Cub Cadet 23HP Z-Force 50 service manual G. Hydraulic System, H. Storage

system locks the traction wheels.

Note: To move the mower forward or in

reverse by pushing, you must release the dynamic braking. Locate the release levers at the rear of the machine. Pull them toward the rear and lower the wide area of the rod into the keyhole slot. (See photo below).

Hydro Release Valve

When the mower is parked with the engine running and the steering levers opened out in the neutral position, the parking brakes should be applied. The parking brakes are gear/pawl brakes mounted on each traction wheel. They are both engaged by the same operating lever.

1.Adjustments: The parking brake handle is a lever in a “j” slot that should engage with mod- erate force. The parking brakes provide a positive means to hold a machine stationary that is similar to “Park” on an automobile.

Note: The parking brakes normally do not need to be adjusted.

To adjust either brake individually, loosen the jam nuts on the cable near the brake arm on the transaxle. Adjust the nuts so that the brake/pawl comes closer to the gear, but not in contact with the gear teeth.

2.Repair: The mower is equipped with external gear/pawl brakes and will not normally require maintenance. If they are not working properly, please contact your service center.

G.Hydraulic System

1.Hydrostatic Pumps and Motors: The pumps in the transaxles are the hardest-working components in the hydraulic system. They are in operation all the time the engine is running. 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.

H.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

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