Operation - Cub Cadet Challenger 400 Operator's Manual

Operation

Tire Inflation
IMPORTANT: Inflation pressure in all tires is 14 psi.
Overinflating above recommended tire pressure can
reduce the life of the tire. Check tire pressures before
each use.
WARNING: Excessive pressure (above
14 psi) may cause the tire/rim
assembly to burst with sufficient force
to cause severe injury or death.
Starting Engine
WARNING: This is an off-road utility
vehicle and it should not be operated on
public highways. Know and comply with
all laws and regulations governing the
use of off-highway vehicles in your area.
IMPORTANT: Before starting the engine, read this
manual and the Engine manual thoroughly to
understand all instructions.
WARNING: Do not run an engine in
an enclosed area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, which is
very poisonous and can cause death.
Move the vehicle outside or to a well
ventilated area.
1. While sitting in the seat with your seat belt
fastened, insert key into ignition switch.
2. Move shift lever into Neutral.
NOTE: Engine will not start if the shift lever is
not in Neutral.
3. Verify parking brake is set.
4. Pull out the choke knob if engine is cold.
5. Turn key to the START position.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT run the starter
continuously for more than 5 seconds,
otherwise the battery may discharge quickly.
6. Release key to the RUN position when engine
starts.
7. If engine does not start, wait a few seconds
and repeat steps 5 & 6.
8. After engine starts, push in choke knob.
9. Release parking brake while your foot is
on the brake pedal, place shift lever in
the desired gear, release brake and press
accelerator pedal slowly.
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the engine
under full load until engine has warmed up.
Stopping Engine
1. To stop utility vehicle, release accelerator pedal
and depress brake pedal until vehicle comes to
a complete stop.
2. Move shifter back into Neutral.
3. Set parking brake and turn key switch to STOP
position.
4. Remove the key when not in use.
WARNING: The vehicle may roll if the
parking brake is not engaged. Always
set the parking brake, especially on
slopes.
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Refueling Fuel Tank
WARNING: Avoid injury from
explosion or fire. Do not carry fuel or
other flammable liquids in vehicle or
cargo bed.
1. Stop vehicle on a level surface and apply
parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition key to the STOP position and
remove key.
3. Allow engine to cool for five minutes before
adding fuel.
4. Clean area around fuel cap and remove.
5. Fill tank with fresh, unleaded, regular grade
fuel only to bottom of filler neck. Use a
minimum of 87 Octane (10% Ethanol Max.).
6. After refueling, push the fuel cap downward on
the fuel tank fill neck and turn clockwise until it
clicks to tighten. Always re-install the fuel cap
tightly onto the fuel tank after removing.
Driving Utility Vehicle
1. Adjust the operator's seat to the most
comfortable position that allows you to
operate all controls and pedals. See Seats
section in Controls & Features, page 8.
2. Adjust the seat belt to fit comfortably around
your lap, then buckle the seat belt.
WARNING: Do not operate the
vehicle without the OPS in place and
the seat belt fastened securely around
your waist and chest.
3. Start the engine as instructed earlier and
make sure the front wheels are turned to the
desired direction of travel.
4. Push down on brake pedal and pull slightly up
on the parking brake lever while depressing
the lock button and then slowly lower the
lever to release parking brake.
5. Move the shift lever in the center console
to the desired setting. To avoid damaging
transmission, depress brake pedal fully and
make sure vehicle is completely stopped
before shifting into Forward, or Reverse.
WARNING: Do not stop or start
suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Be cautious when changing
direction on slopes. Apply brakes
when going down slopes to maintain
control of vehicle.
6. Release brake pedal and slowly apply pressure
to the accelerator pedal.
7. Release accelerator and apply brake pedal
evenly and firmly to slow down or stop.
Differential Lock
The differential lock lever is located in the center
console between the seats. See Controls and
Features section and Figure 3-1.
1. To engage; stop utility vehicle, place into
Neutral, and pull the lever upward into the ON
position. The differential will then lock and
remain so until it is disengaged, giving equal
power to both rear wheels. See Figure 4-1.
Shift Lever
Reverse
Neutral
Forward
ON
OFF
Figure 4-1
IMPORTANT: Engage the differential as the last
option when stuck in mud or similar situation or
when the left and right side wheels are turning at
slightly different speeds.
WARNING: To avoid transmission
damage, injury, or turf damage, drive
slow when operating utility vehicle
with differential lock engaged as
steering response is noticeably
reduced. Also, do not drive the utility
vehicle with the differential lock
engaged on concrete, asphalt or any
high traction surfaces.
2. To disengage the differential lock; stop the utility
vehicle, place in Neutral, and push the lever
downward to the OFF position. See Figure 4-1.
Loading the Cargo Bed
WARNING: The utility vehicle may
become unstable if the cargo bed is
loaded incorrectly. Avoid loose and
unsecured loads or uneven loading of
material.
1. Verify cargo bed is securely latched before
loading.
2. Securely anchor all loads in cargo bed and do
not load beyond maximum capacity.
Note: The maximum box capacity is 350 lb (158 kg).
3. When loading objects into cargo bed, be sure
load is securely anchored and evenly distributed.
4. Do not load above height of cargo bed.
Load could shift forward striking driver or
passenger or cause driver to lose control of
vehicle.
5. Avoid loads which exceed physical dimensions
of cargo bed.
6. Avoid concentrated loads at rear or sides of
cargo bed. Be sure load is distributed evenly.
7. Reduce load and ground speed when
operating over rough or hilly terrain. DO NOT
overload vehicle. Limit loads to those that can
be safely controlled.
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