Cub Cadet Z-Force SX 54 Operation Manual - Page 12

Operation General Safety • RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Entirely read this operator's manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor. • Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the operator's seat. The PTO switch must be in the disengaged position and the parking brake engaged. • Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts. • NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away. Look behind and down to both sides of the tractor before and while backing up. • DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people. Never walk or stand on the discharge side of the mower when the engine is running. Turn off the PTO if another person approaches while you are operating the mower. • Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater incline present dangerous operating conditions. Tractors can be rolled over. Always mow across slopes, never up and down the slope. Avoid turning downhill if possible, start at the bottom and work up to the top. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill. Control the speed and direction of the zero turn machine "primarily" with the speed/directional control (lap bar) of the downhill side of the machine, i.e., maintain the uphill side lap bar "essentially" in a fixed position. • Before leaving the operator's seat shut off the PTO and engage the parking brake, shut off the engine and remove the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop before servicing or cleaning. • Avoid any sudden movements of the steering wheel when starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. • Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the tractor motion and wait for vehicles to pass before operating along the road. • Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck removed. Removal of the deck will change the balance of the tractor, and could contribute to a tractor rollover. • Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable; use extreme caution if the surface is slippery. • Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop before any zero turn maneuver. • Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc. • Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or while the engine is hot. Allow the engine several minutes to cool before refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely. Safety Interlock Switches This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact your Cub Cadet dealer. • The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO knob is in the disengaged (OFF) position. • The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake. WARNING Do not operate the riding mower if the safety interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. Before Operating Your Tractor 1. Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently. 2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher and 10% ethanol maximum. When the fuel reaches one inch from the top of the tank, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be left for expansion. 3. Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves less combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not recommended and must not be used where exhaust emissions are regulated. Note: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system. 4. Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved. 5. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved. 6. Check the engine oil level. Refer to the Engine Operator's manual for instructions on checking the engine oil level. 7. Clean the air cleaner element if necessary. 8. Check the tire inflation pressures. See the tire side wall for proper inflation pressures. Note: New tires are overinflated in order to properly seat the bead to the rim. 9. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight. 10. Check the tension of the deck drive belts. a. Remove the deck cover b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring mechanism that adjusts for wear and stretch. c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive wear. Replace if any of these are detected. d. Replace the deck cover. 11. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be level side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4" lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section. 12. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Maintenance & Adjustments section. 13. Adjust the seat for operator's maximum comfort, visibility and for maintaining complete control of the tractor. Starting the Engine WARNING This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system designed for the protection of the operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of the interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions of the interlock system for proper operation. WARNING For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the engine. Note: Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for oil fill-up instructions and refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section for gasoline fillup instructions. 1. Open the fuel shut-off valve (if equipped) by selecting the right or left tank. 2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat. 3. Engage the parking brake by pressing forward on the brake pedal (a), then press down on the parking break/cruise control lever (b) and then release the brake pedal (a). Refer to Figure 3-1. (a) (b) Figure 3-1 4. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down) position. 5. Move the throttle control to midway between its SLOW and FAST positions. 6. Move the choke control into the CHOKE position. Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to place the choke control in the CHOKE position. 12 Section 3 - Controls & Operation