Starting The Engine; Cold Weather Starting - MTD RZT Series Operator's Manual

The safety interlock system will shut offthe engine if the
operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged, regardless
of whether the parking brake is engaged.
NOTE:The PTO switch must be moved to the "OFF"
position to restart the engine.
The safety interlock system will shut offthe PTO and the
mower blades will stop if both drive control levers are
moved into the reverse position. The PTO will re-engage
when one or both of the levers are moved back to the
neutral or forward position.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! This tractor is equipped with a safety
interlock system designed for the protection of the
operator. Do not operate the tractor 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.
SeparateThrottleand Choke
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2. Engage the parking brake. Refer to Fig. 5-1.
LH Control Lever
Out in Neut__L_ral Parking Brake
Throttle/Choke
_Control or Throttle
Control
'Choke J /
/ __J PTO Switch
(Disengaged) Position
RH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
)
in Down
_J
Figure 5-1
3. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)
position. Refer to Fig. 5-1.
4. Pull the choke control upward into the full choke position
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to place the throttle control in the choke position.
5. Move the throttle control to midway between its SLOW and
FAST positions.
6. 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 5 seconds at
a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn
the key to "OFF" and wait at least 15 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.
7. As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke control
into the off position. Do not use the choke to enrich the
fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the engine.
8. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle
before putting the engine under load.
9. Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the battery
indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately
stop the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your Cub
Cadet dealer.
Thr0ttle/Ch0ke ControlLeverSet-Up
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2. Engage the parking brake. Refer to Fig. 5-1.
3. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)
position. Refer to Fig. 5-1.
4. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module.
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 5 seconds at
a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn
the key to "OFF" and wait at least 15 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.
6. As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle control
lever rearward past the choke detent position. Do not use
the choke position to enrich the fuel mixture, except as
necessary to start the engine.
7. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle
before putting the engine under load.
8. Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the battery
indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately
stop the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your Cub
Cadet dealer.
ColdWeather 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.
SECTION S-- OPERATION