Poulan 96042012500 User Manual

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours 

of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not 

ad just able. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear.

The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean 

to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine 

is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent pos-

 si ble damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or 

steam to clean transaxle.
• 

Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and 

clean.

•  Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other 

materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com-

pressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.

The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid main te-

 nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should 

the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your 

near est au tho rized ser vice center/department.

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. 

All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.
•  Be sure tractor is on level surface.
•  Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•  Catch oil in a suitable container.
• 

Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt 

to enter the engine when changing oil.

• 

Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install 

the drain tube onto the fitting. 

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service 

classification SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade 

according to your expected operating temperature.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) 

improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased 

oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine 

oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage 

from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least 

once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine 

and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill 

cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.  

•  Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning 

coun ter clock wise. 

•  To open, pull out on the drain valve. 
•  After oil has drained completely, close and lock the 

drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise 

until the pin is in the locked position as shown. 

• 

Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the 

bottom fitting of the drain valve. 

•  Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour 

slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see 

“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.

•  Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. 

Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate 

reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten cap 

onto the tube securely when finished.

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent en-

gine dam age from oveRHeating. Clean with a wire brush or 

compressed air to re move dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Ser-

vice air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if 

equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing 

season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever 

occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in 

“PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

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 

To ensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, 

cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are 

kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely 

dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other 

cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces 

as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
NOTE:  Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, 

dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds re moved 

will cause engine damage due to oveRHeating.

Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil 

change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.

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