IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL: PR185H42STD WARNING: Read this Owner's Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. LAWN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION 178087 Rev. 1 2.13.01 TR Printed in U.S.A.
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.
SAFETY RULES 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. 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.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Tractor. It has 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. We have competent, well-trained technicians 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.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Seat Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Extension Shaft (1) Knob Steering Sleeve (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Steering Adapter Slope Sheet (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Lock washer 3/8 (2) Keys (2) Mulch Blades (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 5
ASSEMBLY 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. SEAT PAN TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section, page 10, for location and function of controls) LABEL BATTERY BOX DOOR • TERMINAL TERMINAL • • • • FIG. 2 INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
ASSEMBLY IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE MULCHER PLATE WAS PREATTACHED TO YOUR MOWER. THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON. YOUR MOWER CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES, WHICH ARE THE BEST BLADES FOR BAGGING AND DISCHARGING. TO USE YOUR MOWER WITH THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES THE MULCHER PLATE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE MOWER (SEE FIG. 4).
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION 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.
OPERATION 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. 6) IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
OPERATION • 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. "ENGAGED" POSITION ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER HIGH POSITION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 7) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position.
OPERATION CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5) When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • • • PURGE TRANSMISSION CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is running.
OPERATION MULCHING MOWING TIPS MAX 1/3 IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN AFTER EACH USE. • • • • • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE E S S GE RS S US UR OUR OU SON ORA UR O H O H H A 0 ST E 8H SE 25 50 10 RE Y Y Y Y Y RE R R R R R O O E E F E E E F SERVICE EV EV EV EV EV BE BE H AC DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R A C T 0 R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 7 4 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 6 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling A
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR MANDREL ASSEMBLY TRAILING EDGE UP BLADE Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. CENTER HOLE 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). LOCK WASHER STAR TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY SAE VISCOSITY GRADES Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient 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. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES CLEAN AIR SCREEN ENGINE OIL FILTER Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key “OFF” and remove key. • Make sure the blades 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. TRACTOR TO INSTALL MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 19 and 20) • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground. Distance “A” on both sides of mower should be the same or within 1/4" of each other. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 23) WITH PARKING BRAKE “ENGAGED” The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 1-9/16" NUT “A” JAM NUT BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of this manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse order of removal.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See “PURGE TRANSMISSION” in the Operation section of this manual. If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 28) REPLACING BATTERY (See Figs. 29 and 30) 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 accidental grounding. CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS • Loose or damaged wiring may cause your tractor to run poorly, stop running, or prevent it from starting. • Check wiring. See electrical wiring diagram in the Repair Parts section. • TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your tractor to an authorized service center for repair and/or adjustment. High speed stop is factory adjusted.
STORAGE ENGINE 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. FUEL SYSTEM CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. 10. Hard to start CORRECTION Engine valves out of adjustment. 10. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Poor cut - uneven 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD SCHEMATIC RED BLACK BATTERY RED A RED FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) M STARTER BLACK WHITE SOLENOID RED B S G BLACK L M CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) A1 A2 WHITE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH WHITE BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK HOUR METER ATT'MENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) ORANGE (OPTIONAL) BLUE FUEL LINE CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT 16 AMP DC @ 3600 RPM FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID (IF SO EQUIPPED) RED GROUNDING CONNECTOR SPARK PLUG GAP (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD ELECTRICAL 21 22 42 24 41 43 27 27 40 26 27 27 25 16 16 33 30 52 D.C .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD CHASSIS 212 17 159 30 24 29 18 12 28 24 26 25 26 31 25 53 58 51 52 3 55 5 57 5 208 9 208 54 20 11 208 207 23 207 26 64 207 3 35 3 3 3 33 1 13 10 142 145 37 37 3 3 2 142 3 3 208 35 14 206 3 14 34 26 38 32
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD CHASSIS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD DRIVE 51 57 89 63 212 69 70 66 197 159 158 59 161 162 169 65 61 198 81 164 150 168 163 10 50 41 14 21 202 64 56 83 32 116 48 40 82 165 156 38 166 8 151 51 27 42 49 35 39 47 30 62 120 36 52 34 52 16 36 35 37 32 53 95 28 30 26 26 16 29 16 84 27 22 77 24 26 25 55 19 15 199 200 61 77 26 1 61 71 96 78 74 76 75 34 73 16
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD STEERING ASSEMBLY 38 63 11 39 1 41 42 37 37 36 44 51 54 88 91 43 71 67 67 68 46 29 67 8 29 13 6 65 17 46 2 8 6 87 5 87 3 32 5 11 68 4 29 43 82 40 43 15 33 29 15 34 15 10 36 35 6 8
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD SEAT ASSEMBLY 1 8 8 9 14 9 7 7 10 5 6 22 21 2 24 5 16 25 15 11 4 13 17 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 171683 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 73800600 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 166369 121246X 3 12 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/Ins. 3/8-16 Unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.5 Smgml Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD DECALS 2 16 11 4 4 3 10 2 20 9 1 8 6 5 14 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 PART NO. 157032 176303 176308 176309 174410 169210 170563 9 10 172740 157140 DESCRIPTION Decal Oper Decal Fender Auto Decal Hood LH Decal Side Panel Logo Decal HP Engine Decal By Pass Lt Hydro Decal Mower Warn Keep Hand Away Decal Fender Logo Decal Fender Danger E/F WHEELS AND TIRES 1 2 PART NO. 172743 160396 176307 145005 133671 138311 173587 173589 178087 178088 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD ENGINE 2 8 1 3 14 13 38 25 10 26 6 81 5 17 17 72 16 32 62 44 46 33 37 45 33 31 23 40 29 4 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 40
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 170771 17720410 ------- 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 62 72 81 149723 160589 159955 171877 162797 165391 148456 11050600 17490624 169837 145996 73920600 137180 174642 140527 123487X 137040 148315 124028X 17670412 17000612 19091416 10040500 71070512 73510400 NOTE: DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine Briggs Model 407777 (Order Parts from Engine Mfg.) Muffler, Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD MOWER DECK 68 40 37 36 40 67 157 158 156 153 151 155 152 143 144 45 150 40 37 159 46 153 154 145 44 59 56 53 52 55 51 48 147 54 142 49 50 148 9091 92 93 94 93 92 146 33 32 31 90 30 34 95 21 106 103 102 105 21 104 103 104 106 101 1 147 2 116 102 21 142 21 113 111 114 22 23 26 2 121 119 16 28 15 14 118 20 27 29 18 121 3 4 18 149 114 13 112 115 5 6 118 11 19 21 24 25 115 117 105 10 9 8 42 119 113 117 1
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD MOWER DECK KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 165892X421 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 72140506 Bolt 138017 Bracket Asm Fr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD MOWER LIFT 29 28 27 25 24 23 7 8 41 5 37 49 38 30 40 1 36 13 50 4 3 26 6 2 11 6 5 4 12 13 19 13 20 15 31 32 13 19 20 17 18 20 16 20 15 31 32 44
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR185H42STD MOWER LIFT KEY NO. PART NO.
LIMITED WARRANTY 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. This Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions. 1.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION SIGHTING GUIDE CUT OUT ON D THIS OTT IS A ED L 15° S INES LOP E ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 47 SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 15° MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
PARTS AND SERVICE Your POULAN PRO product has been expertly engineered and carefully manufactured to rigid quality standards. As with all mechanical products, some adjustments or part replacement may be necessary during the life of your unit. FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS: 1. Consult your dealer/place of purchase. 2. Consult the yellow pages of your phone directory for the name of the nearest service dealer (under “saws” for Chain Saws or under “lawn mowers” for Trimmers, Brushcutters, and Blowers). 3.
