Page 1
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty ’ peratOr anual Self Propelled Mower — Models SC 500 Z/ SC 500 EZ WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com ◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 965-4CUB ◊ Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at (877) 282-8684 ◊ Write us at Cub Cadet LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019...
Important Safe Operation Practices WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
Page 4
A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance contact or thrown object injuries. is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled you can let go.
Page 5
Service Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade Safe Handling Of Gasoline: for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme listed in this manual.
Notice Regarding Emissions Spark Arrestor Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal WARNING: This machine is equipped with an EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) internal combustion engine and should not be used are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush may include the following emission control systems: Engine covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s...
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER —...
Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Carton • One Lawn Mower • One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil • One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Side Discharge Chute • One Fuse† † If Equipped Assembly NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Page 10
Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope Pull upward on the handle approximately 8 inches guide. See Figure 3-6. until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket.
Page 11
Side Discharge Chute Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Figure 3-7. Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door is closed.
Page 12
Adjustments Handle Pitch For convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the Cutting Height handle as follows: The rear wheel cutting height adjustment lever is located above Remove star knobs and carriage bolts from handle. See the rear left wheel. See Figure 3-10A insert. Figure 3-11.
Controls and Features Premium Blade Control Drive Control Electric Starter Button† Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Deck Wash Side Discharge Chute † If Equipped Figure 4-1 Blade Control Deck Wash The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface Depress and squeeze it against the drive control to operate the as part of its deck wash system.
Operation Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Deck Wash Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a water port on its General Recommendations surface as part of its deck wash system. • Always observe safety rules when performing any Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s maintenance.
Page 16
Engine Care Pull the fitting away from the handle. Unhook the cable and remove the metal bushing from the A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good plastic drive handle. See Figure 6-4. performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.
Service Blade Care WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for may cause damage to mower and could break sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with causing personal injury. a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade.
Page 18
Replacing Battery (If Equipped) Charging Battery (If Equipped) WARNING: WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which The battery contains corrosive fluid may cause burns. Do not short circuit or mutilate and toxic material; handle with care and keep away batteries in any way. Do not put batteries in fire as from children.
Page 19
Replacing Fuse (If Equipped) Off-Season Storage The electric starter circuit and battery are protected by a 40 The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower ampere fuse. If the fuse burns out, the electric starter will not for storage.
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy Engine Fails to start 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4.
Page 21
Problem Cause Remedy Uneven cut 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place front and rear wheels in same height position. (Dual Height Adjusters) 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. Mower will not self propel 1. Belt not installed properly. 1.
964-05005 Grass Bag Phone 877-282-8684 for your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com...
Page 23
† If Equipped Phone 877-282-8684 for your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com 9 —...
Attachments & Accessories Component Model Number and Description 490-850-0005 Blade Removal Tool — Holds blade in place for faster, safer removal. SPW-134 Spark Plug Wrench — Duel ended wrench to serve multiple uses. Fits ¾” or 13⁄16” hex plug. 490-850-0008 Oil Siphon —...
Page 25
Component Model Number and Description 22216 STA-BIL® fuel Stabilizer, 32 oz — Treats 80 gallons of fuel. Keeps stored fuel fresh for quick, easy starts. Prevents corrosion from moisture and ethanol-induced attraction. Prevents gum and varnish. 490-290-0012 Mower Cover — Protects your mower against sun, rain and dust damage.
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Cub Cadet LLC with deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior respect to new merchandise purchased or leased and used in the finish due to use or exposure.