Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Z-Force S 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. When you see this symbol.
12. 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. 15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 17. Never carry passengers. 18. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
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. b. c. d. e. f. g. 2. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. 7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. 9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage.
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 — 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 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. NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side and front or back of the tractor are from the operating position only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified. Steering Wheel Column The steering wheel column is tilted all the way back for shipping purposes.
Install Operator’s Seat Lower Deck Discharge Chute Deflector WARNING! Never operate the mower deck without the chute deflector installed and in the down position. To install the seat proceed as follows: NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan attached. 1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly to the tractor. Remove any packing material. NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting the seat and the seat switch. 2.
Steering Wheel Transmission Oil Expansion Reservoir 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. 2. With the wheels of the machine pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel over the steering shaft. The transmission oil expansion reservoir is connected by hoses to the RH and LH transmission assemblies, and is located behind the seat box.
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. Install the Rear Hitch Bracket 1. Remove the hex flange screws, washers and flange lock nuts that secure the hitch bracket to the bumper. See Figure 3-10.
4 Controls & Features Brake Pedal Forward Drive Pedal Reverse Drive Pedal Steering Column Adjustment Lever Deck Lift Handle Deck Height Index Seat Adjustment Lever Throttle Control Choke Control LCD Service Minder & Hour Meter PTO Switch Ignition Switch Cup Holder Fuel Valve Fuel Tank Cap Fuel Level Window LH Transmission Bypass Rod NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor features may vary by model.
Deck Height Index Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch The deck height index consists of several holes located on the front of the RH console. Each hole corresponds to a 1⁄4” change in the deck height position ranging from 1” at the lowest notch to 4” at the highest notch. The highest notch is also the transport position and the lowest position is the deck removal/installation position . NOTE: Do not cut grass in the deck removal/installation position . Doing so is detrimental to the belt life.
Throttle Control The throttle control is located on the RH console. When set in a given position, a uniform engine speed will be maintained. Low Oil FAST Push the throttle control handle forward to increase the engine speed. The tractor is designed to operate with the throttle control in the fast position (full throttle) when the tractor is being driven and the mower deck is engaged.
5 Operation General Safety Safety Interlock Switches • RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor. • Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the operator’s seat. The PTO switch must be in the disengaged position and the parking brake engaged.
b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring mechanism that adjusts for wear and stretch. 5. Move the throttle control to midway between its SLOW and FAST positions. c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive wear. Replace if any of these are detected. 6. Move the choke control into the CHOKE d. 11. Replace the deck cover. Check if deck is level.
Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine WARNING! Batteries contain sulfuric acid and 2. To travel FORWARD, slowly press the forward drive pedal forward until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 5-2. produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery. Forward Drive Pedal If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge the battery.
Reverse Caution Mode Driving On Slopes The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged. Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 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. NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
Mowing Deck Lift Lever WARNING! Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades. NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and possible failure of the ‘V” belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non grassy area before engaging the mower deck. 1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Check Intake Screen/Clean as Needed Check & Clean Engine Cooling Fans for Debris Check Engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Clean Transmission Cooling Slots After First 5 Hours Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours P P P P P Prior to Storing See Engine Manual P P P P P P P P Clean Battery Terminals Grease All Lubrication Points Check Blades/Sharpen or Replace as Needed Check Tire Pressure Lube F
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. 4. While holding the free end of the oil drain hose over the oil collection container, unscrew the square head hose plug from the end of the hose. See Figure 6-1. Drain the engine oil into the collection container. Maintenance 5. After draining the oil, wipe any residual oil from the oil drain hose.
Cleaning & Lubricating the Spindle Pulleys 3. Once a month remove the belt covers to remove any accumulation of grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys and V-belt. Clean more often when mowing tall, dry grass. Every 25 hours, lubricate the deck spindles. Locate the spindle lube fitting and using a grease gun, lubricate the spindles. The spindle holds 2.3 ounces of grease. See Figure 6-3.
General Battery Information WARNING! • Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with clean cold water. If there is any further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention. • If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/ water or baking soda/water. • NEVER connect (or disconnect) battery charger clips to the battery while the charger is turned on, as it can cause sparks.
1. Pivot the operator’s seat forward and clean the reservoir cap and the area around the cap to prevent debris from contaminating the transmission oil. See Figure 6-6. c. 3. Turn the reservoir cap counterclockwise to re-move, then check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be visible at the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be above the “FULL COLD” line. See Figure 6-6. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side-toside adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: 1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift handle in a middle mowing position and rotate both outside blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor. 2. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal.
2. Remove the lock nut securing one of the front gauge wheel hex screws to the deck. Remove the gauge wheel, hex screw and spacer. See Figure 6-9. 3. Wheel Lock Nut Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts.
7 Service Battery Removal Charging the Battery WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time. • The battery is located beneath the seat frame. To remove the battery: 1. Remove the hex washer screw securing the battery holddown bracket to the frame. Then flip the battery holddown bracket up to free the battery. See Figure 7-1.
4. Releasing belt tension with the idler pulley: a. Using the deck lift handle, raise the deck to the position that provides the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine. See Figure 7-3. 5. Rolling the belt off the PTO pulley: a. Using the deck lift handle, raise the deck to the position that provides the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine. b.
5. Locate the LH and RH deck release pins on each side of the deck. Pull the release pins outward and release the deck from the LH and RH deck lift arms. See Figure 7-6. 8. Make certain the belt is in the spindle pulleys of the deck, and that the backside of the belt is against both the fixed and movable idler pulleys. 9. Sitting behind the tractor, facing forward, make certain the belt is not twisted; then reach beneath the tractor to grasp the belt and pull it toward the PTO pulley.
3. Remove the two idler pulleys by removing the hex screws and flange lock nuts that secure them to the deck and the idler arm. See Figure 7-7. Do not lose any of the hardware when removing the hex screw and flange lock nut. Mower Blade Care WARNING! Before performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, 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.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Excessive vibration Uneven cut Mower will not mulch grass (If Equipped w/Mulching Kit) 32 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.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 759-3336 Spark Plug KH-16-883-04-S1 Air Filter Element & Pre-Cleaner KH-52-050-02-S Oil Filter KH-25-050-22-S1 Fuel Filter 954-05012A 954-05013 954-05015 Deck Belt, 48” Deck Deck Belt, 54” Deck Deck Belt, 60” Deck 954-04317A Drive Belt 942-04417 02005017-X 942-04416 02005018-X 942-04415 02005019-X Blades, 48” Deck Xtreme Blades, 48” Deck Blades, 54” Deck Xtreme Blades, 54” Deck Blades, 60” Deck Xtreme Blades, 60” Deck 918-06994A 918-0699
Component 34 Section 9 — Replacement Parts Part Number and Description 734-04155 Deck Wheel 925-1707D Battery 951-12179B Gas Cap 946-05133 946-04214 Throttle Control Cable Choke Cable 625-05000 Ignition Key 631-05176A Discharge Chute Assembly 734-1873 634-0246A Tire, 20 x 10 x 8 Rim Assembly 634-04629 Front Wheel Assembly
10 Attachments & Accessories Part No.
Notes 36 11
Section 11 — Notes 37
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 evaporative emission control system (ECS) warranty on your 2015-2016 small off-road equipment (outdoor equipment).
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 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 Z-FORCE S/Z-FORCE ZERO-TURN 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.
