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MODEL NO. PC1538B 15 HP 38 Inch Lawn Tractor For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 183313 Rev. 1 6.17.02 TR PRINTED IN U.S.A.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS 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. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al- ways look down and behind before and while backing.
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
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INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. • Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing.
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CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF FUEL CHOKE ATTACHMENT REVERSE CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED IGNITION DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY OPERATION REVERSE FORWARD...
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. THROTTLE/ CHOKE CONTROL CLUTCH/ BRAKE PEDAL...
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.
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) 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 will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut.
ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. •...
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES SCREWS BLOWER HOUSING AIR SCREEN OIL FILL TUBE ASSEMBLY ENGINE COOLING FINS FIG. 12 AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. •...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS R.H. SUSPENSION ARM MANDREL PULLEY RETAINER SPRING MANDREL PULLEY FIG. 20 TO ADJUST BRAKE (See Fig. 21) Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer- ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Figs. 25 and 26) CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE (See Fig. 28) The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: •...
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start Dirty air filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Engine continues to run Faulty operator-safety presence control system. when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 ELECTRICAL...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 176689 Box Battery 176138 Switch Interlock 175685 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 4152J Bulb Light #1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga 11"red 146147...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 CHASSIS...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 CHASSIS PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar, Stretch 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 Bumper, Hood/Dash 168336X010 Dash 72140608 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel Dash LH 145660 Clip Tinnerman Grille P.L 172105X010 Panel Slkscr Dash RH...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 DRIVE...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION - - - - - - - - - Transaxle (See Breakdown) Peerless 205-544C 146682 Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 123666X Pulley Transaxle 18" tires 12000028 Ring Retainer # 5100-62 121520X...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 STEERING...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 STEERING PART DESCRIPTION 140044X428 Wheel Steering 175131 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga 12000029...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 170551 Control Th/ch Flag 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 - - - - - - - - Engine, B&S 28U707 (Order parts from engine manufacturer) 137352 Muffler Exhaust B&S 165291...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 SEAT PART DESCRIPTION 127426X Seat 140551 Bracket Seat Pivot 71110616 Bolt Hex 3/8 - 16 X 1 19131610 Washer 13/32 X 1 X10Ga. 145006 Clip Push-In Hinged 73800600 Nut Lock Hex w/Ins 3/8 - 16 124181X...
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181553 Decal, Hood LH 145005 Decal, Caution, Battery 156369 Decal, Oper Inst. 136832 Decal, V-Belt Sch. WHEELS & TIRES 4,10 PART 138311 183313 183314 Available accessories not included with mower: MK38 LSB42 LC05 LBD48 CH11 PART 59192 65139 106222X 59904 106732X427 Rim assembly, 6"front...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 MOWER LIFT 17 18...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 MOWER LIFT PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Wire Asm Inner/Sprg w/plunger 159471 Shaft Asm Lift RH 105767X Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 21/32 X 1 X 21 Ga 120183X Bearing Nylon Blk 629 Id 109413X...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 MOWER DECK 153 154...
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PC1538B, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 79-70 MOWER DECK PART DESCRIPTION 170280 Mower Housing Assembly 72140506 Bolt Carriage 5/16-18 x 3/4 138017 Bracket Asm Fr. Sway Bar 169970 Bracket Deck Sway Bar 38"/42" 4939M Retainer Spring 178024 Bar Sway Deck...
The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship.
P O L I C Y ® Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS Peerless Gear and Machine Division of Tecumseh Products Company (“Tecumseh”), subject to the limitations contained below, will, at its option, repair or replace, without charge for parts or labor only, any part of a new Power Train Component (which as used herein means and includes the transaxle, gear box, transmission, differential and right angle drives, and any part of the Power Train Component), EXCEPT any new Power Train Component incorporated in equipment used for commercial or rental purposes, which is found upon examination by any Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet or...
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.