Cub Cadet Z-Force SZ Operator's Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

Z-Force SZ 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. 769-09407B

(July 24, 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 ................................................13

Operation ................................................................16

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................21

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 .................................................................... 27

Troubleshooting .....................................................31

Replacement Parts ................................................ 32

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 34

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
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. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.

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

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

7. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

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

9. Use extra caution when operating in reverse.

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

11. 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.

5Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

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 — 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 objects which can cause serious personal injury.

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

BYSTAND E RS
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.

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!

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 pract iceS

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.

Maintenance & Adjustments

Grease

Fittings

Maintenance Schedule

6

Before

Each use

Check Engine Intake Screen/Cover

Clean Transmission Cooling Slots

Clean Battery Terminals

Lube Front Wheels

Clean Engine Cooling Fins

Lube Deck Spindles

Lube Front Deck Wheels

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.

P
P

Maintenance

Every

10 Hours

Every

25 Hours

Every

50 Hours

Every

100 Hours

Prior

to Storing

P P
P P

P P
P
P P

Front Wheels

Each of the front wheel axles and rims is equipped with grease
fittings. See Figure 3-1. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease
applied with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.

WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or

repairs, disengage the PTO, engage the parking
brake, stop the engine and remove the key to
prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Refer to the Engine Manual for all engine maintenance intervals,
procedures, specifications and instructions.

Cleaning the Spindle Pulleys

Once a month remove the belt covers to remove any
accumulation of grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys
and V-belt. Clean more often when mowing tall, dry grass.

Lubrication

WARNING! Before lubricating, repairing, or

inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended
starting.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake
and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.

Figure 3-1

9

Cleaning & Lubricating the Spindle Pulleys

Nozzle

Adapter

Adapter

Lock Collar

Pull Lock

Collar Back

Deck Wash

Nozzle

Once a month remove the belt covers to remove any
accumulation of grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys
and V-belt. Clean more often when mowing tall, dry grass.

Every 25 hours, lubricate the deck spindles. Locate the spindle
lube fitting and using a grease gun, lubricate the spindles. The
spindle holds 2.3 ounces of grease. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

Using the Deck Wash System

WARNING! When using the deck wash system, never

engage the deck from any position other than the
operator’s seat of the tractor. Do not use an assistant or
engage deck in the presence of any bystanders.

1. Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard garden hose
connected to a water supply.

2. Move the tractor to an area within reach of the hose where the
dispersal of wet grass clippings is acceptable to you. Disengage
the PTO, engage the parking brake and stop the engine.

3. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and push the
adapter onto one of the deck wash nozzles at either end of
the mower deck. Release the lock collar to lock the adapter
on the nozzle. See Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-3

4. Turn on the water supply.

5. From the tractor operator’s seat, start the engine and
engage the PTO. Allow to run as needed. Disengage the
PTO and stop the engine.

6. Turn off the water supply.

7. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to disconnect
the adapter from the nozzle.

8. Repeat the previous steps to clean the deck using the
nozzle at the other end of the deck.

Tires

Check the tire air pressure after every 50 hours of operation or
weekly. Keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
Improper inflation will shorten the tire service life. See the tire side
wall for proper inflation pressures. Observe the following guidelines:

• Do not inflate a tire above the maximum pressure shown
on the sidewall of the tire.

• Do not reinf late a tire that has been run flat or seriously under
inflated. Have it inspected and serviced by a qualified tire
mechanic.

10 Section 6— Maintenance & adjuStMe ntS

General Battery Information

a

b

WARNING!

• Should battery acid accidentally splatter into
the eyes or onto the skin, rinse the affected area
immediately with clean cold water. If there is any

further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.

• If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.

• NEVER connect (or disconnect) battery charger
clips to the battery while the charger is turned on, as
it can cause sparks.

• Keep all sources of ignition (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery. The gas generated
during charging can be combustible.

• As a further precaution, only charge the battery
in a well ventilated area.

• Always shield eyes and protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.

• Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit
explosive gases. Use extreme caution when handling
batteries. Keep batteries out of the reach of children.

1. From the rear of the tractor, just inside the two rear tires,
locate the transmission bypass rods. Refer to Figure 3-4.

Battery Maintenance

• The battery is filled with battery acid and then sealed at
the factory. However, even a “maintenance free” battery
requires some maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle.

• Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a battery
terminal sealer, or coat the terminals with a thin coat of
grease or petroleum jelly, to protect against corrosion.

• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and
free of corrosion.

• Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak electrolyte
when tipped.

WARNING! Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may

emit explosive gases. Use extreme caution when
handling batteries. Keep batteries out of the reach
of children.

Battery Storage

1. When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect
the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove
the bat ter y.

2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior
of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will
discharge more rapidly.

3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged
battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully
charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot.

4. Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although
the tractor may start, the engine charging system may not
fully recharge the battery.

Figure 3-4

WARNING! Do not attempt to engage the bypass

rods when the engine is running or hot.

2. 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 3-4.

NOTE: The tractor will not drive with the bypass rods in the
engage position.

3. Disengage the bypass rods by reversing steps a & b after

moving the tractor. See Figure 3-4.

Hydrostatic Transmission

Your zero turn tractor is equipped with dual integrated
hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are sealed and are
maintenance-free. However, this model is equipped with a
transmission oil expansion reservoir. Under normal operating
conditions, the oil level in the expansion reservoir does not need
to be checked and no additional oil is needed. If checking the
reservoir oil level, proceed as follows:

WARNING! Check the oil level ONLY before

starting the tractor when the transmission oil is fully
cooled.

Using the Transmission Bypass Rods

If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to move the
tractor, the two hydrostatic transmissions are equipped with a bypass
rod that will allow you to manually move the tractor short distances.

WARNING! Do not tow the tractor, even with the

bypass rod engaged. Serious transmission damage
will result from doing so.

11Section 6 — Mainte nance & adjuStMentS

1. Pivot the operator’s seat forward and clean the reservoir
cap and the area around the cap to prevent debris from
contaminating the transmission oil. See Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5

2. Turn the reservoir cap counterclockwise to re-move, then
check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be visible at
the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be above
the “FULL COLD” line. See Figure 3-5. DO NOT FILL THE
RESERVOIR.

3. If necessary to add oil because of some type of leakage, use a
quality 20W50 motor oil and add only enough oil to bring the
level to the “FULL COLD” line. Reinstall the cap and fully tighten.

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.

Tractor Storage

1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions
provided in the engine manual packed with this manual.

WARNING! Never store the tractor with fuel in the

tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where
fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.

2. If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:

a. To prevent gum deposits from forming inside

the engine’s carburetor and causing possible
malfunction of the engine, the fuel system must be
either completely emptied, or the gasoline must be
treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration.

WARNING! Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates

and will cause serious starting problems.

b. Using a fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL® for storage

between 30 and 90 days:

• Read the product manufacturer’s instructions
and recommendations.

• Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct
amount of stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of the fuel system.

• Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the
engine for 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel
into the carburetor.

c. Emptying the fuel system for storage of more than

90 days:

• Prior to putting the tractor in storage, monitor
fuel consumption with the goal of running
the fuel tank empty.

• Run the engine until it begins to stall. Use the
choke to keep the engine running until all fuel
in the carburetor has been exhausted.

• Referring to the engine manual, drain the fuel
from the carburetor bowl.

3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.

4. Fully charge the battery, then disconnect the negative
cable at the battery to prevent possible discharge.
Recharge the battery periodically when in storage.

NOTE: Remove the battery if exposed to prolonged periods
of sub-freezing temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location
where temperatures are above freezing.

5. Lubricate all lubrication points.

NOTE: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not
recommended for cleaning your tractor. It may cause
damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys,
bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.

Removing The Tractor From Storage

1. Check the engine oil.

2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the
recommended pressure.

3. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

4. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to
ensure engine is operating properly.

5. Drive the tractor without a load to make certain all the
tractor systems are functioning properly.

Adjustments

WARNING! Shut the engine off, remove the

ignition key and engage the parking brake before
making adjustments. Protect your hands by using
heavy gloves when handling the blades.

Deck Leveling

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing
any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires for information
regarding tire pressure.

Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side)

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck
leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires for information regarding tire
pressure. Always level the deck side-to-side before front to rear.

If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side-to­side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:

12 Sectio n 6— Mainte nance & adjuStMentS