Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Self Propelled Mower — Models SC 500 Z/ SC 500 EZ 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 Lawn Mower manufactured by Cub Cadet. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. 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. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
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. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately. 14. a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms. b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you. d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Service 3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
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), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
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 To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15° Slope WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes. To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line. 2.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Carton • One Lawn Mower • • • One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Side Discharge Chute Two Cable Clips One Fuse† • † If Equipped Assembly NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower. Handle 1.
3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: a. 4. Pull upward on the handle approximately 8 inches until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 3-4. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. See Figure 3-6. a a b b d b c Figure 3-6 Figure 3-4 NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not pull handle all the way out. b. c.
b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Figure 3-7. Side Discharge Chute Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door is closed. 1. On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug. See Figure 3-9. Side Mulching Plug 1 2 Figure 3-7 2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher: a. Lift rear discharge door. b.
Adjustments Handle Pitch Cutting Height For convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the handle as follows: The rear wheel cutting height adjustment lever is located above the rear left wheel. See Figure 3-10A insert. 1. Remove star knobs and carriage bolts from handle. See Figure 3-11. A 2 3 B 1 2 B 1 C Figure 3-10 1. Pull lever out and away from mower. 2. Move lever forward or back for desired cutting height. 3. Release lever towards mower deck. 2.
4 Controls and Features Premium Drive Control Blade Control Electric Starter Button† Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Deck Wash Side Discharge Chute † If Equipped Figure 4-1 Blade Control Deck Wash The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the drive control to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade. Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system.
5 Operation Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower. 1 2 Refer to engine manual for help with the engine. 1.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Deck Wash General Recommendations Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. • Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.
Engine Care 2. Pull the fitting away from the handle. A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions. 3. Unhook the cable and remove the metal bushing from the plastic drive handle. See Figure 6-4. • Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual. • Service air cleaner and carbon canister filter every 25 hours under normal conditions.
7 Service Blade Care WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade. WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury. 5. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
Replacing Battery (If Equipped) Charging Battery (If Equipped) WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which may cause burns. Do not short circuit or mutilate batteries in any way. Do not put batteries in fire as these may burst or release toxic materials. 1. Unhinge cover seal and lift off battery cover. 2. Remove positive and negative leads from battery, and pull up on battery to remove. See Figure 7-2.
Replacing Fuse (If Equipped) Off-Season Storage The electric starter circuit and battery are protected by a 40 ampere fuse. If the fuse burns out, the electric starter will not operate. If the unit fails to start with the electric starter, perform the following steps to check the fuse inside the battery housing: The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. • 1. Open the battery cover as described in Replacing Battery.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine Fails to start Cause Remedy 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
Problem Uneven cut Mower will not self propel High pullback effort Cause Remedy 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place front and rear wheels in same height position. (Dual Height Adjusters) 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 1. Belt not installed properly. 1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement. 2. Debris clogging drive operation. 2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot, and clean out debris. 3. Damaged or worn belt. 3. Inspect and replace belt. 4.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 951-14437 Spark Plug 951-10358A Fuel Filter 951-10298 Air Cleaner Kit 951-14407 Fuel Cap Assembly 634-04733 634-04714 Wheel (Front) Wheel (Rear) 731-07131 Discharge Chute 942-0741A 942-0741-X Mulching Blade Xtreme Mulching Blade 964-05005 Grass Bag Phone 877-282-8684 for your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready).
Component Part Number and Description 954-04282 Belt 725-06121† Battery Charger 725-04903† Battery 731-09728† Push Key † If Equipped Phone 877-282-8684 for your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer 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.
10 Attachments & Accessories Component Model Number and Description 490-850-0005 Blade Removal Tool — Holds blade in place for faster, safer removal. SPW-134 Spark Plug Wrench — Duel ended wrench to serve multiple uses. Fits ¾” or 13⁄16” hex plug. 490-850-0008 Oil Siphon — Makes it easy to transfer gas, oil and liquids from tank to container. 490-850-0016 Side Discharge Blower — Blows leaves, grass clippings and debris. Eliminates need for separate blower. Easy installation with no tools.
Component Model Number and Description 22216 STA-BIL® fuel Stabilizer, 32 oz — Treats 80 gallons of fuel. Keeps stored fuel fresh for quick, easy starts. Prevents corrosion from moisture and ethanol-induced attraction. Prevents gum and varnish. 490-290-0012 Mower Cover — Protects your mower against sun, rain and dust damage. Coated for maximum water resistance and repellency. U.V. and milddew resistant 490-900-0062 Non-Stick Mower Deck Spray — Long-Lasting anti-stick graphite spray.
Notes 26 11
The SureStart Guarantee® Provisions of Your Limited Warranty In addition to the other terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty applicable to your new mower, Cub Cadet LLC (“Cub Cadet”) hereby warrants that your mower’s engine will start on the first or second attempt by an able-bodied adult (subject to the limitations described below) for the duration of the manufacturer’s limited warranty applicable to your product.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS 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.
