Position - Cub Cadet 17AF4BFP009 Operator's Manual

Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or
other (separately available) attachments. To engage the
PTO:
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)

position.

2. Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob upward to the
engaged (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.
3. Push the PTO/Blade Engage knob downward to
disengage the PTO and stop the deck blades (or other
PTO driven attachments).
IMPORTANT: When mowing uneven terrain that will cause
the front of the deck frame to raise approximately 7° above
the plane of the front drive wheel, the PTO clutch will shut
off. Depress the PTO switch and pull to the on position to re-
engage the PTO.
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.
22 S 5— O
ECTION PERATION
• 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.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while
on a grass surface, always:
• Release the forward or reverse drive control pedal,
• Engage the parking brake,
• Shut engine off and remove the key.
Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn
''browned'' by hot exhaust from your tractor's running
engine.
Mulching (If Available)
Your tractor mowing deck may be adaptable to separately
available mulch kit, check with your dealer. Mulching is the
process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath
the cutting deck. This results in ultra-fine clippings that are
then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural
fertilizer.
Observe the following points for best results when mulching:
• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass
tends to stick to the underside of the cutting deck
preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
• Do not attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height
of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches. Doing so will
cause the clippings to clump up beneath the deck and
not be mulched effectively.
• Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass clip-
pings more time to effectively be mulched.
• Always position throttle control lever in the FAST (rab-
bit) position and allow it to remain there while mowing.
Failing to keep the engine at full throttle places strain
on the tractor's engine and does not allow the blades to
properly mulch grass.