Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Z-Force S 48 Liquid Propane Gas WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Tractor. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 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.
14. 15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 17. Never carry passengers. 18. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident. Be aware and pay attention to the safety system function that stops power to the blades when driving in reverse. If not fuctioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for safety system inspection and repair.
Children 1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 2. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
4. 5. 6 Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper function, as described later in this manual. If the safety interlock system does not function properly, have your machine serviced. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate WARNING — ROTATING BLADES Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
Section 2 — Safe Operation Practices d line (repr esent s a 15 ° slop e) Operate Z-Force-S zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass across the bottom of the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible. WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Lawn Tractor • One Oil Drain Hose • One Deck Wash Hose Coupler • One Z-Force S Tractor Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual • LPG Tank Strap Assemblies • One Hardware Pack Tractor Preparation Initial LPG Tank Fill-Up Unpacking the Tractor 1. Remove the upper crating material from the shipping pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the pallet. 2.
Installing the LPG Tank Steering Wheel Column 1. The steering wheel column is tilted all the way back for shipping purposes. To tilt the column forward, press the steering tilt pedal. Release the steering tilt pedal when the column is in the desired position. Open the straps and carefully place the LPG tank into the straps with the cylinder valve guard towards the left. Be sure that the alignment pin fits into the slot on the bottom of the cylinder valve guard. See Fig. 3-3.
Install Operator’s Seat Connecting the Battery Cables 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. To install the seat proceed as follows: NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan attached. A second person may be needed to hold the seat. 1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly to the tractor.
4 Controls & Features LPG Tank Relief Valve Valve R TA H O 1/4 I1/2 ZON V OK F L E Ignition Switch Parking Break Module Engagement Lever L E R TICA A DD L.P.
PTO (Power Take-Off ) Switch Hour Meter/Indicator Panel The PTO switch is located on the LH console to the left of the operator’s seat. The hour meter/indicator panel is located on the LH console to the left of the operator’s seat. The PTO switch operates the electric PTO clutch mounted on the bottom of the engine crankshaft. Pull the switch knob upward to engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob downward to disengage the clutch.
Indicator Panel Features Parking Brake Engagement Lever Battery Indicator The parking brake engagement lever is located on the left of the seat box frame, and is used to engage the parking brake. Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the ignition switch it turned to the “ON” position. Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has dropped below 11.5 (+0.5/-1.0) volts. The battery voltage is also displayed on the hour meter.
5 Operation General Safety Before Operating Your Tractor • RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor. • Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
Starting the Engine Cold Weather Starting 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. 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.
Driving The Tractor Reverse Caution Mode WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged. NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended. 1. Release the parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position. 2. To travel FORWARD, slowly press the drive pedal forward until the desired speed is achieved. See Fig. 5-2.
Driving On Slopes • For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn. • Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush. Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Check engine oil/LPG level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Check LPG valve, hoses and seals Check hydraulic hoses for leaks Check tires & tire pressure Check deck, mower and hydro drive belts Check blades and blade bolt tightness Check safety switches for proper operation Check fluid level in transaxle expansion reservoir Before Each use Every 10 Hours P P P P P P P P P P P Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Clean mower
Maintenance Warning! Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. 5. Turn the oil drain valve 1⁄4-turn, then pull outward to begin draining oil. After the oil has finished draining, push the end of the oil drain valve back in and turn 1⁄4-turn to secure it back in place. Re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the drain port. 6.
7. If exchanging tanks, be sure to use cylinders that contain LPG classified as HD-5 by National Gas Processors Association (NGPA) and cylinders that are designed & patented specifically for lawn care use as a vapor-delivery system. NOTE: See Initial LPG Tank Fill-Up in the Assembly & Set-Up section for information on new, previously un-filled tanks. 8. To re-install the tank, reverse the above instructions but make sure the alignment pin fits into the slot on the bottom of the cylinder valve guard.
Cleaning the Tractor Any oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine, the transmission’s cooling fan or on any other part of the machine, especially the belts and pulleys. Smart Jet™ Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. Use the Smart Jet™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.
Deck Spindle 2. Grease fittings can be found on each deck spindle. See Fig. 6-5. Lubricate with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. Using a grease gun, apply two strokes (minimum) or sufficient grease to the spindle shaft. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to the next step. 3.
7. The deck is properly leveled when the front tip of the blade is 1⁄4” lower tham the rear tip. Retighten the hex bolt on the left and right rear deck hanger links when proper adjustment is achieved. Adjusting the Belt Tension 3. If the deck wheels have excessive clearance or contact with the surface, adjust as follows: a. Raise the deck lift pedal to its highest setting. b. Remove the front and rear deck wheels by removing the lock nuts and shoulder bolts which secure them to the deck. See Fig.
7 Service Warning! Before performing any service, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch. Charging the Battery Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time. • Battery Removal Warning! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.
Deck Removal 5. Remove the mower deck from the tractor as follows: 1. Move the tractor to a level surface, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and set the parking brake. 2. Place the deck lift pedal in the lowest mowing position and replace the lock pin in front of pedal in the deck height bracket and secure by locking the lock pin. See Fig. 7-3. Pull the cotter pins out of the four deck lift adjustment brackets. See Fig. 7-5.
Deck Installation Install the deck on the tractor as follows: 1. Place the deck lift pedal in the highest mowing position and secure it by placing the click pin behind the pedal. Refer to Fig. 7-3. 2. Slide the deck under the tractor on the right side of the tractor lining up the deck lift adjustment brackets and the deck lift brackets on the deck. See Fig. 7-6. 5. After all four cotter pins are secure, slide the deck forward and hook the deck to the U-rod. 6. Route the belt as shown in Fig. 7-8.
Replacing the Belt 2. 1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 24). 2. Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to the deck and loosen the belt keepers enough to slide the belt off the pulleys. See Fig. 7-9. Hex Washer Screws Use a 3⁄4” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade. See Fig. 7-10.
Changing the Spindle Assembly 1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 25). 2. Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to the deck and remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Refer to Fig. 7-10. 1. Remove the drive belt. (See Replacing the Belt) 2. Remove the blade. (See Mower Blade Care). 3. Use a 3⁄4” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Remedy 1. PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged. 1. Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Parking brake not engaged. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. 3. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s). 4. Throttle control lever not in correct starting position. 4. Place throttle lever in the fast position. 5. LPG tank empty, or stale fuel. 5. Replace LPG tank. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clear the blockage. 7. Faulty spark plug(s). 7.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 759-3336 Spark Plug KM-11013-7047 Air Filter Element KM-49065-7006 Oil Filter 754-04044A Deck Belt 754-04250 Drive Belt 02005017 Mowing Blade 618-04426 Deck Spindle 734-04155 Deck Wheel 31
Component 32 Section 9 — Replacement Parts Part Number and Description 725-1750A Battery 746-04581 Throttle Control Cable 725-2054A Ignition Key 01006693 Chute Deflector 634-04128 Wheel Assembly 634-04629 Caster Wheel Assembly
10 Attachments & Accessories Part No. Part 19A70011100 48” Double Bagger 19A70018100 Headlight Kit 19A70016100 Mulch Kit 59A30032150 33 lb.
FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and, for those products certified for sale in the state of California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are pleased to explain the emission (evaporative and/or exhaust) control system (ECS) warranty on your outdoor 2006 and later small off-road spark-ignited engine and equipment (outdoor equipment engine) In California, n
WARRANTED PARTS: The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the outdoor equipment engine has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR Z-Force s/Z-Force ZERO-TURN RIDING MOWER 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.