Poulan Pro 183981 manual

MODEL NO . PO1538C 15 HP 38 Inc h La wn T ractor F or P ar ts and Ser vice, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297 F or T echnical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886 183981 Re v . 1 2.19.03 JH PRINTED IN U .S.A.[...]

2 I. GENERAL OPERA TION • Read, understand, and f ollow all instructions in the manual and on the machine bef ore star ting. • Only allow responsib le adults, who are familiar with the in struc tions, to operate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks , toys, wire , etc., which could be pick ed up and thrown by the b lade. • [...]

3 WA R N I N G : In order to prevent ac- ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire where it can not contact spark plug. W ARNING: Do not coast do wn a hill in neutral, you ma y lose control of the tractor . W ARNING: T ow onl y the attach- ments that are r[...]

4 PR ODUCT SPECIFICA TIONS GASOLINE CAP ACITY 1.25 GALLONS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (abov e 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) OIL CAP ACITY : 3 PINTS SP ARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC (GAP: .030") GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORW ARD: 1st 1.1 2nd 2.2 3rd 3.3 4th 4.4 5th 4.9 REVERSE: 1.4 TIRE PRESSURE: FR ONT: 14 PSI REAR: 12 PSI[...]

5 UNASSEMBLED P AR TS Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Steering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Bolt (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Seat (2) Keys Slope Sheet Keys (1) Lock Washer 1/2 Steering Extension Shaft (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Locknut 1/2-20[...]

6 ASSEMBL Y T OOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBL Y A sock et wrench set will make assembly easier . Stan dard wrench sizes are listed. (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers (1) 9/16" wrench Tire pressure gauge Utility knif e When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means when you are in the oper ating po si tion (seated be hind the steer ing wh[...]

7 ASSEMBL Y T O ROLL TRA CT OR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion section for location and function of con trols) • Press lift le ver plunger and raise attachment lift le ver to its highest po si tion. • Release parking brake b y depressing clutch/brak e ped al. • Place gearshift le ver in neutral (N) po si tion. • Roll tractor f orward off skid. ?[...]

8 ASSEMBL Y ✓ CHE CKLIST BEFORE Y OU OPERA TE AND ENJO Y Y OUR NEW TRAC- TOR, WE WISH T O ASSURE THA T Y OU RE CEIVE THE BEST PER FORM ANCE AND SA TISF ACTION FR OM THIS QU A L ITY PRODUCT . PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLO WING CHECKLIST: ✓ All assembly instructions hav e been completed. ✓ No remaining loose par ts in car ton. ✓ Battery is proper l[...]

9 OPERA TION These symbols ma y appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Lear n and understand their meaning. DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) OVER TEMP LIGHT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS 15 15 15 (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESS[...]

10 OPERA TION KNO W Y OUR TRA CT OR READ THIS O WNER'S MANU AL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERA TING Y OUR TRA CT OR Compare the illustrations with y our tractor to f amiliar ize y ourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments. Sav e this manual f or future ref erence. Our tractors conf or m to the safety standards of the Ameri[...]

11 OPERA TION The operation of any tractor can result in f oreign objects thrown into the e yes, which can result in severe e ye dam age. Al ways wear saf ety glass es or eye shields while op- erating your tractor or per fo r m ing any adjustments or repair s. We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask o ver spectacles or stan dard safety glasses. IM[...]

12 OPERA TION T O OPERA TE MO WER (See Fig. 6) Y our tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens ing s witch. Any attempt by the operator to lea ve the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut. • Star t mower b lades by engaging attachment clutch control. • [...]

13 OPERA TION MO WING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mow er hous ing is attached to tractor . • Mow er should be properly le veled for best mowing per- fo r mance. See “TO LEVEL MO WER HOUSING” in the Ser vice and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used f or tr im- ming. • Drive so th[...]

14 MAINTENANCE BEFORE EACH USE T R A C T 0 R Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester Lubrication Chart Check Brake Operation Clean Air Filter Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Replace Spark Plug Check Battery Level Check Tire Pressure Clean Battery and Terminals FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE MAINTENANCE S[...]

15 MAINTENANCE BLADE REMO V AL (See Fig. 8) • Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades . • Remov e blade bolt, lock w asher and fl at washer se- cur ing blade. • Install new or reshar pened blade with tr ailing edge up tow ards deck as shown. IMPORT ANT: TO ENSURE PR OPER ASSEMBL Y , CENTER HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH ST A[...]

16 MAINTENANCE ENGINE LUBRICA TION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classifi cation SF-SJ. Select the oil’ s SAE viscosity grade according to your e xpected operating temperature . TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE SAE VISCOSITY GRADES -20 0 30 40 80 100 -30 -20 0 20 30 40 F C 32 -10 10 60 5W-30 SAE 3[...]

17 MAINTENANCE FIG. 13 CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be k ept free of dir t and chaff to pre vent engine dam age from ov erheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to re mov e dir t and stubborn dr ied gum fi bers . ENGINE COOLING FINS (See Fig. 12) Remov e any dust, dir t or oil from engine cooling fi ns to pre vent engine damage fr[...]

18 MAINTENANCE MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffl er and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fi re hazard and/or dam- age. SP ARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after e ver y 100 hours of operation, whiche ver occurs fi rst. Spar k plug type and gap setting are shown in “PROD UCT SPECI[...]

19 SER VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS W ARNING: T O A V OID SE RI OUS IN JU R Y , BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SER VICE OR ADJUST - MENTS: • Depress clutc h/brake pedal fully and set parking brake . • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment c lutch in “DISENGA GED” position. • T urn ignition key to “ST OP” and remove ke y .[...]

20 T O REPLA CE MO WER BLADE DRIVE BEL T (See Fig. 20) The mower b lade dr iv e belt ma y be replaced without tools. P ar k the tractor on le vel surf ace. Engage parking brake . BEL T REMO V AL - • Place attachment clutch in “DIS EN GAGED” po si tion. • Mov e at tach ment lift lev er forward to lo wer mower to its lowest position. • Roll[...]

21 SER VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FIG. 21 FIG. 22 TO A D JUST STEER ING WHEEL ALIGN- MENT If steering wheel crossbars are not hor izontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight f orward, remov e steer- ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL T OE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and cambe[...]

22 T O ST ART ENGINE WITH A WEAK BA TTER Y (See Fig. 24) WA R N I N G : Lead-acid batteries gen- er ate ex plo sive gases. Keep sparks, fl ame and smoking ma te ri als a way fr om bat ter ies. Always wear e ye pro tec tion when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to star t the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BA TTER Y" in[...]

23 SER VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FIG. 28 T O REMO VE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBL Y (See Fig. 27) • Raise hood. • Unsnap headlight wire connector . • Stand in front of tractor . Grasp hood at sides , tilt tow ard engine and lift off of tractor . • T o replace, re verse abo ve procedure. FIG. 27 HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECT OR HOOD GO VERNOR CONTROL LEVER GO[...]

24 ST ORA GE Immediately prepare your tr actor f or storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used f or 30 days or more. W ARNING: Ne ver store the trac tor with gas o line in the tank inside a building where fumes may reac h an open fl ame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any en cl o sure. TRA CT OR Remov [...]

25 TR OUBLESHOO TING POINTS Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” proper ly . 2. See “TO ST ART ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Engine fl ooded. 3. Wait se veral min utes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dir ty air fi lter . 5. Clean/replace air fi lter . 6. Dir [...]

26 TR OUBLESHOO TING POINTS PROBLEM CA USE CORRECTION Engine continues to run 1. F aulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections . If not when operator leaves corrected, contact an authorized service center/ seat with attachment depar tment. clutch enga g ed P oor cut - uneven 1. Worn, bent or loose blade [...]

27 TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 SCHEMA TIC BATTERY FUSE IGNITION SWITCH RED RED RED BLACK IGNITION UNIT HEADLIGHTS REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS BLACK BLACK BLACK WHITE WHITE WHITE RED BLACK ORANGE BLACK BROWN BLACK BLACK BLACK STARTER M SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) GROUNDING CONNECTOR ATT'MENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) CLU[...]

28 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 90 30 8 2 1 27 48 16 16 22 21 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 ELECTRICAL 52[...]

29 1 163465 Battery 2 74760412 Bolt He x Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 8 176689 Bo x Batter y 16 176138 Switch Interlock 21 175685 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 22 4152J Bulb Light #1156 24 4799J Cable Batter y 6 Ga 11"red 25 146147 Cab le Batter y 26 175158 Fuse 20 AMP 27 73510400 Nut K eps Hex 1/4-20 Unc 28 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga 12"blac k 29 121305X[...]

30 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 CHASSIS 35 26 35 26 33 10 2 3 3 3 34 208 11 17 29 28 208 13 12 51 57 53 52 54 55 24 26 25 26 25 31 209 24 30 209 209 16 15 209 209 145 37 37 18 5 5 9 8 6 1 206 205 205 38 38 212 chassis-pl.lt_34[...]

31 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 CHASSIS KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION NO TE: All component dimensions given in U .S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 1 174620 Chassis 2 176554 Dra wbar , Stretch 3 17060612 Scre w 3/8-16 x 3/4 5 155272 Bumper , Hood/Dash 6 174643X013 Saddle Silkscreen 8 155138 Clip Retai[...]

32 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 DRIVE 29 28 112 14 41 38 39 57 51 74 75 78 76 77 25 26 19 24 2 53 35 34 37 36 35 62 36 64 65 59 56 212 55 63 116 70 77 61 22 27 26 6 113 18 51 5 18 6 52 30 32 32 30 52 11 21 4 3 13 10 8 12 12 7 250 250 1 145 96 26 79 52 66 27 51 48 151 202 49 47 50 120 150 6 170[...]

33 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 DRIVE KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 - - - - - - - T ransaxle P eerless Model 205-544C (Order par ts from transaxle manu- f acturer) 2 146682 Spring Retur n Brake 3 123666X Pulle y T ransaxle 18"tires 4 12000028 Ring Retainer [...]

34 44 51 54 5 9 5 7 7 9 4 3 32 43 6 43 8 10 40 11 8 6 9 46 46 8 6 9 2 47 47 26 30 28 1 41 42 37 36 37 38 12 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 17 29 43 91 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 STEERING[...]

35 1 140044X428 Wheel Steering 2 175131 Axle Asm 3 169840 Spindle Asm LH 4 169839 Spindle Asm RH 5 6266H Bearing Race Thr ust Harden 6 121748X W asher 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga 7 19272016 W asher 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga 8 12000029 Ring Klip #t5304-75 9 3366R Bearing Col Strg Blk 10 175121 Link Drag 11 10040600 W asher Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr 3/8 12 73940800 Nu[...]

36 2 1 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 29 44 46 32 31 33 37 33 13 4 72 78 81 3 16 78 23 45 14 38 40 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 ENGINE[...]

37 KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 170551 Control Th/ch Flag 2 17720408 Scre w He x Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 3 - - - - - - - - Engine, B&S 282H07 (Order par ts from engine manuf acturer) 4 137352 Muffl er Exhaust B&S 13 165291 Gask et Eng 1 313 Id Tin Plated 14 148456 T ube Drain Oil Easy 16 11050600 W asher Lock Ext T ooth 3/8 23 169837 Shi[...]

38 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 SEA T KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 127426X Seat 2 140551 Brac ket Seat Pivot 3 71110616 Bolt He x 3/8 - 16 X 1 4 19131610 W asher 13/32 X 1 X10Ga. 5 145006 Clip Push-In Hinged 6 73800600 Nut Loc k He x w/Ins 3/8 - 16 7 124181X Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 Blk Zi 8 1[...]

39 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 DECALS KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 181251 Decal, Clutch/Brak e Eng/F r 3 184768 Decal, Engine HP 4 170563 Decal W ar ning 6 157140 Decal, F ender Danger English 7 158168 Decal Ins Str Wh 8 172200 Decal, F ender 5 Sp. 9 158166 Decal F ender 12 181552 Decal, Hoo[...]

40 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 MO WER LIFT 15 20 16 17 18 20 20 15 20 4 5 6 2 3 1 6 5 4 7 8 12 11 31 32 31 32 19 19 13 13 13 13[...]

41 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 MO WER LIFT 1 159460 Wire Asm Inner/Sprg w/plunger 2 159471 Shaft Asm Lift RH 3 105767X Pin Groo ve 1 500 Zinc 4 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 5 19211621 W asher 21/32 X 1 X 21 Ga 6 120183X Bearing Nylon Blk 629 Id 7 109413X Grip Handle Bicycle Matte Blk 8 124526X Button[...]

42 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 MO WER DECK 19 86 3 8 4 2 2 15 14 13 11 10 9 8 1 21 2 96 97 29 27 23 26 28 25 24 21 87 88 21 146 31 40 150 45 32 33 69 55 56 36 36 89 123 113 53 30 109 89 122 40 89 108 107 68 4 3 5 6 2 21 149 16 21 2 110 54 148 152 151 153 154 157 158 67 153 156 155[...]

43 REP AIR P AR TS TRA CT OR - - MODEL NUMBER PO1538C, PR ODUCT NUMBER 954 56 82-74 MO WER DECK KEY P ART NO . NO . DESCRIPTION 1 170280 Mow er Housing Assembly 2 72140506 Bolt Carriage 5/16-18 x 3/4 3 138017 Brac ket Asm F r . Swa y Bar 4 169970 Brac ket Deck Sw ay Bar 38"/42" 5 4939M Retainer Spring 6 178024 Bar Swa y Deck 8 850857 Bolt[...]

44 SER VICE NO TES[...]

45 LIMITED W ARRANTY The Manuf acturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from def ects in materi- als and work man ship. For a period of two (2) y ears from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, w e will repair or replace, at our option, without charge f or par ts or labor incurred [...]

46 T E C U M S E H ® Issued Jan uar y 1980 Re vised January 1991 T E C U M S E H ® SER VICE POLICY W ARRANTY LIMITED W ARRANTIES FOR NEW PEERLESS GEAR PO WER TRAIN COMPONENTS A. Products W arranted P eerless Gear and Machine Division of T ecumseh Products Compan y (“T ecumseh”), subject to the limitations contained below , will, at its option[...]

47 15 DEGREES MAX. FO LD A LO N G D O TTED LIN E TH IS IS A 15 D EG R EE SLO P E ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradua[...]

48[...]