Cub Cadet PRO Z 972L KW Owners Manual - Page 23

• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosion. • Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak electrolyte when tipped. Warning! Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases. Use extreme caution when handling batteries. Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Battery Storage 1. When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery. 2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly. 3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot. 4. Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although the tractor may start, the engine charging system may not fully recharge the battery. Removing the Battery 1. Slide the seat all the way forward. 2. Remove the hex washer screw securing the battery hold-down bracket to the frame. Then flip the battery hold-down bracket up to free the battery. See Figure 4-5 Figure 4-5 3. Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post. 4. Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the red positive battery lead to the positive battery post (marked POS). 5. Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor. NOTE: On some models it may be necessary to slide the battery left or right to remove it. 6. Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the reverse order. Using the Transmission Bypass Rods If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to move the tractor, the two hydrostatic transmissions are equipped with a bypass rod that will allow you to manually move the tractor short distances. Warning! Do not tow the tractor, even with the bypass rod engaged. Serious transmission damage will result from doing so. 1. Engage the transmission bypass valves by pulling the bypass lever (a) upward and all the way back. See Figure 4-6. (a) Figure 4-6 2. To release the bypass lever (a), push the lever forward. Hydrostatic Transmission Your zero turn tractor is equipped with dual integrated hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are sealed and are maintenance-free. However, this model is equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir. Under normal operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion reservoir does not need to be checked and no additional oil is needed. If checking the reservoir oil level, proceed as follows: Warning! Check the oil level ONLY before starting the tractor when the transmission oil is fully cooled. 1. Clean the reservoir cap and the area around the cap to prevent debris from contaminating the transmission oil. See Figure 4-7. Figure 4-7 2. Turn the reservoir cap counter-clockwise to remove, then check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be visible at the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be above the "FULL COLD" line. See Figure 4-7. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR. 3. If necessary to add oil because of some type of leakage, use Cub Drive System Fluid Plus (Shell TT-SB) or Castrol™ (Syntec®) Edge™ 5W50 and add only enough oil to bring the level to the "FULL COLD" line. Reinstall the cap and fully tighten. NOTE: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the oil level in the reservoir may be slightly higher than the maximum due to air in the oil lines. Operation of the tractor will eventually purge the air from the lines and the oil level will settle to the maximum. Tractor Storage If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (30 days to approximately six months), the tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the tractor is placed in storage. 1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in the Engine Operator's Manual packed with this manual. Warning! Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc. 2. If storing the tractor for 30 days or more: a. To prevent gum deposits from forming inside the engine's carburetor and causing possible malfunction of the engine, the fuel system must be either completely emptied, or the gasoline must be treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration. Warning! Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems. b. Use a fuel stabilizer for storage between 30 and 90 days: • Read the product manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. • Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct amount of stabilizer for the capacity (approximately 3 gallons) of the fuel system. • Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the engine for 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into the carburetor. SECTION 4 - SERVICE 23