Poulan Pro 961240002 LAWN MOWER - Manual (Page 2)

2
Safety Rules ................. 2-3
Assembly ...................... 4-7
Operation.................... 8-15 Storage ..................... 25-26
Troubleshooting ........ 26-27
SAFETY RULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob-
jects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Look for this symbol to point out im por -
tant safety precautions. It means
CAU TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad-
just ing or making repairs, always dis con nect
spark plug wire and place wire where it can not
come in contact with plug.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle com po -
nents contain or emit chem i cals known to
the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
CAUTION: Muffl er and
other engine parts become
extremely hot during
operation and remain hot
after engine has stopped.
To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
in struc tions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the in struc tions, to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Al ways
wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely nec es sary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction. Material may richo-
chet back toward the operator. Stop the
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
oth er safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing grav el
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equip ment, before clean ing the
mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight / good artifi cial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
fi rm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech-
a nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vi brate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safe ty glass-
es with side shields when op er at ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe in-
jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: nev er
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
Maintenance ............. 16-18
Service and
Adjustments.............. 19-24
27
Loss of power 1. Rear of lawn mower 1. Raise cutting height.
housing or cutting blade
dragging in heavy grass.
2. Cutting too much grass. 2. Raise cutting height.
3. Dirty air fi lter. 3. Clean/replace air fi lter.
4. Buildup of grass, leaves, 4. Clean underside of mower
and trash under mower. housing.
5. Too much oil in engine. 5. Check oil level.
6. Walking speed too fast. 6. Cut at slower walking speed.
Poor cut – 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten
uneven blade bolt.
2. Wheel heights uneven. 2. Set all wheels at same
height.
3. Buildup of grass, leaves 3. Clean underside of
and trash under mower. mower housing.
Excessive 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten
vibration blade bolt.
2. Bent engine crankshaft. 2. Contact a qualifi ed service
center.
Starter rope 1. Engine fl ywheel brake is on 1. Depress control bar to
hard to pull when control bar is released. upper handle before
pulling starter rope.
2. Bent engine crankshaft. 2. Contact a qualifi ed service
center.
3. Blade adapter broken. 3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Blade dragging in grass. 4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
Grass catcher 1. Cutting height too low. 1. Raise cutting height.
not fi lling 2. Lift on blade worn off. 2. Replace blade.
(If so equipped) 3. Catcher not venting air. 3. Clean grass catcher.
Hard to push 1. Grass is too high or wheel 1. Raise cutting height.
height is too low.
2. Rear of lawn mower 2. Raise rear of lawn mower
housing or cutting blade housing one (1) setting
dragging in grass. higher.
3. Grass catcher too full. 3. Empty grass catcher.
4. Handle height position not 4. Adjust handle height to suit.
right for you.
Loss of drive 1. Belt wear. 1. Check/replace drive belt.
or slowing of 2. Belt off of pulley. 2. Check/reinstall drive belt.
drive speed 3. Drive cable worn or broken. 3. Replace drive cable.
4. “Loose” drive control system. 4. Adjust drive control.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to an authorized Service Center.