Operating Your Lawn Mower - Cub Cadet 980 Series Operator's Manual

4
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Refer to warning
label on the unit.
Drive Control
Recoil Starter
Side Discharge Chute
Mulch Plug
Figure 4-1: The major components on the mower.
Now that you have setup your lawn mower, it's important to become acquainted with its controls and features.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle of
the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper
handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and
blade.
WARNING: This blade control mecha-
nism is a safety device. Never attempt to
bypass its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above
the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to
Adjustment Section in this manual.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system.
Release it to disengage the drive system. Release
the drive control to slow down when approaching an
obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
Mulch Cover
To use the mower as a mulcher, remove the discharge
chute and install the mulch cover.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control
Discharge Chute
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is connected to the support rod and
is located on the right side of the lower handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start it.
Side Discharge Chute
Instead of collecting grass clippings in the bag, you may
attach the side discharge chute to expel the clippings.
Discharge Chute
The discharge chute must be attached to the deck to use
the grass bag.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
8
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
manual for this.
engine manual. See engine manual for location of oil
and gas fill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.