IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away 02478 OPERATOR'S MANUAL MODEL: BB18542LT WARNING: Read this 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 Visit our website: www.poulan-pro.com 194990 10.26.04 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. • WARNING: In order to 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.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN GENERAL SERVICE • Never operate machine in a closed are. • 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 fuelsoaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
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/ department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to ser vice or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK Steering Wheel Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Steering Boot Steering Wheel Insert (1) Knob Steering Wheel Adapter Key Steering Extension Shaft (1) Large Flat Washer (2) Keys (1) Oil Drain Tube Slope Sheet (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 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 INSERT A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY SEAT NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. SHOULDER BOLT TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) SEAT PAN • • • • • 6 46 02 Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Roll tractor forward off skid.
ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ✓CHECKLIST 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. BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions have been completed.
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. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ROS "ON" POSITION IGNITION SWITCH LIFT LEVER PLUNGER LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT INDICATOR CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL PARKING BRAKE GEAR SHIFT LEVER 02829 FIG.
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. NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause “browning” of grass.
OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6) • 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. NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation section of this manual).
OPERATION TO OPERATE ON HILLS ADD GASOLINE • WARNING: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. • • • • • • • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position. If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear.
OPERATION COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) • When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke ( ) position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. • The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up period.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE E E S S RS AG US RS UR OUR OU SON OR U O H A A ST HO 25 H 50 H 100 SE RE EE Y 8 Y Y Y Y R O R R R R R F E E E E E FO BE SERVICE EV EV EV EV EV BE CH DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R A C T 0 R Check Operator Presence and ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners 5 Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check
MAINTENANCE BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Adjustments section of this manual).
MAINTENANCE • Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES SAE 30 5W-30 -20 F C CENTER HOLE -30 0 -20 30 -10 32 40 0 60 10 100 80 20 30 40 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE oil_visc_chart1_e FIG.
MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR SCREEN IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 13) 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. The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.
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. • 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.
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 “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 15 and 16) • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 21) IDLER PULLEYS Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. • Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. • Remove belt downward from around engine pulley.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRALADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 22) RETAINING RING The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: • Make sure transaxle is in neutral (N). NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE FUSE REPLACING BATTERY (See Figs. 25 and 26) Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. WARNING: 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.
STORAGE 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. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM 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. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 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 dies when tractor is shifted into reverse 1. 1. Turn ignition key to ROS "ON" position. See Operation section. Reverse operation system (ROS) is not "ON" while mower or other attachment is engaged. 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.
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.
SERVICE ® TECUMSEH POLICY WARRANTY ® TECUMSEH Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 LIMITED WARRANTIES FOR NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS A.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION FOL D AL ONG THIS DOT IS A TED 15 D LINE EGR EE S LOP E 29 ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. 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. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
PARTS AND SERVICE This 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 Parts and service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 • For replacement parts, have available the following information: a. Model Number/Manufacturer's I.D. Number b. Description of part.
