Cub Cadet XT2 GX50 Operation Manual - Page 20

OPERATION COLD WEATHER STARTING When starting the engine at temperatures near or below freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as follows: 1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery has much more starting capacity than a cold battery. 2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline left over from summer. 3. Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine. USING JUMPER CABLES TO START ENGINE WARNING Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. Make certain the area is well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery. If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows: 1. Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor battery's positive terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the booster battery's positive terminal. 2. Connect one end of the other cable to the booster battery's negative terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far from the battery as possible. 3. Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting instructions previously provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their connection. 4. Have the tractor's electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting. STOPPING THE ENGINE 1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) Switch or PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the OFF position. 2. Engage the tractor parking brake. 3. Place the throttle control to midway between the FAST and SLOW positions. 4. Turn the ignition key counter-clockwise to the STOP position, or on PBS units press or remove the ignition key. Driving The Tractor WARNING Keep all movement of the Forward and Reverse drive pedals and brake pedal slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the drive pedals or brake pedal can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the operator. 1. Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake. Move the throttle into the FAST position. 2. To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the forward drive pedal (a) forward until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 26. 3. To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the reverse drive pedal (b) until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 26. (a) (b) Figure 26 WARNING • Sharp turns can affect control of the tractor. ALWAYS slow the tractor before making sharp turns. • Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) Switch or Lever in the DISENGAGED (OFF) position and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the engine off and remove the ignition key. Engaging the Parking Brake NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off. To set the parking brake: 1. Depress the brake pedal completely down with your left foot and hold it in that position. 2. Depress the parking brake/cruise control lever and hold it in that position. 20