Poulan PD24H42ST User Manual - Page 12

OPERATION • Turn knob counterclockwise ( ) to lower cutting height. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. • 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. • 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. PULL OUT TO "ENGAGE" ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION 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 01977 LOW POSITION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH PUSH IN TO "DISENGAGED" 02142 DEFLECTOR SHIELD FIG. 8 REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS).Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attachment clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM - • Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. • With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise CLEVIS PIN to ROS "ON" position. • Look down and behind before backing. • Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) position to start movement. FIG. 7 TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8) • When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position. 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 ROS "ON" POSITION ENGINE "ON" POSITION (NORMAL OPERATING) will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills. • Select desired height of cut. • Lower mower with attachment lift control. 12 02828