Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Procedures - Cub Cadet 20HP Z-Force 44 Operator's And Service Manual

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 fore-
and-aft, then adjust the speed/directional
(lap bar) controls (they can be adjusted
fore-and-aft, as well as up-and-down —
9/16" wrench required).
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
"ON" position, both lap bars are in the
neutral/start position, and the Power
Take Off (PTO also referred to as blade
control switch) is in the "off" (down) posi-
tion.
2. Move the choke to the "on" (up) and the
engine speed control (throttle) forward to
the end of the slot.
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. Move the choke control slowly by moving
it downward. If the engine is "cold", the
choke may need to be partially applied
for a few minutes. Be sure to move the
choke after the engine has "warmed up"
to the "off" (down) position.
g. Check safety devices:
1. With the park brake engaged, try to
move one of the lap bars (speed/direc-
tional control) from the neutral/start posi-
tion, it should not move.
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-
ning. Sit down and the engine should
run. Turn off the PTO by pushing the
control switch down.
h. To drive in the FORWARD direction:
1. Set the engine speed to 2000 to 2500
rpm (refer to optional tachometer on
right control panel). This must be
increased to full speed (3525-3675 rpm)
after becoming familiar with the machine.
2. Release the park brake.
3. Slowly, move both lap bars toward the
front of the machine until the machine
begins to move forward — release the
lap bars and the machine should stop.
The more that the lap bars are moved
toward the front of the machine, the
faster the machine will move in the for-
ward direction. Release the lap bars and
the machine should stop traveling for-
ward. (This is a safety check, the normal
procedure is for the operator to slowly
bring the lap bars to the neutral position).
4. Do not advance the lap bars rapidly as
this could cause turf defacement, loss of
traction, and/or instability.
5. To turn, advance one lap bar ahead of
the other and the machine will turn
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