Cub Cadet CLT-180 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Model: CLT-180
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY
RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY
CADET, 60 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH, KITCHENER, ONT. N2G 3S7
PRINTED IN UNITED-STATES
772C0701
(1/04)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SLOPE GAUGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TRACTOR SET-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ADJUSTMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
OFF-SEASON STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
PARTS LIST/PIÈCES DÉTACHÉES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performan ce. Please read and underst and 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 provide d below. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from your authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number by looking beneath the seat. A sample model plate is explained below.
This is where your model number will be.
Model Number
Numéro de modèle
XXX-XXXXXX
Serial Number
Numéro de série
XXXXXXXXXXX
This is where your serial number will be.
Copy the model number here:
CUB CADET CANADA
KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the
controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call your service dealer.
Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call.
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instr uctions may result in persona l
injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-
ual. As with any type of power equipme nt, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. 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
machine and in the manual(s) before attempti ng to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regu lar reference a nd for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to oper ate
this machine. Children 14 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.
4. Never allow adults to operate this m achine without
proper instruction.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children an d pets
at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign object s which could
be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thr own
objects can cause serious personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes a nd closefitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sand als.
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without the discharge cover or
entire grass catcher in its proper place.
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the cutting deck. Contact with t he blade(s)
can amputate hands and feet.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel d rives,
walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on
any public roadway.
15. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
17. Never carry passengers.
18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse.
Back up slowly. Always look down and behind
before and while backing to avoid a back-over
accident.
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the mach ine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine
and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop
before removing grass catcher, emptying grass,
unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or
making any adjustments.
21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neu tral, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit
could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The
unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or
unload properly.
23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving
under low hanging tree branches, wires, door
openings etc., where the operator may be struck or
pulled from the unit, which could result in serious
injury.
3
25. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the
brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before
attempting to start engine.
26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry gr ass (e.g.,
pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves
may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on
the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
27. Use only accessories and attachments approved
for this machine by the machine manufacturer.
Read, understand and follow all instructions
provided with the approved accessory or
attachment.
28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and other s
from serious injury.
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
authorized dealer for assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do n ot mow
it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part o f
this manual to measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than
15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not
operate this unit on that area or serious injury could
result.
DO:
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed
setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slope s
even though the brakes are functioning properly.
Always keep machine in gear when going down
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation s for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.
5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine.
6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direct ion.
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the f ront
of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards
which could cause serious injury.
7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If ti res lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if
an edge caves in.
3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced tractio n could
cause sliding.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Overspeeding may cause the operator to lose control of
the machine resulting in serious injury or death.
7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g.
loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes
greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the
extra weight tends to push the tractor and may
cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed
up, braking and steering ability are reduced,
attachment may jack-knife and cause tr actor to
overturn).
CHILDREN
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children ar e often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
They do not understand the dangers. Never
assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of a responsible adult other
than the operator.
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters
the area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and
down for small children.
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s)
shut off. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine
operation.
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or ot her
objects that may block your vision of a child
who may run into the machine.
f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) befor e
shifting in reverse. The “No-Cut-In Reverse”
4
feature is a reminder not to cut in reverse and
to help avoid back over accidents. Do not
defeat it.
g. Keep children away from hot or running
engines. They can suffer burns from a hot
muffler.
h. Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operat ion.
i. Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate the machine. Children 14 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.
TOWING
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed
for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at
the hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for
weight limits for towed equipment and towing on
slopes.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
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 g asoline 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 gro und 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 wit h a
portable container, rather than fro m a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at a ll times until
fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lockopen 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, spar k or
pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
m. Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
GENERAL SERVICE:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecti ng, make
certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spar k plug wire and ground
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds
after operating the blade disengage ment control. If
the blades do not stop within the this time frame,
your unit should be serviced professionally b y an
authorized dealer.
4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected
to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service
as required.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightn ess. Also, visually
inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked).
Replace the blade(s) with the origin al equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight t o be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or
other safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop t he engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and grou nd
against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine
for any damage. Repair the damage before st arting
and operating.
5
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to
the machine while the engine is running.
11. Grass catcher components and the discharge
cover are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
For saf ety protection, frequently check componen ts
and replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the origi-
WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instruct ions in this manual and on the machine.
nal equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
12. Do not change the engine governor setting s or
over-speed the engine. The governor contr ols the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulatio ns for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
S30544
S30011
MAX 20
%
Safety Labels found on your unit
SECTION 2: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES
The following attachments and accessories are com patible for your la wn tractor. See t he your authorized dealer for
information regarding price and availability.
NOTE: Your lawn tractor is NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or
plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor’s warranty.
MODEL DESCRIPTION
OEM-190-116 Mulch Kit (For 38” and 42” Decks)
OEM-190-118 Mulch Kit (For 46” Decks)
OEM-190-180 Twin Bagger Grass Collector 38” and 42” Decks
OEM-190-182 Twin Bagger Grass Collector 46” Decks
OEM-190-603 FastAttach
OEM-190-604 TracPac
OEM-190-607 Deluxe Sunshade
OEM-190-822 FastAttach
OEM-190-823 42-inch Two-stage Snow Thrower
™
Grille Guard (mounts on front of tractor)
™
Storage Container (mounts on rear of tractor)
™
46-inch Front Dozer Blade
6
SECTION 3: SLOPE GAUGE
extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A
15°
WARNING
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
F
O
L
D
O
N
D
O
T
T
E
D
L
I
N
E
,
R
E
P
RE
S
E
N
T
I
N
G
A
1
5
°
S
L
O
P
E
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
7
SECTION 4: TRACTOR SET-UP
Steering
Hex Bolt
Steering
Shaft
& Washer
Wheel Cap
NOTE: Reference to RIGHT or LEFT side of the
tractor in this manual is observed from operator’s
position.
A TTACHING THE BATTER Y CABLES
NOTE:
attached on your unit. If the cables are not attached,
please follow the instructions below.
The battery cables may or may not be
NOTE: The pos itive battery terminal is marked Pos.
(+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
• The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to
the positive battery terminal (+) w ith a hex bolt and
hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber
boot covers the terminal to help protect it from
corrosion.
• Remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the
negative cable.
• Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the
negative battery terminal and attach the negative
cable (heavy black wire) to the negative battery
terminal (–) with the bolt and wing nut.
• Make certain the battery retainer rod is in position
over the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 1.
A TTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL
In the event your tractor was crated with the steering
wheel and the seat removed for shippin g reasons, use
the following instructions to properly assemble the
parts.
WARNING: Do NOT operate the tractor
without first attaching both the steering
wheel AND the seat. Doing so could result
in serious injury to the operator.
NOTE: There are two different styles of steering
wheel cap. See Figure 2. Styles vary by model.
• Using your hands, place the tractor’s front tires in
position for straight-ahead travel.
• Remove the steering wheel cap from the center of
the steering wheel. Be careful not to lose the hex
screw and bell washer found beneath it.
• Place the steering wheel (in position for straightahead travel) directly onto the ste ering shaft found
in the center of the tractor’s dash.
• Place the bell washer (cupped side DOWN) over
the steering shaft.
• Thread the hex screw into the steering shaft and
tighten securely.
• Reinsert the steering wheel cap in the center of the
steering wheel. Refer to Figure 2
.
Rubber
Bo
ot
Positive
Terminal
Wing
t
Nu
Negative
Terminal
Shoulder Bolt
Battery
Battery
Retainer Rod
Figure 1
NOTE: If the b attery is put into servic e after the date
shown on top of battery, charge the battery as
instructed on page 23 of this manual prior to operating
the tractor.
Figure 2
8
A TTACHING THE SEA T
Seat styles vary by tractor model and there are three
different styles available:
• Standard Adjustment
• Quick Adjustment
• Knob Adjustment
Refer to Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 to identify yo ur
tractor’s seat style and follow applicable instructions.
Standard Adjustment
Hex Screws
Shoulder Screws
Opening in Slot
NOTE: For shipping reasons, seats are either
fastened to the tractor seat’s p ivot bracket wit h a plastic
tie, or mounted backward to the pivot bracket. In either
case, free the seat from its shipping position and
remove the two hex screws (or knobs, on models so
equipped) from the bottom of seat before proceeding
with applicable instructions below
.
Standard Adjustment Seat
1. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of
the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot
bracket. See Figure 3.
2. Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot
bracket, lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket
with the remaining two holes in the seat’s base.
3. Select desired position for the seat, and se cure with
the two hex screws removed earlier. See Figure 3.
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:
on the seat pivot bracket, pull out the tab found on the
seat stop and hold it open while sliding the seat off the
seat pivot bracket. See Figure 4.
1. Line up the plastic seat spacers with the slots in
2. Slide seat in until front seat spacer engages the
If your seat was shipped mounted backwards
seat pivot bracket.
seat stop.See Figure 4.
Pivot Bracket
Quick Adjustment
Seat Stop
Tab
Pivot Bracket
Knob Adjustment
Knobs
Shoulder Screws
Figure 3
Figure 4
WARNING: Before operating this machine,
make sure the seat is engaged in the seat
stop, stand behind the machine and pull back
on seat until fully engaged into stop
.
Knob Adjustment Seat
1. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of
the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot
bracket. See Figure 5.
2. Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot
bracket, lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket
with the remaining two holes in the seat’s base.
3. Select desired position for the seat, and se cure with
the two knobs removed earlier. See Figure 5.
Opening in Slot
Pivot Bracket
Figure 5
9
Loading...