Cub Cadet Series 1500 1515, Series 1500 1517, 1500 Series, 1515, 1517 Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Models 1515
1517
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 gross-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark attester meeting applicable local or state
lows (if any). If a spark orrester 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 orrester 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
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10586
(12/2001 )
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ............................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge .................................................................................................................. 7
Tractor Set-up ................................................................................................................ 8
Know Your Lawn Tractor ................................................................................................ 9
Operating Your Lawn Tractor ......................................................................................... 12
Making Adjustments ....................................................................................................... 16
Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ....................................................................................... 19
Service ........................................................................................................................... 24
Off-Season Storage ....................................................................................................... 29
Maintenance Chart ......................................................................................................... 29
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 30
Specifications ................................................................................................................. 31
Attachments & Accessories ............................................................................................ 32
Label Map ...................................................................................................................... 33
Warranty Information ...................................................................................................... 34
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. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from your Cub Cadet dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking beneath the seat. A sample model plate is explained below. For
future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
I___J,_./_r_._=_. CUB CADET LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
www.cubcadet.com CLEVELAND, OH 44136
• DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER: 877-282-8684
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line.
Call 1- (877) 282-8684 to reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line. Please have your unit's model
number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information.
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:
i_ 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 athrown 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 travelling in 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 arunning 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.
23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,door
openingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor
pulledfromtheunit,whichcouldresultinserious
injury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelybeforeattemptingtostart
engine.
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 ifyou 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 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 inspeed 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 isover 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 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 ifthe 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.
g,
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. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before
traveling in reverse. The "No-Cut-In Reverse"
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 operation.
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 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 injurycan occurwhen gasoline is
spilled on yourself oryour 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 trailerbed with a plasticliner. 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 isnot possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailerwith a
portable container, ratherthan 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 three inches below the top of the filler
neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe itoff 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 awater heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
m. Allow a machine to cool at least five 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 an authorized Cub Cadetdealer.
4. Check brake operation frequently as it issubjected
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 safetyF
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.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor
othersafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andground
againsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
machineforanydamage.Repairthedamage
beforestartingandoperating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairsto
themachinewhiletheengineisrunning.
11.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
12.Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
13.
14.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor
gas,oit,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.
Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafetyF
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.
W
1,1.1
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n
1.1.1
iq
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OFA BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
_lb wARNING
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 riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
SECTION3: TRACTORSET-UP
AttachingtheBatteryCables
The positive 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 (+) with a hex bolt and
hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber
boot covers the terminal to protect it from corrosion.
• Lift the tractor's hood and remove the hex bolt and
wing nut from the negative cable (thick black wire).
• Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the
negative battery terminal and attach the negative
cable to the negative battery terminal (-) with the
bolt and wing nut..
Negative Cable/
PositiveCable/
Rubber Boot
Figure 1
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date
shown on top of battery, charge as instructed on page
26 of this manual prior to operating the tractor.
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
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 isshipped with oilin 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.
ShippingBraceRemoval
A
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 and warning tag found
on the right side of the cutting deck. See Figure 2.
Warning Tag
Mulch Plug
NOTE:Model1515hasa hairpin clipinplace ofashippingbrace
Figure 2
• 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.
NOTE: Series 1500 tractors come equipped with a
mulch plug installed inside the chute opening. Do NOT
discard it. Refer to Mulchingon page 16 for detailed
information regarding your tractor's mulching feature.
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.
SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTOR
A
C
IIIIII
NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.
Figure 3
A Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter H Ignition Switch
B Throttle Control Lever
C Choke Control
D Parking Brake Lever
E Fuel Tank Cap
F Seat Adjustment Lever
G PTO (Power Take-off) Knob
I Brake Pedal
J Drive Pedal
K Cruise Control Lever
L Deck Lift Lever
M Cup Holder
NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's position.
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 Figure 4.
Fast
PosiUon
Slow
Position
Figure 4
IMPORTANT:When operatingthe tractor withthe 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.
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.
NOTE: The brake pedal must
be fully depressed to activate the
safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor.
IgnitionSwitch
WARNING: Never leave a running
machine unattended Always disengage the
PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and
remove key to prevent unintended starting.
To start the engine, insert the key intothe ignition
switch and turn clockwise to the START position.
Release the key intothe ON position once engine has
fired. See Figure 5.
On/Lights
Off
Start
Figure 5
Refer to StartingTheEngineon page 13 of this manual for
detailed starting instructions
The ignition switch isalso used to operate the tractor's
headlights. Refer to OperatingTheHeadlightson page 16
of this manual for detailed instructions.
DrivePedal
The drive pedal is located below
the brake pedal on the right front
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
HourMeter
Located in the center of the tractor's console, the hour
meter operates whenever the engine is running and
records the actual hours of tractor operation. See
Figure 6.
Issssssl
HOURS 1110
IP'lrO PARKINQ
Figure 6
System IndicatorLights
Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights in the
center of its dash panel. If the Brake light or PTO light
illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed
as follows:
Brake -- Engage the parking brake.
PTO -- Move the PTO knob into the disengaged
(OFF) position.
It is normal for the Oil light and the Battery light to
illuminate while the engine is cranking, but if either
illuminates while the engine is running, proceed as
follows:
Oil-- Stop the tractor immediately and check the
crankcase oil level as instructed on page
19 of this manual. Add oil as required.
Battery-- If this light itluminate's while the engine is
running, it indicates that the battery is in
need of a charge OR that the engine's
charging system is not generating
sufficient amperage. Refer to Batteryon
page 25 of this manual for the proper
battery charging procedure or have the
engine's charging system checked by a
Cub Cadet dealer.
CupHolder
The tractor's cup holder is located on the fender to the
right of the seat, just to the rear of the deck lift lever.
ElectricPTO
(PowerTake-off)Knob
To engage the power to the
cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments, pull
outward on the PTO knob. Push
the PTO knob inward to
disengage the power to the cutting deck.
n
NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged
(OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling
in reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.
CruiseControl
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.
ParkingBrake
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.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine
will automatically shut off.
IMPORTANT:Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.
11
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