Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 Operation Manual - Page 2

SAFE OPERATIONS PRACTICES WARNING This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING! DANGER This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. General Operation 1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the tractor and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts. 2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the tractor and disengage them quickly. 3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this tractor. Children 14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the tractor and should be trained and supervised by an adult. 4. Never allow adults to operate this tractor without proper instruction. 5. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your customer service representative for assistance. Operating 1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding tractor-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding tractor safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. 2. Disengage the blades and set the parking brake before attempting to start the tractor. 3. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet. 4. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the tractor. Tall grass can hide obstacles. 5. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, helpers and the like. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator. 6. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an estimated useful life of seven (7) years, under ordinary use conditions. At the end of its useful life, have the product inspected annually to ensure all mechanical and safety systems are operating properly, safely, and are not worn excessively. Failure to do so may result in accident, injury, or death. Preparation Before Operating 1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tractor is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. 2. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep helpers at least 75 feet (23 meters) from the tractor while it is in operation. Keep bystanders, children and pets inside during operation. Stop tractor if anyone enters the area. 3. Be aware of the tractor discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. 4. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes. 5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes, jewelry and long hair can be caught in moving parts. Never operate this tractor in bare feet or sandals. 6. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½" (13mm) below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. 7. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. 8. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this tractor by the tractor manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory or attachment. 6. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the tractor, which could result in serious injury. 7. Never leave a running tractor unattended. Always turn off blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key before dismounting. 8. Disengage blade(s), set the parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments. 9. Your tractor is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10" (25cm). Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g. pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the tractor deck presenting a potential fire hazard. 10. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident. 11. Never carry passengers. 12. Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from drop-offs, ditches, embankments or the edge of water. The tractor could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in. 13. A missing or damaged chute deflector can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 14. Do not operate the tractor without the chute deflector or entire grass catcher in its proper place. 15. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the tractor. Always follow the attachment manufacturer's instructions. 16. Stop the blades when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. 2