Poulan PP16H44A User Manual - Page 16

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, than brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber. • Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage. BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. The blades can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. We suggest they be sharpened or replaced after every 25 hours of mowing. Check blades more often if mowing in sandy conditions. • Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the mower. • Replace bent or damaged blades. BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 16) • Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades. • Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing blade. • Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown. • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED. TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 17) Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. At. unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine. • The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower. • To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced. CENTER HOLE BLADE tadfr y) FIG. 17 BATTERY (See Fig. 18) Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend it's life. • Acid solution level in each battery cell should be even with bottoms of vent wells. Add only distilled or iron free water if necessary. Do not overfill. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep vent capstight and small vent holes in caps open. • Recharge at 6 amperes for 1 hour. CUT AWAY VIEW VENT CAP VENT WELL BATTERY CELL ACID LEVEL Cso BLADE MANDREL ASSEMBLY WASHER LOCK WASHER HEX BOLT (GRADE 5)* *A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THREE LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD AS SHOWN AT LEFT. FIG. 16 FIG. 18 TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS - Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. • Remove terminal guard. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of baking sodato one gallon of water. Be careful not to get the soda solution into the cells. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. • Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. • Reinstall battery (See "INSTALL.BATTERY" in Assem- bly section of this manual). 16