Cub Cadet PRO X 636 Operation Manual - Page 13

OPERATION Before Operating Your Machine 1. Before you operate the mower, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your machine efficiently. 2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. When the fuel reaches 1⁄2" (12.7 mm) below the bottom of the fill neck, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be left for expansion. • 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. 3. Check the engine oil level as instructed in the Engine Operator's manual. 4. Check the hydrostatic transmission oil level. Refer to Checking The Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level in the Product Care Section. 5. Check the rear tire inflation pressure is 10-12 psi (69-82.7 kPa). NOTE: New tires are over-inflated in order to properly seat the bead to the rim. 6. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight. 7. Check the tension of the deck drive belts. a. Remove the deck cover. b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring mechanism that adjusts for wear and stretch. c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive wear. Replace if any of these are detected. d. Replace the deck cover. 8. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be level side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4" (6.4 mm) lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Service section. 9. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Service section. 10. Adjust the leg pad and operator's platform suspension for operator's maximum comfort, visibility and for maintaining complete control of the machine. Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section for instructions on adjusting the leg pad and suspension. Safety Interlock System WARNING Do not operate the mower if the safety interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. This mower is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the mower. 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 lever is in the DISENGAGED (OFF) position. • The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the operator's platform before engaging the parking brake. • The PTO will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the operator's platform with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. NOTE: The PTO must be disengaged to restart the engine. Standing on The Operator's Platform WARNING Only one person at a time may occupy the operator's platform - Otherwise injury may occur. NOTE: Stepping off of the operator's platform without engaging the parking brake will cause the safety interlock system to stop the engine. When standing on the operator's platform: • Do not turnaround or face away from the controls. • When operating the mower, lean forward into the leg pad. NOTE: The operator's platform is equipped with an adjustable leg pad. If necessary, adjust the leg pad height. Refer to Adjustments, Leg Pad Height in the Assembly & Set-Up section. NOTE: The operator's platform is equipped with an adjustable suspension. If necessary, adjust the operator's platform suspension. Refer to Adjustments, Suspension in the Assembly & Set-Up section. Starting the Engine WARNING This machine is equipped with a safety interlock system designed for protection of the operator. Do not operate the machine if any part of the interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions of the interlock system for proper operation. WARNING For personal safety, the operator must be standing on the operator's platform when starting the engine. 1. Operator must be standing on the operator's platform with both drive control levers in the neutral/start position. 2. Engage the parking brake. 3. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged (down) position. 4. Lift the choke knob (if equipped) into the ON position. NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the engine. 5. Move the throttle control to midway between the SLOW and FAST positions. 6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn the key to OFF and wait at least 30 seconds to allow the engine's starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep trying to start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and make starting more difficult. 7. Once the engine starts, push the choke (if equipped) halfway down and as the engine warms, push the choke all the way down. 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. 13