Know Your Lawn Mower - Cub Cadet 997 Operator's Manual

SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in
Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.
WARNING:
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes, which can damage your
eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses
while operating the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release blade
control handle to stop engine and blade.
WARNING:
This blade control mechanism is
a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above
the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to
the Adjustment Section in this manual.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to
start the unit.
Drive Clutch Lever
Shift Lever
Recoil Starter
Grass Gauge
Side-Discharge
Chute
Trail Shield
Mulch Plug
Drive Clutch Control
The drive clutch control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system.
Release the clutch control to disengage the drive
system. Release the clutch control to slow down when
approaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping. .
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control
housing on the upper handle. This lever is used to
select the forward speed of the mower. When changing
speed selection, release the drive clutch lever.
NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine is
running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine
off can damage the mower.
Grass Bag
The grass bag is equipped with a bag-fill indicator to
add convenience to your work. While the mower is
running, air will flow through the bag and into the Grass
Gauge. If the grass catcher is empty, air flows through
easily pushing the gauge up. If the grass catcher is full,
air does not flow through it allowing the gauge to fall. So
the position of the gauge acts as a bag-fill indicator
signifying when to empty the grass bag.
Mulching Plug
The mulching plug is used only for mulching purposes.
Instead of collecting grass clippings in a grass catcher,
this mower has the option of recirculating the clippings
back to the lawn.
Blade Control Handle
Grass
Catcher
Figure 10
9
Height Adjustment
Lever