Poulan Pro LTGTB48A User manual

Owner’s Manual
GRASS CATCHER
LAWN TRACTOR
GARDEN TRACTOR
48” Mower
Model No.
LTGTB48A
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Grass
Catcher. It has been designed, engineered and manu-
factured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department.They have competent, well trained tech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:
• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
• Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.
• Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
WARNING
Do notoperatemowerunless containerisproperlyissubject toweara
nddetierioration.Check bagfrequently. Replacewhencrackedordamaged.U
se onlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
WARNING
Donotoperatemowerunless containerisproperlyissubject toweara
nddetierioration.C
heckbagfrequently.Replacewhencrackedordamaged.Useonlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
WARNING
Donotoperatemoweru
nless containerisp
roperlyissubject toweara
nddetierioration.Check bagfrequently. Replace whencrackedordamaged.Use onlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
02079
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
LOWER CHUTE
LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS
CHUTE LATCH
COVER
UPPER CHUTE
DUMP
BAG
INDICATOR
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts are
there.
CARTON CONTENTS:
(3) Container Tops
(3) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Retainer Spring
(1) Support Assembly
for Lawn Tractor
(2) Shoulder Bolts for
Lawn Tractor Assembly
(1) Support Assembly
for Garden Tractor
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR LAWN TRACTOR
ASSEMBLY ONLY - (1) 9/16" Wrench
Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
11.11.03
Printed in U.S.A.

2
02530
02543
HANG SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON REAR
DRAWBAR
FOR LAWN TRACTORS
Lawn Tractors have a vertical rear drawbar. Use the support
assembly shown and the two (2) shoulder bolts supplied (See
Figs. 1A & 1B).
1
FIG. 1C
INSERT FLANGES
FIRST INTO
DRAWBAR SLOTS
FIG. 1B
REMOVE AND DISCARD UPPER BOLTS
AND INSTALL SHOULDER BOLTS
SUPPLIED
FIG. 1A
Be sure support assembly is seated properly and secure
with retainer spring.
Discard the Garden Tractor support assembly shown below.
FOR GARDEN TRACTORS
Garden Tractors have a slanted rear drawbar. Use the support
assembly shown (See Fig. 1C).
LAWN TRACTOR
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
RETAINER
SPRING
2
FIG. 2
MOUNT COVER ASSEMBLY TO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)
Lift and rotate to align, slide completely down onto
support assembly.
02532
COVER
ASSEMBLY
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
LAWN TRACTOR
REAR DRAWBAR
GARDEN TRACTOR
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY GARDEN TRACTOR
REAR DRAWBAR
RETAINER
SPRING
Be sure support assembly is seated properly and secure
with retainer spring.
Discard the Lawn Tractor support assembly and shoulder
bolts shown above in Fig. 1A.
02051

3
02739
ASSEMBLE CONTAINERS (See Fig. 3)
• Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.
• Place one foot inside and lift top half.
• Press halves tightly together while lifting top to lock
into place.
IMPORTANT: Before locking the tabs, hooked edges
on both halves must overlap to form seal all the way
around the container - see inset.
PRESS TOGETHER
TO FORM SEAL
WHILE LIFTING
TOP HALF
02089
CONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF
CONTAINER
TOP HALF
LOCKING
TAB
FIG. 3
3
CONTAINER
BOTTOM HALF
CONTAINER
TOP HALF
WARNING
Do noto
peratemowerunlesscontainerisproperlyisnstalled.Containeris
subjecttowearanddetierioration.Checkbagfrequently.Replacewhen
crackedordamaged.Useonlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
WARNING
Do notoperatemowerunlesscontainerisproperlyisnstalled.Containeris
subjecttowearanddetierioration.Checkbagfrequently.Replacewhen
crackedordamaged.Useonlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
02083
MOUNT CONTAINERS (See Fig. 4)
• Install one container to left side first with warning
to outside of unit. Center container next, then right
side.
NOTE: Right container should always overlap left
container at center supports.
• Close cover and lock latch handles over center support
tubes.
4
CENTER
SUPPORT
TUBES
COVER LATCH
HANDLES
CONTAINER
WARNING
CONTAINER
HANDLE
CONTAINER
WARNING
FIG. 4
CONTAINER ASSEMBLY CHECK: Squeeze sides of lower
half to see if there are any gaps between upper and lower
halves. If a gap appears, unlock tabs, separate halves and
repeat assembly.
WARNING
Dono
toperatemoweru
nlesscontainerisprope
rlyissubjecttowearanddetierioration.Checkbagfrequ
ently.Replacewhencrackedordamaged.Useonlyarecomme
ndedreplacementcontainer.
02097

4
02552
ATTACH LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5)
• Raise deflector shield and place slot in chute over tab
on mower deck.
• Position chute over mower opening and hook rear and
front latches.
5
CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold
shield when attaching lower chute
and allow it to rest on chute while in
operation.
REAR LATCH
FRONT
LATCH
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
FIG. 5
TAB
OPTIONAL FRONT
GAUGE WHEEL
02101
6
COVER
HANDLE
LOWER
CHUTE
DUMP BAGGER
INDICATOR
UPPER
CHUTE
FIG. 6B
FIG. 6A
02100
BOSSES
LATCH PIN
ALIGNMENT
SLOT
RUBBER
LATCH
7
INSTALL UPPER CHUTE
(See Figs. 6A & 6B)
• Insert curved end into hole in back of cover.
NOTE: Be carefully so as not to damage dump bag indi-
cator.
• Align bosses on lower chute with slots on upper chute
and slide together.
• Hook rubber latch over latch pin.
LEVEL MOWER DECK
Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower performance.
See your tractors owner's manual for instructions.

5
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings .
- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.
b. Unlatch chutes and check for clogging
- Remove all debris in chutes.
- Reassemble and latch chutes
c. Check to insure dump bag indicator has not become
clogged.
- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.
Gently insert a small twig or wire into passageway
to clear.
CAUTION
• Do not operate mower with grass catcher
partially installed.
• Disengage blades and stop engine before
leaving tractor seat to empty containers,
unclogging chutes, etc.
• Close cover before starting.
• Disengage mower when crossing driveways
or gravel surfaces and other areas where
thrown objects could be a hazard.
• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other
potentially hazardous projectiles.
TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING
OPERATION:
Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor
owner's manual.
If you have 3-in-1 mulch blades on your mower, it is not
necessary to change the blades.However, high lift blades are
available at your nearest Sears store or service center.
When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass
and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long
periods of time. The amount collected and the total time
of operation may be greater than you will experience with
regular use of your grass catcher.
• Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.
• Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting
performance, good quality cut and good bagging
performance.
NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice.The
first time relatively high, the second time to desired
height.
• Use left hand side of mower for trimming.
• Plastic trash bags can be inserted inside grass catcher
containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the
plastic trash bags when full:
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
b. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
c. Remove one container at a time by grasping
container handles and pulling toward the rear, off
of the tube rails.
d. With the container resting on the ground, close
and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.
e. Tip the container on its side and slide the filled bag
from the container.
f. Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of the
bag draped over upper lip of the container.
g. Repeat for other containers.
h. Reinstall containers making sure right container
overlaps left container at center supports.
j. Close cover and secure latches over center support
tubes.
• Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew
is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these
conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of
the flow path causing clogging.
• Your bagger is equipped with a dump bag indicator. As
the bags become full, the flow indicating ball will drop
down in its slot, indicating that the bags are full or the
chutes have become clogged. Care should be taken
not to damage the parts and that the ball moves freely
at the beginning of each use.
NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
bags when ball begins to drop down in the slot. Experience
will teach you the best time to empty the bags.
• If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,
it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the
system or that the grass catcher containers are full.

6
STORAGE
When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time,
clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store
in a clean, dry place.
CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger
containers. Empty containers after each
use and before storing. Failure to do so
may result in spontaneous combustion
which could develop into a fire.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
tenance.
• Before each use check for loose fasteners.
• Clean unit thoroughly after each use.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
• See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's
manual.
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE,SERVICE OR ADJUST-
MENTS:
• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and
set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in
"NEUTRAL" position.
• Place clutch control in "DISENGAGED"
position.
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
• Make sure blades and all moving parts
have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from
spark plug(s) and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
CAUTION: Grass catcher components
are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the
lowest possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.

7
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of
another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil
or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• 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. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children.They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of
another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or
shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse
and back down slowly.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
SAFETY RULES
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.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions,
to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at
anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer
or truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in
a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough
to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-up which
can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the
mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up
to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing
the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents,
which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra cau-
tion. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to
stop or shift while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These
can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes
slow and gradual . Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
•
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch,
or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

8
GRASS CATCHER- - MODEL NUMBER LTGTB48A
WARNING
Donot operatemowerunlesscontainer isproperlyisnstalled.Container is
subjecttowear anddetierioration. Checkbagfrequently. Replacewhen
crackedordamaged. Useonlyarecommendedreplacement container.
WARNING
Donotoperatemowerunlesscontainerisproperlyisnstalled.Containeris
subjecttowearanddetierioration.Checkbagfrequently.Replace when
crackedordamaged.Useonlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
35
27
34
36
WARNING
Donotoperatemowerunlesscontainerisproperlyisnstalled.Containeris
subjectto wearanddetierioration.Checkbagfrequently.Replacewhen
crackedordamaged.Useonlyarecommendedreplacementcontainer.
20
20
37
2
20
38
2
20
40
40
40
2
2
39
30
33
32
26
31
31
33
2
3
4
2
20
20
20
9
12
13
14
18
5
8
9
10
11
20
9
12
16
15
16
14
6
7
15
28 29
29
30
REPAIR PARTS
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
2 532069180 Nut, Crownlock #10-24
3 532127533 Screen, Cover
4 532139850 Cover Assembly
(Includes 3, 37, 38, 39)
5 532176741 Chute, Upper
6 818021008 Screw, Special #10-14x1/2
7 532140572 Dump Bag Indicator
8 532087175 Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8
9 819061216 Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga.
10 532007206 Spacer, Split
11 532060867 Nut, Acorn #10-24
12 810071000 Washer, Lock
13 532109808 Latch, Chute
14 532125004 Nut, Weld
15 532130760 Latch, Hook
16 532130759 Rubber, Latch
18 532174345 Chute, Lower
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
20 871161010 Screw #10-24 x 5/8
26 532124670 Spring, Retainer
27 532176987 Support Assembly - GT
28 532179534 Support Assembly - LT
29 532176997 Shoulder Bolt,Self Tapping
30 532165898 Spring, Retainer
31 532174083 Plug, Tubing End
32 532176990 Bagger, Frame
33 532128600 Pin, Hinge
34 532127534 Gasket, Cover
35 532183286 Container, Top
36 532129586 Container, Bottom
37 532134637 Seal, Cover
38 532130895 Latch Handle, Cover
39 532186601 Strip, Reinforcement
40 871141008 Screw #10-24 x 1/2
- - 532190227 Owner's Manual