MTD 17AC2ACG055 Owner’s Manual

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

L

RZT Series Tractor

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-05418

(June8,2010)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing an MTD 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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,

phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us
directly. MTD'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 .................................................................... 29

Troubleshooting .................................................... 35

Replacement Parts ................................................ 37

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 39

Warranties ............................................................. 42

RecordProductinformation

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

DIqFllqFllqFllqNIqD

SERIALNUMBER

DIqFIIqFIIqFIIqFIIqD

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

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:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 800-7:310 or (330) 220-468:3
0 Write us at MTD LLC • RO. Box :3611:31 • Cleveland, OH • 441:36-0019

ImportantSafeOperationPractices

WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply

with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

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

,A

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

GeneralOperation

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.

12. Amissingordamageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactorthrownobjectinjuries.

13. Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,or
roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.

14. Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseonany
publicroadway.

15. Donotoperatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof
alcoholordrugs.

16. Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

17. Nevercarrypassengers.

18. Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeand
whilebackingtoavoidaback-overaccident.Beaware

andpayattentiontothesafetysystemfunctionthat
stopspowertothebladeswhendrivinginreverse.Ifnot
fuctioningproperly,contactanauthorizeddealerforsafety
systeminspectionandrepair.

19. Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.
Avoiderraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

20. Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwait
untiltheblade(s)cometoacompletestopbeforeremoving
grasscatcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removing
anygrassordebris,ormakinganyadjustments.

21. Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff
blade(s),placedrivecontrolleversinneutral,setparking
brake,stopengineandremovekeybeforedismounting.

22. Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineinto
atrailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor

downramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causing
seriouspersonalinjury.Themachinemustbepushed
manuallyonramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.

23.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.

24.

Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunder
lowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,

wheretheoperatormaybestruckorpulledfromthe
machine,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

25.

Disengageallattachmentclutches,settheparkingbrake
tothe'ON'positionandmovetheRHandLHdrivecontrol
leverstotheneutralpositionbeforeattemptingtostartthe
engine.

26.

Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidentialgrassof
aheightnomorethan10".Donotattempttomowthrough
unusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.
Drygrassorleavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/

orbuilduponthemowerdeckpresentingapotentialfire
hazard.

27. Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis
machinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read,understand

andfollowallinstructionsprovidedwiththeapproved
accessoryorattachment.

28. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are
involvedinalargepercentageofridingmower-related

injuries.Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirability
tooperatetheridingmowersafelyenoughtoprotect
themselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.

29. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,use
careandgoodjudgment.Contactyourcustomerservice

representativeforassistance.

SlopeOperation

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:
I.

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 roll over backwards, which

could cause serious injury.

DoNot:

I. 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 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Children

1. Tragic accidents ca n 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 offand 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
blockyour 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.

7.

Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded
dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5
degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends
to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control

(e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to

overturn).

Service

SafeHandling of 6as01ine:

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 1/2"

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.

I. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

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

storing.

6eneral 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.

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

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 useextra caution when servicing them.

7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment isin safeworking 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. Grasscatcher 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 hasan Average UsefulLife 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.

Donot modifyengine

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.

NoticeRegardingEmissions

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.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

i_lh WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

effective working order by the operator. In the State of California
the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's

exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester

meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in

6 I 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.

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

assemble and operate

M

®

!!l"

N

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.

BYSTANDERS
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.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 7

co

R

-4

6

Z

I

o

6

Z

-4

!
|
|

|

or a corner of a building...

|

15°

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a

rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).

OPERATE zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass across the bottom of
the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible.

Assembly& Set-Up

Contents of Crate

3

One Lawn Tractor
One RZT Tractor Operator's

Manual

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.

One Oil Drain Hose (If Equipped)
One Engine Operator's Manual

TractorPreparation

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

Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position.
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 beneath the frame platform, just inside

each rear wheel. Disengage the bypass rods. See Fig. 3-1.

RH Transmission

Bypass Rod

Pull Out Bypass

Rod Then Lower i

into Slot

One Deck Wash Hose Coupler

2.

Remove the two shoulder bolts and lock nuts in the seat

_an as shown in Fig. 3-2.

r"

Seat Pan

Shoulder

Bolt

Keyhole Slot

Figure 3-1

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

Install Operator'sSeat

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 in the bottom of the seat.

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

i

J

installing the seat. See Fig. 3-3.

Shoulder

Bolts

J

Figure 3=3

Position DriveControllevers

The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for shipping
purposes. The flange lock nuts, hex screws, and flat washers that
normally secure the control levers in their operating position

are unfastened and installed in the slotted holes of the control
levers for shipment. The control levers must be repositioned to

operate the tractor. To reposition the control levers for operation,
proceed as follows:

Remove the hex screw, flat washer, and flange lock nut
from the slot of one of the drive control levers.

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 Fig. 3-4.

Lift Control

Lever Upward

Pivot

Connectingthe BatteryCables

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 Fig. 3-5.

r

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. Secure with the
flange lock nut. See Fig. 3-4.

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.

5. Refer to "Adjusting the Drive Control Levers" in the
Maintenance & Adjustments section for instructions on the
final adjustment of the levers.

Figure 3-5

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 Fig. 3-5.

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

LowerDeckDischargeChuteDeflector

the chute deflector installed and in the down
WARNING! Never operate the mower deck without

position.

Check the mower deck for a shipping brace (with tag) that may
be holding the chute deflector upward for shipment. Ira brace

is present, it must be removed before operating the tractor.
Holding the chute deflector fully upward, remove the shipping
brace by grasping it and rotating it clockwise. Lower the chute

deflector. See Fig. 3-6.

Figure 3=6

SECTION 2 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 11

ControlsandFeatures

F

4

Throttl_

Hour Meter/

indicator

Fuel Tank Ca

Parking Brake

Seat Adjustment Lever

I

Deck Height

index

O

LH Drive RH Drive

Control Lever Control Lever

Deck Lift

Handle

Switch

nition Switch

Cup Holder

Tray

Figure 4-1

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.

RHandLHDriveControl 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.
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.

DeckHeightIndex

The deck height index consists of six index notches
located on the front/right of the seat box frame. Each
notch corresponds to a 1/S'change in the deck height
position ranging from 1-1/2"at the lowest notch to 4" at
the highest notch.

DeckLift Handle

The deck lift handle is located on the front/right of
the seat box frame, and is used to raise and lower the

mower deck.
Pull the handle to the left out of the index notch and

push downward to lower the deck, or pull upward to
raise the deck. When the desired height is attained,

move the lift handle to the right until fully in the index
notch.

ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the RH console
to the right of the operator's seat. The ignition

switch has three positions as follows:
OFF -- 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.

PowerTake-Off(PTO)Switch

The PTO switch is located on the RH console to
the right of the operator's seat.

The PTO switch operates the electric PTO
clutch mounted on the bottom of the engine

crankshaft. Pull the switch knob upward to
engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob
downward to disengage the clutch.

The PTO switch must be in the "disengaged"
position when starting the engine.

PTO

I Q

0 -J

Transmission BypassRods(Not Visible)

The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH
transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just inside

each rear wheel.
When engaged, the two rods open a bypass within the

hydrostatic transmissions, which allows the tractor to be pushed
short distances by hand. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments

section for instructions on using the bypass feature.

tractor with the rear wheels on the ground may
CAUTION: Never tow your tractor. Towing the

cause severe damage to the transmissions.

CupHolder

The cup holder is located toward the rear of the RH console to
the right of the operator's seat.

FuelTankCap

The fuel tank cap is located near the middle of the LH console.
Turn the fill cap approximately 1/4turn and pull upward to

remove. The fuel cap is tethered to the tractor to prevent its loss.
Do not attempt to remove the cap from the tractor.

Push the cap downward on the fuel tank fill neck and turn
approximately 1/4turn clockwise to tighten Always re-install the

fuel cap tightly onto the fuel tank after removing.

is running. If the engine is hot from recently running,

ill_li WARNING! Never fill the fuel tank when the engine

allow to cool for several minutes before refueling.

Highly flammable gasoline could splash onto the

engine and cause a fire.

HourMeter/IndicatorPanel

The hour meter/indicator panel is
located on the LH console to the left of

the operator's seat.

HourMeter Features

The hour meter records the hours that
the tractor has been operated in the

digital display (tenths of an hour- right
most digit).

NOTE:The hour meter is activated whenever the ignition switch
is turned to the "ON" position. Keep a record of the actual hours
of operation to assure all maintenance procedures are completed
according to the instructions in this manual and the engine

manual.
When key is turned to the "ON" position, the battery indicator

light briefly illuminates and the battery voltage is briefly
displayed. The display then changes to the accumulated hours.

The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of
maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil. The LCD
will alternately flash, "CHG" ; "OIL" and the recorded hours for
five minutes after every 50 hours of recorded operation. The

maintenance interval lasts for two hours (from 50-52,100-102,
150-152, etc.). The LCD will flash as described for five minutes
every time the tractor's engine is started during this maintenance
interval. Follow the oil change intervals provided in the engine

manual.

StorageTray

The storage tray is located at the rear of the RH console.

SeatAdjustmentLever(NotSeen)

The seat adjustment lever is located below the front/left of the
seat. The lever aIlows for adjustment of the fore to aft position
of the operator's seat. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments
section for instructions on adjusting the seat position.

SECTION4 -- CONTROLS AND FEATURES 13

Indicator Panel Features

Battery Indicator
Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the

ignition switch it turned to the "ON" position.
Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has dropped below

11.5 (+0.5/-1.0) volts. The battery voltage is also displayed on
the hour meter. If this indicator and display come on during
operation, check the battery and charging system for possible
causes and/or contact your Cub Cadet dealer.

Oil Pressure Indicator (If Engine So Equipped)
This warning lamp indicates low engine oil pressure. If the

indicator comes on while the engine is running, stop the engine
immediately and check for possible causes. Do not run the
engine while this indicator is illuminated. Contact your Cub

Cadet dealer to have the tractor and engine inspected.
NOTE:The oil pressure indicator may illuminate when the

ignition switch is in the ON position, but should turn offwhen
the engine is started.

PTO Engaged Indicator
This indicator illuminates when the PTO switch is pulled upward

in the "ENGAGED" position and the ignition switch is turned
to the "START" position. Check this indicator if the engine will
not crank with the ignition switch in the "START" position. If
necessary, move the PTO switch to the "DISENGAGED" position.

Parking Brake Engaged Indicator
This indicator illuminates when the parking brake is in the

DISENGAGED position and the ignition switch is turned to the
"START" position. Check this indicator if the engine will not crank
with the ignition switch in the "START" position. If necessary,

move the parking brake to the ENGAGED position.
This indicator also illuminates when the ignition switch is turned

to the "START" position and the RH and/or LH drive control levers
are in a position other than the fully out in neutral position. Move
the control levers fully outward.

ThrottleControl (if Equipped)

The throttle control is located on the LH console to the
left of the operator's seat. When set in a given position, a

uniform engine speed will be maintained.
Push the throttle control handle forward to increase the

engine speed. The tractor is designed to operate with the
throttle control in the fast position (full throttle) when the
tractor is being driven and the mower deck is engaged.

Pull the throttle control handle rearward to decrease the
engine speed.

I Under normal operating conditions, no oil should be added

m

SLOW

Throttle/ChokeControl (if Equipped)

The throttle/choke control is located on the LH console to _,m
the left of the operator's seat. When set in a given position,

a uniform engine speed will be maintained.

Push the throttle/choke control handle forward to
increase the engine speed. The tractor is designed

to operate with the throttle/choke control in the
fast position (full throttle) when the tractor is being

driven and the mower deck is engaged.
Pull the throttle/choke control handle rearward to slow

decrease the engine speed.
When starting the engine, push the control handle fully

forward into the "CHOKE" position.
After starting and warming the engine, move the control

handle rearward until you feel it move past the choke
detent.

ParkingBrakeEngagementLever

The parking brake engagement lever is located on the
front/left of the seat box frame, and is used to engage
the parking brake.

Pull the lever fully upward and to the left; then lower
into the short "J" slot to engage the brake.

Pull the lever up out of the "J" slot and to the right; then
lower completely to disengage the parking brake.

NOTE: If the LH and RH drive control levers are not fully
opened out in the neutral position when engaging the
parking brake, the engine will stop. The parking brake

must be placed in the engaged position when starting
the tractor engine.

TransmissionOilExpansionReservoir

The transmission oil expansion reservoir is connected by hoses to
the RH and LH transmission assemblies, and is located beneath
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.

to the reservoir. The COLD oil level should be no higher than
approximately 1/4"(the "Full Cold" mark) above the bottom of the

reservoir.
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.

ChokeControl(If Equipped)

The choke knob controls the position of the
engine choke. Pull the knob out to choke the
engine; push the knob in to open the choke.

SECTION 4-- CONTROLS AND FEATURES