Using The Mower Deck; Checking The Safety Interlock Circuits - Craftsman Z6000 SERIES Operator's Manual

Using the Mower Deck

Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or
other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades.
NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and
possible failure of the 'V" belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move
to a non-grassy area before engaging the mower deck.
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work
upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
2. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed.
3. Engage the PTO clutch using the PTO switch and move the throttle/choke control to
the FAST position.
4. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the lift handle.
5. Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers forward to move the
riding mower forward, and keep the riding mower headed directly toward the
alignment point.
NOTE: The speed of the riding mower will affect the quality of the mower cut.
Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground speed
with the control levers.
6. When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before turning. A
U-turn is recommended unless a zero turn is required.
7. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3".
8. Direct the riding mower on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip.
9. To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change the direction that the
strips are mowed by approximately 45° for the next and each subsequent mowing.
Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways. Disengage the PTO and
raise the deck to the highest position before crossing.
NOTE: When stopping the riding mower for any reason while on a grass
surface, always:
• Place the control levers in neutral (parking brake on),
• Shut engine off and remove the key.
• Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn
''browned'' by hot exhaust from your riding mower's running
engine.

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
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.
OPERATION
WARNING
WARNING
position; the engine should not crank.
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