Cub Cadet Z-Force SX 54 Operation Manual - Page 14

6. The REVERSE CAUTION MODE (B) will remain activated until: a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING (a) position or STOP (e) position or b. The operator leaves the seat. Driving On Slopes Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Practices 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. • Mow across slopes, not up and down. • Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly uphill and use extra care while turning. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a rollover. • Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward. Operating the PTO Operate the PTO clutch as follows: Note: During your units initial break-in period, in order to engage the PTO and avoid engine stall, allow the engine to warm before engaging the PTO. Break-In period varies depending on your engine. 1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST position. 2. Pull the PTO switch upward to the ENGAGED position. 3. The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operator should leave the seat without disengaging the PTO, the tractor's engine will shut off. 4. 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 and will re-engage when one (or both) control lever(s) is moved to the neutral or forward position. Mowing WARNING To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. 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. WARNING Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator. WARNING Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways. Disengage the PTO and raise the deck to the highest position before crossing. 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. • Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill. • Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed. • Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is prone to weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather. • Always operate the tractor with the throttle in the FAST position while mowing. • On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed. • Engage the PTO clutch using the PTO switch and move the throttle control or throttle/ choke control to the FAST position. • Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the lift handle. • Slowly and evenly push the forward drive control pedal forward to move the tractor forward, and keep the tractor headed directly toward the alignment point • For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn. • Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush. • Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. • 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. • Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3". • Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip. • 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. Note: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always: • 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. Deck Lift Lever To raise or lower the cutting deck, depress the button on the end of the handle and push downward to lower the deck, or pull upward to raise the deck, then place it in the hole best suited for your application. To place the deck in the transport position, lift the handle all the way up and hang the top hook on the handle from the upper spacer on the deck height index bracket. See Figure 3-4. Transport Position/ Highest Mowing Position Deck Removal/ Installation Position Lowest Mowing Position Figure 3-4 Note: Make certain the deck is secured and the pin is fully inserted into the deck height index. The pin is keyed to help keep it in place and fits into the slotted holes on the deck height index. Note: The deck lift handle must always be above the pin, never hang the deck lift handle from the pin when mowing. 14 Section 3 - Controls & Operation