Driving On Slopes

Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Section to heLPG

determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Warning! Do not operate on inclines with a slope

in excess of 20 degrees (a rise of approximately 3 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and

cause serious injury.

1.Always drive across slopes, never up and down.

2.Avoid turning downhill if possible. Start at the bottom of a slope and work upward. Always slow down before turning.

3.Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill.

Operating The Pto

Operate the PTO clutch as follows:

1.Move the throttle control lever to approximately the mid throttle position.

2.Pull the PTO switch upward to the “ENGAGED” position.

3.Advance the throttle lever to the operating speed (full engine speed).

4.The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operator should leave the seat without turning off the power take-off switch, the tractor’s engine will shut off.

Using the Mower Deck

Warning! Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades.

NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and possible failure of the ‘V” belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non grassy

area before engaging the mower deck.

1.Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.

2.On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed.

3.Engage the PTO clutch using the PTO switch and move the throttle control to the fast position.

4.Remove the clevis pin and hitch pin, raise the deck to the highest (transport) position and place the clevis pin in the desired position and secure with the hitch pin. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the power implement lift.

5.Slowly push the forward speed control pedal forward to move the tractor forward, and keep the tractor headed directly toward the alignment point.

NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground speed with the speed control pedals.

6.When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before turning. A U-turn is recommended unless a pivot or zero turn is required.

7.Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3”.

8.Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip.

9.To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change the direction that the strips are mowed by approximately 45° for the next and each subsequent mowing.

WARNING! Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways. Disengage the PTO and raise the deck to the highest position before crossing.

NOTE: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always:

•Make sure the speed control pedals are in neutral.

•Engage the parking brake.

•Shut engine off and remove the key.

•Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn

‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.

Checking the Safety Interlock Circuits

Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly. If a safety circuit is not working as designed, contact you Cub Cadet dealer to have the tractor inspected. DO NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is not functioning properly. To check the safety circuits, proceed as follows:

1.Sitting in the tractor seat with both speed control pedals in the neutral position, disengage the parking brake and momentarily turn the ignition switch to the start position. The engine should not crank.

2.Engage the parking brake and pull the PTO switch upward to the engaged position. Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the start position; the engine should not crank.

3.Push the PTO switch downward to the disengaged position and move both speed control pedals to the neutral position and disengage the parking brake; then lift upward from the operator’s seat. The engine should stop.

4.With both speed control pedals in the neutral position and the parking brake engaged, engage the PTO. Lift upward from the operator’s seat; the engine should stop.

22Section 5— Operation