Cub Cadet ZTX4 54 Operation Manual - Page 13

OPERATION Stopping the Engine 1. Disengage the PTO. 2. Move the RH and LH lapbar drive control levers fully outward into the Park Brake engaged position. 3. Move the throttle control to midway between the slow and fast positions. 4. Turn the key to the STOP position and remove the key from the ignition module. Note: Always remove the key from the ignition module to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended. Practice Operation (Initial Use) Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional type riding tractor. Although and because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable, getting used to operating the lapbar drive control levers takes some practice. It is strongly recommended that you locate a reasonably large, level and open "practice area" where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should practice operating the tractor for a minimum of 30 minutes. Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area. When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be engaged. While practicing, operate the tractor at approximately throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and reverse. Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions in the following section "Driving the Tractor." Practice until you are confident that you can safely operate the tractor. Driving the Tractor WARNING Keep all movement of the lapbar drive control levers slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the control levers can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the operator. 1. Adjust the operator's seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to operate the controls. See seat adjustment in the Assembly & Set-Up section. Control Levers Moved Inward & in Neutral 2. Move the RH and LH lapbar drive control levers inward in the neutral position which also disengages the parking brake. Refer to Figure 19. Note: Lapbar drive control levers must be moved fully inward before pushing forward or backward to ensure brakes are fully disengaged. Parking the tractor on uneven terrain or a hill may cause the brakes to bind Figure 19 and not release fully. In this case the tractor will not drive when the lapbar drive control levers are moved. If this happens, move the lapbar drive control lever in the opposite direction slightly to take the load off the brakes and allow them to release fully. Note: If the lap bar drive control levers are not even in the neutral position, refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions to adjust the lapbar drive control levers so that they are even. 3. Move the throttle to the full throttle position. Driving the Tractor Forward 1. Slowly and evenly move both lapbar drive control levers forward. The tractor will start to move forward. See Figure 20. Driving Forward 2. As the lapbar drive control levers are pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase. 3. To slow the tractor move the drive controls lever rearward to attain the desired speed, or move the lapbar drive control levers to the neutral position to stop the tractor. Neutral Position Figure 20 Turning the Tractor While Driving Forward Faster Slower WARNING Sharp turns can affect control of the tractor. ALWAYS slow the tractor before making sharp turns. To turn the tractor while driving forward, move the lapbar drive control levers as necessary so that one drive control lever is rearward of the other. The tractor will turn in the direction of the rearward drive control lever. Forward Left Turn 1. To turn to the left, move the left drive control lever rearward of the right drive control lever. See Figure 21. 2. To turn to the right, move the right drive control lever rearward of the left lever. See Figure 22. Figure 21 3. The greater the distance between the two levers, the sharper the tractor will turn. Forward Right Turn 4. To execute a "pivot turn," move the turn side drive control lever to the neutral position, while moving the other control lever forward. Note: Making a "pivot turn" on grass will greatly increase the potential for defacement of the turf. Figure 22 WARNING Always maintain a firm grip on the control levers. DO NOT release the control levers to slow or stop the tractor; move levers to neutral position using your hands. 4. To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective lapbar drive control levers with your right and left hands and continue with Driving the Tractor Forward in the next section. 13