Poulan PO500N22SH User Manual - Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Rules 2-3 Maintenance 14-16 Storage 18-19 Assembly 4-7 Service and Troubleshooting ........ 19-20 Operation 8-13 Adjustments 16-17 SAFETY RULES IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Look for this symbol to point out impor- • Do not pull mower backwards unless tant safety precautions. It means absolutely necessary. Always look down CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! and behind before and while moving YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. backwards. WARNING: In order to prevent accidental • Never direct discharged material toward starting when setting up, transporting, ad- anyone. Avoid discharging material against justing or making repairs, always disconnect a wall or obstruction. Material may richo- spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot chet back toward the operator. Stop the come in contact with plug. blade when crossing gravel surfaces. WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its • Do not operate the mower without constituents, and certain vehicle compo- proper guards, plates, grass catcher or nents contain or emit chemicals known to other safety protective devices in place. the State of California to cause cancer and • See manufacturer's instructions for birth defects or other reproductive harm. proper operation and installation of WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and accessories. Only use accessories ap- related accessories contain lead and lead proved by the manufacturer. compounds, chemicals known to the State • Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel of California to cause cancer and birth drives, walks, or roads. defects or other reproductive harm. Wash • Stop the engine (motor) whenever you hands after handling. leave the equipment, before cleaning the CAUTION: Muffler and mower or unclogging the chute. other engine parts become • Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until extremely hot during the blade comes to complete stop before operation and remain hot removing grass catcher. after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas. • Mow only in daylight / good artificial light. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Never operate machine in wet grass. I. GENERAL OPERATION Always be sure of your footing: keep a • Read, understand, and follow all firm hold on the handle; walk, never run. instructions on the machine and in the • Disengage the self-propelled mech- manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly anism or drive clutch on mowers so familiar with the controls and the proper equipped before starting the engine. use of the machine before starting. • If the equipment should start to vibrate • Do not put hands or feet near or under abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- check immediately for the cause. Vibra- charge opening at all times. tion is generally a warning of trouble. • Only allow responsible individuals, who • Always wear safety goggles or safety glass- are familiar with the instructions, to oper- es with side shields when operating mower. ate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade. • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. DO: • Do not operate the mower when bare- • Mow across the face of slopes: never foot or wearing open sandals. Always up and down. Exercise extreme caution wear substantial foot wear. 2 when changing direction on slopes. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. 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. • Drain the fuel tank. • Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. • Use fresh fuel next season. NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer. ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual). CYLINDER • Remove spark plug. • Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder. • Pull starter handle slowly to distribute oil. • Replace with new spark plug. BATTERY (IF EQUIPPED) Disconnect the battery from the engine connector and charge battery 48 hours. OTHER • Do not store gasoline from one season to another. • Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems. • If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to protect it from dust and dirt. • Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust. IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm. CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed to an authorized Service Center. PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Does not start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Out of fuel. 3. Stale fuel. 4. Water in fuel. 5. Spark plug wire is disconnected. 6. Bad spark plug. 7. Loose blade or broken blade adapter. 8. Control bar in released position. 9. Control bar defective. 10. Fuel valve lever (if so equipped) in OFF position. 11. Weak battery (if equipped). 12. Disconnected battery connector (if equipped). 1. Clean/replace air filter. 2. Fill fuel tank. 3. Drain fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 4. Drain fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 5. Connect wire to plug. 6. Replace spark plug. 7. Tighten blade bolt or replace blade adapter. 8. Depress control bar to handle. 9. Replace control bar. 10. Turn fuel valve lever to the ON position. 11. Charge battery. 12. Connect battery to engine. 19