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MODEL: 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. XT18542LT LAWN TRACTOR ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION Visit our website: www.poulan.com 427483 02.21.09 SR...
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: 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.
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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.
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give Gasoline Capacity 1.50 Gallons you the best possible dependability and performance. 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/...
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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.
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ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) CHECK TIRE PRESSURE Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing for best cutting performance.
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OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. HIGH FAST SLOW REVERSE NEUTRAL CHOKE IGNITION SWITCH ENGINE START ENGINE ON PARKING BRAKE ENGINE OFF REVERSE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE OPERATION LOCKED UNLOCKED...
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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. Fig.
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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.
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OPERATION TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 8) Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse The position of the attachment lift lever (A) determines the direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the cutting height.
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OPERATION BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the shut off the engine.
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OPERATION MOWING TIPS TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 4) When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move per for mance.
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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...
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MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place Always observe safety rules when per form ing any bent or damaged blades. main te nance. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap- BRAKE OPERATION proved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
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MAINTENANCE V-BELTS • After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and until the pin is in the locked position as shown. replace if necessary.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SE RI OUS IN JU RY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. •...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO • Insert end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside and secure with washer and retainer spring (J). of tractor chassis and secure with retainer spring.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER • If adjustment is necessary, see step in Visual Adjust- ment instructions above. Make sure tires are properly inflated to the PSI shown on • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both tires. If tires are over or under inflated, it may affect the sides are equal.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 27) (See Fig. 28) Park the tractor on level surface. En gage parking brake. The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. For as sis tance, there is a belt installation guide decal on Park the tractor on level surface.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEU TRAL- ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 29) WASH ERS RE TAIN ING The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift RING lever is in neutral (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, AXLE proceed as follows: COVER...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE FUSE REPLACING BATTERY (See Figs. 32 and 33) 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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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In the event you have a claim under this Warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service dealer. Should you have any unanswered questions concerning this Warranty, please contact: In Canada contact: POULAN PRO POULAN Outdoor Products Customer Service Dept.
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PARTS AND SERVICE This product has been expertly en gi neered and carefully manu fac tured to rigid quality stan dards. 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 •...