Page 1
Read this Man u al and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Fail ure to do so can re sult in serious in ju ry. PO15538LTX LAWN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.poulan.com 418743 12-04-07 SBW Printed in U.S.A.
Page 2
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. • Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci - working.
Page 3
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN GENERAL SERVICE • Never operate machine in a closed area. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to • Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment the presence of children.
Page 4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Gallons and Type: Unleaded Regular Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) edy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/...
Page 6
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.
Page 7
ASSEMBLY NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the SHOULDER SEAT tractor from the skid. BOLT WARNING: Before starting, read, un der stand and follow all in struc tions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area.
Page 8
ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ✓CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, WE for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PER- for best cutting performance.
Page 9
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their mean- ing. FAST SLOW REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE IGNITION SWITCH ENGINE START ENGINE ON PARKING BRAKE ENGINE OFF REVERSE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE OPERATION LOCKED...
Page 10
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 ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference. ATTACHMENT ROS "ON"...
Page 11
OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating your tractor or per form ing any adjustments or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or stan dard safety glasses.
Page 12
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ENGAGED" POSITION Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System ATTACHMENT (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse LIFT LEVER direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off HIGH PO SI TION the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON"...
Page 13
OPERATION BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5) When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
Page 14
OPERATION MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per- for mance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trim- ming.
Page 15
MAINTENANCE BEFORE EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE MAINTENANCE EACH SEASON STORAGE SCHEDULE HOURS HOURS HOURS HOURS Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness...
Page 16
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main- bent or damaged blades. te nance. BRAKE OPERATION CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest tractor.
Page 17
MAINTENANCE SAE VISCOSITY GRADES CENTER HOLE SAE 30 5W-30 BLADE 5/8" BOLT TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE OR PIN oil_visc_chart1_e FIG. 10 NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F.
Page 18
MAINTENANCE CLEAN AIR SCREEN IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 12) Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel engine dam age from overheating. Clean with a wire brush filter becomes clogged, ob struct ing fuel flow to car bu re tor, or com pressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum re place ment is re quired.
Page 19
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SE RI OUS IN JU RY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUST- MENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. •...
Page 20
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • When distance “D” is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING rear, tighten nuts “F” against trunnion on both front Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground links. or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See •...
Page 21
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT WIRE BELT KEEPER BELT KEEPER (See Fig. 20) MANDREL Park the tractor on level surface. En gage parking brake. PULLEY For as sis tance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest.
Page 22
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEU TRAL- ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 21) WASH ERS RE TAIN ING The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift RING lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, AXLE proceed as follows: COVER...
Page 23
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE FUSE REPLACING BATTERY (See Figs. 24 and 25) Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The WARNING: Do not short battery ter- fuse holder is located behind the dash. mi nals by allowing a wrench or any TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
Page 24
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 IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS WARNING: Never store the trac tor with FROM FORMING IN ES SEN TIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH gas o line in the tank inside a building AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FIL TER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK...
Page 25
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Engine flooded. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Bad spark plug. Replace spark plug. Dirty air filter.
Page 26
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine dies when Reverse operation system Turn ignition key to tractor is shifted (ROS) is not "ON" while ROS "ON" position. into reverse mower or other attachment See Operation section. is engaged. Engine continues to run Faulty operator-safety presence control system.
Page 27
LIMITED WARRANTY The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materi- als and work man ship. 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.
Page 30
Model Number/Manufacturer's I.D. Number b. Description of part. For Techical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 For a Parts Manual, go to our website: www.poulan.com/support.asp NOTE: HOP provides parts and service through its au thor ized dis tribu tors and dealers; there fore, all requests for parts and service should be directed to your local dealer(s).