Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Z-Force 48 & 54 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. If applicable, the power testing information used to establish the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
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. 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.
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. 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.
General Service 1. 2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting. 3. 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 dealer. 4.
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 Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15° Slope WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes. To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line. 2.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Lawn Tractor • • One Engine Operator’s Manual One Tractor Operator’s Manual Tractor Preparation 2. Remove the upper crating material from the shipping pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the pallet. • One Deck Wash Hose Coupler Remove the two shoulder bolts, nuts and spacers securing the seat as shown in Figure 1-2. Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position.
4. Install lanyard using existing self-tapping screw. See Figure 1-4. 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. Existing Selftapping Screw CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
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 Figure 1-7.
4 Controls & Features Storage Tray Cup Holder Throttle Control WARNING SLOW Choke Control FAST START CHOKE ON OFF ON NEUTRAL W A R N I N G BRAKE Parking Brake Fuel Shut-Off Valve RH Drive Control Lever Fuel Tank LH Drive Control Lever Deck Lift Pedal PTO Switch STOP RUN START Hour Meter Ignition Switch NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the operator’s seat.
Ignition Switch START The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat. The ignition switch has three positions as follows: OFF — The engine and electrical system is turned off. RUN OFF STOP RUN — The tractor electrical system is energized. START — The starter motor will turn over the engine.
Fuel Shut-Off Valve Transmission Bypass Rods (Not Shown) The fuel shut-off valve is located on top of the fuel tank. When turned in a clockwise direction until it stops, it will shut off the flow of fuel to the engine. When turned in a counterclockwise direction it will open and allow fuel to flow to the engine. See Figure 1-1. The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just inside each rear wheel. See Figure 1-1 on page 9.
5 Operation General Safety • 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 starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the operator’s seat.
7. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be level side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4” lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section. 5. 6. Push the throttle control to the full forward position. 8. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Maintenance & Adjustments section. 7. 9.
Stopping the Engine 1. Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position. 2. Move the RH and LH drive control levers to the neutral position. 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Move the throttle control to midway between the SLOW and FAST positions. 5. Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition switch. NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.
Driving the Tractor Forward 1. To turn to the left, move the left drive control lever rearward of the right lever. See Figure 1-3. WARNING! Keep all movement of the drive control levers slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the control levers can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the operator. G ON W A R N I N G START Figure 1-3 2.
Driving the Tractor In Reverse Turning While Driving Rearward WARNING! Always look behind and down on both sides of the tractor before backing up. Always look behind while traveling in the reverse direction. To turn the tractor while driving rearward, move the control levers as necessary so that one lever is forward of the other. The tractor will turn in the direction of the forward control lever. 1. 1.
Executing a Zero Turn Executing a “Y” Manuever WARNING! When executing a zero turn, the tractor MUST BE STOPPED. Executing a zero turn while the tractor is moving can significantly reduce your control of the tractor and will cause severe turf defacement to occur. 1. Stop the forward or reverse motion of the tractor by moving the two drive control levers to neutral. 2. To turn clockwise, move the left control lever forward while simultaneously moving the right control lever rearward. See Figure 1-8.
Operating The PTO 9. Operate the PTO clutch as follows: 1. Move the throttle control lever to approximately the mid throttle position. 2. Pull the PTO switch upward to the “ENGAGED” position. 3. Advance the throttle lever to the operating speed (full engine speed). 4. The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operator should leave the seat without turning off the power take-off switch, the tractor’s engine will shut off. 5.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Check Gasoline Level Check Hydraulic Transaxles 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 Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Every 300 Hours P P P P P P P P P Check Engine Intake Screen/Cover Clean Mower P Lubricate Wear Points (See Chart) Grease three Spindle Bearings Check Fluid Level in Transaxle Expansion
OIL CHART Apply a few drops of SAE engine oil, grease, or use a spray lubricant. Apply the oil to both sides of pivot points. Wipe off any excess. Start engine and operate mower briefly to insure that oil spreads evenly.
Maintenance Hydrostatic Transmission WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage the PTO, move the drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position, engage the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key to prevent unintended starting. Engine Your zero turn tractor is equipped with dual integrated hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are sealed and are maintenance-free. However, this model is equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir.
General Battery Information Using the Deck Wash System WARNING! Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with clean cold water. If there is any further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention. WARNING! When using the deck wash system, never engage the deck from any position other than the operator’s seat of the tractor. Do not use an assistant or engage deck in the presence of any bystanders.
Using the Transmission Bypass Rods Tractor Storage If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to move the tractor, the two hydrostatic transmissions are equipped with a bypass rod that will allow you to manually move the tractor short distances. If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected location.
5. Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use when needed. 6. Protect the metal surfaces. Repair scratches with the appropriate touch-up spray paint. Brush a rust preventive oil on any unpainted surfaces including the pulleys and blades. (Be careful not to get any oil on the drive belts.) 7. Clean and fully charge the battery, then disconnect the negative cable at the battery to prevent possible discharge. Recharge the battery periodically when in storage.
3. Measure blade-to-ground height at the front tip of the right blade. To obtain an accurate measure, align blades in parallel with mower centerline, (i.e. front to back). 4. Measure blade-to-ground height at the front tip of the left blade. Be sure to measure at the blade tip with the blades arranged in proper position. 5. With a 3⁄4” wrench loosen the lower jam nut of the left side of the lift link.
Off-Season Storage Removing the Riding Mower from Storage Riding Mower Storage 1. Check the engine oil. 2. Fully charge the battery, lower riding mower off blocks, and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. 3. Remove the spark plugs and wipe them off. Using the starter, crank the engine to pump the excess oil out of the spark plug holes. Replace the spark plugs and the ignition leads. 4. If drained before storing, fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 5.
7 Service Battery Removal Servicing Electrical System WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. The battery is located on the right/rear of the tractor beneath the seat box frame. To remove the battery: 1. Remove the hold down straps. 2. Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post. 3.
4. Remove the four hair pins from the right and left side of the deck lift bracket. See Figure 1-3. Deck Lift Bracket 4. Remove the blade drive belt from all the pulleys. 5. Reverse the process to install the belt. See Figure 1-5 for proper belt routing. Hair Pin Hair Pin Figure 1-3 5. Shift the deck forward until the trailing link is free and you are able to remove the deck. 6. Turn the front caster wheels outward. 7. To install reverse the process. 8.
4. Use a 1-1⁄8” socket wrench on the pulley side of the spindle bolt. 5. Remove the hex nut at the blade using a 1-1⁄8” wrench. 6. Remove the blade. 7. To replace the blade reverse the above process and tighten nut to 100-120 lb ft. NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvenic action. WARNING! Never mow with dull blades. Blades that are bent should be replaced. The cutting blades are sharp and can cause severe injury.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Excessive vibration Uneven cut Mower will not mulch grass (If Equipped w/Mulching Kit) 33 Cause Remedy 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 1. Tighten blade and spindle. 2. Damaged or bent cutting blade. 2. Replace blade. 1. Deck not leveled properly. 1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment. 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 3. Uneven tire pressure. 3. Check tire pressure in all four tires. 1. Engine speed too low. 1.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 02000653 02000154 01005012 01009787 Deck Belt (Z-Force 54) Deck Belt (Z-Force 48) PTO Belt (Z-Force 54) PTO Belt (Z-Force 48) 02002648 Drive Belt (Transmissions) 942-04416 942-04417 Blades (Z-Force 54) Blades (Z-Force 48) 918-04426 Deck Spindle 634-3159 Deck Wheel 925-1707D Battery 951-12193 Gas Cap 02000477 02000478 Throttle Control Cable Choke Cable Phone (877) 282-8684 to locate your nearest Cub Cadet dealer to order replacement
Component Part Number and Description 725-1341B Ignition Key 01006693P Discharge Chute Assembly 02003490 634-04495 Wheel Assembly (Z-Force 54) Wheel Assembly (Z-Force 48) 02004999 Caster Wheel Assembly Phone (877) 282-8684 to locate your nearest 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.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible with your Zero-Turn tractor. See your dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. WARNING: Model 19A70030100 front-weight kit is required when operating any lap bar steering RZT model equipped with a compatible grass collector. Failure to install the above weight kit may result in serious injury or death.
Notes 37 11
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
10. Add-on or modified parts that are not exempted by the Air Resources Board may not be used. The use of any non-exempted add-on or modified parts by the ultimate purchaser will be grounds for disallowing a warranty claims. MTD Consumer Group Inc will not be liable to warrant failures of warranted parts caused by the use of a non-exempted add-on or modified 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.