SECTION 2: OPERATION
ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE (ROPS)
This tractor is equipped with a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and seat belts. When used together they are effective in reducing injuries to the operator in the event of an accidental tractor rollover. The safety provided by the ROPS is minimized if the seat belt is not properly adjusted AND buckled. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS for seat belt adjustment.
ROPS
SEAT
BELT
Figure 13
WARNING: Always wear the seat belt when operating the tractor equipped with a ROPS. However, if the ROPS has been removed, the seat belt must not be used.
Use the following guidelines when using a tractor equipped with a ROPS:
•Be aware of overhead clearances in the area of operation. Check for clearance of door (or gate) openings and other overhead objects such as utility lines and tree branches. Overhead objects could catch the ROPS and upset the tractor.
•Do not modify the ROPS by drilling holes for, or welding accessories to the structure.
•Do not use the ROPS to pull objects with the tractor. Use ONLY the tractor rear tow plate for pulling.
•In the event of an accident, have the ROPS carefully inspected and, if necessary, replaced by your Cub Cadet dealer. Do not attempt to repair the ROPS.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
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 the tractor. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the PTO is “OFF”.
•The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
•The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO “ON”, regardless of whether the brake lock is engaged.
NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the “OFF” position to restart the engine.
•The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO if the reverse control pedal is depressed, unless the reverse override function is activated.
NOTE: If the reverse override function has been activated, it will remain activated until the ignition switch is turned to the "OFF" position for a 20 second duration.
FUELING THE TRACTOR
Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded regular grade gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. If engine knocking or pinging occurs, use a different source of gasoline or a higher octane rating.
Oxygenated Fuels. Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated gasoline, are gasoline blended with alcohols or ethers. Gasoline blended with either ethyl alcohol (maximum 10% by volume) or methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE, maximum 15%) are approved as fuels for the engine, provided they meet the minimum octane rating requirement. Other gasoline/alcohol or gasoline/ether blends are not approved for use in the tractor’s engine. If any undesirable operating symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
Purchase fuel in a quantity that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system.
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