Cub Cadet Z-Force L Operator's Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Z-Force L Zero-Turn Tractor

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-09429D

(June 20, 2014)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Tractor. It was
carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when
properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 9

Controls & Features ................................................12

Operation ................................................................15

Maintenance & Adjustment ................................ 22

1

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us directly. Cub
Cadet’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website address
and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to
ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your
machine, for more information.

Service .................................................................... 28

Troubleshooting .................................................... 32

Replacement Parts ................................................ 33

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 35

Warranties ............................................................. 38

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. Pivot the seat
assembly forward to locate the model plate on the underside of
the seat pivot bracket. This information will be necessary, should
you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support
Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Product Registration and Customer Support

Please register your product on our website, www.cubcadet.com.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

◊ Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.cubcadet.com/tutorials

◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 965-4CUB

◊ Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at [phone]

◊ Write to Cub Cadet LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2

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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. 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.

2

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 of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

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.

3

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. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and
while backing to avoid a back-over accident. Be aware
and pay attention to the safety system function that
stops power to the blades when driving in reverse. If not
functioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for
safety system inspection and repair.

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 drive control levers 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 machine should not be driven up or
down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing
serious personal injury. The machine 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
machine, which could result in serious injury.

25. Disengage all attachment clutches, set the parking brake
to the ‘ON’ position and move the RH and LH drive
control levers fully outward to the neutral position before
attempting to start the 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 customer service
representative 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 machine on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.

Do:

1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. 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 so that you
will not have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting
or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to maintain
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and
carefully straight down the slope.

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
acceleration or deceleration could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which
could cause serious injury.

Do Not:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly
uphill and use extra care while turning.

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 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).

4 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

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. To avoid back-over accidents, always 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 other objects that may
block your vision of a child who may run into the
path of the machine.

f. Keep children away from hot or running engines.

They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

g. Remove key when machine is unattended to

prevent unauthorized operation.

2. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

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.

Suspension Seat

This unit is equipped with a heavy-duty vinyl fabric-covered seat
incorporating adjustable armrests, an adjustable seat back, an
adjustable fore/aft track, a weight/ride adjustable mechanical
suspension system, and an Operator Presence Sensor (OPS).

• The OPS, in the form of a switch, is integrated into the seat
bottom and is connected to the machine electrical system.

• The weight/ride adjustment lever is located on the right
side of the seat back and incorporates three settings: light
= 110 lbs, medium = 195 lbs, and heavy = 286 lbs. Lever up
is light and down is heavy. Weight adjustment should be
made without the operator sitting in the seat.

• The seat back recline adjustment is also on the right side
between the seat back and seat bottom, and it provides up
to 10 degrees.

• The fore/aft single-locking adjustment tracks operate on
roller-bearings for smooth and almost effortless operation.
The lever for seat track actuation is near the right front
corner of the seat bottom, and allows fore/aft adjustment
of 4”.

• The seat is attached to pivotal brackets, which allow the
seat assembly to pivot forward onto the foot platform area.

NOTE: The Operator Presence Sensor must be connected
to the electrical wiring harness.

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. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.

c. Never fuel machine indoors.

d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

e. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

f. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

g. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

h. 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 or re-fuel 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.

j. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before

storing.

2. Avoid Static Discharge

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. 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.

5Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

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 machine
should be serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.

4. Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety
interlock system does not function properly, have your
machine serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.

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.

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
necessar y.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush­covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

6 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the
blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

BYSTAND ERS
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation.

WARNING— SLOPE OPERATION
Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

7Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

(OK) (TOO STEEP)

USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE

IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!

To check the slope, proceed as follows:

1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.

2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)

3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).

5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).

15° dashed line

Slope Gauge

Figure 2Figure 1

15° Slope

15° Slope

8 Section 2 — Safe operation practi ceS

Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution.

Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.

Assembly & Set-Up

a

b

Wire Harness

Seat Pan

Shoulder

Bolt

Lock
Nuts

Shoulder

Bolt

Wire Harness

Seat Bracket

Shoulder

Bolts

Lock
Nuts

3

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor
features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are
applicable to all tractor models and the tractor depicted may
differ from yours.

NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side and
front or back of the tractor are from the operating position only.
Exceptions, if any, will be specified.

Tractor Preparation

Manually Moving the Tractor

1. Engage the transmission bypass rods, one on each side of
the tractor, to move the tractor manually without starting it.
The transmission bypass rods are located on the rear of the
tractor, just inside each rear wheel. Engage the bypass rods
by pulling each one out (a) and to the right (b) to lock it into
place. See Figure 3-1.

2. Remove the two shoulder bolts and lock nuts in the seat
pan as shown in Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

3. Rotate the seat into position and secure the seat into place
with the previously removed shoulder bolts and lock nuts.
Be careful not to crimp or damage the wire harness while
installing the seat. See Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-1

2. Disengage the bypass rods by reversing steps a & b after
moving the tractor. See Figure 3-1.

3. Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter from the
manual bag and store for future use.

Install Operator’s Seat

To install the seat proceed as follows:

NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat
pan attached.

1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the drive

control levers to the tractor. Remove any packing material.

NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting
the seat and the seat switch.

Figure 3-3

9

Position Drive Control levers

Control Lever

Hex Screw

Pivot

Bracket

Flat Washer

The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for shipping
purposes. The hex screws and flat washers that normally secure
the control levers in their operating position are in a hardware
pack inside your manual bag. The control levers must be
repositioned to operate the tractor. To reposition the control
levers for operation, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the hex screws and flat washers from the hardware

pack in your manual bag.

2. Lift and swing that control lever upward until the slotted

hole in the lever bracket aligns with one of the holes in the
pivot bracket. See Figure 3-4.

Lower Deck Discharge Chute Deflector

WARNING! Never operate the mower deck

without the chute deflector installed and in the
down position.

The discharge chute deflector must be installed before operating
the mower. To install the chute deflector, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the carriage screws and flange lock nuts installed
on the mounting bracket on the deck. See Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-4

3. Slide the flat washer onto the hex screw. From the outside,
insert the hex screw with washer through the control lever
slot and the hole of the pivot bracket. See Figure 3-4. Using
a ⁄” wrench snug the screw, but do not fully tighten.

4. Note the relative position of the control lever to the pivot
bracket, then repeat the previous steps to reposition the
other control lever in approximately the same position.

CAUTION: Torque the screws down tightly to

prevent the control levers from slipping out of
position.

5. Refer to “Adjusting the Drive Control Levers” in the
Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions for the final
adjustment of the levers.

Figure 3-5

2. With the previously removed hardware, install the chute
deflector on the deck as shown in Figure 3-5.

Adjusting the Seat

To adjust the position of the seat, pull up and hold the seat
adjustment lever. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired
position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is
locked into position before operating the tractor. See Figure 3-6.

10 Section 3 — ASSemb ly & Set-Up

Figure 3-6

Transmission Oil Expansion Reservoir

The transmission oil expansion reservoir is connected by hoses
to the RH and LH transmission assemblies, and is located behind
the seat box. The function of the reservoir is to hold the natural
expansion of transmission oil that occurs as the transmission
warms up during operation. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.

Under normal operating conditions, no oil should be added
to the reservoir. The COLD oil level should be no higher than
approximately ⁄” (the “Full Cold” mark) above the bottom of the
reservoir. See Figure 3-7.

Connecting the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always

connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first,
followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.

For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment
may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the
factory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:

NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The
negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).

NOTE: If the positive battery cable is already attached, skip
ahead to step 2.

1. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the positive battery
terminal and attach the red cable to the positive battery
terminal (+) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-7

NOTE: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the
oil level in the reservoir may be slightly higher than the
maximum due to air in the oil lines. Operation of the tractor
will eventually purge the air from the lines and the oil level
will settle to the maximum.

Figure 3-8

2. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the negative
battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative
battery terminal (–) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 3-8.

3. Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in
the Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to
operating the tractor.

11Section 3 — ASSemb ly & Set-Up

Controls & Features

Deck Lift Handle

Deck Height Index

Throttle Control

Choke Control

LCD Service Minder

& Hour Meter

PTO Knob

Ignition Switch

RH Control Lever

LH Control Lever

Cup Holder

Fuel Tank Cap

Fuel Level Window

LH Transmission Bypass Rod

RH Transmission Bypass Rod

4

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor
features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are
applicable to all tractor models and the tractor depicted may
differ from yours.

NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that
position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the
operator’s seat.

RH and LH Drive Control Levers

The RH and LH control levers are located on each side of the
operator’s seat. These hinged levers pivot outward to open
space to permit the operator to either sit in the tractor seat, or to
dismount the tractor. The levers must be fully opened out and in
the neutral position to start the tractor engine. When the levers
are fully outward, the parking brake is also engaged.

Each lever controls the respective RH or LH transmission.
Consequently, these levers control all of the movements of the
tractor. Driving and steering utilizing these control levers is quite
different from conventional tractors, and will take some practice
to master. Refer to Operation for instructions on using the control
levers.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the RH console
to the rear of the throttle or throttle/choke
control lever. The ignition switch has three
positions as follows:

STOP — The engine and electrical system is turned off.

RUN — The tractor electrical system is energized.

START — The starter motor will turn over the engine. Release
the key immediately when the engine starts

NOTE: To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge,
remove the key from the ignition switch when the tractor is not
in use.

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