Cub Cadet I1042 - Manual (Page 16)

16 s
ectiOn
5— O
peratiOn
Increasing the turn of the steering wheel (beyond 10°- •
15º) results in increasingly tighter turns. As the steering
mechanism turns the front wheels, it also changes the
position of the transmission drive control linkage to slow
down the inner rear wheel in the turn, and adjust the speed
of the outer wheel as necessary to complete the desired
turn. Turn the steering wheel back to the center position as
the turn is completed.
NOTE: It is not necessary to release the drive pedal when
making a turn. The change to the transmission linkage
occurs regardless of how far the drive pedal is depressed.
When the steering wheel is straightened, the tractor will
return to the speed set by the drive pedal.
Turning the steering wheel fully to its stop in either
•
direction will fully turn the front wheels, reverse the
direction of the inner wheel and adjust the outer wheel
speed to execute a zero turn in the chosen direction. Turn
the steering wheel back to the center position as the turn is
completed.
NOTE: As the steering wheel is turned further toward its stop, the
effort needed to turn the steering wheel increases.
NOTE: Making tight or zero turns on grass will greatly increase
the potential for defacement of the turf.
Driving On Slopes
WARNING! Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8
to help determine slopes where you may operate
the tractor safely.
Mow up and down slopes, never across. •
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden •
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be
•
made, turn downhill on the slope. Turning uphill increases
the possibility of a tractor rollover.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary
•
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor
over backward.
Engaging the Parking Brake
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat
with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.
To set the parking brake:
Press the brake pedal completely down with you left foot 1.
and hold it that position.
Push the parking brake lever downward and hold it in that
2.
position.
Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3.
Release pressure from the parking brake lever. 4.
After completing step 3, the brake pedal should remain 5.
in the down position. If it doesn’t, the parking brake is not
engaged. Repeat steps 1-4 to engage the parking brake.
To disengage the parking brake, lightly press the brake
6.
pedal .
WARNING! Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always disengage PTO, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO:
Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) 1.
position.
Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob outward into the engaged
2.
(ON) position.
NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the throttle lever in the
FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting
deck or other (separately available) PTO driven attachments.
Mowing
WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a
thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
This tractor is equipped with one of Cub Cadet’s high quality
cutting decks. The following information will be helpful when
using the cutting deck with your tractor.
Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit •
or grass collector is installed.
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.
Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back
•
over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.
Do not attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and
•
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns,
not clear brush.
Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
•
Refer to the Service section of this manual for proper blade
sharpening instructions.
When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass
•
surface, always
Place the shift lever in neutral, a.
Engage the parking brake, b.
Shut engine off and remove the key. c.
Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your d.
lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s
running engine.