Cub Cadet PRO Z 972S KW Operation Manual - Page 15

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. Place the PTO switch in the disengaged position. 2. Engage the parking brake. 3. Move the throttle to the SLOW position and allow the engine to idle for about one minute. 4. 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. 5. 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. Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area. When performing the practice session, the PTO knob should not be engaged. While practicing, operate the tractor at approximately 1⁄2-3⁄4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and reverse. Always wear appropriate clothing and personal protection equipment (e.g. safety glasses, long pants, gloves, hearing protection, safety shoes, hard hat) when operating or maintaining this machine. Follow all federal, state and local guidelines regarding the use of personal protective equipment. WARNING Hearing Protection is required for all operator exposure exceeding two (2) hours. Carefully practice maneuvering the machine using the instructions in the following section "Driving the Tractor." Practice until you are confident that you can safely operate the tractor. Driving the Tractor 1. Ensure that the area is free of animals and bystanders, especially children! 2. Survey the area where the equipment is to be used to make sure it is free of debris, sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other foreign objects which could cause injury to bystanders, damage to the machine, or damage to nearby facilities. WARNING Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. 3. Adjust the operator's seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to operate the controls. Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section for instructions on adjusting the seat. 4. Adjust the steering wheel tilt with the steering column adjustment lever. 5. Release the parking brake. 6. Move the throttle control lever (if equipped) forward to the FAST position. Note: The tractor's engine is designed to run at full throttle, but when performing a practice session the tractor must be operated at less than full throttle. This only applies to practice. WARNING Always maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. 7. To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the steering wheel with your right and left hands and continue with Driving the Tractor Forward. Driving the Tractor Forward WARNING Keep all movement of the drive pedals slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the pedals 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. Slowly push the forward drive pedal forward. The tractor will start to move forward. See Figure 3-4. Figure 3-4 2. As the forward drive pedal is pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase. 3. To slow the tractor, slowly release the forward drive pedal to attain the desired speed, or allow to pedal to return the neutral position to stop the tractor. Turning the Tractor While Driving Forward WARNING When reversing the direction of travel, performing gradual 'U' turns where possible is recommended. Sharper turns increase the possibility of turf defacement, and could affect control of the tractor. ALWAYS slow the tractor before making sharp turns. To turn the tractor while driving forward, use the steering wheel to turn in the direction you wish to travel. 1. To turn to the left, turn the steering wheel counter-clockwise (to the operator's left). 2. To turn to the right, turn the steering wheel clockwise (to the operator's right). 3. The greater the distance the steering wheel is turned, the sharper the tractor will turn. 4. To execute a "pivot turn," move the steering wheel so that the inside wheel is angled at approximately 88 degrees and the turn side tire will not rotate. Note: Making a "pivot turn" on grass will greatly increase the potential for defacement of the turf as well as potential damages to the traction surface and the tire. Section 3 - Controls & Operation 15