Cub Cadet 1212 - Manual (Page 12)

12
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
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 side of the fender.
Then adjust the deck wheels, or rollers (on units
equipped with a 50" deck) so that they are at least
1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the ground when the
tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a
driveway.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the discharge chute opening of the
cutting deck.
NOTE: The deck wheels (on units equipped with a
46-inch deck) are an anti-scalp feature of the deck
and are not designed to support the weight of the
free-floating cutting deck.
Refer to the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP section of
this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the PTO knob into the disengaged
(OFF) position.
• Depress the brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL
position.
• Move the throttle control lever into the FAST
(rabbit) position.
• Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped
A warm engine may not require choking.
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the
key. It will return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing
so may cause damage to your engine’s starter.
NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer
to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual.
After the engine starts, slowly release the brake
pedal. As the engine warms up, gradually push the
choke control knob inward to open up the choke
plate on the engine’s carburetor.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control out while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
• Place the PTO knob into the disengaged
(OFF) position
• Move the throttle control into the SLOW
position and allow the engine to "idle down"
for ten seconds, then turn the ignition key
counterclockwise to the OFF position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you think you’ve struck a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tractor.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING : Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO knob in
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing
the brake pedal and engaging the parking
brake. If leaving the tractor unattended,
also turn the ignition key off and remove
the key.
• Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake and let the pedal up. Move the
throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to
change the direction of travel or the speed range
when the tractor is in motion. Use the brake pedal to
bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting.
• To move forward, move the shift lever into the
FORWARD—Hi or FORWARD—Lo position,
then slowly depress the drive pedal until the
desired speed is achieved.
NOTE: Operate the tractor with the shift lever in
the FORWARD—Lo position for towing, climbing
and other heavy load applications. Operate the
tractor with the shift lever in the FORWARD—Hi
position for all other applications.
• To move in reverse, move the shift lever into
the REVERSE position, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly depress the drive
pedal.