Poulan Pro 961420034 User Manual

Loss of power 1. Rear of lawn mower 1. Raise cutting height.
housing or cutting blade
dragging in heavy grass.
2. Cutting too much grass. 2. Raise cutting height.
3. Dirty air fi lter. 3. Clean/replace air fi lter.
4. Buildup of grass, leaves, 4. Clean underside of mower
and trash under mower. housing.
5. Too much oil in engine. 5. Check oil level.
6. Walking speed too fast. 6. Cut at slower walking speed.
Poor cut – 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten
uneven blade bolt.
2. Wheel heights uneven. 2. Set all wheels at same
height.
3. Buildup of grass, leaves 3. Clean underside of
and trash under mower. mower housing.
Excessive 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten
vibration blade bolt.
2. Bent engine crankshaft. 2. Contact a qualifi ed service
center.
Starter rope 1. Engine fl ywheel brake is on 1. Depress control bar to
hard to pull when control bar is released. upper handle before
pulling starter rope.
2. Bent engine crankshaft. 2. Contact a qualifi ed service
center.
3. Blade adapter broken. 3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Blade dragging in grass. 4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
Grass catcher 1. Cutting height too low. 1. Raise cutting height.
not fi lling 2. Lift on blade worn off. 2. Replace blade.
(If so equipped) 3. Catcher not venting air. 3. Clean grass catcher.
Hard to push 1. Grass is too high or wheel 1. Raise cutting height.
height is too low.
2. Rear of lawn mower 2. Raise rear of lawn mower
housing or cutting blade housing one (1) setting
dragging in grass. higher.
3. Grass catcher too full. 3. Empty grass catcher.
4. Handle height position not 4. Adjust handle height to suit.
right for you.
Loss of drive 1. Belt wear. 1. Check/replace drive belt.
or slowing of 2. Belt off of pulley. 2. Check/reinstall drive belt.
drive speed 3. Drive cable worn or broken. 3. Replace drive cable.
4. “Loose” drive control system. 4. Adjust drive control.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed
to an authorized Service Center.
SELF-PROPELLED ROTARY
LAWN MOWER
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and
should not be used on or near any un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-cov ered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffl er is available through your nearest
authorized service center.
193733 Rev. 3 04.20.06 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Poulan Pro 961420034 Specifications

General

Brand	Poulan Pro
Model	961420034
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

Troubleshooting

Loss of power

Troubleshooting steps for loss of power, including causes and corrections for issues.

Excessive vibration

Troubleshooting steps for excessive vibration issues, outlining causes and corrections.

Starter rope hard to pull

Troubleshooting steps for a starter rope that is difficult to pull, with causes and corrections.

Loss of drive or slowing of drive speed

Troubleshooting steps for loss of drive or slowing drive speed, detailing causes and corrections.

Safety Rules

General Operation and Slope Safety

Guidance on safe operation, including general precautions and slope handling.

Specific Safety Warnings (Children, Gasoline, Service)

Crucial safety warnings regarding children, gasoline handling, and service procedures.

Storage

Preparing Lawn Mower for Storage

Instructions for preparing the lawn mower for storage, including cleaning and lubrication.

Folding Handles for Storage

Guidance on how to fold the lawn mower handles for compact storage or transportation.

Assembly

Identifying Mower Type and Engine

Information to identify your mower's discharge type and engine manufacturer.

Unfolding the Handle

Instructions for unfolding the lawn mower handle safely and correctly.

Drive Belt Replacement

Front Wheel Drive Models

Procedure for removing and replacing the drive belt on front wheel drive models.

Auto Walk or Vari-Speed Models

Procedure for removing and replacing the drive belt on Auto Walk or Vari-Speed models.

Grass Catcher Assembly

Fabric Top Grass Catchers

Instructions for assembling and attaching fabric top grass catchers.

Handle Bracket Mounted Catchers

Instructions for attaching grass catchers with handle bracket mounting.

Handle Adjustment

Two Position Handles

How to adjust the handle position for two-position handle systems.

Three Position 'EZ' Handles

Instructions for adjusting the handle height on three-position 'EZ' handle models.

Three Position 'Quick' Handles

Guidance on adjusting the handle height for three-position 'Quick' handle models.

Engine Maintenance

Gear Case Lubrication

Details on lubricating the gear case for proper drive system function.

Engine Oil Change

Procedure for checking and changing the engine oil, including recommended intervals.

Air Filter Maintenance

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the engine air filter for optimal performance.

Spark Plug Replacement

Guidance on replacing the spark plug for reliable engine starting.

Operation

Engine Speed Control

How to use the engine speed control for remote throttle and fixed speed engines.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Instructions for adjusting the cutting height on various wheel adjustment systems.

Blade Care and Sharpening

Guidance on maintaining the mower blade, including removal, sharpening, and balancing.

Drive Control Systems

Standard Drive Control

Explanation of how to engage and disengage the standard drive control.

Dual Bail Drive Control

Instructions for operating the dual bail drive control system for forward motion.

Autowalk Drive Control

How to use the Autowalk drive control for self-propelling the mower.

Vari-Speed Drive Control

Instructions for operating the Vari-Speed drive control for variable speed self-propelling.

Mowing Tips

General Mowing Advice

Tips for effective mowing, including engine speed, grass conditions, and cutting patterns.

Mulching Mowing Tips

Specific advice for mulching, focusing on blade recutting and grass conditions.

Converting Mower Functions

Mulcher Plug Type 'A' Installation

Instructions for installing Mulcher Plug Type 'A' for mulching operation.

Mulcher Plug Type 'B' Installation

Guidance on installing Mulcher Plug Type 'B' for mulching, bagging, or discharging.

Rear Bagging Conversion

Steps to convert a mower for rear bagging, including plate removal and catcher installation.

Side Discharging Conversion

Procedure to convert the mower for side discharging operation.

Engine Starting and Stopping

Before Starting Engine

Essential checks before starting the engine, including oil and fuel.

To Start Engine

Step-by-step instructions for starting the lawn mower engine.

To Stop Engine

Procedure for safely stopping the lawn mower engine.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Items and Frequency

Schedule outlining maintenance tasks and their recommended frequency.

General Recommendations

Key recommendations for maintaining the lawn mower for optimal performance and warranty.