Operation, How to use your tractor – Poulan 194604 User Manual
Page 12

12
OPERATION
FIG. 9
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)
Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine. 
Do not use to start a warm engine.
• knob in to disengage.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
• Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the 
battery charging rate.
• Full throttle of fers the best mower per for mance.
02146
HEIGHT 
AD JUST MENT 
KNOB
CLUTCH/
BRAKE PEDAL 
“DRIVE” 
PO SI TION
CHOKE 
CON TROL
“DISENGAGED” 
PO SI TION
PUSH IN TO 
“DISENGAGE” 
AT TACH MENT 
CLUTCH SWITCH 
PULL OUT TO 
“ENGAGE” 
IGNITION 
KEY
PARKING BRAKE 
“EN GAGED” 
PO SI TION
THROTTLE 
CONTROL 
LEVER
“BRAKE” 
POSITION
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 op-
erating 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.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 9)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens-
 ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the 
op er a tor to leave the seat without fi rst setting the parking 
brake will shut off the engine.
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position 
and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
re lease pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should 
re main in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake 
will hold tractor secure.
GEAR SHIFT 
LEVER
STOPPING (See Fig. 9)
MOWER BLADES -
• To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch switch 
to “DIS EN GAGED” po si tion.
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into 
full “BRAKE” position.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE - 
• Move throttle control between half and full speed (fast) 
position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and 
full speed (fast) position, before stop ping may cause engine 
to “backfi re”.
• Turn ignition key to “
STOP
” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent 
un au tho rized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
IMPORTANT:  LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY 
POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY 
TO BE DIS CHARGED, (DEAD).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing 
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may 
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
 plete ly, as described above, before 
leav ing the operator's position; to empty 
grass catcher, etc.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See 
Fig. 9)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the 
gearshift lever. 
• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and 
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move gearshift and range shift levers to desired po-
si tion.
• Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start move-
ment.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP 
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE 
TO DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR 
TRANSAXLE.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See 
Fig. 9)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height ad-
 just ment knob in desired direction.
• Turn knob clockwise (
) to raise cutting height.
• Turn knob counterclockwise (
) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". 
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip 
with the engine not running. These heights are ap proxi mate 
and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of 
grass and types of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches 
during hot months. For healthier and better looking 
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches
in height should be mowed twice. Make the fi rst cut 
relatively high; the second to desired height.
