Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor — SLTX 1054 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 Lawn Tractor manufactured by Cub Cadet LLC. 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.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. 14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution.
Service 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. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. c.
Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your machine should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD Service Dealer. Do not modify engine 4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required. Notice Regarding Emissions 5.
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 DANGER— ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices d line (repr esent s a 15 ° slop e) 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. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Lawn Tractor • • One Lawn Tractor Operator’s Manual • One Oil Drain Tube One Deck Wash Hose Coupler One Kohler Engine Operator’s Manual Tractor Set-Up Shipping Brace Removal Warning! Make sure the lawn tractor’s engine is off, set the parking brake and remove the ignition key before removing the shipping brace.
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. Caution: When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Checking Tire Pressure Warning! Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 psi.
Adjusting the Seat To adjust the position of the seat, pull up and hold the seat adjustment lever. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is locked into position before operating the tractor. See Fig. 3-5. Figure 3-5 Warning! Before operating the tractor, make sure the seat is engaged in the seat-stop. Engage the parking brake. Stand behind the machine and pull back on seat until it clicks into place.
4 Controls and Features Systems Indicator Monitor Fuel Tank Cap Ignition Switch Module Throttle/Choke Control Electric PTO Knob Fuel Level Indicator Brake Pedal Cargo Net Drive Pedal Parking Brake/ Cruise Control Lever Seat Adjustment Lever Storage Bin Reverse Pedal Deck Lift Lever Cup Holder Figure 4-1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and Throttle/Choke Control Lever described on the following pages.
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. Ignition Switch Module Warning! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position.
Fuel Level Indicator 100% The Fuel Level Indicator is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash and indicates the amount of fuel in the gas tank. 50% 0% PTO / Blade Engage Knob Activating the PTO engages power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. Pull outward on the PTO/Blade Engage knob to activate it. Push the PTO/ Blade Engage knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.
5 Operation Starting the Engine TO 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. IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING. REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S). KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
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. Lightly press the brake pedal to release the parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position. 2.
Driving On Slopes Cruise Control Warning! Never engage the cruise control lever while traveling in reverse. Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely. 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. To set the cruise control: 1.
2. Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob outward into the engaged (ON) position. See Fig. 5-3. ON OFF Figure 5-3 NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. Mowing 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.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours P Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check Engine Oil Level Every 10 Hours Prior to Storing P P P P Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Precleaner P Replace Air Filter Element P Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter Clean Battery Terminals P P P P P Lube Front Axles and Rims Clean Engine Cooling Fins Lube Front Deck Wheels Lube Deck Spindl
3. Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain valve to expose the drain port. See Fig 6-1. Hydrostatic Transmission The hydrostatic transmission is sealed at the factory and is maintenance-free. The fluid level cannot be checked and the fluid cannot be changed. Battery 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.
4. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your decks surface. See Fig. 6-2. Lubrication Warning! Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Front Wheels Each of the front wheel axles and rims is equipped with a grease fitting. See Fig. 6-3. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation. Figure 6-2 5. Turn the water on. 6.
Deck Spindle Grease fittings can be found on each deck spindle. See Fig. 6-4. 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. Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary. 1. Loosen (thread outward) the hex lock nut on the end of the deck hanger rod. See Fig. 6-5.
Leveling the Deck (Side to Side) Steering Adjustment If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, or if the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or wear, the steering drag links may need to be adjusted. 1.
7 Service Cutting Deck Removal NOTE: If there is too much tension on the belt for it to be easily removed from the electric PTO clutch, carefully insert a 3⁄8” drive ratchet wrench (set to tighten) into the square hole found in the left-hand deck idler bracket and pivot it toward the tractor’s right side to relieve tension on the belt. See Fig. 7-2. To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: 1. Place the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake. 2.
5. Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck from the deck lift arm. See Fig. 7-3. Cutting Blades WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade Deck Lift Arm WARNING! Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you’ve struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine until damaged components are replaced.
4. To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°- to 30° angle. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to maintain proper blade balance. See Fig. 7-6. Battery 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.
Fuse Changing the Deck Belt WARNING! Before servicing, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping blades and pulleys.
5. To place the new belt begin by routing the belt around the two outer spindle pulleys, then around the front spindle pulley as shown in Fig. 7-8. Deck Idler Pulleys Front Spindle Pulley Outer Spindle Pulleys Figure 7-8 6. Then route the belt around the two deck idler pulleys as show in Fig. 7-8. 7. Retighten the belt keeper rod loosened earlier. 8. Remount the belt guards removed earlier 9. Re-install the deck making sure the belt remains routed around the pulleys as instructed. 10.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Cause 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 to FAST position. 5. Choke not activated 5. Move the Throttle/Choke Control into choke position. 6. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 6.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 759-3336 Spark Plug KH-32-083-03-S Air Filter and Pre-cleaner KH-52-050-02-S Oil Filter KH-24-050-13-S Fuel Filter 954-0642 Drive Belt 942-0677B 2-in-1 Deck Blade 918-04126A Deck Spindle 734-04155 Deck Wheel Contact your Cub Cadet dealer 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.
Component Part Number and Description 925-1707D Battery 951-3111 Fuel Tank Cap 946-04556 Throttle/Choke Control Cable 925-2054A Ignition Key 631-04070A Discharge Chute Assembly 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.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Cub Cadet SLT1054. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. Caution: Cub Cadet Series 1000 lawn tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or moldboard plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor’s warranty.
Notes 11 33
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 2008 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mowers must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
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 lawn mower 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 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. In the U.S.A.: Check your Yellow Pages, or contact Cub Cadet LLC at P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, call 1-877-282- 8684 or log on to our website at www.cubcadet.com.