Operator's Manual SERIES 1500 Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor Models SLT1550 SLT1554 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 th
TABLEOFCONTENTS Content Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Tractor Set-up Know Your Lawn Tractor Operating Your Lawn Tractor Making Adjustments Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor Service Page 3 7 8 9 12 17 19 25 Content Off-season Storage Maintenance Schedule Page 29 29 Maintenance Log Troubleshooting Attachments & Accessories 30 31 32 Specifications Replacement Parts Warranty Information 34 33 37 FINDINGMODELNUMBER This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor.
SECTION1: IMPORTANT SAFEOPERATION 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.
23. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donottouch. 24. Checkoverhead clearances carefullybeforedriving underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,door openingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor pulledfromtheunit,whichcouldresultinserious injury. 25. Disengage allattachment clutches,depressthe brakepedalcompletely andshiftintoneutralbefore attempting to startengine. 26. Yourmachineisdesigned tocutnormalresidential grassofa heightnomorethan10".Donotattempt to mowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.
e. Useextremecarewhenapproaching blind corners,doorways, shrubs,treesor other objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child whomayrunintothemachine. f. Toavoidback-overaccidents,always disengagethecuttingblade(s)before shiftinginto reverse.The"Reverse CautionMode" should not be used when children or others are around. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler. h. Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorother safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly. 9. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine, disconnect thesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst theengine.Thoroughly inspectthemachine forany damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand operating. 10. Neverattemptto makeadjustments or repairstothe machinewhiletheengineisrunning. 11. Grasscatchercomponents andthedischarge coverare subjecttowearanddamagewhichcouldexpose movingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Sight and hold this levelwith a vertical tree... or a corner of a building... i _------ or a fence post | Sonts a 15o ! I.IJ I.IJ Q. 15° &i Z I.
SECTION3: TRACTOR SET-UP GasandOilFill-up AttachingTheSteeringWheel The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a capacity of three and-a-half gallons. Remove 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.
SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTOR A ................. , H I J D K L E F M Figure 2 A Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter B Throttle Control Lever H PTO (Blade Engage) Knob I Brake Pedal C Choke Control J D Parking Brake Lever K Cruise Control Lever E Seat Adjustment Lever L Deck Lift Lever F FueITank Cap M Cup Holder Drive Pedal G Ignition Switch Module NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's position.
ThrottleControlLever The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the IgnitionSwitchModule 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. 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.
SystemsIndicatorMonitor/ HourMeter BATT. OIL ElectricPTO/ BladeEngageKnob | To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments, pull outward on the PTO/Blade .J ......-.f JL II 42.0 /// j HOURS 1/10 \\\ NOTE: The PTO/Blade Engage knob must be in the disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine. / jr PTO / BLADE 11 Engage knob. Push the PTO/ Blade Engage knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck other (separately available) attachments.
SECTION5: OPERATING YOURLAWNTRACTOR WARNING: AVOIDSERIOUS INJURYORDEATH • • • • • • • • GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIR IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY. DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND. NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFR LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with the surface below, lower the wheels to the index hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance as described above. Refer to Levelingthe Deckon page 17 of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments. SettingtheGaugeWheels Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender.
• EngagingtheParkingBrake To engage the parking brake: • Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it while gently pushing the parking brake lever downward. • Hold the parking brake lever down while removing your foot from the brake pedal. • Once engaged, the parking brake lever and the brake pedal will lock in the "down" position.
• • Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and stop the tractor. Lightly depress the drive pedal. • NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its normal position prior to operating the tractor. To change the direction of travel to reverse when operating with cruise control, depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop.
• 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. • This tractor is equipped with one of Cub Cadet's quality cutting decks. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor. • • WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.
SECTION6: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS • adjustments engineto ismake running, WARNING: while Nevertheattempt any except where specified in the operator's manual. _, • LevelingtheDeck Check the tractor's tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 25 for information regarding tire pressure. If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed.
ParkingBrakeAdjustment 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. SeatAdjustment WARNING: Before operating the tractor, make sure the seat is engaged in the seat stop, stand behind the machine and pull back on seat until fully engaged into stop.
SECTION7: MAINTAININGYOURLAWNTRACTOR NOTE: Refer to MaintenanceCharton page 29 for a reference of recommended maintenance intervals. TEMPERATURE/ OiL ViSCOSiTYCHART ** WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
ChangingtheEngine011 The engine oil and oil filter should be changed after every 50 hours of tractor operation. Oil Fill Oap/ 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.
Feeler Gauge IMPORTANT:Make certain the tractor's discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Spark Plug 2. 3. 4. Ground Electrode Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the parking brake and stop the engine. Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your tractor's Operator's Manual) onto the end of your garden hose. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your decks surface. See Figure 15. Gap Figure 14 Fuel Filter when engine is hot.
Lubrication Carburetor NOTE: WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Carburetor adjustments should be made only after the engine has warmed up. The engines on Cub Cadet Series 1000 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 . 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. . . Start the engine and run at half throttle for five to 10 minutes to warm up. The engine must be warm before performing steps 2 and 3. Low Idle Fuel Screw Setting: Place the throttle into the "idle" or "slow" position.
SECTION8: SERVICE Tires • • inflation pressureNever shownexceed on the sidewall of the WARNING: the maximum tire. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor (refer to CuttingDeckRemovalon page 26), then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 18. The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 14 psi for the front tires.
IMPORTANT: When charging your tractor's battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. Read your battery charger's Owner's Manual prior to charging your tractor's battery. Always follow its instructions and heed its warnings. 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 after handling.
• Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath the tractor. _, pinching injury. Do not place your fingersof ona WARNING: Avoid the possibility the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt. ChangingTheTransmission DriveBelt All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present. NOTE: Several components must be removed and special tools (i.e.
NOTE: The idler pulleys may have to be loosened, but not removed, in order to remove the belt from around them. IdlerPulley • Route the new belts as shown below. • Remount the belt guards removed earlier.
SECTION9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section7: To empty the system, run the engine until the tank and system are empty. MAINTAINING YOURLAWNTRACTORon page 19 of this manual before storing for an extended period. 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.
SECTION11: MAINTENANCE LOG Please keep a record of the maintenance performed on your tractor.
SECTION12: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble Possible 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. Engine runs erratic Corrective Cause(s) Vent in gas cap plugged.
SECTION13: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Series 1500 Lawn Tractors. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. NOTE: Cub Cadet Series 1500 lawn tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or mulboard plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor's warranty. Attachments 19A-102 16 cu. ft.
SECTION14: REPLACEMENT PARTS 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.
SECTION15: SPECIFICATIONS* SLT1550 SLT1554 Capacities Fuel Tank Engine Crankcase (w/filter) Transmission Hydrostatic 3.5 gal. (13.2 liters) 3.5 gal. (13.2 liters) 57.5 oz. (1.7 liters) 57.5 oz. (1.7 liters) 76 oz. (2.25 liters) 76 oz. (2.25 liters) Transmission Make and Model Hydro-Gear0510 Hydro-Gear0510 Gear Ratio 22.2:1 22.2:1 Forward Speed 0 m.p.h. - 5.2 m.p.h. 0 m.p.h. - 5.2 m.p.h. 0 m.p.h. - 2.3 m.p.h. 0 m.p.h. - 2.3 m.p.h.
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CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS TheCaliforniaAir ResourcesBoardand MTDConsumerGroupInc.are pleasedto explainthe evaporativeemissioncontrolsystemwarrantyon your2007lawnmower. In California,new lawnmowermustbe designed,builtandequippedto meetthe State'sstringentanti-smogstandards.MTDConsumerGroupInc. mustwarrantthe EECSon yourlawn mowerforthe periodof time listedbelowprovidedtherehas been no abuse,neglector impropermaintenanceof yourlawnmower.
FEDERAL AND KOHLER CO. 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'SLIMITED WARRANTY FOR SERIES 1000 & SERIES 1500 TRACTORS IMPORTANT:Toobtainwarrantycoverageownermustpresentan original proofof purchaseandapplicablemaintenancerecordsto the servicingdealer. Pleaseseethe operator'smanualforinformationon requiredmaintenanceand serviceintervals.
CUBCADET LLC, P.O.
