Operator’s Manual SERIES 1500 Hydrostatic Garden Tractor Model GT1554 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Tractor Set-up Know Your Garden Tractor Operating Your Garden Tractor Making Adjustments Maintaining Your Garden Tractor Service Page 3 7 8 9 12 16 18 24 Content Off-season Storage Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Log Troubleshooting Attachments & Accessories Specifications Replacement Parts Warranty Information Page 28 28 29 30 31 33 32 33 FINDING MODEL NUMBER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor.
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.
. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. 5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. 6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury. 7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition. f. Never fuel machine indoors. g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling. h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area.
For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 12. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine. 13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary. 14.
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE OR A CORNER OF A BUILDING OR A FENCE POST PE S A SLO E RE P R E S ENT D LIN O N G D OTTE L &OLD A 3IGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE 7
SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP Gas and Oil Fill-up The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a capacity of three and-a-half gallons. Unthread the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise. Use only clean, fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than four inches below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Do not overfill. WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR A G B H C I J K D L E F M Figure 2 A B C D E F G Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter Throttle Control Lever Choke Control Parking Brake Lever Seat Adjustment Lever Fuel Tank Cap Ignition Switch Module H I J K L M PTO (Blade Engage) Knob Brake Pedal Drive Pedal Cruise Control Lever Deck Lift Lever Cup Holder NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.
Throttle Control Lever The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. Ignition Switch Module Fast Position WARNING: Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Systems Indicator Monitor / Hour Meter Deck Lift Lever Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use, move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best suited for your application. Electric PTO / Blade Engage Knob 42.0 To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments, pull outward on the PTO/Blade Engage knob. Push the PTO/ Blade Engage knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area. WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH • • • • • • • • • • • • GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
Starting the Engine Driving The Tractor WARNING: Never operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety. WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex- NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the cessive speed and sudden stops. tractor without first placing the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake.
Driving On Slopes Using the Deck Lift Lever Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely. To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section. WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.
Engaging the PTO Mowing Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO, proceed as follows: • • • WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position. Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob outward into the engaged (ON) position.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to make any • adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual. • Leveling the Deck Tighten the inner hex nuts front against the front hanger bracket to raise the front of the deck; loosen the hex nuts to lower the front of the deck. See Figure 8. Retighten the two lock nuts against the inner hex nuts when proper adjustment is achieved.
Parking Brake Adjustment Steering Adjustment If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied (and the hydrostatic relief valve open), the brake is in need of adjustment. See your Cub Cadet dealer to have the brake properly adjusted.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR NOTE: Refer to Maintenance Chart on page 28 for a TEMPERATURE / OIL VISCOSITY CHART reference of recommended maintenance intervals. WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Changing the Engine OIl The engine oil and oil filter should be changed after every 50 hours of tractor operation. Oil Fill Cap / Dipstick WARNING: If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the skin. Allow the tractor to cool and use caution when removing IMPORTANT: The oil filter should be changed at every oil change interval.
• IMPORTANT: The oil fill cap/dipstick must be installed securely onto the tube at all times when the engine is operating. Severe engine damage could result from a failure to do so. • • • • • Start the tractor engine and allow it to run for thirty seconds, then stop the engine and remove the ignition key. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. Do not overfill the engine crankcase.
IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Feeler Gauge 2. Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the parking brake and stop the engine. 3. Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your tractor’s Operator’s Manual) onto the end of your garden hose. 4. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your decks surface. See Figure 14.
Lubrication Carburetor WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. NOTE: Carburetor adjustments should be made only after the engine has warmed up. The engines on Cub Cadet Series 1500 tractors are equipped with a fixed main jet carburetor. Engine Carburetors are equipped with a idle speed adjustment screw and a low idle fuel mixture screw.
Adjustment 3. Low Idle Speed Setting: Place the throttle control into the “idle” or “slow” position. Set the low idle speed to 1500 RPM* (± 75 RPM) by turning the low idle speed adjusting screw in or out. Check the speed using a tachometer. NOTE: Engines may have a fixed idle or limiter cap on the idle fuel adjusting screw. Step 2 can only be performed within the limits allowed by the cap. 1. Start the engine and run at half throttle for five to 10 minutes to warm up.
SECTION 8: SERVICE Tires The blades may be removed as follows. • WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. • The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 14 psi for the front tires. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor (refer to Cutting Deck Removal on page 26), then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
Battery Charging WARNING: Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge the battery in a well ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. California Proposition 65 Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
• • • • • Repeat the above steps on the tractor’s right side. Move the deck lift lever into the top notch to raise the deck lift arms up and out of the way. Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the tractor allowing the hooks on the deck to release themselves from the deck stabilizer rod. Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath the tractor.
SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR on page 18 of this manual before storing for an extended period. To empty the system, run the engine until the tank and system are empty. WARNING: Drain fuel only into an approved container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel.
SECTION 11: MAINTENANCE LOG Please keep a record of the maintenance performed on your tractor.
SECTION 12: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged. Parking brake not engaged. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Throttle control lever not in correct starting position. Choke not activated Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded. Unit running with CHOKE activated. Spark plug wire(s) loose. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position. Engage parking brake.
SECTION 13: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Series 1500 Garden Tractors. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. Attachments 19A-102 16 cu. ft. Steel Tow Cart 19A-103 42" Tow-Behind Sweeper 19A-104 25 gal. Tow-Behind Sprayer 19A-105 Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader 19A-106 10 cu. ft.
FA CT UIN TS EN E G SECTION 14: REPLACEMENT PARTS O R Y PA R NOTE: Phone (800) 965-4CUB to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com.
SECTION 15: SPECIFICATIONS* GT1554 Capacities Fuel Tank 3.5 gal. (13.2 liters) Engine Crankcase (w/ filter) 57.5 oz. (1.7 liters) Transmission 76 oz. (2.25 liters) Hydrostatic Transmission Make Hydro-Gear Gear Ratio 22.2:1 Forward Speed 0 m.p.h. - 5.2 m.p.h. Reverse Speed 0 m.p.h. - 2.3 m.p.h. Engine (Air-cooled, 4-cycle) Make Kohler Courage Model SV740 Cylinders Twin Bore 3.27 in. (83 mm) Stroke 2.64 in. (67 mm) Displacement 44.2 cubic in. (725 cc) Power @3600 RPM 25 HP (18.
CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2006 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mower must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
KOHLER CO. FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY UTILITY AND LAWN AND GARDEN ENGINES The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and Kohler Co. are pleased to explain the Federal and California Emission Control Systems Warranty on your small off-road equipment engine. For California, engines produced in 1995 and later must be designed, built and equipped to meet the state’s stringent anti-smog standards.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SERIES 1000 & SERIES 1500 TRACTORS IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on required maintenance and service intervals. Without limiting the foregoing, this limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases: a.