Cub Cadet RZT 42 RZT 42 Operator's Manual - Page 20

Stopping the Tractor 1. Move both drive control levers to the neutral position to stop the motion of the tractor. 2. Push the PTO switch downward to the disengaged position. 3. Use the deck lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position. 4. If dismounting the tractor, move the drive control handles fully outward in the neutral position which also engages the parking brake, move the throttle control lever to the fast position, turn the ignition switch to stop and remove the key from the switch. WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO and moving drive control levers fully outward in the neutral/parking brake engaged position. If leaving the tractor unattended, turn the ignition key off and remove key. 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 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1⁄2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. 1. Always drive across slopes, never up and down. Control the speed and direction of the tractor using primarily the control lever on the downhill side of the tractor, with the uphill control lever remaining essentially in a fixed position. 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 Operate the PTO clutch as follows: 1. Move the throttle control lever to approximately the mid throttle position. 2. Pull the PTO 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. 5. The PTO clutch cannot be operated when the tractor is driving in the reverse direction. The PTO will disengage when both drive control levers are moved to the reverse position. To re-engage the PTO, the levers must be in the neutral or froward drive position and the PTO switch must be placed in the OFF (disengaged) position and then returned to the ON (engaged) position. 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. 1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill. 2. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed. 3. Engage the PTO clutch using the PTO switch and move the throttle control or throttle/choke control to the fast position. 4. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the lift handle. 5. Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers 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 control levers. 6. 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. 7. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3". 8. Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip. 9. 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 and raise the deck to the highest position before crossing. NOTE: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always: • Place the control levers in the neutral/parking brake engaged position, • 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. 20 Section 5- Operation