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MODEL NO. PO16542B
16.5 HP 42 Inch
Lawn Tractor
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
183188 3.22.02 TR
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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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 THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. GENERAL OPERATION DO NOT: • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop Look for this symbol to point out im- machine if anyone enters the area. portant safety precautions. It means Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always SAFETY IS INVOLVED. look down and behind before and while backing. Never carry children. They may fall off an
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CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 GALLONS you the best possible dependability and performance. AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR Should you experience any problem you cannot easily OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F) remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) center/department. We have competent, well-trained tech- nicians and the proper to
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UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Seat Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Wheel Insert (1) Bolt Steering Steering Extension Boot Shaft (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) Keys Slope Sheet (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 5
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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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY STEERING A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard WHEEL INSERT wrench sizes are listed. (1) 3/4" wrench Pliers 1/2 HEX NUT (2) 7/16" wrenches T
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ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera- tion section, page 10, for location and func- Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. tion of controls) Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to assembly of seat to tractor. its highest position. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard Release parking brake by depressing clutch/b
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ASSEMBLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRAC- shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE best cutting performance. BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT QUALITY PRODUCT. SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions have b
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OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT LOCKED P ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED 15 15 15 KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS ATTACHMENT (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) CLUTCH DISENGAGED IGNITION FREE WHEEL DANG
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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 adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. ATTACHMENT LIGHT SWITCH CLUTCH POSITION LEVER IGNITION SWITCH LIFT LEVER PLUNGER THROTTLE/CHOKE ATTACHMENT CONTROL LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT PEDAL POSITIONS GEARSHIFT LEVER PARKING BRAKE FIG. 4 Our tractors co
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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 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. IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD). TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See
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OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6) CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly on mowers so equipped, or the deflector off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in shield in place. operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. TO OPERATE ON HILLS NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level su
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OPERATION ADD GASOLINE COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum control in the choke position until the engine runs of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). may require an engine warm-up period
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems T R Check for Loose Fasteners 5 A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 3 C Lubrication Chart T Check Battery Level 4 0 Clean Battery and Terminals R Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 1,2 Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 1,2 E Clean Air Filter N
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR MANDREL TRAILING ASSEMBLY EDGE UP Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. 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). STAR LOCK WASHER TIRES BLADE Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). FLAT WASHER
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) BATTERY improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- will result in increased oil consumption when used above cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. possible engine damage from running low on oil. Keep batt
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR FILTER (See Fig. 14) CLEAN AIR SCREEN Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. operation or every season, whichever occurs first. BLOWER HOUSING HEX
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if CLAMP equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. CLAMP SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever FUEL occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in FILTER “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. FIG. 15 IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 15) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season.
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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. IMPORTANT: IF AN
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PROD- length as other link. UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are To lower front of mower loosen nut “E” on both front links over or underinflated, you will not p
