Cub Cadet PRO Z 972L KW Owners Manual - Page 15

8. 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. 9. 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" lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Service section. 10. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Service section. 11. Adjust the seat 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 seat. Safety Interlock System This machine is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the machine. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer. • The safety interlock system will prevent the engine from cranking or starting unless the RH and LH drive control levers are moved fully outward in the neutral position, the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO is disengaged. • To avoid sudden movement when disengaging the parking brake, the safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the RH and/or LH drive control levers are moved to a position other than the fully out in the neutral position when the parking brake is engaged. • The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake. • The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. NOTE: The PTO must be disengaged to restart the engine. Starting the Engine For throttle/choke or throttle/automatic EFI engines proceed below, for electronic throttle/EFI engines, skip ahead to the Electronic Throttle/EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines section. Manual Throttle/Choke or Throttle/Automatic EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines 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 sitting in the tractor seat when starting the engine. 1. Open the fuel valve(s). NOTE: If both tanks are on, and one is empty the engine will not start. Be certain to make sure both tanks have fuel or that the empty tank's fuel valve is closed. 2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with both drive control levers in the neutral/ start position. 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged (down) position. 5. 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. NOTE: Some tractors are equipped with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) engines and are not equipped with a choke. 6. Move the throttle control to midway between the SLOW and FAST positions. 7. 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 10 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. 8. Once the engine starts, push the choke (if equipped) halfway down and as the engine warms, push the choke (if equipped) all the way down. Electronic Throttle(E-Governor)/EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines 1. Open the fuel valve(s). NOTE: If both tanks are on, and one is empty the engine will not start. Be certain to make sure both tanks have fuel or that the empty tank's fuel valve is closed. NOTE: To prime a dry fuel system, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for one minute. Allow the fuel pump to cycle and prime the system. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. 2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with both drive control levers in the neutral/ start position. 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged (down) position. 5. Place the Electronic Throttle knob in the STARTING POSITION. 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 10 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn the key to OFF and wait at least 60 seconds to allow the engine's starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. NOTE: Failure to follow these guidelines can burn out the starter motor. NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking may occur. Run engine for five minutes. If the noise continues, run the engine at the starting position for 20 minutes. If the noise persists, take the tractor to 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. Stopping the Engine 1. Disengage the PTO. 2. Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position. 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Move the throttle to the SLOW position and allow the engine to idle for about one minute. 5. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key from the ignition switch. NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended. 6. Close the fuel shut-off valve(s). Practice Operation (Initial Use) Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional type riding tractor. Although and because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable, getting used to operating the speed control pedals and the steering wheel takes some practice. It is strongly recommend that you locate a reasonably large, level and open "practice area" where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should practice operating the tractor for a minimum of 30 minutes. SECTION 3 - CONTROLS & OPERATION 15