Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 Operator's Manual page 16

a. Remove the deck cover
b. The tension of the deck drive
belts are maintained by a spring
mechanism that adjusts for wear and
stretch.
c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying,
and excessive wear. Replace if any of
these are detected.
d. Replace the deck cover.
9. Check if deck is level. When correctly
adjusted the mower deck should be level
side to side, and the front of the deck should
be approximately 1⁄4" lower than the rear of
deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to
the Service section.
10. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the
Service section.
11. Adjust the seat for operator's maximum
comfort, visibility and for maintaining
complete control of the machine. Refer
to the Assembly & Set-Up section for
instructions on adjusting the seat.
Safety Interlock System
This machine is equipped with a safety interlock
system for the protection of the operator. If the
interlock system should ever malfunction, do not
operate the machine. Contact your authorized Cub
Cadet Dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the
engine from cranking or starting unless
the speed control pedals are in the neutral
position, the parking brake is engaged, and
the PTO knob is disengaged.
• To avoid sudden movement when
disengaging the parking brake, the safety
interlock system will shut off the engine if the
speed control pedals are moved to a position
other than the neutral position when the
parking brake is engaged.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the
engine if the operator leaves the seat before
engaging the parking brake.
• The safety interlock system will shut off
the engine if the operator leaves the seat
with the PTO knob engaged, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged.
NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the
disengaged position to restart the engine.
Starting the Engine
For throttle/choke or throttle/automatic EFI
engines proceed below, for electronic throttle/EFI
engines, skip ahead to the Electronic Throttle/EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines section.
Manual Throttle/Choke or Throttle/Automatic EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines
Warning! This machine is equipped
with a safety interlock system designed
for protection of the operator. Do not
operate the machine if any part of the
interlock system is malfunctioning.
Periodically check the functions of the
interlock system for proper operation.
Warning! For personal safety, the
operator must be sitting in the
tractor seat when starting the
engine.
16 S 3 — c
ection ontrolS
1. Open the fuel valve(s).
NOTE: If both tanks are on, and one is empty
the engine will not start. Be certain to make
sure both tanks have fuel or that the empty
tank's fuel valve is closed.
2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor
seat with both drive control pedals in the
neutral/start position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged
(down) position.
5. Lift the choke knob (if equipped) into the
ON position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may
not be necessary to choke the engine.
NOTE: Some tractors are equipped with EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) engines and are
not equipped with a choke.
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 OFF 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 (if
equipped) halfway down and as the engine
warms, push the choke (if equipped) all the
way down.
Electric Throttle/EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
Engines
1. Open the fuel valve(s).
NOTE: To prime a dry fuel system, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position for one
minute. Allow the fuel pump to cycle and
prime the system. Turn the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
NOTE: If both tanks are on, and one is empty
the engine will not start. Be certain to make
sure both tanks have fuel or that the empty
tank's fuel valve is closed.
2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor
seat with both drive control pedals in the
neutral/start position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged
(down) position.
5. 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 OFF and wait at least 60
seconds to allow the engine's starter motor
to cool. Try again after waiting.
NOTE: Failure to follow these guidelines can
burn out the starter motor.
NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking
may occur. Run engine for five minutes. If
the noise continues, run the engine at the
starting position for 20 minutes. If the noise
persists, take the tractor to your authorized
service dealer.
& o
peration
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
and FAST
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.
4. Have the tractor's electrical system checked
and repaired as soon as possible to
eliminate the need for jump starting.
Stopping the Engine
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 OFF position and
remove the key from the ignition switch.
NOTE: Always remove the key from the
ignition switch to prevent accidental
starting or battery discharge if the
equipment is left unattended.
5. Close the fuel shut-off valve(s).
Practice Operation (Initial Use)
Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating
a conventional type riding tractor. Although and
because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable,
getting used to operating the speed control
pedals and the steering wheel takes some practice.
It is strongly recommend that you locate a
reasonably large, level and open "practice area"
where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or
animals. You should practice operating the tractor
for a minimum of 30 minutes.
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.