Cub Cadet i1042 Operator's Manual page 13

Starting the Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system
was designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the engine Owner's Manual for gasoline
and oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the key switch module.
2. Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage) lever/knob.
3. Engage the tractor's parking brake.
4. Pull the choke control knob outward into the full choke
position (a warm engine may not require choking).
5. Move the throttle control lever to midway between the
SLOW and FAST positions.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to
the NORMAL MOWING 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 electric starter.
7. After the engine starts, gradually push the choke knob
fully inward as the engine warms up.
NOTE: Do not use the choke control to enrich the fuel
mixture, except as necessary to start and warm up the
engine.
IMPORTANT
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without
1. Disengaging PTO lever
2. Depressing brake pedal
3. Engaging parking brake
If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the
ignition key off and remove the key.
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden
stops while driving the tractor.
Do not mow on slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
Keep hands and feet away from the opening of the
cutting deck.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire(s). Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting
and operating
1. If the blades are engaged, disengage the PTO.
2. Move the throttle control lever to midway between
the half and full throttle. Then turn the ignition key
counterclockwise to the OFF position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
IMPORTANT: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and
sudden stops.
• Briefly depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
• To travel forward: Slowly depress the forward drive
control pedal until the desired speed is achieved. See
Figure 5-2.
Brake Pedal
Figure 5-2
• To travel in reverse: Check that the area behind is clear,
then slowly depress the reverse drive control pedal until
the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 5-2.
• Release the depressed drive pedal and depress the
brake pedal to stop the tractor.
WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor
without first placing the PTO/Blade Engage
knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and
engaging the parking brake. If leaving the
tractor unattended, also turn the engine off
and remove the ignition key.
Steering the Tractor
Your i1000 series tractor is equipped with an innovative
steering system. Turning the steering wheel not only
turns the front wheels, but also adjusts the position of
the drive control linkage of the two hydro transmissions
that drive the tractor. This steering system allows you to
vary the radius of turns from a normal wide U-turn down
to a zero turn. Some practice may be needed to become
accustomed to the steering of your tractor. The steering
works as follows:
• The steering wheel turns approximately two turns stop
to stop. With the center position being the straight
ahead position.
• Minor turns of the steering wheel from the center
position (approximately 10º to 15º) turn only the front
axles and will result in wider turns.
• 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
Forward Drive Pedal
Reverse Drive Pedal
s 5 — O
ectiOn peratiOn
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