Cub Cadet 18.5HP Z-Force 42 service manual Danger, D. Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Procedures

step “b.” above to make sure that the desired cutting height and pitch and level have been attained. If the dimensions are not correct, repeat steps “c.” through “f.” above.

5.Lubricate all fittings listed in the mainte- nance section.

D.Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Procedures

DANGER:

Reread the “When Mowing” Safety Precautions.

The following procedures are suggested for opera- tors of ride-on machines which have zero turn capabilities.

1.Orientation:

a.Read the entire Operator’s Manual.

b.Sit on the machine, adjust the seat fore- and-aft, then adjust the speed/directional (lap bar) controls (they can be adjusted fore-and-aft, as well as up-and-down — 9/ 16" wrench required).

c.Become familiar with all of the machine controls, instrumentation, safety and instruction signs, and safety devices.

d.Move (or have moved) the machine to a safe, level area with no obstructions includ- ing objects, pedestrians, and animals.

2.Initial Operation:

a.Use protective equipment for eyes, hands, hearing, feet, legs, head and other areas of the body if needed — safety eye glasses, gloves, earplugs, boots, hats, etc.

WARNING:

Hearing Protection is required for all operator exposure exceeding two (2) hours.

b.Ensure that the area is free of animals and bystanders, especially children!

c.Survey the area where the equipment is to be used to make sure it is free of debris, sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other for- eign objects which could cause injury to bystanders, damage to the machine, or damage to nearby facilities.

d.Inspect the machine to make sure:

1.All guards, shields (including mower chute deflector) are in their proper place, are secure, and are functional.

2.That there are no spilled or leaking fuel or oil sources, nor loose fuel or hydraulic tank caps, hoses or fittings.

3.That there are no loose or missing hard- ware nor any missing items.

4.That no non-approved devices are installed.

5.That all safety signs and decals are properly installed and legible.

e.This is a one person machine, operator only! Riders are not permitted under any circumstance!

f. To start the engine on the machine:

1.Make sure the park brake is set to the “ON” position, both lap bars are in the neutral/start (opened-out) position, and the Power Take Off (PTO also referred to as blade control switch) is in the “off” (down) position.

2.Move the choke and the engine speed control (throttle) forward to the end of the slot.

3.Insert the ignition key, turn the switch toward the spring-loaded “Start” position, maintain the Start position until the engine begins to run, then release the switch (it will return to the “Run” posi- tion).

4.Move the choke/speed control slowly by moving it rearward. If the engine is “cold”, the choke may need to be par- tially applied for a few minutes. Be sure to move the choke/throttle after the engine has “warmed up” to the detent.

g.Check safety devices:

1.With the park brake engaged, move one of the lap bars (speed/directional control) from the neutral/start position to the neu- tral position (out of the slot, toward the center of the machine) — the engine should stop running. Move the lap bars back to the neutral/start position and the engine should run.

2.Repeat this procedure with the opposite side lap bars.

3.With the park brake engaged and the lap bars in the neutral/start position, advance the engine speed control com- pletely forward (Hi-idle), engage the PTO control switch (pull upward), then lift off the seat — the engine should stop run- ning. Sit down and the engine should run. Turn off the PTO by pushing the control switch down.

h.To drive in the FORWARD direction:

1.Set the engine speed to 2000 to 2500 rpm (refer to optional tachometer on

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