Operation - Cub Cadet Z-Force SZ Operator's Manual

Operation

General Safety
• RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator's
manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk
INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become
competent in its usage to operate this tractor.
• Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be
familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the
operator's seat. The PTO switch must be in the disengaged
position and the parking brake engaged.
• Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts.
• NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away.
Look behind and down to both sides of the tractor before
and while backing up.
• DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people. Never
walk or stand on the discharge side of the mower when
the engine is running. Turn off the PTO if another person
approaches while you are operating the mower.
• Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes
greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater incline present
dangerous operating conditions. Tractors can be rolled
over. Always mow across slopes, never up and down
the slope. Avoid turning downhill if possible, start at
the bottom and work up to the top. Use extra care and
go slowly when turning downhill. Control the speed
and direction of the zero turn machine "primarily" with
the speed/directional control (lap bar) of the downhill
side of the machine, i.e., maintain the uphill side lap bar
"essentially" in a fixed position.
• Before leaving the operator's seat shut off the PTO and
engage the parking brake, shut off the engine and remove
the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop before
servicing or cleaning.
• Avoid any sudden movements of the steering wheel when
starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the tractor
motion and wait for vehicles to pass before operating
along the road.
• Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck removed.
Removal of the deck will change the balance of the tractor,
and could contribute to a tractor rollover.
• Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable; use
extreme caution if the surface is slippery.
• Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop
before any zero turn maneuver.
• Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over
combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc.
• Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or
while the engine is hot. Allow the engine several minutes
to cool before refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely.
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Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the
protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever
malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact your Cub Cadet
dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from
cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged,
and the PTO knob is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves
the seat before engaging the parking brake.
WARNING!
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and protection.
Before Operating Your Tractor
1. Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully
to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the
instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you
operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline
with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher and 10%
ethanol maximum. When the fuel reaches one inch from
the top of the tank, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be
left for expansion.
3. Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves
less combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful
exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not recommended
and must not be used where exhaust emissions are
regulated.
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use
gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize
gum deposits in the fuel system.
4. Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline
by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol
blends are not approved.
5. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline
blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are
approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not
approved.
6. Check the engine oil level. Refer to the Engine Operator's
manual for instructions on checking the engine oil level.
7. Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
8. Check the tire inflation pressures. See the tire side wall for
proper inflation pressures.
NOTE: New tires are overinflated in order to properly seat
the bead to the rim.
9. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.
10. Check the tension of the deck drive belts.
a. Remove the deck cover
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