks in usual operation. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. Deck Belt Removal 1. Park on a level surface. Apply park brake. 2. Lower the deck into the lowest cutting position. 3. Remove bolts from belt shields and remove shields. 4. Remove any dirt or grass that may have accumulated around the cutter housings and entire deck surface. WARNING! Faulty adjustment will result in reduced braking and can cause an accident. 23