Cub Cadet Pro Z 160L EFI Owners Manual - Page 17

Using the Mower Deck WARNING! Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades. NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and possible failure of the 'V" belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non grassy area before engaging the mower deck. 1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill. 2. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed. 3. Move the throttle control to the FAST position and engage the PTO. 4. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the deck lift handle. 5. Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers forward to move the tractor forward, and keep the tractor headed directly toward the alignment point. NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground speed with the control levers. 6. When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before turning. A U-turn is recommended unless a pivot or zero turn is required. 7. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3". 8. Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip. 9. To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change the direction that the strips are mowed by approximately 45° for the next and each subsequent mowing. WARNING! Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways. Disengage the PTO and raise the deck to the highest position before crossing. NOTE: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always: • Place the control levers in the neutral/parking brake engaged position. • Shut engine off and remove the ignition key. • Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ''browned'' by hot exhaust from your tractor's running engine. Deck Lift Lever To change the height of the deck proceed as follows: 1. Depress the button at the end of the deck lift lever (a), raise it into the transport/highest mowing position, hang the top hook from the upper spacer on the deck height index bracket (b) and then remove the pin (c). See Figure 3-11. (b) (a) (c) Figure 3-11 2. Insert the pin into the desired deck height best suited for your application (d). Turn the pin to lock it into place (e). See Figure 3-12. (d) (e) Figure 3-12 3. Depress the button at the end of the handle lift lever (f) and raise it slightly to unhook it from the upper spacer on the deck height index bracket and carefully lower into the desired position (g). See Figure 3-13. (f) (g) Figure 3-13 NOTE: Make certain the deck is secured and the pin is fully inserted into the deck height index. The pin is keyed to help keep it in place and fits into the slotted holes on the deck height index. NOTE: The deck lift handle must always be above the pin, never hang the deck lift handle from the pin when mowing. Section 3 - Controls & Operation 17