Cub cadet Z-force S User Manual

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

Operator’s Manual

Z-Force S

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. 769-08654
	(November 28, 2012)

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.

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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.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices.........................................	3	Service.....................................................................	24
Assembly & Set-Up...................................................	9	Troubleshooting.....................................................	30
Controls & Features................................................	12	Replacement Parts..................................................	31
Operation................................................................	15	Attachments & Accessories...................................	33
Maintenance & Adjustment..................................	19	Warranties..............................................................	34

Record Product Information

Model Number

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. You can locate the

model plate by standing at the left side of the tractor, pivoting

Serial Number

the seat forward and looking down at the seat frame. This

information will be necessary, should you seek technical support

via our web site or with your local Cub Cadet dealer.

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	2

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.

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.

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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

fuctioning 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.

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 lose 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 — Important 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.The maximum weight on the hitch is 50 lbs. and the maximum towed load is 250 lbs.

6.Never allow passengers on the towed equipment.

7.Loss of traction can occur on slopes, 5° (9 %) maximum grade.

8.Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

9.Use caution during turns to avoid jack-knifing.

10.Use extra caution when operating in reverse.

11.Do not modify or repair the hitch, replace the hitch if damaged.

12.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” 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 machine 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 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(s) and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices		5

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 necessary.

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 — Important 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—THROWNOBJECTS

This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING—THROWNOBJECTS

This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.

BYSTANDERS

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

WARNING—SLOPEOPERATION

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.

DANGER— ROTATING BLADES

Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.

DANGER— ROTATING BLADES

To avoid a back-over accident, keep children away from the machine while it is in operation.

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!

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices		7

racticesP perationO afeS — 2 ectionS 8

Slope Gauge

15° Slope

(OK)

Slope

(TOO STEEP)

Figure 1

Figure 2

15°

dashed line

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).

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

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.

Assembly & Set-Up	3
Contents of Crate

•	One Lawn Tractor	•	One Oil Drain Hose (If equipped)	•	One Deck Wash Hose Coupler
•	One Z-Force S Tractor Operator’s	•	One Engine Operator’s Manual
	Manual

Tractor Preparation

1.Remove the upper crating material from the shipping pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the pallet.

2.If the deck is not in the highest mowing position (pushed all the way forward), use the deck lift pedal to raise the deck to its highest position. Refer to the Controls & Features section for instructions on raising and lowering the deck.

3.Disengage the parking brake.

4.Engage the transmission bypass rods on each side of the tractor; then carefully roll the tractor off the shipping pallet. The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH transmission) are located on the rear of the tractor, just inside each rear wheel. Disengage the bypass rods. See

Figure 3-1.

Transmission

Bypass Rods

Steering Wheel

1.Remove the hardware for attaching the steering wheel from beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cover to remove the hardware.

2.With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.

3.Place the flat washer and belleville washer over the steering wheel and secure with the hex screw. See Figure

3-2.

Steering Wheel Cover

Flat Washer

Hex Screw

Belleville Washer

Steering Wheel

Keyhole Slot	Steering Wheel
	Column
	Figure 3-2

4. Place the steering wheel cover over the center of the steering wheel and push downward until it “clicks” into place.

Figure 3-1

5.Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter and oil drain tube (if so equipped) from the manual bag and store for future use.

Steering Wheel Column

The steering wheel column is tilted all the way back for shipping purposes. To tilt the column forward, press the steering tilt pedal. Release the steering tilt pedal when the column is in the desired position.

Install Operator’s Seat

To install the seat proceed as follows:

NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan attached. A second person may be needed to to hold the seat.

1.Cut any straps securing the seat assembly to the tractor. Remove any packing material.

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

9

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

Adjusting the Seat

To adjust the position of the seat, push the seat adjustment lever to the left. 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 3-5.

Figure 3-3

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 3-4.

Figure 3-4

Figure 3-5

Fuel Fill-Up

Using a good grade of unleaded regular gasoline, fill the tank (beside the engine on the right side of the mower). When the fuel tank reaches one inch from the top of the tank, stop, DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be left for expansion.

10 Section 2— Assembly & Set-Up

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

3-6.

Figure 3-6

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

3-6.

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.

Section 2 — Assembly & Set-Up		11