Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Procedures - Cub Cadet 18HP Operator's And Service Manual

clockwise a few turns. Adjust both front
and rear Deck links as necessary.
Retighten nuts.
f. Raise the mowing deck to the transport
position using the transport lever.
g. Use the transport lever to lower the mow-
ing deck to the cutting position and repeat
step "b." above to make sure that the
desired cutting height has been attained. If
the dimensions are not correct, repeat
steps "c." through "f." above.
5. Lubricate all fittings listed in the mainte-
nance section.
D. Zero Turn Break-In And Operating
Procedures
DANGER:
Reread the "When Mowing" Safety Precautions.
The following procedures are suggested for opera-
tors of ride-on machines which have zero turn
capabilities.
1. Orientation:
a. Read the entire Operator's Manual.
b. Sit on the machine, adjust the seat before-
and-after, then adjust the speed/directional
(lap bar) controls (they can be adjusted up-
and-down — 9/16" wrench required).
Optional lapbar can also be adjusted fore
and aft.
c. Become familiar with all of the machine
controls, instrumentation, safety and
instruction signs, and safety devices.
d. Move (or have moved) the machine to a
safe, level area with no obstructions includ-
ing objects, pedestrians, and animals.
2. Initial Operation:
a. Use protective equipment for eyes, hands,
hearing, feet, legs, head and other areas of
the body if needed — safety eye glasses,
gloves, earplugs, boots, hats, etc.
WARNING:
Hearing Protection is required for all operator
exposure exceeding two (2) hours.
b. Ensure that the area is free of animals and
bystanders, especially children!
c. Survey the area where the equipment is to
be used to make sure it is free of debris,
sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other for-
eign objects which could cause injury to
bystanders, damage to the machine, or
damage to nearby facilities.
d. Inspect the machine to make sure:
1. All guards, shields (including mower
chute deflector) are in their proper place,
are secure, and are functional.
2. That there are no spilled or leaking fuel
or oil sources, nor loose fuel or hydraulic
tank caps, hoses or fittings.
3. That there are no loose or missing hard-
ware nor any missing items.
4. That no non-approved devices are
installed.
5. That all safety signs and decals are
properly installed and legible.
e. This is a one person machine, operator
only! Riders are not permitted under any
circumstance!
f. To start the engine on the machine:
1. Make sure the park brake is set to the
"UP" position, both lap bars are in the
neutral/start (opened-out) position, and
the Power Take Off (PTO also referred to
as blade control switch) is in the "off"
(down) position.
2. Push the choke control forward to the on
position and the engine speed control
(throttle) forward (half way).
3. Insert the ignition key, turn the switch
toward the spring-loaded "Start" position,
maintain the Start position until the
engine begins to run, then release the
switch (it will return to the "Run" posi-
tion).
4. Retard the choke slowly by pulling it
rearward. If the engine is "cold", the
choke may need to be partially applied
for a few minutes. Be sure to totally pull
the choke to the off position after the
engine has "warmed up".
g. Check safety devices:
1. With the park brake engaged, move one
of the lap bars (speed/directional control)
from the neutral/start position to the neu-
tral position (out of the slot, toward the
center of the machine) — the engine
should stop running. Move the lap bars
back to the neutral/start position and the
engine should run.
2. Repeat this procedure with the opposite
side lap bars.
3. With the park brake engaged and the lap
bars in the neutral/start position,
advance the engine speed control com-
pletely forward (Hi-idle), engage the PTO
control switch (pull upward), then lift off
the seat — the engine should stop run-
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