Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor — LTX1042 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.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Cub Cadet Lawn 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.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
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. 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.
Service 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.
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 MTD Service Dealer. Do not modify engine 4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required. Notice Regarding Emissions 5.
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 DANGER— ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices d line (repr esent s a 15 ° slop e) 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). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Lawn Tractor • • One Lawn Tractor Operator’s Manual • One Oil Drain Tube One Deck Wash Hose Coupler One Kohler Engine Operator’s Manual Tractor Set-Up Shipping Brace Removal Warning! Make sure the lawn tractor’s engine is off, set the parking brake and remove the ignition key before removing the shipping brace.
Connecting the Battery Cables Checking Tire Pressure Warning! Do not overinflate tires. Check sidewall of tires for maximum psi. Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times. 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.
Adjusting the Seat To adjust the position of the seat, pull up and hold the seat adjustment lever. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is locked into position before operating the tractor. See Fig. 3-5. Figure 3-5 Warning! Before operating the tractor, make sure the seat is engaged in the seat-stop. Engage the parking brake. Stand behind the machine and pull back on seat until it clicks into place.
4 Controls and Features Systems Indicator Monitor Fuel Tank Cap Ignition Switch Module Throttle/Choke Control Fuel Level Indicator Drive Pedal Brake Pedal Cargo Net Seat Adjustment Lever Parking Brake/ Cruise Control Lever Reverse Pedal Deck Lift Lever PTO (Blade Engage) Handle Storage Bin Cup Holder Figure 4-1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig. 4-1 and Brake Pedal described on the following pages.
Deck Lift Lever Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter LCD Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use, move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best suited for your application. Ignition Switch Module Warning! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Fuel Level Indicator The Fuel Level Indicator is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash and indicates the amount of fuel in the gas tank. PTO/Blade Engage Handle Activating the PTO engages power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. Push forward on the PTO/ Blade Engage handle to activate it. Pull the PTO/Blade Engage handle back to disengage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.
5 Operation Starting the Engine TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH • • • • • • • • • GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP. IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING. REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S). KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
Driving The Tractor Reverse Caution Mode WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged. NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended. 1. Lightly press the brake pedal to release the parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position. 2. To travel FORWARD, slowly press the drive pedal forward until the desired speed is achieved.
Driving On Slopes Cruise Control Warning! Never engage the cruise control lever while traveling in reverse. Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely. WARNING! Do not mow 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. To set the cruise control: 1.
Engaging the PTO Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO: 1. Move the Throttle/Choke control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position. 2. Push the PTO/Blade Engage lever forward into the engaged (ON) position. NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the Throttle/Choke control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Every 10 Hours Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours P Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check Engine Oil Level Every 25 Hours Prior to Storing P P P P Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Precleaner P Replace Air Filter Element P Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter Clean Battery Terminals P P P P P Lube Front Axles and Rims Clean Engine Cooling Fins Lube Front Deck Wheels Lube Deck Spindl
3. Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain valve to expose the drain port. See Fig 6-1. Spark Plug The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Refer to the Kohler Owner’s Manual for correct plug type and gap specifications. Hydrostatic Transmission The hydrostatic transmission is sealed at the factory and is maintenance-free. The fluid level cannot be checked and the fluid cannot be changed.
4. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your decks surface. See Fig. 6-2. Lubrication Warning! Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Front Wheels Each of the front wheel axles and rims is equipped with a grease fitting. See Fig. 6-3. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation. Figure 6-2 5. Turn the water on. 6.
Deck Spindle Grease fittings can be found on each deck spindle. See Fig. 6-4. Lubricate with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. Using a grease gun, apply two strokes (minimum) or sufficient grease to the spindle shaft. Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary. 1. To raise the front of the deck, tighten (thread inward) the lock nut against the front hanger bracket. See Fig. 6-5.
Leveling the Deck (Side to Side) Steering Adjustment If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, or if the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or wear, the steering drag links may need to be adjusted. 1.
7 Service Cutting Deck Removal 1. Place the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake. 2. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. 3. Locate the engine pulley under the front of your tractor. See Fig. 7-1.
6. Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck from the deck lift arm. See Fig. 7-3. 10. Remove the cotter pin from the end of the stabilizer rod and slide the stabilizer out of the hanger bracket on the deck. See Fig. 7-5. Deck Lift Arm Deck Support Pin Figure 7-3 Figure 7-5 7. Repeat the above steps on the tractor’s right side. 8. Move the deck lift lever into the top notch to raise the deck lift arms up and out of the way. 11. 9.
3. It may also be necessary to loosen the hex nut on the left idler pulley to get the belt off the pulley and around the belt guard. 4. Carefully remove the deck belt from around the two spindle pulleys and the two deck idler pulleys. See Fig. 7-6. 5. To place the new belt, begin by routing the belt around the two outer spindle pulleys as shown in Fig. 7-7. 10. Place the belt into the engine pulley. See Fig. 7-8. PTO Belt Rotate Pulley Figure 7-8 11. Replace the belt guard. See Fig. 7-1.
2. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Fig. 7-9. 5. Test the blade’s balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
Charging WARNING! Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge the battery in a well ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. Caution: When charging your tractor’s battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. Read your battery charger’s Owner’s Manual prior to charging your tractor’s battery. Always follow its instructions and heed its warnings.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Cause Remedy 1. PTO/Blade Engage lever engaged. 1. Place lever in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Parking brake not engaged. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Spark plug wire disconnected. 3. Connect wire to spark plug. 4. Throttle/Choke control lever not in correct starting position. 4. Place Throttle/Choke lever to FAST position. 5. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 5. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 759-3336 Spark Plug (Champion RC12YC) KH-20-883-02-S1 Air Cleaner Element with Pre-cleaner KH-12-050-01-S Oil Filter KH-25-050-21-S Fuel Filter 942-04312 2-in-1 Deck Blade 918-04889A Drive Spindle Assembly Phone (800) 965-4CUB to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com.
Component Part Number and Description 734-04155 Deck Wheel (Front) 734-0973 Deck Wheel (Rear) 925-1707D Battery 751-0603A Fuel Tank Cap 946-04617 Throttle/Choke Control and Cable 925-2054A Ignition Key (Plastic) 631-04344 Discharge Chute Assembly 954-04060B Deck Drive Belt Phone (800) 965-4CUB to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Cub Cadet LTX1042. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. Caution: Cub Cadet Series 1000 lawn tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or moldboard plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor’s warranty.
Notes 11 33
FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and, for those products certified for sale in the state of California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are pleased to explain the emission (evaporative and/or exhaust) control system (ECS) warranty on your outdoor 2006 and later small off-road spark-ignited engine and equipment (outdoor equipment engine) In California, n
WARRANTED PARTS: The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the outdoor equipment engine has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SERIES 1000 & SERIES 1500 TRACTORS IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on required maintenance and service intervals. In the U.S.A.: Check your Yellow Pages, or contact Cub Cadet LLC at P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, call 1-877-282- 8684 or log on to our website at www.cubcadet.com.
