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MODEL NO. PO1538B
15 HP 38 Inch
Lawn Tractor
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
182946 Rev. 1 06.04.02 RH
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. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, I. GENERAL OPERATION disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual the slope. and on the machine before starting. On
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers Look for this symbol to point out im- portant safety precautions. It means Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR Stop machine if anyone enters the area. SAFETY IS INVOLVED. Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al- CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden- ways look down and behind before and while backing. ta
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CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS has been designed, engineered and manufactured 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 remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F) center/department. We have competent, well-trained tech- SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) nicians and the proper to
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UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Wheel Insert Steering Boot Steering (1) Bolt Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter (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. INSERT TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. 1/2 HEX NUT (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers LARGE FLAT (1) 9/16" wrench Tire
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ASSEMBLY TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) section, page 10, for location and function of Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. controls) Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for its highest position. assembly of seat to tractor. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. Pivot seat upward and remove from the ca
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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. LIGHT SWITCH IGNITION ATTACHMENT POSITION SWITCH CLUTCH LEVER LIFT LEVER PLUNGER THROTTLE/CHOKE ATTACHMENT CONTROL LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 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 OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6) TO TRANSPORT Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing lift control. switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift shut off the engine. lever is in neutral (N) position. Select desired height of cut. Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5)
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OPERATION MOWING TIPS CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) attached to tractor. can attract moisture which leads to sepa- Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing ration and formation of acids during performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
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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 Check for Loose Fasteners R 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 Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- EDGE UP 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). LOCK WASHER STAR TIRES Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT FLAT WASHER BLADE SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). B
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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 CLEAN AIR SCREEN AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) 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. ENGINE COOLING FINS
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER CLAMP Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if CLAMP equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever FUEL FILTER occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. FIG. 14 IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 14) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVIOD 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. TRACTOR TO REMOV
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS When distance “D” is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING tighten nuts “F” against trunnion on both front links. Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or To raise front of mower, loosen nut “F” from trunnion on driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PROD- both front links. Tighten nut “E” on both front links an UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are equal number of turns. The two front li
