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MODEL NO. PC1538A
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
181223 Rev. 1 06.03.02 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 Keys (2) Keys (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 Slope Sheet (1) Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Locknut 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 5/16-18 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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard INSERT wrench sizes are listed. 3/8 LOCK WASHER (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers (1) 9/16" wrench Tire pressur
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ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR SEAT CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2) Lift seat pan to raised position. If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. SEAT PAN (See “BATTERY” in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual for charging instructions). SHOULDER BOLT SEAT PAN LABEL FLAT WASHER LOCK WASHER ADJUSTMENT BOLT FIG. 2 FIG. 3 INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before
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ASSEMBLY TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation CHECKLIST section, page 10, for location and function of BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRAC- controls) TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS its highest position. QUALITY PRODUCT. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. ✓
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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 POSITION ATTACHMENT SWITCH CLUTCH LEVER LIFT LEVER PLUNGER THROTTLE/ ATTACHMENT CHOKE LIFT LEVER CONTROL CLUTCH/ BRAKE PEDAL MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT POSITIONS PARKING BRAKE GEARSHIFT LEVER FIG. 4 Our tractors
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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 COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) ADD GASOLINE When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use control in the choke position until the engine runs fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase may require an engine warm-up period from several carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
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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 BLADE Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT FLAT WASHER SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY CLEAN AIR SCREEN Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. Keep battery and terminals clean. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 10 and 11) Keep battery bol
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES COVER SCREWS BLOWER KNOB HOUSING SCREWS CARTRIDGE NUT COVER AIR SCREEN PAPER OIL FILL CARTRIDGE TUBE FOAM ASSEMBLY PRE-CLEANER BASE FIG. 13 SPARK MUFFLER PLUG ENGINE COOLING FINS Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if FIG. 12 equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean season or aft
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: 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. TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig. 15) TO INSTALL M
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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
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Remove belt downward from around engine pulley. Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor. Remove belt R.H. SUSPENSION ARM upwards from transaxle pulley by deflecting belt keep- ers. ENGINE MANDREL Remove belt from center span keeper and pull belt away PULLEY PULLEY from tractor. BELT INSTALLATION - Carefully work new belt down between transaxle belt IDLER keepers and onto the input pulley. RETAINER PULLEYS SPRING Slide belt into the center span keeper. Pull bel
