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Operator's Manual
SERIES 1000
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Models LT1042
LT1045
LT1046
LT1050
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should net 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
(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 Cub Cadet dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio
44136-0019.
CUBCADETLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-01514
(10/28/2004)
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content
Important Safe Operation Practices
Slope Guage
Tractor Set-up
Know Your Lawn Tractor
Operating Your Lawn Tractor
Making Adjustments
Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor
Page Content Page
3 Service 21
7 Off-season Storage 26
8 Maintenence Chart 26
9 Troubleshooting 27
12 Attachments & Accessories 28
17 Warranty Information 27
19
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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 to use the manufacturer's web site and/or help from your Cub Cadet dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
www.cuboadet.com CLEVELAND, OH 44136
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER: 877_282_8684
P. O. BOX 361 1 31
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
PleasedoNOTreturn theunit to theretailerfrom whichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
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 Support button and
you will get the three options. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available.
by product, keyweJd, ol phlase.
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To reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line, please call (877) 282-8684.
_n,_,;i[ 3ower-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's
_l The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to performance,
Owner's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more information.
2
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SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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
GENERALOPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
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.
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
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.
proper instruction.
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.
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.
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.
during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
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.
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23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,door
openingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor
pulledfromtheunit,whichcouldresultinserious
injury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.
26.Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidential
grassofaheightnomorethan10".Donotattempt
tomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,
pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassorleaves
maycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildupon
themowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.
27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapproved
forthismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.
Read,understandandfollowallinstructions
providedwiththeapprovedaccessoryor
attachment.
28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsand
above,areinvolvedinalargepercentageofriding
mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmower
safelyenoughtoprotectthemselvesandothers
fromseriousinjury.
29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
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
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.
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e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind
corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother
objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.
f. Toavoidback-overaccidents,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. Neverfuel 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 Y2inch below bottom of filler neck to
allow space for fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. Ifgasoline 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.
I. 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.
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8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorother
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairstothe
machinewhiletheengineisrunning.
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoverare
subjecttowearanddamagewhichcouldexpose
movingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand
WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand
and follow the warnings and instructions inthis manual and on the machine.
replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12.
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-
speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximum
safeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
13.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
14.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,
oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.
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SECTION3: TRACTORSET-UP
GasandOilFill-up
The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a
capacity of three 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 .
IMPORTANT:Your tractor is shipped with oil in the
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before
operating. Refer to Checkingthe0il Levelon page 19 for
detailed instructions. Be careful not to overfill.
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.
ShippingBraceRemoval
WARNING: Make sure the riding mower's
engine is off, set the parking brake and
remove the ignition key before removing the
shipping brace.
Locate the shipping brace, if present, and warning
tag found on the right side of the cutting deck.
While holding the discharge chute with your left
hand, remove the shipping brace with your right
hand by grasping it between your thumb and index
finger and rotating it clockwise.
WARNING: The shipping brace, used for
packaging purposes only, must be removed
and discarded before operating your riding
mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of
throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding
mower without the discharge cover in the
proper operating position could result in
serious personal injury and/or property
damage.
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SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTOR
A
B
C
H
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 Fuel Tank Cap L Deck Lift Lever
F Seat Adjustment Lever M Cup Holder
G Ignition Switch Module
NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's position.
NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.
Figure 1
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ThrottleControlLever
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. See.
IMPORTANT:When operating the
tractor with the cutting deck
engaged, be certain that the
throttle lever is always in the
FAST (rabbit) position.
ChokeControl
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
StartingTheEngineon page 13 of
this manual for detailed starting
instructions.
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
IgnitionSwitchModule
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 OFF position. See Figure 2.
Normal
DrivingMode
Stop
Position
Stat
Position
BrakePedal
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.
(o)
NOTE: The brake pedal must
be fully depressed to activate the
safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor.
SeatAdjustmentLever
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 SeatAdjustmenton page 18 of this
manual for more detailed instructions.
Figure 2
IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both
SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page 12 and StartingTheEngine
on page 13 of this manual for detailed instructions
regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the
tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
DrivePedal
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.
10