Cub Cadet GT 2554 Operator's Manual page 15

STARTING THE ENGINE
WARNING
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting
in the tractor seat when starting the engine.
Never try to start the engine while standing on
the ground.
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2. Pull choke control knob to full choke position.
Less choking may be necessary due to variations
in temperature, grade of fuel, etc. Little or no
choking will be needed when the engine is warm.
3. Place the throttle midway between the "SLOW"
and "FAST" position.
4. Place the PTO switch in the "OFF" position.
5. Fully depress the brake pedal.
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 10 seconds at a time.
If the engine does not start within this time, turn
the key "OFF" and wait a minute to allow the
engine's starter motor to cool, then try again.
7. After the engine starts, slowly release the brake
pedal. As the engine warms up, gradually push
the choke control knob all the way in. Do not use
the choke to enrich the fuel mixture, except as
necessary to start the engine.
COLD WEATHER STARTING
WARNING
Engine exhaust gases are dangerous. Do not
run the engine in a confined area such as a
storage building any longer than is necessary.
Immediately move the tractor outdoors. For
personal safety, the operator must be sitting in
the tractor seat before starting the tractor.
When starting the engine at temperatures near or be-
low freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is
used in the engine and the battery is fully charged.
Start the engine as follows:
1. Pull the choke all the way out to full choke position.
2. Move the throttle control lever to midway between
the "SLOW" and "FAST" position.
3. Place the PTO switch in the "OFF" position.
4. Fully depress the brake pedal.
5. Turn the ingnition key to the "START" position and
hold until the engine starts; however, do not crank
the engine continuously for more than 10
seconds at a time. Once the engine starts, gradually
adjust the choke as needed to keep the engine
running until warmed up, then push the choke control
all the way in.
6. If the engine fails to start after several attempts,
the engine may become flooded. If this happens,
wait a minute to allow the starter motor to cool.
Move the throttle control to the "SLOW" position,
push the choke in all the way and momentarily
crank the engine to help clear the cylinders. With
the throttle control in the "SLOW" position and the
choke all the way in, turn the ignition key to the
"START" position while slowly pulling the choke
out to a position that will allow the engine to start.
Gradually adjust the choke as needed to keep the
engine running until warmed up, then push the choke
control all the way in.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting or battery discharge
if the equipment is left unattended.
Place the PTO switch in the "OFF" position. Move the
throttle control lever between the "MID" and "FAST"
positions. Wait a moment to allow the engine speed to
stabilize, then turn the ignition key to the "STOP" posi-
tion. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
TRACTOR BREAK-IN PROCEDURE
Never operate a new engine immediately
under full load. Break it in carefully as shown
in the table below.
Engine Throttle
Control Lever
Period
1/2
1st hour
X
2nd hour
3rd through
12th hour
15
CAUTION
CAUTION
Position Load
3/4 Full
X None
Light drawbar load
or
X Mowing with tractor
at slow groundspeed
X Medium drawbar
load
or
X Normal mowing