Poulan Pro PO15538LT User manual

iMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
EL:
PO1
LAWN TRACTOR
_, WARNING:
Read this Manual and follow all Warnings
and Safety instructions. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury.
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION
Visit our website: www.poulan-pro.com
433401 12.31.o8sR
Printed in the U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers
DANGER: 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.
WARNING: in orderto prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and place
wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down ahill in neu-tral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING: Tow onlythe attachments that
are recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only atthe lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of aload,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires
can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of itsconstituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
•Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
•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 blades.
•Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. 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.
•Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
•Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and
working.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge chute.
•Operate machine 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.
•Always wear eye protection when operating
machine.
•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.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
•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
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
•Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
•Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel isover
the edge or if the edge caves in.
2

SAFETY RULES &
Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers
ill. 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.
•Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
•Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area,
•Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
•Never carry children, even withthe blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injuryor property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
isan open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel iton the ground. Ifthis is not possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle incontact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
•Never operate machine in a closed area.
•Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working 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 and remove any fuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
•If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
•Check grass catcher components and the discharge
chute frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
Be sure the area isclear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while back-
ing.
Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
Keep children out ofthe mowing area and inthewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
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.
3

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.50 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API: SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OiL CAPACITY: 48 Oz.
SPARK PLUG: Champion RC12YC
(GAP: .030")
GROUND SPEED (MPH): Forward: 1st 1.0
2nd 1.4
3rd 2.1
4th 3.1
5th 4.0
6th 5.1
Reverse: 1.6
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/H R: 28
MIN. CCA: 230
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 45-55 FT. LBS.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. We have competent, well-trained technF
cians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLiTiES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this owner's manual.
WARNING: This tractor isequipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any un-
improved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered
land unless the engine's exhaust system isequipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, itshould be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department (See REPAIR
PARTS section of this manual).
In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS ....................................... 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 6
OPERATION ............................................................. 8=12
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 13 4
MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 13=16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 17o20
STORAGE .................................................................... 21
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 22=23
WARRANTY ................................................................. 26

UNASSEMBLED PARTS
/\
!\
\#
\/
Steering
Wheel Insert
Steering Wheel
(1) Large Flat Washer
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 4
_ Steering Wheel
Adapter
!
l 1
t,, /I
I .... I
I I
I I
I I
t J Steering
Boot
(1) 5/16 Lock Washer
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Seat
(1) Washer
(1) Seat
_(1) Knob
Keys Slope Sheet
(2) Keys
5