Operation - Cub Cadet Z-Force LZ 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 RH and LH drive control levers moved to
the neutral position engaging the parking brake.
• 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, move
the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the
neutral position, engage the parking brake, shut off the
engine and remove the ignition key. Wait for all movement
to stop before servicing or cleaning.
• When operating this mower, in the forward direction, do
not allow the steering levers to return to neutral on their
own. Operate the drive control levers smoothly and avoid
any sudden movements of the levers when starting and
stopping. Keep a firm grip on the control levers.
• Be careful when operating near gravel paths and roadways.
Stop the blades and 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. Always remove
debris and other objects from the area to be mowed -
debris and loose grass will reduce traction.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Watch for holes, sprinkler heads, and other hidden hazards.
• Avoid driving too close to trees, creeks, ditches, sand traps,
and other obstacles.
• Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop
before any zero turn maneuver.
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• If you hit a solid object while mowing, turn off the PTO,
place the steering levers in the neutral, opened-out
position, 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.
• Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over
combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc.
• 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.
• 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.
Checking the Safety Interlock Circuits
Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are
working properly. If a safety circuit is not working as designed,
contact you Cub Cadet dealer to have the tractor inspected. DO
NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is not functioning
properly. To check the safety circuits, proceed as follows:
1. Pull the PTO switch upward to the engaged position.
Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the start position;
the engine should not crank.
2. Move both control levers fully inward in the neutral
position; then lift upward from the operator's seat. The
engine should stop.
3. With both control levers fully outward in the neutral/
parking brake engaged position, engage the PTO. Lift
upward from the operator's seat; the engine should stop.
4. Start the tractor and move the control levers inward to the
neutral operating position. Engage the PTO and move both
control lever slowly into the slow reverse position; the PTO
should disengage and the mower deck should stop.
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.
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