Cub Cadet Z-Force L Operator's Manual page 21

Mowing
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.
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.
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start
at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
2. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the
area to be mowed.
3. Engage the PTO and move the throttle control to the FAST
position.
4. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using
the deck lift handle.
5. Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers
forward to move the tractor forward, and keep the tractor
headed directly toward the alignment point.
NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the
mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut
quality. Control the ground speed with the control levers.
6. 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.
7. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and
overlap approximately 3".
8. Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a
previously cut strip.
9. 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.
WARNING!
Be careful when crossing gravel paths
or driveways. Disengage the PTO and raise the deck
to the highest position before crossing.
NOTE: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a
grass surface, always:
• Place the control levers in th e neutral/parking brake
engaged position,
• 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 5-11.
Deck Removal/
Installation Position
Figure 5-11
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.
Transport Position/
Highest Mowing
Position
Lowest Mowing
Position
S 5 — o
ection peration
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