Driving The Tractor - Cub Cadet Z-Force Pro Operator's Manual

5. Lift the choke knob into the on position.
NOTE:
If the engine is warmed up,
it may not be necessary to choke the
engine.
6. Move the throttle control to midway
between the SLOW
positions.
7. 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 10 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start within this time, turn
the key to STOP and wait at least 30
seconds 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.
8. Once the engine starts, push the choke
halfway down and as the engine warms,
push the choke all the way down.
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.
Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine
WARNING! Batteries contain
sulfuric acid and produce
explosive gasses. Make certain
the area is well ventilated, wear
gloves and eye protection, and
avoid sparks or flames near the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank
the engine, recharge the battery. If a battery
charger is unavailable and the tractor must
be started, the aid of a booster battery will
be necessary. Connect the booster battery as
follows:
1. Connect the end of one cable to the
disabled tractor battery's positive
terminal; then connect the other end
of that cable to the booster battery's
positive terminal.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to
the booster battery's negative terminal;
then connect the other end of that cable
to the frame of the disabled tractor, as
far from the battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled tractor following the
normal starting instructions previously
provided; then disconnect the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order of their
connection.
14 S 3 — c
ection ontrolS
4. Have the tractor's electrical system
checked and repaired as soon as
possible to eliminate the need for jump
starting.
Stopping the Engine
and FAST
1. Place the PTO switch in the disengaged
position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Move the throttle to the SLOW position
and allow the engine to idle for about
one minute.
4. Turn the ignition key to the STOP
position and remove the key from the
ignition switch.
NOTE:
ignition switch to prevent accidental
starting or battery discharge if the
equipment is left unattended.
5. Close the fuel shut-off valve.

Driving The Tractor

1. Release the parking brake. Move the
throttle control lever into the FAST
position.
2. To travel FORWARD, slowly press the
forward drive pedal (a) forward until the
desired speed is achieved. See Figure 3-1.
(c)
3. To stop or slow down the tractor, take
your foot off of the forward (a) or reverse
drive pedal (b). To lock the parking brake,
press forward on the brake pedal (c), then
press down on the parking break/cruise
control lever (d) and then release the
brake pedal (c).
4. To use the cruise control:
e.
f.
& o
peration
Always remove the key from the
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden
stops.
(a)
(b)
(d)
Figure 3-1
Press down on the forward drive
pedal (a).
While maintaining the desired
speed press down on the parking
break/cruise control lever (d)
then release the forward drive
pedal (a) to activate the cruise
control.
7. To release the cruise control, press the
brake (c) or the forward drive pedal (a).
NOTE:
The forward drive pedal (a) and
reverse drive pedal (b) must not be used
when the brake is partially engaged.
When the brake is locked the drive belt is
disengaged but if the brake is only part
way back then the brakes are engaged but
so is the drive belt so transmission damage
will occur if you push forward or reverse.
8. To travel in reverse, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly push down
on the reverse drive pedal (b) with the
ball of your foot (NOT your heel) until the
desired speed is achieved. See Figure 3-1.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to
change the direction of travel
when the tractor is in motion.
Always bring the tractor to a
complete stop before moving the
tractor from forward to reverse or
vice versa.
WARNING! Do not leave the seat
of the tractor without first
placing the PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position and
engaging the parking brake. If
leaving the tractor unattended,
also turn the engine off and
remove the ignition key.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help
determine slopes where you may operate the
tractor safely.
WARNING! Do not mow on
inclines with a slope in excess of
15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1⁄2 feet every 10
feet). The tractor could overturn
and cause serious injury.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or
other hidden objects. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary;
then turn slowly uphill and use extra
care while turning. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of a rollover.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope.
If it is necessary to stop while driving up
a slope, start up smoothly and carefully
to reduce the possibility of flipping the
tractor over backward.
Operating The PTO
Operate the PTO clutch as follows:
NOTE:
During your units initial break-in period,
in order to engage the PTO and avoid engine stall,
allow the engine to warm before engaging the
PTO. Break-In period varies depending on your
engine.
1. Move the throttle control lever to the
FAST position.
2. Pull the PTO switch upward to the
ENGAGED position.