Driving The Tractor - Cub Cadet Z-Force S Operator's Manual

Driving The Tractor

WARNING!
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
1. Release the parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the
FAST (rabbit) position.
2. To travel FORWARD, slowly press the drive pedal forward
until the desired speed is achieved. See Fig. 5-2.
Travel Forward
Travel in Reverse
Figure 5-2
3. To stop or slow down the tractor, take your foot off of the
forward or reverse drive pedal. To lock the parking brake,
pull the lever fully rearward and to the right; then into the
short "J" slot to engage the brake. Pull the lever up out
of the "J" slot and to the left; then completely forward to
disengage the parking brake.
NOTE: The forward and reverse pedals must not be used when
the brake is partially engaged. When the brake is locked in the
"J" the drive belt is disengaged but if the brake is only part way
back then the brakes are engaged but so is the drive belt so
transmission damage will occur if you push forward or reverse.
4. To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear
then slowly reverse pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT
your heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See Fig. 5-2.
CAUTION:
Do NOT attempt to change the
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion.
Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before
moving the tractor from forward to reverse or vice
versa.
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.
Driving On Slopes
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.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly
uphill and use extra care while turning. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of a 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.
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.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting
deck with your tractor.
WARNING!
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.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit
or grass collector is installed.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is prone to weed
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Always operate the tractor with the throttle lever in the
FAST (rabbit) position while mowing.
• 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 attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns,
NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
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