Cub Cadet PRO Z 972S KW Operation Manual - Page 16

Driving the Tractor In Reverse WARNING Always look behind and down on both sides of the tractor before backing up. Always look behind while traveling in the reverse direction. 1. Slowly push the reverse drive pedal forward. The tractor will start to move in the reverse direction. See Figure 3-5. Stopping the Tractor 1. Allow the forward and reverse drive pedals to return the neutral position to stop the motion of the tractor. 2. Push the PTO knob downward to the disengaged position. 3. Use the deck lift pedal to raise the deck to its highest position. 4. If dismounting the machine, allow the drive pedals to return to the neutral position, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the key from the switch. WARNING Do not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO, moving drive pedals to the neutral position engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, turn the ignition key OFF and remove. Figure 3-5 2. As the reverse drive pedal is pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase. 3. To slow the tractor release the reverse drive pedal to attain the desired speed, or allow the pedal to return to the neutral position to stop the tractor. Turning While Driving Rearward To turn the tractor while driving rearward, use the steering wheel to turn in the direction you wish to travel. 1. To turn to the left while traveling in reverse, turn the steering wheel clockwise (to the operator's right). 2. To turn to the right while traveling in reverse, turn the steering wheel counter-clockwise. 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. Executing a Zero Turn 1. A zero turn maneuver can be executed while the machine is moving in the forward or reverse directions if the steering wheel is turned completely in the one direction. 2. To turn clockwise when going forward, turn the steering wheel clockwise and depress the forward drive pedal. Release the pedal and the machine should stop turning. If the reverse drive pedal is depressed, the turn will be counter-clockwise. 3. To turn counter-clockwise when going forward turn the steering wheel counterclockwise and depress the forward drive pedal. Release the pedal and the machine should stop turning. If the reverse drive pedal is depressed, the turn will be clockwise. Driving On Slopes Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Section to help determine slopes where you may not operate safely. WARNING Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 20°/36% (a rise of approximately 4 feet every 10 feet). The machine could overturn and cause serious injury. 1. Always drive across slopes, never up and down. 2. Avoid turning downhill if possible. Start at the bottom of a slope and work upward. Always slow down before turning. 3. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill. Operating The PTO knob Operate the PTO knob as follows: 1. Move the throttle control lever (if equipped) to approximately the mid throttle position. 2. Pull the PTO knob switch upward to the "ENGAGED" position. 3. Advance the throttle lever to the operating speed (full engine speed). 4. The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operator should leave the seat without turning off the power take-off switch, the tractor's engine will shut off. Using the Mower Deck WARNING Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades. Note: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and possible failure of the 'V" belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non grassy area before engaging the mower deck. 16 Section 3 - Controls & Operation 1. Use the deck lift pedal (a) to raise the deck to its highest position, place the clevis pin (b) attached to the tractor into the desired index hole on the deck height index, then slowly release the deck lift pedal (a). See Figure 3-6. (b) (a) Figure 3-6 2. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill. 3. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed. 4. Engage the PTO knob and move the throttle control to the FAST position. 5. Remove the clevis pin, raise the deck to the highest (transport) position and place the clevis pin in the desired position and secure with the clevis pin. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting. 6. Slowly push the forward drive pedal forward to move the tractor forward, and keep the tractor headed directly toward the alignment point. Note: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground speed with the drive pedals. 7. When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before turning. A U-turn is recommended unless a pivot or zero turn is required. 8. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3". 9. Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip. 10. To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change the direction that the strips are mowed by approximately 45° for the next and each subsequent mowing. WARNING Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways. Disengage the PTO knob and raise the deck to the highest/ transport position before crossing. Note: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always: • Make sure the drive pedals are in neutral. • Engage the parking brake. • Shut engine off and remove the key. • Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ''browned'' by hot exhaust from your tractor's running engine.