Starting The Engine; Safety Interlock System - Cub Cadet Z-Force LZ Operator's Manual

5. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gas 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.

Safety Interlock System

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 authorized
Cub Cadet Dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from
cranking or starting unless the RH and LH drive control levers
are moved fully outward in the neutral position — which
engages the parking brake — and the PTO is disengaged.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the
operator leaves the seat before the RH and LH drive control
levers are fully outward in the neutral position engaging
the parking brake.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the
operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged, regardless of
whether the RH and LH drive control levers are fully outward
in the neutral position engaging the parking brake.
NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the "OFF"
position to restart the engine.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO and the mower
blades will stop if both drive control levers are moved into the
reverse position. To restart the blades the PTO must be moved
to the "OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position.

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.
1. Open the fuel shut-off valve by selecting the right or left tank.
2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with the RH and
LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position
engaging the parking brake.
3. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)
position.
4. Pull the choke knob (if equipped) up into the CHOKE
position or move the throttle/choke control (if equipped)
into the CHOKE position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5. Move the throttle control (if equipped) to midway between
its slow and fast
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the
run position.
CAUTION:
Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing
so may cause damage to your engine's electric
starter.
7. Once the engine warms up, push the choke knob down
into the OFF position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the throttle/choke control (if equipped)
or choke control (if equipped) in the CHOKE
while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Cold Weather Starting
When starting the engine at temperatures near or below
freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the
engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as
follows:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery
has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has
higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline
left over from summer.
3. Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.
positions.
position.
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