Cub Cadet 53AJ8CT6050 service manual Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Pro- cedures, Orientation

lower the mowing deck into the cutting posi- tion.

b.Using a ruler, pencil and paper, measure and note the distance from the paved surface to the bottom edge of the mowing blade at the front and the back of the deck on each side of the mower. (Four dimensions.)

Note: The front edge of the mowing deck should be 1/8"-1/4" below the rear edge of the deck so that the blades are cutting grass in only the front half of their circular path. This decreases friction and reduces the drive power required.

c.If the dimension at the front of the mowing deck is 1/8"-1/4" lower than the dimension at the rear of the deck on each side of the mower, do not adjust. If not, you will need to adjust the Deck Lift Spring Assist (See Figure 5). You may also need to adjust the Deck Links (See Figure 5).

Deck Lift Spring inner nut

Deck Links

Figure. 5

d.Lower the mower deck to the cutting position. With a wrench loosen the inner rear nut on the Deck Lift Spring Assist. To adjust the deck up or down, use a wrench and with a few turns, adjust clockwise or counter clock- wise the outer rear nut of the Deck Lift Spring Assist. Repeat this procedure on the oppo- site side of the Mower. Once the deck is adjusted, retighten bolts.

e.With the deck still in the cutting position, adjust the Deck Links. With a wrench loosen the top inner bolt of the Deck Link. To adjust the side of the deck up or down turn the top bolt clockwise or counter clockwise a few turns. Adjust both front and rear Deck links as necessary. Retighten nuts.

f.Raise the mowing deck to the transport posi- tion using the upper foot pedal.

g.Use the second foot pedal to lower the mow- ing deck to the cutting position and repeat step “b.” above to make sure that the desired cutting height has 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 Pro- cedures

DANGER:

Reread the “When Mowing” Safety Precautions.

The following procedures are suggested for operators 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 before- and-after, then adjust the speed/directional (lap bar) controls (they can be adjusted fore & aft, as well as up & down — 9/16" wrench required).

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

d.Move (or have moved) the machine to a safe, level area with no obstructions including 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 foreign objects which could cause injury to bystand- ers, damage to the machine, or damage to nearby facilities. Also make sure that the area is free of toys, stakes, pipes, chain, cable, potholes, drop-offs, and step slopes.

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 prop- erly installed and legible.

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