How To Use Your Tractor - Poulan Pro 178249 Owner's Manual

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. 10)
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 clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position
and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
CHOKE
CONTROL
THROTTLE
CONTROL
"BRAKE"
POSITION
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL
"DRIVE" POSITION
STOPPING (See Fig. 10)
MOWER BLADES -
• To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch switch
to "DISENGAGED" position.
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full "BRAKE" position..
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS 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 ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE
BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
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.
OPERATION
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER
PULL OUT TO "ENGAGE"
PUSH IN TO
"DISENGAGE"
IGNITION
MOTION
KEY
CONTROL
LEVER
PARKING BRAKE
"ENGAGED"
POSITION
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
FIG. 10
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 10)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
• Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
• Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-
mance.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 10)
Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
• To engage choke control, pull knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See
Fig. 10)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
motion control lever.
• Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N)
position.
• Release parking brake.
• Slowly move motion control lever to desired position.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See
Fig. 10)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height
adjustment knob in desired direction.
• Turn knob clockwise (
• Turn knob counterclockwise (
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.
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 11)
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.
• Be sure tractor is on a flat level surface.
• Lower mower and adjust mower to desired cutting
13
height.
) to raise cutting height.
) to lower cutting