Cub Cadet 18.5HP Z-Force 42, 22HP Z-Force 48 Maintenance Schedule, G. Storage, A. Daily Checks

Because of extremely close tolerances, wear is an important factor in their life.

Note: The pumps and motors are not owner-repairable. If a pump fails, contact your Cub Cadet dealer. Do not disassemble the pump/motors.

2.Steering Lever Adjustments: Place the mower on level ground with the engine run- ning, parking brake off and steering levers opened out to the neutral position. If the mower begins to creep, adjust the steering levers.

If the mower creeps, first determine whether it creeps to the right or left side and which direc- tion the mower moves — to the front or the rear. To make the adjustment, place the steer- ing levers in the opened-out neutral position and set the parking brake, shutoff the engine, take the key from the ignition switch and pivot the seat forward. If the mower creeps to the right, you will adjust the linkage on the left side of the mower and vice-versa. Loosen the jam nut which prevents the linkage rod from turning. If the mower creeps forward, turn the linkage rod counterclockwise. If the mower creeps backward, turn the linkage rod clock- wise. Then tighten the jam nuts.

G.Storage

1.General: If your mower will not be in service for a few months, it should be stored in a dry location that is not subject to drastic changes in temperature. Before storing, the following maintenance procedures should be per- formed.

a.Clean the mower. The entire tractor and cutting deck should be washed and cleaned.

b.Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use when needed.

c.Protect the metal surfaces. Repair scratches with the appropriate touch-up spray paint. Brush a rust preventive oil on any unpainted surfaces including the pul- leys and blades. (Be careful not to get any oil on the drive belts.)

d.Lubricate the mower.

e.Drain the engine oil. The engine should be warm so that all the oil drains. Replace the engine oil filter and refill the crankcase with fresh oil.

f.Gasoline Engine: Drain all the fuel. Close the fuel tank shutoff valve. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and put the end into an approved fuel container. Open

the fuel tank shutoff valve and drain the fuel tank and line into the approved con- tainer. Replace the fuel line on the carbure- tor. Start the engine and allow it to run out of fuel. This will prevent gum and varnish deposits from forming. Replace the fuel fil- ter.

g.Gasoline Engine Only: Remove the spark plugs and pour approximately one ounce of oil into each cylinder. Crank the engine one or two turns to spread the oil evenly on the cylinder walls. Replace the spark plugs.

h.Clean the battery and make sure it is fully charged.

i.Jack the mower up and store it on blocks to take the weight off of the tires.

2.To Put the Mower Back in Service:

a.Check the battery. Charge if necessary.

b.Gasoline Engine Only: 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. Refill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.

c.Check the level of the oil in the crankcase and the hydraulic tank.

d.Lower the mower off the block and check the tire pressure.

e.Push the mower outdoors and start the engine. Let the engine idle until it has warmed up completely (4 to 5 minutes).

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

A. Daily Checks

1.Before starting engine:

a.Check the fuel level by viewing in the tank.

b.Check the engine oil level.**

c.Check the hydraulic transaxels for leaks.

d.Check the tires and tire pressure. Drive Tires: 8-10 psi.

Front Caster Wheels: 20-25 psi.

e.Check the spindle belt, the mower drive belt and the hydro drive belt.

f.Check the blades. Make sure they are sharp and that the blade securing cap screws are tight.

g.Check the cutting height.

2.When ready to start the engine:

a.Check the seven safety switches for proper operation.

3.After mowing:

a.Clean the mower.

b.Clean the engine air screen.

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