Cub Cadet RZT 50 Operator's Manual page 13

BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
• Before you operate the tractor, study this manual
carefully to familiarioe yourself with the opera-
tions of all the instruments and controls. It has
been prepared to help you operate and maintain
your tractor efficiently.
• This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with
only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump
sticker octane rating of 85 or higher. Unleaded
gasoline is recommended because it leaves less
combustion chamber deposits.
Some fuels are gasoline blended with alcohols or
ethers. Excessive amounts of the these blends
can damage the fuel system or cause engine
performance problems. If undesirable operating
symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower
percentage of alcohol or ether. Do not use
gasoline that contains Methanol.
• Check the engine oil level.
• Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
• Check the tire inflation pressures.
• Adjust the seat for operator's maximum comfort,
visibility and for maintaining complete control of
the tractor.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock
system should ever malfunction, do not operate the
tractor. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine
from cranking or starting unless the RH and LH
drive control levers are moved fully outward in the
neutral position, the parking brake is engaged,
and the PTO is disengaged.
• To avoid sudden movement when disengaging
the parking brake, the safety interlock system will
shut off the engine if the RH and/or LH drive
control levers are moved to a position other than
the fully out in neutral position when the parking
brake is engaged
• The safety interlock system will shut off the
engine if the operator leaves the seat before
engaging the parking brake.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the
engine if the operator leaves the seat with the
PTO engaged, regardless of whether the parking
brake is engaged.
NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the
"OFF" position to restart the engine.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO
and the mower blades will stop if both drive con-
trol levers are moved into the reverse position.
The PTO will re-engage when one or both of the
levers are moved back to the neutral or forward
position.
STARTING THE ENGINE
,_ WARNING: This unit is equipped with a
safety interlock system designed for the
protection of the operator. Do not oper-
ate the tractor if any part of the interlock
system is malfunctioning. Regularly
check the functions of the interlock sys-
tem for proper operation (See "Checking
the Safety Interlock Circuits" at the end
of this section).
,_ WARNING: For personal safety, the
operator must be sitting in the tractor
seat when starting the engine.
• Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully
outward in the neutral position. Refer to Figure 8.
• Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
• Engage the parking brake. Refer to Figure 8.
• Make certain the PTO switch is in the disen-
gaged (down) position. Refer to Figure 8.
• Pull the choke control knob upward to the full
choke position. NOTE: If the engine is warmed
up, it may not be necessary to choke the engine.
• Move the throttle control lever fully forward to the
"fast" position.
LH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
RH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Parking Brake
Throttle Control
to "FAST"
PTO Switch in Down
(Disengaged) Position
Figure 8
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the "START"
position and release it as soon as the engine
starts; however, do not crank the engine continu-
ously for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start within this time, turn the key
to "OFF" and wait a minute to allow the engine's
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