•Increasing the turn of the steering wheel (beyond 10°- 15º) results in increasingly tighter turns. As the steering mechanism turns the front wheels, it also changes the position of the transmission drive control linkage to slow down the inner rear wheel in the turn, and adjust the speed of the outer wheel as necessary to complete the desired turn. Turn the steering wheel back to the center position as the turn is completed.
NOTE: It is not necessary to release the drive pedal when making a turn. The change to the transmission linkage occurs regardless of how far the drive pedal is depressed. When the steering wheel is straightened, the tractor will return to the speed set by the drive pedal.
•Turning the steering wheel fully to its stop in either direction will fully turn the front wheels, reverse the direction of the inner wheel and adjust the outer wheel speed to execute a zero turn in the chosen direction. Turn the steering wheel back to the center position as the turn is completed.
NOTE: As the steering wheel is turned further toward its stop, the effort needed to turn the steering wheel increases.
NOTE: Making tight or zero turns on grass will greatly increase the potential for defacement of the turf.
Driving On Slopes
Warning! Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
•Mow up and down slopes, never across.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn downhill on the slope. Turning uphill increases the possibility of a tractor rollover.
•Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.
Engaging the Parking Brake
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.
To set the parking brake:
1.Press the brake pedal completely down with you left foot and hold it that position.
2.Push the parking brake lever downward and hold it in that position.
3.Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
4.Release pressure from the parking brake lever.
5.After completing step 3, the brake pedal should remain in the down position. If it doesn’t, the parking brake is not engaged. Repeat steps
6.To disengage the parking brake, lightly press the brake pedal .
WARNING! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO:
1.Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.
2.Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob outward into the engaged (ON) position.
NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) PTO driven attachments.
Mowing
WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
This tractor is equipped with one of Cub Cadet’s high quality cutting decks. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.
•Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
•For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn.
•Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
•Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle.
•Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.
•Do not attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, not clear brush.
•Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
Refer to the Service section of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
•When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always
a.Place the shift lever in neutral,
b.Engage the parking brake,
c.Shut engine off and remove the key.
d.Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.
16Section 5— Operation