Operator’s Manual SERIES 5000 TRACTOR MODEL 5254 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used 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 effective working order by the operator.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE OWNER .................................................................................................................... 2 CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 2 RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION ........................................... 3 IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES ..................................................................... 4 SAFETY LABELS ................................
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION Product identification plates are provided for major components of your tractor. The numbers on these plates are important if your tractor should require dealer service, or if you need additional information on your tractor. Prior to using your tractor for the first time, record the numbers from the identification plates in the appropriate spaces provided below. • The tractor model plate is located on the right frame rail behind the right front tire.
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 YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED ITS WARNING.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the brake pedal and shift into neutral before attempting to start the engine. Your mower 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. Debris may build up on the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
3. CHILDREN • • • • Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine. Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Never attempt to straighten or reweld any part of the main frame or retaining brackets that have been damaged. Doing so may weaken the structure and endanger your safety. • Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing blades. • Check brake operation frequently.
SAFETY LABELS WARNING WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH KEEP HANDS 1. GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. 2. AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. 3. DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP. 4. IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP PTO AND BACK DOWN HILL SLOWLY. 5. DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND. 6. DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS ON THE TRACTOR AT ANY TIME. 7. LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING. 8. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES [GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES] IN PLACE AND WORKING. 9.
SECTION 1: CONTROLS AND FEATURES Y W A V B X U C D HOURS 1/10 FUEL T RPM 0 E x1000 4 E F F S H G H R J Q K P L M M O N Figure 1 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Steering Wheel Throttle Handle PTO Switch Ignition Switch Brake Pedal Reverse Pedal Forward Pedal Hand Holds J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. Trans. 4WD Shift Lever Hydraulic Lift Lever Cup Holder Amber Hazzard Light Seat Adjustment Lever Seat Belt Fuel Fill Cap Trans.
NOTE: References to LEFT and RIGHT indicate OFF - Engine and electrical system is turned off. that side of the tractor when facing forward while seated in the drivers seat. Reference to FRONT indicates the grille end of the tractor; to REAR, the tow plate end. ON - The tractor electrical system is energized. START- The starter motor will turn over the engine. Release the key immediately when the engine starts A. Steering Wheel E.
H. Hand Holds P. Fuel Fill Cap Hand holds are built into both the left and right hand fender covers. The handles can be used to assist in mounting and dismounting the tractor. The fuel fill cap is located on the left fender beside the operator’s seat. Q. Transmission Hi/Lo Range Shift Lever The Hi/Lo range shift lever is located on the left fender. The lever has two speed range settings and a neutral position.
V. Hazard Light Switch T. Differential Lock Pedal Diff. Lock Pedal Symbol Figure 8 Figure 10 Located at the front of the left running board, the differential lock pedal engages the transmission differential lock. The hazard light switch is a rocker type switch located to the left of the steering wheel on the dash panel. Push the top of the hazard light switch downward to activate the flashing amber lights.
Y. Instrument Panel 7 3 4 Green Range 8 2 1 HOURS 1/10 RPM FUEL E F 0 5 x1000 4 6 Figure 12 switch in the "START" position—the indicator should not be illuminated. If necessary, move the PTO switch to the "DISENGAGED" position. 1. Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge monitors the fuel level in the fuel tank. The needle pointing to the right indicates a full tank. The ignition switch must be in the ON position to activate the fuel gauge. 6.
SECTION 2: OPERATION WARNING: A folded ROPS does not provide rollover protection. When the ROPS is in the folded position, the seat belt must NOT be used. ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE (ROPS) This tractor is equipped with a foldable Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and seat belts. When used together they are effective in reducing injuries to the operator in the event of an accidental tractor rollover. The safety provided by the ROPS is minimized if the seat belt is not properly adjusted AND buckled.
• • lock is engaged. NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the “OFF” position to restart the engine. The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO if the reverse control pedal is depressed, unless the reverse override function is activated. NOTE: If the reverse override function has been activated, it will remain activated until the ignition switch is turned to the "OFF" position for a 20 second duration.
• with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and make starting more difficult. Instead, fully open the choke and start the engine. WARNING: If the starter disengages the engine flywheel, but the engine does not continue to run, allow the engine to come to a complete stop before attempting to restart the engine. Damage to the starter may result from failure to do so. • • • Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.
NOTE: Do not use the forward or reverse control pedals to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. The abrupt direction change may unseat the operator and will cause premature wear in the transmission. Allow the tractor to stop before changing directions. STOPPING THE TRACTOR • Fully depress the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop. Push downward on the parking brake lever and release the pedal to engage the parking brake. See Figure 16.
tractor, or reverse the direction of travel, to disengage the differential lock. DRIVING ON SLOPES WARNING: Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. IMPORTANT: Always shift the transmission into the LOW speed range BEFORE beginning the climb or descent of any slope. DIFFERENTIAL LOCK PEDAL (Depress and Hold to Engage) Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never across slopes.
USING THE HYDRAULIC LIFT LEVER THROTTLE HANDLE The hydraulic lift system provides power for raising and positioning three point hitch and belly mounted equipment. To raise an attachment using the hydraulic lift system, the engine must be running. Generally, an attachment can be lowered with the engine running or off. • Move the lift lever forward in the slot to lower the equipment to the desired height setting. Refer to Figure 20. • Move the lift lever rearward in the slot to raise the equipment.
Hazard Lights Always use the flashing amber hazard lights along with the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem when operating the tractor on, or near, roadways. Also activate the hazard lights when necessary to warn others that the tractor is being operated in the area. • To turn on the flashing hazard lights, depress the top end of the hazard light switch located to the left of the headlight switch. • To turn off the hazard lights, depress the bottom of the light switch.
To counterbalance these weight shifts, weight should be added to the tractor in the form of either front cast iron weights, a rear weight box, and/or liquid tire ballast. Only enough weight should be added to obtain good traction, control, and stability. Excessive weight will unnecessarily load down the tractor’s engine and transmission. USING THE HITCH PLATE Use only the hitch plate (Refer to Figure 24), for towing pull-behind equipment (carts, trailers, etc.) or dragging loads.
SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS Adjust the final length of the seat belt using the adjuster clip, buckle link, and upper belt webbing on the right half of the belt. ADJUSTING THE SEAT For the comfort of the operator, a single lever adjustable seat is provided to set the fore to aft position of the seat. Adjust the seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to operate all controls and pedals.
• • The length of the upper hitch link is normally determined by the design of each implement. To adjust the upper hitch link, loosen the locking lever and turn the adjustment tube as shown in Figure 28. After the appropriate length is attained, tighten the locking lever. If correctly adjusted, the upper hitch link will be parallel or nearly parallel to the lower hitch links. Distance ‘A’ should be 1/8"-1/4" less than distance ‘B’ if the toe-in is correct. If it is not, readjust the toe-in.
puck and the brake disc. The gap should measure between .012 and .015". See Figure 32. ADJUSTING THE BRAKES The tractor brakes are adjusted at the factory and should experience minimal wear if the tractor is operated normally. However, all brake pads are subject to wear and at some point the brake linkage may have to be adjusted. • If the gap is greater than .015", tighten the hex nut on the brake assembly until the gap is within the tolerance.
SECTION 4: TRACTOR MAINTENANCE pressure lubricating gun to force in new grease. Apply pressure until clean grease emerges from the lubrication point. The service life and reliability of any machine depends upon the care it is given. Proper lubrication and maintenance is a vital part of that care. Using the Lubrication and Maintenance Chart as a guide, monitor the hourmeter on the instrument panel to ensure the required maintenance procedures are performed.
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART (ILLUSTRATION) 19 11 8 14 11 9 13 1 6 2 20 5 12 22 21 6 21 4 3 21 7 6 10 6 16 18 14 18 23 17 15 7 26 18
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART Check Engine Oil Level 2 Check Air Cleaner 3 Check Engine Coolant Level 4 Check and Clean Radiator Screen 5 Clean Air Cleaner Foam Element 6 Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter first 8 hrs. • Retorque Front and Rear Wheel Lug Nuts first 10 hrs. • Before Storage Every 400 Hours Every 300 Hours • • • • 1 7 Every 200 Hours Every 100 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 25 Hours Operation to be Performed Every 10 Hours Ref. No.
ACCESSING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT QUICK FASTENER WARNING: If the tractor has been recently operated, engine surfaces (including the radiator) will be HOT. Allow the engine to cool before opening the hood, or use extreme caution to avoid burns when the hood is open. Pivot Flip up Turn QUICK FASTENER To raise the hood, locate the latch release lever in the hood notch at the front of the tractor. Lift and hold the latch release lever while lifting the hood at the hood notch. See Figure 33.
CHARGING THE BATTERY Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time. • A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.6 volts (DC) or higher across the battery terminals. • Charge the battery with a 12-volt battery charger at a MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps. BATTERY REMOVAL WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. The battery is located at the front of the tractor beneath the hood.
• Turn the bulb/socket assembly approximately a quarter turn counterclockwise to align its tabs with the notches of the reflector, then remove from the reflector. See Figure 36. • Push the bulb inward and turn counterclockwise, then pull the bulb outward to remove from the light socket. Refer to Figure 37. • Align the new bulb with the socket slot, push the bulb into the socket, and turn clockwise to lock it in the socket.
• • Accessing the Lower Dash Panel Area Some electrical components are housed inside the lower dash panel. To access the area, remove the dash panel insert by removing the two screws. See Figure 40. • • SCREWS • DASH PANEL INSERT Start Relay — Functions in the start circuit. PTO Relay — Operates in conjunction with both the Reverse Relay and Reverse Override Relay to engage the PTO. Reverse Relay — Functions with the PTO Relay and Reverse Switch in the "No Cut in Reverse" circuit.
25 Hour Break-In Period Filter Change CHECKING TRANSMISSION/HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OIL LEVEL During the initial hours of tractor operation, contaminants caused by the normal break-in of internal transmission and hydraulic system components will collect in the oil filters. Because of this, both the hydro transmission and hydraulic system filters should be changed after the first 25 hours of operation. Check the hydro transmission/hydraulic system oil level before each use.
• • • Remove the old hydrostatic filter by turning it counterclockwise, and immediately replace with the new filter. Turn the filter clockwise by hand until the gasket contacts the filter base; then tighten the filter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Clean any residual oil from the top of the transmission. • • Changing Hydraulic System Filter The hydro transmission oil filter should be changed after the first 25 of tractor operation, and after every 200 hours operation.
Dispose of used oil in an environmentally safe manner. If necessary, contact your area EPA office for proper disposal procedures and recycling center locations. • Change the hydro transmission filter as instructed in Changing Hydro Transmission Oil Filter. • Change the hydraulic system filter as instructed in Changing Hydraulic System Oil Filter. • Insert a funnel (preferably one with a flexible spout) into the fill hole in the rear of the transmission housing.
• To prevent debris from entering the front axle housing, clean the area around the oil fill plug/ dipstick and the axle drain plug located at the center front of the axle. Refer to Figure 46 and Figure 48. • Using a funnel with a flexible spout, fill the gear case up to the bottom of the fill port with Cub Cadet Gear Lube. Reinstall the fill plug. • Repeat the previous three steps to change the oil in the other final reduction gear case. Dispose of used oil in an environmentally safe manner.
TIRE MAINTENANCE • 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 service life of a tire. See the tire side wall, or the Tire Inflation chart, for proper inflation pressures. Observe the following guidelines: Make certain the jack used to raise the tractor has a weight capacity adequate for lifting the tractor.
TRACTOR STORAGE FRONT OF ENGINE If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the tractor is placed in storage. CARBURETOR BOWL DRAIN SCREW 1.
SECTION 5: ENGINE INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE KAWASAKI LIMITED WARRANTY CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEMS SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES The California Air Resources Board, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , and Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (hereinafter “Kawasaki”) are pleased to explain the Emission Control Systems Warranty on your Kawasaki small off-road engine.
3. LIMITED LIABILITY. (a) The liability of Kawasaki under this Emission Control Systems Warranty is limited solely to the remedying of defects in materials or workmanship by any authorized Kawasaki small off-road engine dealer at its place of business during customary business hours. This warranty does not cover inconvenience or loss of use of the small off-road engine or transportation of the small off-road engine to or from the Kawasaki dealer.
cooling fins. Blow the debris out using compressed air directed from the fan shroud side of the radiator. ENGINE MAINTENANCE WARNING: Use care when servicing any component in the engine area. If the engine has recently been operated, components will be hot and could cause burns. Allow the engine to cool before servicing. Reinsert the screen, making sure that it is in the slots of the radiator frame.
ADDING ENGINE OIL WARNING: Never overfill the engine crankcase. The engine may overheat and/or damage may result if the crankcase is below the “ADD” mark or over the “FULL” mark on the dipstick. For best results, fill to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick as opposed to adding a given quantity of oil. Always check the level on the dipstick before adding more oil. • Place the tractor on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key.
• Turn the valve drain cock fully clockwise to close the valve, and clean any residual oil from the valve. Refer to Figure 54. • Raise the tractor hood and check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir on the left side of the engine. Refer to Figure 55. • Apply a light coating of clean oil on the gasket of the new oil filter. Thread the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the filter mounting surface, then tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn.
INSPECTION OF COOLING SYSTEM HOSES • Check the cooling system hoses for any cracks or deterioration every 200 hours of operation. Check all hose connections for looseness. Replace any damaged hoses and tighten any loose connections. In stages, SLOWLY pour the coolant solution into the filler neck, allowing as much air as possible to escape through the neck. Fill to the overflow flange of the filler neck.
SERVICING THE SPARK PLUGS SERVICING THE FOAM PRECLEANER Wash the foam precleaner every 25 hours of operation. Wash more often when operating under extremely dusty conditions. Replace the precleaner if torn or otherwise damaged. WARNING: To avoid possible injury, be sure the engine is off and has cooled before making any adjustments or repairs. Referring to Figure 58, wash the precleaner as follows: Check the spark plugs after every 100 hours of operation. Replace with new plugs if necessary.
SECTION 6: SPECIFICATIONS Engine Manufacturer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kawasaki Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 OHV Cooling System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS Hydraulic Lift System Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Pump Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fender Mounted Lever Pump Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5 gal./min. Maximum Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7: OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES When purchasing your tractor, you probably had it equipped for your particular needs at that time. You may later wish to obtain additional equipment or accessories to perform other tasks. Refer to the chart below for a list of optional equipment and accessories currently available through your Cub Cadet dealer.
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR CUB CADET COMPACT TRACTORS AND CUB CADET ATTACHMENTS Proper maintenance of your Cub Cadet equipment is the owner’s responsibility. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for correct lubricants and maintenance schedule. Your Cub Cadet dealer carries a complete line of genuine Cub Cadet parts and quality lubricants and filters for your equipment’s engine, transmission, chassis and attachments.
