Cub Cadet ZTX6 60 Operation Manual - Page 12

OPERATION • This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Fill only with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. • Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system. • Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved. • Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved. Safety Interlock System WARNING Do not operate the tractor if the safety interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an authorized service dealer. • The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO switch is in the DISENGAGED (OFF) position. • The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake. • The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the tractor's seat with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. Checking the Safety Interlock Circuits Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly. If a safety circuit is not working as designed, contact you Service dealer to have the tractor inspected. DO NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is not functioning properly. To check the safety circuits, proceed as follows: 1. Pull the PTO upward to the ENGAGED (ON) position. Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the START position; the engine should not crank. 2. With the tractor running move both lapbar drive control levers fully inward in the neutral position; then lift upward from the operator's seat. The engine should stop. 3. With both lapbar drive control levers fully outward in the parking brake engaged position, engage the PTO. Lift upward from the operator's seat; the engine should stop. Starting the Engine CAUTION The operator should be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the engine. 1. Operator should be sitting in the tractor seat with the lapbar drive control levers fully out and in the park position. See Figure 18. Refer to Practice Operation for further instructions. Control Levers Moved Outward & in the Park Brake Position 2. Make certain the PTO is in the "OFF" position. Move the choke control or throttle/ choke control into the full choke position. Move the throttle control to midway between its slow and fast positions on models with a separate choke control. Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the engine. 3. Turn the key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the RUN position. CAUTION Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine's electric starter. 4. As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle/choke control lever rearward past the choke detent position or slowly disengage the choke on models with a separate choke. Do not use the choke position to enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the engine. 5. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid-throttle before putting the engine under load. 6. Observe the hour meter/indicator panel. If the battery indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately stop the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your authorized service dealer. 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 gasses. 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. Figure 18 12