Operating Instructions; General - Cub Cadet 20HP Z-Force 44 Operator's And Service Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Hour Meter
Electric Blade
Clutch Switch
A. General
1. When Mowing:
a. Keep adults, children, and pets away from
the area to be mowed.
b. When operating this mower, in the forward
direction, do not allow the steering levers to
return to neutral on their own. Always main-
tain a firm grip on the levers, operate them
smoothly and avoid any sudden move-
ments of the levers when starting and stop-
ping.
c. If the mower is equipped for side discharge,
never use the mower without the discharge
chute installed and placed in the down posi-
tion.
d. Always remove debris and other objects
from the area to be mowed (Note: debris
and loose grass will reduce traction).
e. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
f. Watch for holes, sprinkler heads, and other
hidden hazards.
g. Avoid driving too close to trees, creeks,
ditches, sand traps, and other obstacles.
h. Before backing up, check behind and watch
where you are going.
i. Always reduce speed when making a turn,
and when grass is wet.
j. Always mow across slopes, never up and
down the slope. Do not operate on steep
slopes and slow down before turning. Avoid
turning downhill if possible, start at the bot-
tom and work up to the top. Use extra care
and go slowly when turning downhill. Con-
trol the speed and direction of the zero turn
machine "primarily" with the speed/direc-
tional control (lap bar) of the downhill side
of the machine...I.E., maintain the uphill
side lap bar "essentially" in a fixed position.
Figure. 1
Ignition Switch
Choke
k. Be careful when crossing gravel paths or
roadways. Always turn off the blade clutch
switch and wait until the blades stop rotat-
ing and raise the cutting deck to the trans-
port position. Always allow other vehicles to
have the right of way.
l. If you hit a solid object while mowing, turn
off the blade clutch switch, place the steer-
ing levers in the neutral, opened-out posi-
tion, move the throttle to slow, set the
parking brake, shut off the engine, and take
the key from the ignition switch. Inspect for
damage. Repair the damage. Make sure
the blades are in good condition and that
the blade bolts are tight before restarting
the engine.
m. Never leave the mower unattended without
performing the following: turn off the blade
clutch switch, placing the steering levers in
the neutral open-out position, moving the
throttle to slow, setting the parking brake,
shutting off the engine and taking the key
from the ignition switch.
n. Never walk or stand on the discharge side
of the mower when the engine is running.
Turn off the blade clutch switch if another
person approaches while you are operating
the mower.
o. Never attempt to operate the traction unit
without having the mowing deck attached.
p. Keep the mower and especially the engine
and hydraulic components clean and free of
grease, grass, and leaves to reduce the
chance of fire and permit proper cooling.
10
Figure. 2
parking brake
Engine throttle