Slope Operation - Cub Cadet Ultima ZT Series Operator's Manual

SLOPE OPERATION

1. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow or drive on it.
2. For your safety, measure any slope before using the tractor
on the sloped area. Use a slope measuring device in addition
to the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure
slopes before operating this tractor on a sloped or hilly area.
Smart phone applications can be also utilized to measure
slopes. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees (25%) as
shown on the slope gauge or a slope measuring device, do
not operate this tractor on that area or serious injury could
result.
3. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees (25%).
4. Do not mow up or down slopes, only mow across slopes that
are less than 15 degrees (25%). Use low speeds and avoid
sudden turns.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding or a loss of control.
6. Do not operate tractor under any conditions where traction,
steering or stability is in question. Tires could slide even if the
wheels are stopped.
7. Avoid starting and stopping on slopes. Avoid making sudden
changes in speed or direction. Make turns slowly and
gradually.
8. Use extra care while operating tractor with grass catcher
or other attachment(s). They can affect the stability of the
tractor. Do not use grass catcher on slopes greater than 10
degrees (17%).
9. Do not try to stabilize the tractor by putting your foot on the
ground.
10. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid
acceleration could cause the front of the tractor to lift and
rapidly roll over backwards, which could cause serious injury
or death.
11. Do not turn off tractor and freewheel downhill. Over-
speeding may cause the operator to lose control of the tractor
resulting in serious injury or death.
HAULING
1. Use properly secured full width ramps for loading and
unloading a tractor for transport.
2. Use extra care when loading or unloading the tractor into a
trailer or truck. This tractor should not be driven up or down
ramp(s), because the tractor could tip over, causing serious
personal injury. The tractor must be pushed manually on
ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
3. Raise the deck to the highest position for loading clearance.
4. Do not tow this tractor, damage to the drive motors can
occur.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
TOWING
1. Do not tow a load that exceeds 250 lbs (113 kg) rolling weight
and never exceed 50 lbs (22 kg) tongue weight.
2. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point of
the tractor.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. Do not tow on slopes greater than 5 degrees (9%). On slopes,
the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction
and loss of control and/or the ability to stop.
5. Always use extra caution when towing with a tractor capable
of making tight turns (e.g. "zero-turn" tractor). Make wide
turns to avoid jack-knifing.
6. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
SERVICE
1. Keep tractor in good working order. Do not use the tractor
until worn or damaged parts are replaced.
2. Tractor blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
3. Remove the key and store the tractor indoors when not in
use. Allow the tractor to cool at least five minutes before
charging or storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Turn off tractor
and remove the key.
5. Check to make sure the blades come to complete stop in
not more than (5) five seconds after disengaging the blade
disengagement control per interval in the Maintenance
Schedule. Measure the stopping time with a stop watch. If
the blades do not stop completely in less than five seconds,
your tractor should be serviced professionally by an
authorized dealer.
6. Check the safety interlock system per the interval in the
Maintenance Schedule for proper function, as described
later in this manual. If the safety interlock system does not
function properly, have your tractor serviced professionally
by an authorized dealer.
7. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety
devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
8. Check the blade(s) mounting bolt torque in accordance to
the Maintenance Schedule in this manual. Also, visually
inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent,
cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.) blade(s) only.
9. Use of service parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper performance
and compromise safety.
10. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition. Review the Maintenance
Schedule chart in this manual for service interval information.
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