Poulan PD2042STA User Manual - Page 12

OPERATION • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 7) 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). • Remove retainer spring and clevis pin which secure each gauge wheel bar. • Lower gauge wheels to ground. Raise gauge wheels slightly to align holes in bracket and gauge wheel bar and insert clevis pin. Gauge wheels should be slightly off the ground. • Replace retainer spring into clevis pin. • Be sure all gauge wheels are in the same setting. IMPORTANT:BE SURETO READJUST GAUGEWHEELS IFYOU CHANGE THE CUTTING HEIGHT OF THE MOWER DECK. RETAINER SPRING CLEVIS PIN FIG. 7 TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8) 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. • Lower mower with attachment lift control. • Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. • TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control. CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped,or the deflector shield in place. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION "ENGAGED" POSITION ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION LOW POSITION DEFLECTOR SHIELD FIG. 8 TO OPERATE ON HILLS WARNING: 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. 12