Product Manual

Operation
5
17
WARNING! Avoid serious injury or death. Go up
and down slopes, not across. Avoid sudden turns.
Do not operate the tractor where it could slip or tip.
If machine stops going uphill, stop the PTO and back
down the hill safely. Keep safety devices (guards,
shields and switches) in place and working. Remove
objects that could be thrown by the blades. Know
the location and function of all controls. Be sure the
blades and the engine are stopped before placing
hands or feet near blades. Before leaving the
operator’s position, disengage the PTO, engage
parking brake, shut off the engine and remove the key.
Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the
protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever
malfunction, do not operate tractor. Contact your Cub Cadet dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from
cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged,
and the PTO is in the DISENGAGED (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves
the seat before engaging the parking brake.
• The PTO clutch will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO in the ENGAGED
(ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is
engaged.
• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the PTO clutch will automatically shut off if the
PTO is moved into the ENGAGED (ON) position with the
drive pedal in position for reverse travel.
WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and protection.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section of this manual for
Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module.
2. Place the PTO in the disengaged (OFF) position (See page
19 for electric PTO & page 20 for manual PTO tractors).
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake (See page 19).
4. Pull the choke control (if so equipped) up/out into the
CHOKE position or move the throttle/choke control (if so
equipped) into the CHOKE position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the
NORMAL MOWING position.
CAUTION: Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing
so may cause damage to your engine’s electric
starter.
6. After the engine starts, move the throttle/choke control (if
so equipped) down into the FAST position or push the
choke control (if so equipped) down/in the OFF position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating
the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture
and cause the engine to run poorly and can damage the
engine.
NOTE: When operating the tractor be certain that the
throttle lever is always in the FAST position. Operating
with the throttle at less than full throttle may lead to
shortened battery life.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING! If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine and disconnect the spark plug wire(s).
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and operating
1. If the blades are ENGAGED (ON), place the PTO in the
DISENGAGED (OFF) position.
2. Place the throttle near the SLOW position
3. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
4. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.