KickInTheGrass
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- Jul 28, 2017
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Back in 2005 I owned a Craftsman which is the same design (with the exception of the handle to engage the blades) as the Poulan PRO Model #960460075. I sold that Craftsman and hired a lawn service some years ago (should have kept it). That Craftsman would pop a wheelie if the wheels were turned and the clutch was released quickly, but with the wheels pointed forward the Craftsman was fine. The Poulan is a different story.
I am posting this in case other folks experience this issue or are considering this bull ride of a mower.
The Poulan in regards to pulling wheelies is a clutch popping machine. It is a health hazard to ride if you have any neck or back issues. Using this mower in 1st gear, 5th, lowest throttle possible, it does not matter. It jerks like a horse coming out the gate.
When you release the clutch as-slow-as-possible it does not engage until it is fully released, it does not start to move (as you would expect with stick / clutch) but jerks like a bull ride when the clutch is fully released.
I contacted Poulan regarding adjusting the clutch but there is none. I really wanted to keep this machine, overall I like it, but the clutch issue and the pain I had in my back and neck after a mow on this machine, no way.
To diagnose the issue I did the following.
1. Disconnect the break
- Some folks say that the break is the problem and releases late and causes the jerk / wheelie.
2. Look under the unit for possible adjustments.
- The pulleys are all fixed
- The pulley guide cannot be adjusted
- The only choice is to get a smaller belt or elongate the engine holes to push the engine forward
So with the break disconnected, I put it in gear (low throttle 1st gear - really any gear) same thing, jerks like bull ride. A co-worker has one, same issue. I returned the mower and got my money back.
I am posting this in case other folks experience this issue or are considering this bull ride of a mower.
The Poulan in regards to pulling wheelies is a clutch popping machine. It is a health hazard to ride if you have any neck or back issues. Using this mower in 1st gear, 5th, lowest throttle possible, it does not matter. It jerks like a horse coming out the gate.
When you release the clutch as-slow-as-possible it does not engage until it is fully released, it does not start to move (as you would expect with stick / clutch) but jerks like a bull ride when the clutch is fully released.
I contacted Poulan regarding adjusting the clutch but there is none. I really wanted to keep this machine, overall I like it, but the clutch issue and the pain I had in my back and neck after a mow on this machine, no way.
To diagnose the issue I did the following.
1. Disconnect the break
- Some folks say that the break is the problem and releases late and causes the jerk / wheelie.
2. Look under the unit for possible adjustments.
- The pulleys are all fixed
- The pulley guide cannot be adjusted
- The only choice is to get a smaller belt or elongate the engine holes to push the engine forward
So with the break disconnected, I put it in gear (low throttle 1st gear - really any gear) same thing, jerks like bull ride. A co-worker has one, same issue. I returned the mower and got my money back.
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