Steering the Tractor
Your i1000 series tractor is equipped with an innovative steering design which is somewhat different from that of the traditional steering wheel type lawn tractor. Turning the steering wheel not only turns the front wheels, but also controls the drive linkage of the two hydro transmis- sions that drive the tractor. This feature allows you to vary the radius of turns from a normal wide turn down to a zero turn. Some practice may be required to become accustomed to the steering of your tractor. The steering works as follows:
•The steering wheel turns approximately two turns stop to stop. With the center position being the straight ahead position.
•Minor turns of the steering wheel from the center position (up to approx. 10º) will turn only the front axles and result in wider turns.
•Increasing the turn of the steering wheel (beyond 10°) results in increasingly tighter turns. As the steering mechanism turns the front wheels, it also changes the position of the transmission drive 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.
IMPORTANT: Making tight or zero turns on grass will greatly increase the potential for defacement of the turf.
Driving On Slopes
IMPORTANT: Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 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 neces- sary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.
Moving the Tractor Manually
If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to move the tractor, engage the two hydro transmission bypass rods to manually move the tractor short distances.
IMPORTANT: Never tow or drag the tractor with the rear wheels on the ground. Even with the bypass rods engaged.
Doing so will damage the transmissions.
To engage a bypass rod, pull the rod rearward through the slot until the offset form the rod is outside the hitch plate. Then turn the rod in either direction and release so that the offset is locked against the hitch plate. Engage both bypass rods to manually move the tractor. See Figure 8.
Bypass Rods
Disengaged
Offset Form Locked Against
Hitch Plate to Engage
Figure 8
To disengage, turn the rod to align with the slot and release the rod back through the hitch plate.
NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its
normal position prior to operating the tractor.
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.
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Operation
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.
IMPORTANT
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely. Never attempt to move the tractor manually without first engaging the relief valve. Doing so may damage the tractor’s transmission.
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