Starting The Engine - Cub Cadet Z-Force L Operator's Manual

4. Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline
by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol
blends are not approved.
5. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gas blends
(up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved
fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
6. Check the engine oil level. Refer to the Engine Operator's
manual for instructions on checking the engine oil level.
7. Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
8. Check the tire inflation pressures. See the tire side wall for
proper inflation pressures.
NOTE: New tires are overinflated in order to properly seat
the bead to the rim.
9. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.
10. Check the tension of the deck drive belts.
a. Remove the deck cover
b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by
a spring mechanism that adjusts for wear and stretch.
c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive
wear. Replace if any of these are detected.
d. Replace the deck cover.
11. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower
deck should be level side to side, and the front of the deck
should be approximately 1⁄4" lower than the rear of deck.
If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Maintenance &
Adjustments section.
12. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Maintenance &
Adjustments section.
13. Adjust the seat for operator's maximum comfort, visibility
and for maintaining complete control of the tractor.

Starting the Engine

WARNING!
interlock system designed for the protection of the
operator. Do not operate the machine if any part of
the interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically
check the functions of the interlock system for
proper operation.
WARNING!
be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the
engine.
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with the RH and
LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position
engaging the parking brake.
2. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)
position.
3. Pull the choke knob (if equipped) up into the CHOKE
position or move the throttle/choke control (if equipped)
into the CHOKE
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5. Move the throttle control (if equipped) to midway between
its slow and fast
16 S 5— o
ection peration
This machine is equipped with a safety
For personal safety, the operator must
position.
positions.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the
run position.
CAUTION:
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. Once the engine warms up, push the choke knob down
into the OFF position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the throttle/choke control (if equipped)
or choke control (if equipped) in the CHOKE
while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Cold Weather Starting
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:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery
has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has
higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline
left over from summer.
3. Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.
Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine
WARNING!
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and
produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is
well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and
avoid sparks or flames near the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge
the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and the tractor must
be started, the aid of a booster battery will be necessary. Connect
the booster battery as follows:
1. Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor
battery's positive terminal; then connect the other end of
that cable to the booster battery's positive terminal.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the booster
battery's negative terminal; then connect the other end of
that cable to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far from
the battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting
instructions previously provided; then disconnect the
jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their connection.
4. Have the tractor's electrical system checked and repaired
as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.
Stopping the Engine
1. Place the PTO switch in the OFF (down) position.
2. Move RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the
neutral position engaging the parking brake.
3. Move the throttle control (if equipped) or throttle/choke
control (if equipped) to the SLOW
the engine to idle for about one minute.
4. Turn the ignition key to the STOP
the key from the ignition switch.
NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch
to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the
equipment is left unattended.
position.
position
position and allow
position and remove