Cub Cadet Pro Z 900 Series Operator's Manual page 15

Starting the Engine
For throttle/choke or throttle/automatic EFI
engines proceed below, for electronic throttle/EFI
engines, skip ahead to the Electronic Throttle/EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines section.
Manual Throttle/Choke or Throttle/Automatic EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines
WARNING
This machine is equipped with a safety interlock system designed
for 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
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the
tractor seat when starting the engine.
Open the fuel valve(s).
Note: If both tanks are on, and one is empty
the engine will not start. Be certain to make
sure both tanks have fuel or that the empty
tank's fuel valve is closed.
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor
seat with both drive control pedals in the
neutral/start position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged
(down) position.
4. Lift the choke knob (if equipped) into the
ON position.
Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not
be necessary to choke the engine.
Note: Some tractors are equipped with EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) engines and are
not equipped with a choke.
6. Move the throttle control to midway
between the SLOW and FAST
positions.
7. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position and release it as soon as the engine
starts; however, do not crank the engine
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. If the engine does not start within this
time, turn the key to OFF and wait at least 30
seconds to allow the engine's starter motor
to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few
attempts the engine fails to start, do not
keep trying to start it with the choke closed
as this will cause flooding and make starting
more difficult.
8. Once the engine starts, push the choke (if
equipped) halfway down and as the engine
warms, push the choke (if equipped) all the
way down.
Electronic Throttle(E-Governor)/EFI (Electronic
Fuel Injection) Engines
1. Open the fuel valve(s).
Note: To prime a dry fuel system, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position for one
minute. Allow the fuel pump to cycle and
prime the system. Turn the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
Note: If both tanks are on, and one is empty
the engine will not start. Be certain to make
sure both tanks have fuel or that the empty
tank's fuel valve is closed.
2. Operator must be sitting in the tractor
seat with both drive control pedals in the
neutral/start position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged
(down) position.
5. Place the Electronic Throttle lever in the
START position.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position and release it as soon as the engine
starts; however, do not crank the engine
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. If the engine does not start within this
time, turn the key to OFF and wait at least 60
seconds to allow the engine's starter motor
to cool. Try again after waiting.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can
burn out the starter motor.
Note: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking
may occur. Run engine for five minutes. If
the noise continues, run the engine at the
starting position for 20 minutes. If the noise
persists, take the tractor to your authorized
service dealer.
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 disengaged
position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Move the throttle to the SLOW
position and allow the engine to idle for
about one minute.
4. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and
remove 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.
5. Close the fuel shut-off valve(s).
Practice Operation (Initial Use)
Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating
a conventional type riding tractor. Although and
because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable,
getting used to operating the speed control
pedals and the steering wheel takes some practice.
It is strongly recommend that you locate a reasonably
large, level and open "practice area" where there are
no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should
practice operating the tractor for a minimum of 30
minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to
the practice area. When performing the practice
session, the PTO knob should not be engaged. While
practicing, operate the tractor at approximately 1⁄2-3⁄ 4
throttle and at less than full speed in both forward
and reverse.
Always wear appropriate clothing and personal
protection equipment (e.g. safety glasses,
long pants, gloves, hearing protection, safety
shoes, hard hat) when operating or maintaining
this machine. Follow all federal, state and
local guidelines regarding the use of personal
protective equipment.
WARNING
Hearing Protection is required for all operator exposure
exceeding two (2) hours.
Carefully practice maneuvering the machine using
the instructions in the following section "Driving
the Tractor." Practice until you are confident that
you can safely operate the tractor.
Driving the Tractor
1. Ensure that the area is free of animals and
bystanders, especially children!
2. Survey the area where the equipment is
to be used to make sure it is free of debris,
sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other
foreign objects which could cause injury
to bystanders, damage to the machine, or
damage to nearby facilities.
WARNING
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
3. Adjust the operator's seat to the most
comfortable position that allows you to
operate the controls. Refer to the Assembly
& Set-Up section for instructions on
adjusting the seat.
4. Adjust the steering wheel tilt with the
steering column adjustment lever.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Move the throttle control lever (if equipped)
forward to the FAST position.
Note: The tractor's engine is designed to run
at full throttle, but when performing a practice
session the tractor must be operated at less
than full throttle. This only applies to practice.
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