Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 Operator's Manual page 17

Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to
the practice area. When performing the practice
session, the PTO knob 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.
Always wear appropriate clothing and personal
protection equipment (e.g. safety glasses,
long pants, gloves, hearing protection, safety
shoes, hard hat) when operating or maintaining
this machine. Follow all federal, state and
local guidelines regarding the use of personal
protective equipment.
Carefully practice maneuvering the machine 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
1. Ensure that the area is free of animals and
bystanders, especially children!
2. Survey the area where the equipment is
to be used to make sure it is free of debris,
sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other
foreign objects which could cause injury
to bystanders, damage to the machine, or
damage to nearby facilities.
Warning! Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
3. Adjust the operator's seat to the most
comfortable position that allows you to
operate the controls. Refer to the Assembly
& Set-Up section for instructions on
adjusting the seat.
4. Adjust the steering wheel tilt with the
steering column adjustment lever.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Move the throttle control lever (if equipped)
forward to the FAST position.
NOTE: The tractor's engine is designed to run
at full throttle, but when performing a practice
session the tractor must be operated at less
than full throttle. This only applies to practice.
Warning! Always maintain a firm
grip on the steering wheel.
7. To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the steering
wheel with your right and left hands and
continue with Driving the Tractor Forward.
Driving the Tractor Forward
Warning! Keep all movement of the
drive pedals slow and smooth.
Abrupt movement of the pedals 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. Slowly push the forward drive pedal
forward. The tractor will start to move
forward. See Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1
2. As the forward drive pedal is pushed farther
forward the speed of the tractor will increase.
3. To slow the tractor, slowly release the
forward drive pedal to attain the desired
speed, or allow to pedal to return the
neutral position to stop the tractor.
Turning the Tractor While Driving Forward
Warning! When reversing the
direction of travel, we recommend
performing gradual 'U' turns where
possible. Sharper turns increase the
possibility of turf defacement, and
could affect control of the tractor.
ALWAYS slow the tractor before
making sharp turns.
To turn the tractor while driving forward, use the
steering wheel to turn in the direction you wish to
travel.
1. To turn to the left, turn the steering wheel
counter-clockwise (to the operator's left).
2. To turn to the right, turn the steering wheel
clockwise (to the operator's right).
3. The greater the distance the steering wheel
is turned, the sharper the tractor will turn.
4. To execute a "pivot turn," move the steering
wheel so that the inside wheel is angled at
approximately 88 degrees and the turn side
tire will not rotate.
NOTE: Making a "pivot turn" on grass
will greatly increase the potential for
defacement of the turf as well as potential
damages to the traction surface and the tire.
Driving the Tractor In Reverse
Warning! Always look behind and
down on both sides of the tractor
before backing up. Always look
behind while traveling in the reverse
direction.
1. Slowly push the reverse drive pedal forward.
The tractor will start to move in the reverse
direction. See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2
2. As the reverse drive pedal is pushed farther
forward the speed of the tractor will
increase.
3. To slow the tractor release the reverse drive
pedal to attain the desired speed, or allow
the pedal to return to the neutral position to
stop the tractor.
Turning While Driving Rearward
To turn the tractor while driving rearward, use the
steering wheel to turn in the direction you wish to
travel.
1. To turn to the left while traveling in reverse,
turn the steering wheel clockwise (to the
operator's right).
2. To turn to the right while traveling in
reverse, turn the steering wheel counter-
clockwise.
3. The greater the distance the steering wheel
is turned, the sharper the tractor will turn.
4. To execute a "pivot turn," move the steering
wheel so that the inside wheel is angled at
approximately 88 degrees and the turn side
tire will not rotate.
NOTE: Making a "pivot turn" on grass
will greatly increase the potential for
defacement of the turf as well as potential
damages to the traction surface and the tire.
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ection ontrolS peration
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