Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Tank SZ 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 Zero-Turn Tractor. 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.
Training Always wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, long pants, gloves, hearing protection , safety shoes, hard hat) when operating or maintaining this machine. Long hair, loose fitting clothing or jewelry may get entangled in moving parts. Follow all federal, state and local guidelines regarding the use of personal protective equipment. 10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
28. Never attempt to operate the machine without the mowing deck attached; the machine could tip over. 29. Keep the machine and especially the engine exhaust system and hydraulic components clean and free of grease, grass and leaves to reduce the potential for overheating and fire. 30. Allow the machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing. 31. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer.
2. Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate this machine. Children 16 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. 3. Towing 1. Do not tow heavy tow-behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. 2. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. 3.
Hydraulic Devices and Systems g. Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin or eyes, see immediate medical attention or gangrene and permanent damage may result. Never remove fuel 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.
Grass catcher 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!” Do not modify engine 13.
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 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.
(OK) Figure 1 Slope Gauge d ne a s h e d li 20° Slope 20° USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION! To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line. 2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.) 3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). 4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Zero-Turn Tractor • One ROPS Assembly • One Steering Wheel • One Deck Wash Hose Coupler • One Zero-Turn Tractor Operator’s Manual • One Engine 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.
5. To release the parking brake, flip the seat forward and locate the cotter pin and clevis pin that secure the dump valve relief lever to the parking break handle. See Figure 3-3. Install Roll Over Protective System (ROPS) The Roll Over Protective System (ROPS) has not been installed on your unit for shipping purposes. Using the hardware found in the Roll Over Protective System container, install it on your unit as follows: 1.
4. Install the upper ROPS section onto the lower ROPS “posts”. Install the bolts, retaining washers and lock nuts. See Figure 3-5. Retaining Washer 8. Move the upper ROPS section to the upright position, and insert the locking pins with their retainer hairpin clips. See Figure 3-7. Locking Pin Bolt Retaining Washer Lock Nuts Bolt Retainer Hairpin Clips Locking Pin Figure 3-5 Figure 3-7 5. Tighten upper ROPS section bolts after both RH & LH hardware is installed. Steering Wheel Column 6.
Steering Wheel Installing the Seat 1. Remove the hardware for attaching the steering wheel from beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cover to remove the hardware. 1. 2. With the wheels of the machine pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel over the steering shaft. 3. Place the belleville washer over the steering wheel and secure with the hex lock screw. See Figure 3-9. Remove the two flange lock nuts, washers and shoulder bolts from the seat bracket.
4. Insert the wiring harness into the bottom of the seat as shown in Figure 3-12. The mechanical suspension mechanism incorporates weight/ride adjustment controls for operators in the 100 to 280 lb. weight range (turn the knob on the front of the seat clockwise to increase the weight capacity and counter-clockwise to decrease. See Figure 3-14.
Connecting the Battery Cables 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.
4 Controls & Features Forward Drive Pedal Deck Lift Pedal Reverse Drive Pedal Steering Column Adjustment Lever Deck Height Index Deck Lift Release Lever Parking Break Lever Digital Tachometer & Hour Meter Ignition Switch PTO Knob Cup Holder Fuel Gauge Fuel Tank Cap NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the operator’s seat.
Digital Tachometer and Hour Meter Forward Drive Pedal The forward drive pedal is located on the right side of the machine, along the running board. Press the forward drive pedal forward to cause the tractor to travel forward. Ground speed is also controlled with the forward drive pedal. The further forward the pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to its original/neutral position when it’s not pressed. 0.
Seat Prop (Not Shown) Steering Column Adjustment Lever The seat prop is located on the left, rear side of the operator’s seat. It is isued to prop the seat forward. Seat Latch (Not Shown) The seat latch is located below the rear, center of the operators seat. The latch is used to secure the seat into the operating position. Lift the latch and tilt the seat forward access the area under the seat. Deck Height Index 4.25" 3.25" 2.25" 1.25" 4.50" 3.50" 2.50" 1.50" 4.75" 3.75" 2.75" 1.
5 Operation Before Operating Your Machine Safety Interlock System 1. Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your machine efficiently. 2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. When the fuel reaches 1⁄2” below the bottom of the fill neck, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Cold Weather Starting Practice Operation (Initial Use) When starting the engine at temperatures near or below freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as follows: Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional type riding tractor. Although and because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable, getting used to operating the speed control pedals and the steering wheel takes some practice. 1.
Driving the Tractor Forward WARNING! Keep all movement of the drive pedals slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the pedals can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the operator. 1. Slowly push the forward drive pedal forward. The tractor will start to move forward. See Figure 5-1. Figure 5-1 2. As the forward drive pedal is pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase. 3.
Executing a Zero Turn 1. A zero turn maneuver can be executed while the machine is moving in the forward or reverse directions if the steering wheel is turned completely in the one direction. 2. To turn clockwise when going forward, turn the steering wheel clockwise and depress the forward drive pedal. Release the pedal and the machine should stop turning. If the reverse drive pedal is depressed, the turn will be counter-clockwise. 3.
10. To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change the direction that the strips are mowed by approximately 45° for the next and each subsequent mowing. WARNING! Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways. Disengage the PTO knob and raise the deck to the highest/transport position before crossing. NOTE: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always: • Make sure the drive pedals are in neutral. • Engage the parking brake.
Reconfigurable Mower Inner Baffle Discharge Baffle Cutting Blades Gauge Wheels Front Roller Rear Rollers Standard set-up Installed Installed Hi-lift Low = 3 to 5” Low = 3 to 5” Low = 3 to 5” Stems (Dandelion, Bahia, Buckhorn, etc.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Check gasoline level Check hydraulic hoses for leaks Check tires & tire pressure Check deck, mower and hydro drive belts Check blades and blade bolt tightness Check safety switches for proper operation Check fluid level in transmission oil expansion reservoir Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 500 Hours P P P P P P P P P P P P Check engine intake screen/cover Clean mower Blow out/clean the pump control area under floor pan Blow out/clea
OIL CHART Number of Oil Points Description DAILY Apply a few drops of SAE engine oil, grease, or use a spray lubricant. Apply the oil to both sides of pivot points. Wipe off any excess. Start engine and operate mower briefly to insure that oil spreads evenly.
Maintenance Changing the Engine Oil WARNING ! If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the skin. Exercise caution to avoid burns. Checking the Safety Interlock Circuits Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly. If a safety circuit is not working as designed, contact you Cub Cadet dealer to have the tractor inspected.
Battery Leaking Tires 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. When a flat tire occurs, repair or replace immediately. The normal procedure is to remove the wheel and replace it. If a tire is getting soft, park the mower on the nearest level, paved area. 1. The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free.
Tractor Storage Removing The Tractor From Storage 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. 1. Check the battery. Charge if necessary. 2.
3. Adjust the eyebolt at the left front of the deck so that the blade-to-ground height at the right outside blade tip matches that of the left outside blade tip. This is done by loosening the jam nuts on the eyebolt and tightening the upper nut to raise the deck and loosening the nut to lower the deck. The right outer blade tip height is fixed by the right, front eyebolt so you must adjust the left outer tip to match it. See Figure 6-2.
Parking Brake Handle Brake Shoes The parking brake handle should engage with moderate force. The brake cable should not require adjustment, but if necessary proceed as follows: The brake shoes can be adjusted as the shoes wear. To adjust the brake shoes proceed as follows: NOTE: There is a cable for each of the transmissions, be sure to adjust both cables. 1. Locate the brake cable housing nuts on the outside of the frame and to the inside of the rear tires. See Figure 6-4.
3. Rotate the drum back and forth to make sure the brake shoes are not rubbing excessively, if they are rotate the adjusting star back slightly until there is just a slight rub. NOTE: A slight rub is acceptable since a used brake will seat. 4. To contract the brake shoes, rotate the star adjustment outward away from the axle until there is a slight rub between the shoes and the drum. See Figure 6-6. 5. Repeat the procedure for the opposite brake shoe.
7 Service Battery Removal WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. The battery is located beneath the seat box frame. To remove the battery: 1. Remove the hold down strap. 2. Remove the hex screw and flange lock nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post. 3.
Electric PTO Clutch 5. This clutch operates when the engine is running, the operator is in the operator’s seat and the PTO is engaged. This electric clutch is a normally trouble free device. If a problem develops and the blades do not turn, first check the 25 amp fuse, then investigate the wiring harness and the connections to the seat switch, the PTO switch and the electric blade clutch. Then check the seat switch, the PTO switch and finally the electric blade clutch.
Replacing the PTO Belt 1. 4. Remove the PTO belt from the deck as instructed in the Deck Removal section then remove it from around the PTO clutch. See Figure 7-5. Using a 1⁄2” drive insert the male end into the 1⁄2” square opening in the deck idler assembly and rotate the idler clockwise. See Figure 7-7. While holding the deck idler, loosen the deck belt from the pulley and slide the belt away from the pulley. PTO Clutch Deck Idler Bracket PTO Belt Figure 7-5 2.
Replacing the Blades 4. WARNING! Before performing any maintenance, disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades. 1. Remove the deck as instructed in the Deck Removal section. 2. Jack up the front of the mowing deck about one foot and block it in that position. 3.
Sharpening the Blades Changing the Spindle Assembly 1. Set the parking brake. 1. Remove the deck as instructed in the Deck Removal section. 2. Clean any debris from the blades. Keep blades sharp and free of build up at all times. 2. Jack up the front of the mowing deck about one foot and block it in that position. 3. To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°-30° angle.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Excessive vibration Uneven cut Mower will not mulch grass (If Equipped w/Mulching Kit) Cause Remedy 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 1. Tighten blade and spindle. 2. Damaged or bent cutting blade. 2. Replace blade. 1. Deck not leveled properly. 1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment. 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 3. Uneven tire pressure. 3. Check tire pressure in all four tires. 1. Engine speed too low. 1.
10 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 954-04327 954-04319 Deck Belt (SZ 54) Deck Belt (SZ 60) 954-04328 954-04296 PTO Belt (SZ 54) PTO Belt (SZ 60) 954-04320 Drive Belt 942-04416 942-04415 Hi-Lift Blade, 19.0 (SZ 54) Hi-Lift Blade, 21.
Component Part Number and Description 946-04840 Throttle Control 746-04812 Choke Control 925-1745A Ignition Key 631-05176 Discharge Chute Assembly 634-05088 Wheel Assembly, 24 x 12-12 634-04704 Wheel Assembly, 15 x 6.5-8 Contact your 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.com.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible with your Cub Cadet Tank SZ tractor. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. 42 Part No.
Notes 11 43
Section 11— Notes
Section 11 — Notes 45
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 2013 and later small off-road spark-ignited engine and equipment (outdoor equipment engine).
10. Add-on or modified parts that are not exempted by the Air Resources Board may not be used. The use of any non-exempted add-on or modified parts by the ultimate purchaser will be grounds for disallowing a warranty claims. MTD Consumer Group Inc will not be liable to warrant failures of warranted parts caused by the use of a non-exempted add-on or modified part.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR TANK LZ/SZ ZERO-TURN COMMERCIAL RIDING MOWER 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.
