Cub Cadet 431D User Manual
Operator’s Manual
4x2 Utility Vehicle
Model 431D
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning:
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
CUB CADET LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
769-00680E.fm
(11/04)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Know Your Utility Vehicle 7
Operating Your Utility Vehicle 10
Servicing Your Utility Vehicle 13
Service Chart 17
Content Page
Accessories 18
Specifications 18
Troubleshooting 19
Commercial Warranty 23
Residential Warranty 24
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new utility vehicle. It will help you assemble, prepare
and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate on the vehicle under the operator’s seat. This
information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer
Dealer Referral Line or an authorized service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CUB CADET LLC
www.cubcadet.com
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER:
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
361131
877-282-8684
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit cubcadet.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you
will get the three options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
Engine
Manual
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
To reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line, please call 1-877-282-8684.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
2
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this
manual before attempting to operate or service this vehicle. When you see this symbol - heed its
warning.
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm
DANGER: This vehicle is designed to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in
this manual. As with any type of vehicle, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
.
General Operation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
vehicle and in the manual before attempting to
operate or service. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. This is an off-road utility vehicle and it should not be
operated on public highways. Know and comply
with all laws and regulations governing the use of
off-highway vehicles in your area.
3. This vehicle handles and maneuvers differently
than a normal passenger car. Sharp high speed
turns and abrupt maneuvers can cause vehicle to
roll over or go out of control. Slow down when
turning and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
4. Handling and maneuvering characteristics of
vehicle change depending upon cargo load. Heavy
loads affect steering, braking, stability, and overall
handling of vehicle.
5. Be familiar with all instructions and controls and
their proper operation before starting vehicle.
6. Never allow adults to operate this vehicle without
proper instruction.
7. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate
this vehicle. Children 16 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained
and supervised by a parent.
8. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways. This vehicle is not intended for use on
any public roadway.
9. Do not operate this vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
10. Never carry more than one passenger. This vehicle
is designed to carry the driver and one passenger
only. No riders are allowed in cargo box or
anywhere else on vehicle.
11. Keep all body parts (i.e. head, arms, hands, legs,
feet) inside vehicle when vehicle is in motion.
12. Always remain seated and keep both hands on the
steering wheel when driving the vehicle.
13. Sit on the center of the seat and keep both feet
within the foot platform perimeter. Clean foot
platform if dirty and remove any debris from around
foot controls, e.g. brake pedal.
14. Do not misuse the utility vehicle. It is an utility
vehicle, not a recreation vehicle or toy.
Recreational riding can lead to accidents, severe
bodily injury or death.
15. Inspect area around vehicle before moving, especially in reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down
and behind before and while backing to avoid a
back-over accident. Keep bystanders out of area.
16. Avoid driving through water, since loss of control
may occur. Drive belt may slip if exposed to water
thus reducing vehicle pulling power and stopping
vehicle entirely.
17. Always use vehicle lights while operating in low
light situations.
18. Do not mount or leave vehicle while it is in motion or
in actual operation.
19. Avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns and always use
a level turn-around area.
20. Never leave vehicle unattended with the key in the
ignition. Always turn key to the “Stop” position, set
the parking brake and remove key.
21. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving
under low hanging tree branches, wires, etc.,
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the
unit, which could result in serious injury.
22. Improper use of the vehicle or failure to properly
maintain it could result in decreased vehicle
performance or personal injury.
23. Engine must be stopped when cleaning, servicing,
adjusting, repairing, or installing attachments on
utility vehicle.
24. After striking foreign objects, stop the unit and shut
off the engine. Inspect for damage and repair the
damage before restarting and operating
equipment.
3
25. Do not start or operate vehicle in an inside area,
unless it is adequately ventilated. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide fumes, which are very
poisonous and can be deadly.
26. Do not change engine governor setting or over
speed the engine. The governor is set at the factory
for safe operating speed.
27. Assure safety interlock switch is adjusted correctly
so engine cannot be started unless gearshift is in
the neutral position.
28. Do not touch engine or muffler while engine is
running or soon after it is stopped. They will be hot
and can cause a burn.
29. Always inspect your vehicle each time you use it to
make sure it is in safe operating condition. Always
follow the inspection and maintenance procedures
and schedules described in this manual.
30. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgement. Contact
your local service center or call toll free 1-877-2828684 for assistance and the name of your nearest
service center.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
rollover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. If a slope is steeper than a 15° incline, do not
operate this unit on that area. Exercise extreme caution
while operating on slopes.
DO:
1. Travel straight up and down slopes, not across.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
2. Travel slowly while on a slope. Always keep the
forward speed limited when going down slopes to
take advantage of the motor braking action.
3. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
4. Avoid slopes with slippery, loose, or bumpy
surfaces as they are especially hazardous.
5. Use extra care while carrying cargo. It may affect
the stability of the vehicle. Spread the load evenly
or tie down.
Do Not:
1. Do not travel near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The vehicle could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if
an edge caves in.
2. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Be especially cautious when changing
direction on slopes.
3. Do not turn sideways to the hill. The vehicle may roll
over. If you must turn, go slow and do so carefully
and gradually.
4. Do not carry cargo on steep slopes or tow loads.
Children
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the vehicle. They do not understand the
dangers. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them. Avoid run over accidents.
a. Keep children out of the immediate area of
the vehicle and in watchful care of a
responsible adult other than the operator.
b. Be alert and turn the vehicle off if a child
enters the area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and
down for small children.
d. Never carry small children, they may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
vehicle operation.
e. Use extreme care while approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other
objects that may block your vision of a child
who may run into the path of the vehicle.
f. Remove key when vehicle is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
2. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate
this vehicle. Children 16 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained
and supervised by a parent.
3. Do not let children ride in the cargo box, in the
driver’s or passenger’s lap or anywhere other than
the passenger seat. Never give small children a
ride; not even in the passenger seat. They may fall
off.
Cargo Box Loading/Operation
1. Do not exceed vehicle’s Total Load Capacity rating
of 1,200 lb. This includes operator, passenger,
accessories, and cargo.
2. Do not exceed 800 lb. load in cargo box.
3. Spread load evenly and secure to prevent
movement.
4. Do not load above height of cargo box front panel.
Load could shift forward and injure driver or
passenger.
5. Avoid loads which exceed the physical dimensions
of cargo box.
6. Go slow. Heavy loads will affect steering, braking,
stability, and overall handling of the vehicle. Limit
loads to those that can be safely controlled.
7. Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns which could
cause load to shift.
Cargo Box Lift
1. Stop vehicle on level ground and set Parking Brake
before raising cargo box.
2. On manual lift units, unload cargo box before
raising cargo box.
4
3. Do not operate vehicle with cargo box in raised
position.
4. Do not operate vehicle with cargo box latch
unlatched. Always re-latch upon manually lowering
cargo box.
5. When using optional electric lift:
• Stay in driver’s seat.
• Keep body parts away from cargo box and keep all
bystanders away.
• Do not allow rear wheels to hang over the edge of a
drop-off when raising cargo box. Cargo box weight
may shift over center and cause vehicle to tip over
backwards.
Towing
• Always use an approved hitch and hitch point
provided on the utility vehicle.
• Do not tow more than 900 lb. (454 kg) rolling weight
(i.e. trailer plus cargo).
• Never load more than 100 lb. (45.5 kg) tongue
weight on tow bracket provided.
• Go slow and use extra care when towing a trailer.
Allow for increased braking distance. Load trailer
properly.
• Do not tow heavy loads on slopes greater than 5°
incline. When going downhill or turning, the extra
weight tends to push the tow vehicle and may
cause you to loose control (i.e. braking and steering
ability are reduced, towed equipment may jackknife and cause utility vehicle to overturn).
Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always
place containers on the ground away from
your vehicle before filling.
c. When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times
until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
lock-open device.
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
f. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool
at least two minutes before refueling.
h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to
allow space for fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move unit to another area.
Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean
up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris.
l. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
WARNING: Your Responsibility: Restrict the
use of this vehicle to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the unit.
5
• This is an off-road utility vehicle. Do not operate
on public highways. It handles and maneuvers
differently than a normal passenger car. Sharp,
high speed turns or abrupt maneuvers can
cause vehicle to roll over or go out of control.
• Handling and maneuvering characteristics
of vehicle change depending upon cargo load.
Heavy loads will affect steering, braking,
stability and overall handling of vehicle.
• Read and understand operator's manual
before operating vehicle.
FALLING OFF OR ROLLOVER MAY
CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• Only one person in each seat.
• No other riders permitted.
• Keep hands and feet inside vehicle during
operation.
• Do not operate on slopes greater than 15º.
• Drive slowly when turning, on rough ground,
or carrying a cargo load.
• Spread load evenly in cargo box. Do not exceed
load capacity specified on cargo box label.
• Secure load to prevent movement.
CARGO BOX
LATCH
• Always re-latch
cargo box latch
upon manually
lowering cargo box.
• Do not operate or
load vehicle with
cargo box latch
unlatched.
WARNING
MAX 15º
WARNING
AVOID INJURY WHEN
USING CARGO BOX LIFT
• Read and understand operator's manual for
lifting, loading and unloading instructions.
• Stop vehicle on level ground and set parking
brake before operating lift.
• Make sure manual lift support rod is securely
locked before leaning under raised cargo box.
• When using optional electric lift stay in seat and
keep hands away from cargo box.
Hot Surface
Do Not Touch
S32241 AC
WARNING
RIDERS CAN FALL OFF AND
SERIOUSLY INJURED OR K
• Only one person in each seat.
• No riders in the cargo box or anywhere
other than seats.
WARNING
CARGO BOX LOAD CAPACITY:
• Spread load evenly. Secure load to prevent movement.
• Go slow. Avoid sudden starts and stops which could
cause load to shift.
• Do not load above height of this panel. Load could shift
forward injuring driver or passenger.
•
No riders in cargo box
or anywhere other than
seats.
MAX 800 Lb.
WARNING
To Avoid An Accident And Injury
• Do not tow more than 900 Lb. rolling
weight (i.e., trailer plus cargo).
• Spread load evenly. Never exceed 100 lb.
tongue weight.
• Go slow and use extra care when towing.
Allow for increased braking distance.
• Do not tow heavy loads on slopes over
a 5º incline.
BE
ILLED
S32162
6
SECTION 2: KNOW YOUR UTILITY VEHICLE
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the utility vehicle is observed from the operating position.
ON
PULL
DIFF.
LOCK
OFF
PUSH
Figure 1
Read this operator’s manual, safety labels, and
operating instructions on the vehicle before operating.
Compare the illustrations in this manual with your unit
to familiarize yourself with the location of various
controls and adjustments. Reference to the right or left
hand side of unit is observed from the operating
position. Save this manual for future reference.
See Figure 1.
Read the Kohler Engine operator’s manual before
operating this vehicle to familiarize yourself with the
engine controls and adjustments.
NOTE: Before operating your vehicle, follow the
starting instructions in the Operating Section and
check tire pressure per the recommendations in the
Maintenance Section.
Accelerator Pedal
The accelerator pedal is located on the right side of the
floor beneath the dash panel. Depressing the
accelerator pedal will move the vehicle in the direction
selected on the gearshift. As the pedal is depressed,
speed will increase to the maximum selected range.
Releasing the pedal reduces the speed, but does not
stop the vehicle. The brake must be applied to stop
vehicle. See Figure 2.
Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is located on the left side of the floor
beneath the dash panel. Remove foot from accelerator
pedal apply pressure to the brake pedal evenly until
vehicle slows down and stops. See Figure 2.
Brake Pedal
Accelerator Pedal
Figure 2
Parking Brake Latch
The parking brake latch is located on the dash panel to
the right of the steering wheel. It holds the brake in the
engaged position for parking. See Figure 3.
7
• To engage the parking brake, push brake pedal
NEUTRAL
FORWARD
REVERSE
N
E
U
T
R
A
L
F
O
R
WA
R
D
R
E
V
E
R
S
E
HOURS 1/10
down firmly, pull out on the parking brake latch, and
release foot from brake pedal. Brake pedal will stay
down and parking brake light on dash will come on
to indicate parking brake is engaged.
• To release parking brake, push down on brake
pedal and parking brake latch will release.
Parking Brake
Latch
12V Power Outlet
The 12V power outlet is located on the right side of the
dash panel. It is used for the convenience of plugging in
accessories that require a power source with a
maximum load of 5 amps at 12 volts. See Figure 4.
Light Switch
The light switch is located on the right side of the dash
panel. Push in top/bottom of switch to activate or turn off
lights. See Figure 5.
Cargo Box Electric Lift Switch (Optional)
If equipped, the cargo box electric lift switch is located
on the right side of the dash panel. It activates lift to
raise and lower cargo box. See Figure 5.
Figure 3
Rear Power Outlet (Optional)
If equipped, the rear power outlet is located on the right
Ignition Switch
side of the dash panel. It turns power on and off for the
rear outlet. See Figure 5.
WARNING: Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always set parking brake, stop
engine and remove key to prev en t unin te nd e d
Light Switch
Rear Power
Outlet
(Optional)
starting.
The ignition switch is located on the right side of the
dash panel. To start the engine, insert the key into the
ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START
position. Release the key into the Run position once
engine has fired. See Figure 4.
NOTE: The shift controller will return the transmission to
neutral when the key is turned off. If the lever under the
Cargo Box Electric
Lift Switch
(Optional)
Figure 5
cargo box is not in neutral it must be manually returned
to neutral to start engine. Refer to SECTION
8:Troubleshooting, page 20, Figure 22.
Warning Light Cluster
The warning light cluster is located in the middle of the
dash panel. There are four warning lights: alternator discharge light, parking brake light, engine oil pressure
light, and low fuel light. The parking brake light indicates
when parking brake is engaged. The engine oil pressure
light activates when engine has low oil pressure. The
Horn Plug
alternator discharge light will indicate that the alternator
is not charging. The low fuel light activates when fuel is
low in tank. See Figure 6.
Ignition Switch
Figure 4
12V Power
Outlet
Engine Oil
Gear Lights
Pressure Light
FNR
FNR
HOURS 1/10HOURS 1/10
Alternator
Discharge Light
Refer to Starting The Engine in the Operation Section of
this manual for detailed starting instructions
Horn Switch (Optional)
The horn switch is located on the right side of the dash
panel. Push button to activate horn. See Figure 4.
8
Parking
Brake
Light
Hour Meter
Figure 6
Low Fuel
Light
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