Stopping The Engine; Driving The Tractor - Cub Cadet RZT54 Operator's Manual

• Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting
instructions previously provided; then disconnect
the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their
connection.
• Have the tractor's electrical system checked and
repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the need for
jump starting.

Stopping the Engine

• Place the PTO switch in the "OFF" position.
• Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward
in the neutral position.
• Engage the parking brake.
• Move the throttle control to the SLOW position and
allow the engine to idle for about one minute.
• Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position and remove
the key from the ignition switch.
NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch
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 be-cause
a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable, getting used to
operating the control levers takes some practice.
We strongly recommend 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 1/2-3/4 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!: Avoid sudden starts, excessive
speed and sudden stops.
• Adjust the operator's seat to the most comfortable
position that allows you to operate the controls. See
seat adjustment in the ADJUSTMENTS section.
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the
neutral position. Refer to Figure 5-2.
NOTE
If the control levers are not even in the neutral position,
:
refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions to
adjust the levers so that they are even.
Control Lever Moved
Inward and in Neutral
Figure 5-2
• Move the throttle control lever forward to the full
throttle position (3500-3600 RPM). NOTE: Although the
tractor's engine is designed to run at full throttle, when
performing a practice session the tractor must be operated
at less than full throttle (approximately 2500-3000 RPM).
This only applies to practice.
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.
• To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective drive
control levers with your right and left hands and
proceed as follows :
Driving the Tractor Forward
WARNING!: Keep all movement of the 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.
• Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers
forward. The tractor will start to move forward. See
Figure 5-3.
DRIVING FORWARD
Neutral
Position
Figure 5-3
Faster
Slower
s 5 — O
ectiOn peratiOn
15