Position - Cub Cadet RZT54 Operator's Manual

• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the
operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged, regardless
of whether the parking brake is engaged.
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. The PTO will re-engage
when one or both of the levers are moved back to the
neutral or forward position.
Starting the Engine
WARNING!
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!
be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the
engine.
Separate Throttle and Choke
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2. Engage the parking brake. Refer to Figure 5-1.
3. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)
position. Refer to Figure 5-1.
LH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Parking Brake
Engaged
Control or Throttle
Choke
4. Pull the choke control knob upward to the full choke

position.

NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5. Move the throttle control to midway between its SLOW and
FAST positions.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the "START" position
and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not
crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at
16 s 5— O
ectiOn peratiOn
This tractor is equipped with a safety
For personal safety, the operator must
RH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Throttle/Choke
Control
PTO Switch in Down
(Disengaged) Position
Figure 5-1
a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn
the key to "OFF" and wait a minute to allow the engine's
starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few
attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep trying to
start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and
make starting more difficult.
7. As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke knob
downward to open the choke. Do not use the choke to
enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the
engine.
8. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle
before putting the engine under load.
9. Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the battery
indicator light comes on, immediately stop the engine.
Have the tractor inspected by your authorized dealer.
Throttle/Choke Control Lever Set-Up
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2. Engage the parking brake. Refer to Figure 5-1.
3. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)
position. Refer to Figure 5-1.
4. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the "START" position
and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not
crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at
a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn
the key to "OFF" and wait a minute to allow the engine's
starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few
attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep trying to
start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and
make starting more difficult.
6. As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke knob
downward to open the choke. Do not use the choke to
enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the
engine.
7. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle
before putting the engine under load.
8. Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the battery
indicator light comes on, immediately stop the engine.
Have the tractor inspected by your authorized dealer.
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.