Operator’s Manual SERIES 1500 Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor Model SLT1554 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 Content Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Tractor Set-up Know Your Lawn Tractor Operating Your Lawn Tractor Making Adjustments Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor Page 3 7 8 9 12 17 19 Content Service Off-season Storage Maintenance Chart Troubleshooting Attachments & Accessories Specifications Warranty Information Page 25 29 29 30 31 32 34 FINDING MODEL NUMBER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor.
SECTION 1: 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.
. 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 engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury. 7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
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 inch 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.
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 overspeed 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.
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE OR A CORNER OF A BUILDING OR A FENCE POST PE S A SLO E RE P R E S ENT D LIN O N G D OTTE L &OLD A 3IGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE 7
SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP Gas and Oil Fill-up Shipping Brace Removal The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a capacity of three gallons. Unthread the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise. Use only clean, fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than four inches below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR A B G C + BATTERY PTO / BLADE ENGAGE OIL PRESSURE HOURS 1/10 H PARKING P BRAKE I J D K L E F M NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.
Throttle Control Lever The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. Ignition Switch Module Fast Position WARNING: Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Hour Meter Electric PTO / Blade Engage Knob Located in the center of the tractor’s console, the hour meter operates whenever the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position and records the actual hours of tractor operation. See Figure 3. 234.5 BATTERY To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments, pull outward on the PTO/Blade Engage knob. Push the PTO/ Blade Engage knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area. WARNING 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.
Setting the Gauge Wheels • If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with the surface below, lower the wheels to the index hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance as described above. Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 17 of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender.
Engaging the Parking Brake • To engage the parking brake: • Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it there while gently pushing the parking brake lever downward. • Hold the parking brake lever down while removing your foot from the brake pedal. • Once engaged, the parking brake lever and the brake pedal will lock in the “down” position. To disengage the parking brake: • IMPORTANT: Do NOT attempt to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion.
• Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and stop the tractor. • Lightly depress the drive pedal. To change the direction of travel to reverse when operating with cruise control, depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop. Then slowly depress the rear portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your foot to travel in reverse.
• • • • • For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn. Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather. Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to make any • adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual. • Leveling the Deck Locate the two lock nuts on the opposite side of the stabilizer bracket. See Figure 9. Tighten the lock nuts to raise the front of the deck; loosen the lock nuts to lower the front of the deck. Retighten the two jam nuts loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.
Parking Brake Adjustment Hex Nut and Lock Washer WARNING: Never attempt to adjust the brakes while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Pivot Bar Axle If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied, the brake is in need of adjustment.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR NOTE: Refer to Maintenance Chart on page 29 for a reference of recommended maintenance intervals. WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. ** * Engine Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customer’s expense, may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual.
• • • Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube and SLOWLY pour oil into the oil fill tube. Do NOT pour more than 6 oz. of oil at a time without first stopping and re-checking the oil level. Fill the crankcase until the oil level reaches the full (F) mark on the dipstick. Refer to Figure 13. Refer to the viscosity oil chart earlier in this section for information regarding the proper type of oil to add to the crankcase.
Re-filling the Crankcase with Oil • IMPORTANT:The engine (with oil filter) has a capacity of • • 2.0 liters (67.60 oz.) Do NOT overfill. Always check the level on the dipstick as instructed on page 19 before adding more oil. NOTE: For the proper oil type, refer to the chart on page 19 of this manual. • • • • Clean the area around the oil fill tube to prevent debris from entering the crankcase. Slowly pour oil into the fill tube.
Spark Plug(s) Visually inspect the filter periodically for a build-up of residue inside the filter body, and for a dirty element which can be indicated by discoloration. Replace the fuel filter when dirty. Every 200 hours of operation, remove the spark plug(s), check condition, and reset the gap or replace with a new plug(s) as necessary. • • • • • Lift the tractor’s hood and locate the spark plug wire on the front, right area of the engine. Carefully pull the spark plug wire boot off of the spark plug.
Deck Spindles 7. Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the ON position. 8. Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck engaged for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse. 9. Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the OFF position. 10. Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the tractor’s engine off. 11. Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water port on your decks surface. 12.
the needle is turned in (lean). Note the position of the needle. Set the adjusting needle midway between the rich and lean settings. See Figure 19. • Make sure the fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh gasoline. • Make sure the fuel tank cap vent is not blocked and that it is operating properly. • If the fuel tank is equipped with a shut-off valve, make sure it is open. • Make sure that the in-line fuel filter is clean and unobstructed. Replace the filter if necessary.
SECTION 8: SERVICE Tires • WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 20. Hex Flange Nut Wood Block The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 14 psi for the front tires. Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate.
Battery Cutting Deck Removal The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked and fluid can not be added. To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: • Place the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake. • Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. • Remove the deck belt from around the tractor’s electric PTO clutch (refer to Changing the Deck Belt).
Hydrostatic Transmission Changing the Deck Belt Keep the area around the transmission cooling fan free of grass and debris at all times. The hydrostatic transmission is sealed at the factory and is maintenance free. The fluid level cannot be checked and on most models, cannot be changed. WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting before removing the belt(s).
• NOTE: The idler pulley(s) may have to be loosened, but not removed, in order to remove the belt from around them. With belt tension relieved, carefully remove the belt from around the left-hand spindle pulley. IMPORTANT: Carefully allow the ratchet to pivot rearward before removing it from the square hole. • • • Remove the deck belt from around all pulleys, including the deck idler pulley(s) and the electric PTO clutch. Figure 24 28 Route the new belt as shown in Figure 24.
SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR on page 19 of this manual before storing for an extended period. To empty the system, run the engine until the tank and system are empty. WARNING: Drain fuel only into an approved container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel.
SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged. Parking brake not engaged. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Throttle control lever not in correct starting position. Choke not activated Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded. Unit running with CHOKE activated. Spark plug wire(s) loose. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position. Engage parking brake.
SECTION 12: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Series 1500 Lawn Tractors. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. NOTE: Cub Cadet Series 1500 lawn tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or mulboard plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor’s warranty.
SECTION 13: SPECIFICATIONS Capacities Fuel Tank 15.1 liters (4.0 gallons) Engine Crankcase (w/ filter) 2.0 liters (67.6 oz.) Transmission 2.25 liters (76 oz.) Hydrostatic Transmission Make and Model Hydro-Gear 0510 Gear Ratio 22.2:1 Forward Speed 0 m.p.h. - 5.2 m.p.h. Reverse Speed 0 m.p.h. - 2.3 m.p.h. Engine (Air-cooled, 4-cycle) Make Kohler Command Model CV740 Cylinders Twin Bore 83 mm (3.27 in.) Stroke 67 mm (2.64 in.) Displacement 725 cc (44.2 cubic in.) Power @3600 RPM 20.
NOTES 33
KOHLER CO. FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY UTILITY AND LAWN AND GARDEN ENGINES The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and Kohler Co. are pleased to explain the Federal and California Emission Control Systems Warranty on your small off-road equipment engine. For California, engines produced in 1995 and later must be designed, built and equipped to meet the state’s stringent anti-smog standards.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMMERCIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADET LLC (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY (RESIDENTIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADET LLC (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.
