Cub Cadet GT1554 User Manual

4 (2)
FORM NO.
769-01668G.fm
(11/27/2006)
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Warning:
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-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
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 Cub Cadet dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio
44136-0019.
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Operator’s Manual
Hydrostatic Garden Tractor
SERIES 1500
Model GT1554
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 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 illustrated
below. You can locate the model plate by looking at the underside of the tractor‘s seat. This information
will be necessary when contacting the Cub Cadet Care Network or your Cub Cadet dealer.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer, without first contacting the Cub Cadet Care Network.
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 www.cubcadet.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Service and help is
immediately available.
Call the Cub Cadet Care Network at (800) 965-4CUB.
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Slope Gauge 7
Tractor Set-up 8
Know Your Garden Tractor 9
Operating Your Garden Tractor 12
Making Adjustments 16
Maintaining Your Garden Tractor 18
Service 24
Off-season Storage 28
Maintenance Schedule 28
Maintenance Log 29
Troubleshooting 30
Attachments & Accessories 31
Specifications 33
Replacement Parts 32
Warranty Information 33
Content Page
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
www.cubcadet.com
CUB CADET LLC
P. O. BOX
361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER:
877-282-8684
3

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 instructions may result in personal
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 equipment, 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.
California Proposition 65 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.
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and 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 operate
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 machine without
proper instruction.
5. 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.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown
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 and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
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 the 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 drives,
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 machine
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 neutral, 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.
4
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.
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 grass (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 others
from serious injury.
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
Cub Cadet 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 not mow
it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
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 slopes
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 recommendations 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 direction.
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front
of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards
which could cause serious injury.
7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires 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 traction could
cause sliding.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-
speeding 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 tractor to
overturn).
CHILDREN
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are 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.
5
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other
objects that may block your vision of a child
who may run into the machine.
f. To avoid back-over accidents, always
disengage the cutting blade(s) before
shifting into reverse. The “Reverse
Caution Mode” should not be used when
children or others are around.
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 operation.
9. 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 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.
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 inspecting, make
certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark 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 disengagement
control. If the blades do not stop within the this time
frame, your unit should be serviced professionally
by your Cub Cadet 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 tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g.,
excessive wear, bent, cracked).
Replace the blade(s) with the original 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 to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating.
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 safety protection, frequently check components 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 original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum
safe operating speed of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas,
oil, etc. to protect the environment.
WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand
and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT
OPERATE UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
ROTATING BLADES CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE
AROUND
NEVER CARRY CHILDREN EVEN WITH BLADE(S) OFF.
LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE
BACKING.
MOWING IN REVERSE IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
DANGER
7

SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE

3IGHTANDHOLDTHISLEVELWITHAVERTICALTREE
ORACORNEROFABUILDING
ORAFENCEPOST
&OLDALONGDOTTEDLINEREPRESENTSASLOPE

8

SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP

Gas and Oil Fill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a
capacity of three and-a-half gallons. Unthread the fuel
cap by turning it counterclockwise. Use only clean,
fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank
to no more than four inches below the top of the filler
neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
IMPORTANT:
Your tractor is shipped with oil in the
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before
operating. Refer to Checking the Oil Level on page 18 for
detailed instructions.

Setting the Gauge Wheels and Roller

Gauge Wheels
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height
notches on the right fender.
Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch
and ½-inch above the ground as follows.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the discharge opening of the cutting
deck.
Place the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably
pavement, refer to Figure 1, and proceed as follows:
Place the tractor’s deck lift handle in the normally
desired mowing height setting, then check the
gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance
with the surface below.
If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:
a. Raise the deck lift handle to its highest
setting.
b. Remove the lock nuts and shoulder screws
which secure the front gauge wheels to the
deck.
c. Place the deck lift handle in the desired
mowing height setting.
d. Insert the shoulder screw with the gauge
wheel into the index hole that leaves
approximately 1/2" between the bottom of
the wheel and the pavement.
Figure 1
e. Note the position of the index hole used; then
install the other gauge wheel into the
corresponding index hole of the other gauge
wheel brackets.
If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with
the surface below, lower the wheels to the index
hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance
as described above.
Roller
To adjust the height of the rollers found on the rear of
the mowing deck upward or downward, proceed as
follows:
Place the deck lift lever in the bottom notch (lowest
position).
Remove the clevis pins and hairpin clips from the
deck roller brackets on the left and right sides of the
cutting deck. See Figure 1.
Position the deck roller brackets up or down
through the slots on the rear of the deck until
desired position is reached, then re-attach with the
clevis pins and hairpin clips just removed.
IMPORTANT:
Be certain that the left roller bracket and
the right roller bracket are set in the same position.
Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 16 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
9

SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

Figure 2
NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.
A Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter H PTO (Blade Engage) Knob
B Throttle Control Lever I Brake Pedal
C Choke Control J Drive Pedal
D Parking Brake Lever K Cruise Control Lever
E Seat Adjustment Lever L Deck Lift Lever
F Fuel Tank Cap M Cup Holder
G Ignition Switch Module
H
A
G
D
F
L
E
I
M
K
B
C
J
10

Throttle Control Lever

The throttle control lever is
located on the left side of the
tractor’s dash panel. This lever
controls the speed of the engine.
When set in a given position, the
throttle will maintain a uniform
engine speed.
IMPORTANT:
When operating the
tractor with the cutting deck
engaged, be certain that the
throttle lever is always in the
FAST (rabbit) position.

Choke Control

The choke control can be found
on the left side of the dash panel
and is activated by pulling the
knob outward. Activating the
choke control closes the choke
plate on the carburetor and aids
in starting the engine. Refer to
Starting The Engine on page 13 of
this manual for detailed starting
instructions.

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is located on the
right front side of the tractor
above the drive pedal along the
running board. The brake pedal
can be used for sudden stops or
setting the parking brake.
NOTE: The brake pedal must
be fully depressed to activate the
safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor
.

Seat Adjustment Lever

To adjust the seat forward or backward, slide the seat
adjustment lever to the left and reposition the seat to
the desired position. Once a comfortable position is
found, release the seat adjustment lever to lock the seat
in place. Refer to Seat Adjustment on page 17 of this
manual for more detailed instructions.

Ignition Switch Module

WARNING: Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition
switch and turn clockwise to the START position.
Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE
position once the engine has fired.
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key
counterclockwise to the STOP position. See Figure 3.
Figure 3
IMPORTANT:
Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both
Safety Interlock Switches on page 12 and Starting The Engine
on page 13 of this manual for detailed instructions
regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the
tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.

Drive Pedal

The drive pedal is located on the
right side of the tractor, along the
running board. Depress the
upper portion of the drive pedal
forward to cause the tractor to
travel forward. Depress the lower
portion of the drive pedal with the
ball of your right foot (NOT your
heel) to cause the tractor to travel
in reverse. Ground speed is also
controlled with the drive pedal.
The further forward or rearward
that the pedal is pivoted, the
faster the tractor will travel. The
pedal will return to its original
position when it’s not depressed.
IMPORTANT:
Always set the
parking brake when leaving the
tractor unattended.
Slow
Fast
Position
Position
3TART
0OSITION
3TOP
0OSITION
.ORMAL
-OWING-ODE
11

Systems Indicator Monitor / Hour Meter

LCD
Located in the center of the tractor’s console, the
systems indicator monitor records, and displays on its
LCD, hours of tractor operation whenever the ignition
key is rotated out of the STOP position.
The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of
maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil. The
LCD will alternately flash the recorded hours, “CHG”
and “OIL” for five minutes, after every 50 hours of
recorded operation elapse. The maintenance interval
lasts for two hours (from 50-52, 100-102, 150-152,
etc.). The LCD will also flash as described above for
five minutes every time the tractor’s engine has been
started during this maintenance interval. Before the
interval expires, change the crankcase oil level as
instructed in this Operator’s Manual.
Brake
If the Brake light illuminates when attempting to start
the tractor’s engine, depress the brake pedal.
PTO (Blade Engage)
If the PTO light illuminates when attempting to start the
tractor’s engine, move PTO lever into the disengaged
(OFF) position.
Oil
It is normal for the Oil light to illuminate while the engine
is cranking during start-up, but if it illuminate’s during
operation, while the engine is running, stop the
tractor immediately and check the crankcase oil level
as instructed in this Owner’s Manual.
Battery
It is normal for the Battery light to illuminate while the
engine is cranking during start-up, but if it illuminate’s
during operation, while the engine is running, the
battery is in need of a charge or the engine’s charging
system is not generating sufficient amperage. Refer to
the MAINTENANCE section of this manual for the proper
battery charging procedure or have the charging
system checked by your Cub Cadet dealer.

Deck Lift Lever

Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever is
used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use,
move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best
suited for your application.
Electric PTO /
Blade Engage Knob
To engage the power to the
cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments, pull
outward on the PTO/Blade
Engage knob. Push the PTO/
Blade Engage knob inward to
disengage the power to the
cutting deck.
NOTE: The PTO/Blade Engage knob must be in the
disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine.
Cruise Control
Lever
The cruise control
lever is located on
the tractor dash
panel, below the steering wheel. Push the cruise
control lever downward while traveling forward at a
desired speed. While holding the lever down, release
pressure from the drive pedal.
This will engage the cruise control and allow the tractor
to remain at that speed without applying pressure to the
drive pedal. Depress the brake pedal or the drive pedal
to deactivate cruise control. Refer to page 14 for
detailed instructions regarding the cruise control
feature.
NOTE: Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the
tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
Parking Brake
Lever
To set the parking
brake, fully depress
the brake pedal and
push the parking brake lever down. Hold the lever down
while taking your foot off the brake pedal. Both the
parking lever and the brake pedal will then stay
depressed. To release the parking brake, depress the
brake pedal slightly. The parking brake lever will then
return to its original position.
IMPORTANT:
Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.
42.0
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