Poulan PDGT26H48B User Manual - Page 12

OPERATION 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 (See Fig. 8) 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. • Depress brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position and hold. 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. CAUTION: Always stop tractor completely,as described above,before leaving the operator's position; to empty grass catcher, etc. • Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and release pressure from brake pedal. Pedal should remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure. TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 8) Always operate engine at full throttle. • Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the battery charging rate. THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER CHOKE CONTROL PUSH IN TO "DISENGAGE" ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH PULL OUT TO "ENGAGE" • Full throttle offers the best mower performance. TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 8) Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine. Do not use to start a warm engine. • knob in to disengage. TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD /BRAKE PEDAL "BRAKE" POSITION "DRIVE" POSITION HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB IGNITION KEY MOTION CONTROL LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" POSITION (See Fig. 8) CAUTION: Do not attempt to operate motion control lever when the parking brake is set or when the brake pedal is depressed. Doing so may result in misadjustment to the drive control system. The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the motion control lever. FIG. 8 • Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N) position. MOWER BLADES - • Release parking brake. • To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch switch • Slowly move motion control lever to desired position. to "DISENGAGED" position. GROUND DRIVE - TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT • To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal into full (See Fig. 8) "BRAKE" position. The cutting height is controlled by turning the height ad- IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER RETURNS justment knob in desired direction. TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED. ENGINE - • Move throttle control to slow position. NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to "backfire". • Turn knob clockwise ( ) to raise cutting height. • Turn knob counterclockwise ( ) to lower cutting height. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". 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 • Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key. grass and types of grass being mowed. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches • Never use choke to stop engine. during hot months. For healthier and better looking IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD). in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height. 12