Cub Cadet 1215 User manual

Power Equipment
Owner’s Manual
LAWN TRACTORS
Model Numbers
1215
1220
Important:
Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
Thank you for purchasing an American-built product.
CUB CADET CORPORATION • P.O. BOX36930 • CLEVELAND , OHIO 44136
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 772-3863
R870205

Cub Cadet Corporation’s
Promise To You
We promise you, the first user purchaser, that we will
replace or repair any part or parts of your new outdoor
power product which is defective in material or workman¬
ship without charge for either parts or labor during the first
year following delivery to you.
We also promise you, the first user purchaser, a second
year warranty on the engine and drive train of your new
Cub Cadet Tractor, Lawn Tractor or Riding Tractor.
What the second year covers
(A) It will cover the engine internal parts contained within
the engine shielding except for points, condensers, spark
plugs, air filters, oil filters, and routine maintenance parts.
(B) It will cover the tractor drive train including drive shafts,
drive shaft clutch, all parts enclosed by transmission hous¬
ing, and axle housing, axle shafts, final drives, spindle
pulleys, spindle bearings, and electric PTO clutch.
Home Maintenance Products: We promise you, the first
user purchaser, a 1 year warranty on all Home
Maintenance Products. This will cover Push Mowers, Self
Propelled Mowers, Utility Trailers, Walk Behind Tillers,
Chore Performers and Snow Throwers.
The Tecumseh engine, used on Walk Behind Snow
Throwers, will carry a 2 year warranty on the engine only.
Cub Cadet Attachments:
We promise you, the first user purchaser, that we will
replace or repair any part or parts which are defective in
material or workmanship without charge for parts or labor
during the first year following delivery to you. This will
cover all Cub Cadet attachments. This does not include
Approved Allied Equipment which is sold and warranted
directly by the manufacturer.
Obtaining Warranty Service
Through Cub Cadet Dealers
Warranty repairs will be made by your selling Cub
Cadet dealer or any Cub Cadet dealer authorized to
sell the type of equipment involved during the normal
working hours of the dealer service department. You,
the purchaser, are responsible for transportation of
the equipment to the dealership for warranty service
or for any service call expense, along with any over¬
time labor you request.
Replacement Parts Warranty
Cub Cadet parts which are furnished and installed under
this warranty are themselves within the coverage of this
warranty for the duration of the original warranty period
or for ninety days after installation, whichever period shall
expire last.
ChbChdet
Power Equipment
What is not Covered
Tires and tubes are not covered by this warranty, but are
warranted by their manufacturer. Regular maintenance
replacement items such as spark plugs, ignition points,
condensers, belts, cutting parts, filters and lubricants, and
maintenance adjustments such as fuel system cleaning,
engine tune-up, brake and/or clutch inspection or adjust¬
ment, when such replacement or adjustments are made
as part of normal maintenance service are excluded from
coverage. Any non-Cub Cadet product which you may
have installed in or upon the product is also excluded.
No person is authorized to give any other warranty or to
assume any other liabilities on the Company’s behalf
unless made or assumed in writing by the Company, and
no person is authorized to give any warranties or to
assume any liabilities on the seller’s behalf unless made
or assumed in writing by the seller.
Limitations On Our
Responsibility
Please carefully note that this is a two-way agreement.
We promise to make free repairs or replacements as
stated, but you agree, that except for our obligation to
make good on this promise, we shall not be responsible
for any expenses or inconvenience which you might in¬
cur or experience with respect to our product, nor shall
we be liable for defects, damage, or failures caused by
unauthorized alterations, unreasonable use, accident or
abuse, including failure to provide reasonable and
necessary maintenance, after our product has been
delivered to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Personal Use
The foregoing paragraphs constitute Cub Cadet Corpora¬
tion’s entire warranty with respect to any product pur¬
chased and used for personal, family, or household
purposes as distinguished from commercial usage.
Commercial Use:
All Cub Cadet products will be warranted against
defective parts or workmanship. This is for Cub Cadet
Tractor, Attachments and Home Maintenance prod¬
ucts and for one year only.
rHIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EX¬
PRESSED OR IMPLIED. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED, AS ARE
&LL OTHER REPRESENTATION TO THE USER-PURCHASER, AND
ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING LIABIL1*
fY FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ON THE
PART OF THE COMPANY OR THE SELLER.
2

CONTENTS
Warranty. 2
Safe Operations. 3
To The Owner. 6
Serial Number Location. 6
Controls . 7
Operation.10
Adjustments.13
Maintenance. 1 9
Off-Season Storage.23
Optional Equipment and Accessories .... 23
Maintenance Chart.30
Troubleshooting.31
Lubrication Table.32
Lubrication Guide.33
Specifications.33
A instructions given with this symbol are
for personal safety. Be sure to follow
them.
A WARNING
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available at
your nearest engine authorized service center.
WARNING
To reduce the potential for any injury, comply with the following safety instructions. Failure to comply with the
instructions may result in personal injury.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. Read the owner's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this unit.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and reg¬
ular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This unit is a precision piece of power equipment
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme cau¬
tion at all times.
3. Know the controls and how to stop quickly - READ
THE OWNER'S MANUAL
4. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do not
allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.
Only persons well acquainted with these rules of
safe operation should be allowed to use your
mower.
5. No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication which impairs the senses or
reactions.
6. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts to avoid entanglement in the
moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, or sneakers.
7. To prevent injury, do not carry passengers or give
rides. Keep children, pets and bystanders out of the
area while mowing. Only the operator should ride
on the unit and he/she should ride only in the seat.
8. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, guy wires, bridges or low hang¬
ing tree branches; before entering or leaving build¬
ings, or in any other situation where the operator
may be struck or pulled from the unit. Such negli¬
gence could result in serious injury.
9. To maintain control of the unit and reduce the pos¬
sibility of upset or collision, operate the tractor
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
10. K eep the area of operation clear of all persons, par¬
ticularly small children and pets. Stop engine when
they are in the vicinity of your mower. Although the
area of operation should be completely cleared of
3

foreign objects, a small object may have been over¬
looked and could be accidentally thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause injury.
11. Clear work area of objects which might be picked
up and thrown in any direction by the mower and
cause injury.
12. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives,
walks or roads.
13. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into
neutral before attempting to start engine.
14. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
before leaving operating position.
15. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Stay clear of the discharge opening at all
times as the rotating blade(s) can cause injury.
16. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine
before making any repairs or adjustments. Discon¬
nect the spark plug wire(s) and keep the wire(s)
away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
17. Before attempting to unclog the mower or discharge
chute, stop the engine. The mower btade(s) may
continue to rotate for a few seconds after the engine
is shut off. Therefore, be sure the blade(s) have
stopped completely. Disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and keep the wire(s) away from the'plug to
prevent accidental starting.
18. Disengage power to attachment(s) when transport¬
ing or not in use.
19. Take all possible precautions when leaving vehicle
unattended such as disengaging power-take-off,
lowering attachments, shifting into neutral, setting
parking brake, stopping engine and removing key.
20. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Mow up and down face of steep slopes;
never across the face. Use extreme caution if it is
necessary to drive the tractor up an incline or back
the tractor down an incline because the front of the
tractor could lift and rapidly flip over backward
which could cause serious injury.
21. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Always keep the
tractor in gear when going down steep hills to take
advantage of engine braking action.
22. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
23. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equip¬
ment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in owner’s manual.
24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near road¬
ways.
25. When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders. Do not
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
26. Handle fuel with care. It is highly flammable.
A. Use approved fuel container.
B. Never remove cap or add fuel to a running or
hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors. Wipe up
spilled fuel.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage.
Exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
27. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating
condition, and keep safety devices in place. Use
guards as instructed in operator’s manual.
28. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
29. Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing
in any enclosure.
30. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass,
leaves or excessive grease.
31. The vehicle and attachment should be stopped and
inspected for damage after striking a foreign object.
The damage should be repaired before restarting
and operating the equipment.
32. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
33. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as fol¬
lows:
A. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
B. Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operator must dismount to
do so.
C. Shut the engine off and 'wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop before removing
the grass catcher.
D. Check blade mounting bolts for proper tight¬
ness at frequent intervals.
34. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or
deterioration. For safety protection, replace only
with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
35. Look behind to make sure the area is clear before
placing the transmission in reverse and continue
looking behind while backing up. Disengage blades
before shifting into reverse and backing up.
36. This unit should not be driven up a ramp onto a
trailer or truck under power, because the unit could
tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit
must be pushed manually to load properly.
4

PRODUCT GRAPHICS
Keep safety product graphics (decals) clean.
Replace any safety graphic that is damaged,
destroyed, missing, painted over or can no longer be
read. Replacement safety graphics are available
through your dealer.
A CAUTION
RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Read operator s manual. Learn to operate this machine
SAFELY. Don't risk INJURY or DEATH.
1. Before starting engine or operation: Be familiar with controls. Be in operator's
position with transmission in neutral. PTO turned off, and brake depressed.
2. Keep shields in place. Keep away from moving parts
3. NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away
4. Don't point mower discharge at people.
5. Avoid slopes. Tractors can be rolled over.
6. Before leaving operator s position
Shut off PTO. Place transmission in neutral Set parking brake. Shut off engine
Remove ignition key Wait for all movement to stop before servicing or cleaning
7 Do not fill gasoline tank when engine is running
Tighten cap securely.
L92-292C 3236
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION LOCATED ON THE FRAME COVER.
_Acaution
Electrical system is 12 volt negative ground.
When using booster with jumper cables, precau
tions must be taken to prevent personal injury or
damage to electrical parts.
1. Attach one end of jumper cable to positive
terminal of booster battery and other end to
positive terminal of vehicle battery.
2. Attach one end of second cable to negative
terminal of booster battery and other end to
vehicle frame away from battery.
3. To remove cables, reverse above sequence
exactly to avoid sparks. See operator’s
manual for additional information.
CAUTION —BOOSTER BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS
LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD.
5

TO THE OWNER
Assembled in this manual are operation, lubrication,
and maintenance instructions for the Cub Cadet 1215
and 1220 Tractors. The material has been prepared in
detail to help you better understand the correct care
and efficient operation of your tractor. Before you oper¬
ate the tractor, study this manual carefully. Additional
copies may be ordered from your dealer at a nominal
price.
Your local authorized dealer is interested in the per¬
formance you receive from your tractor. He has factory-
trained servicemen, informed in the latest method of
servicing tractors, modern tools, and original-equip¬
ment service parts which assure proper fit and good
performance.
The Cub Cadet 1220 Tractor has a hydrostatic drive
unit and will require minimum service if recommended
operation and maintenance procedures are followed.
To obtain top performance and assure economical
operation the tractor should be inspected, depending
on its use, periodically, or at least once a year, by your
authorized dealer.
When in need of parts, always specify the model, chas¬
sis, and engine serial numbers, including the prefix
and suffix letters. Write these serial numbers in the
space provided on this page.
Should you have difficulties with the unit consult your
authorized dealer. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
SHOULD YOU ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THESE
UNITS YOURSELF. Only your dealer is authorized to
repair or replace units on this drive under the terms of
the warranty. Should you desire additional information
not found in this manual, contact your authorized Cub
Cadet dealer.
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
■ ^NOTE
LEFT and RIGHT indicate the left and right
sides of the tractor when facing forward in the
driver’s seat. Reference to FRONT indicates
grille end of the tractor; to REAR the drawbar
end.
Chassis serial number plate is on the left hand side of
frame. (See Figure!)
Figure 1.
Engine serial number plate is located on the engine
shroud.
Figure 2.
MODEL
DELIVERY DATE
6

CONTROLS
Your Cub Cadet Tractor has been safety engineered.
Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the instruments
and controls before attempting to start or operate the
tractor.
Figure 3.
Model 1215 Gear Drive Tractor
Model 1220 Hydrostatic Drive Tractor
A. Charge Indicator
B. Electronic Monitor
C. Ignition Switch
D. Lift Control Lever
E. Power Take-Off (PTO)
F. Parking Brake Lever
G. Choke Control
H. Brake Pedal
I. Clutch Pedal
J. Throttle Control Lever
K. Light Switch
A. C HARGE INDICATOR
This instrument indicates whether the alternator is
charging or the battery is discharging. If it shows dis¬
charge continuously, investigate the cause to avoid
completely discharging the battery and possible
damage to the charging circuit. (See Figure 3 or 4.)
B. E L ECTRONIC MONITOR (See Figure 5)
In Reverse Gear — will be illuminated when tractor is in
reverse. Light must be off to start tractor.
Do Not Engage PTO — will be illuminated if PTO
switch is engaged while tractor is in reverse.
NOTE
PTO will not be engaged with tractor in reverse
— switch only will engage.
PTO On — light will be illuminated when PTO switch is
engaged. Light must be off to start tractor.
Place In Neutral — light will be illuminated when start¬
ing tractor and gear shift is not in neutral. Light must be
off to start tractor.
Full Throttle Required (two indicators) — top light will
be illuminated when the PTO is engaged. Bottom light
will be illuminated when the light switch is on.
■ ^NOTE
The unit should be run at full throttle when
using PTO operated equipment or when the
headlights are on.
C. I G NITION
A WARNING
Remove the key from the tractor when the
tractor is not in use to prevent accidental start¬
ing and battery discharge.
/
r--
f >
In
Reverse
Gear
<_ j
Full
Throttle
Required
L_J
PTO
On
\_
r ^
Do Not
Engage
PTO
L _
ran
Full
Throttle
Require^
Place
In
Neutral
Figure 5.
7

The ignition switch is a three position switch. Turn key
to “START” position. When the engine starts, release
key. Key will retract to “ON” position. Turn key to
“OFF” position to stop engine. (See Figure 3 or 4.)
J. T HROTTLE CONTROL LEVER
This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set
in a given position, it will maintain a uniform engine
speed. (See Figure 3 or 4.)
D. L I F T CONTROL LEVER
This lever is used to raise and lower the cutting deck
and other attachments. (See Figure 3 or 4.)
E. POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
The power take-off is an electric clutch operated by a
toggle switch on the left side of the instrument panel.
When PTO is engaged, throttle should be in fast
position.
F. PARKING BRAKE LEVER (1215 Tractor)
The parking brake lever is located on the right side of
the pedestal below the instrument panel. To operate,
simultaneously depress clutch and brake pedals as
you pull the parking brake lever up and out (towards
the operator) to lock. To disengage parking brake,
simultaneously depress clutch and brake pedal, lift
parking brake lever up and release. The parking brake
lever will retract. Always lock the parking brake when
tractor is not in use. (See Figure 3.)
PARKING BRAKE LEVER (1220 Tractor)
The parking brake lever is located on the left side of the
pedestal below the instrument panel. To operate,
depress the brake pedal and hold it down while lifting
the parking brake lever up and pulling out to lock. To
disengage the parking brake, press down on the pedal
and lift the lever up. The parking brake lever will
retract. Always lock the brake when the tractor is
parked on a grade. (See Figure 4.)
G. CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is located on the left side of the
pedestal below the instrument panel. The choke con¬
trol is operated manually. Pull knob out to choke
engine. Push knob in to open choke. (See Figure 3 or
4.)
H. BRAKE PEDAL (1215 Tractor)
The brake pedal is located on the right side of the
tractor. (See Figure 3.)
BRAKE PEDAL (1220 Tractor)
The brake pedal is located on the left side of the tractor.
When the pedal is depressed, the speed lever control
is automatically moved to the neutral (“N”) position.
(See Figure 4.)
I. CLUTCH PEDAL (1215 Tractor)
The clutch pedal is located on the left side of the
tractor. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the drive
belt is disengaged from the engine pulley.
When using power take-off operated equipment, best
performance is achieved with the throttle lever in the
“FAST” position.
“Turtle” This symbol shows slow position.
"Rabbit” This symbol shows fast position.
K. L IGHT SWITCH
The lights are turned on and off by a toggle switch on
the center of instrument panel. Flip switch up for “ON”
or down for “OFF”. When lights are on, throttle should
be in “FAST” position.
L. I N TERLOCKS (See Figures 6 and 7)
Interlock safety switches are located under the right
hand fender, the PTO switch and seat.
The safety starting switches, activated by the gear shift
lever (1215 Tractor) or the speed control lever (1220
Tractor) and the PTO switch, serve to prevent starting
the engine accidentally. The gear shift lever (1215 Trac-
tor) or the speed control lever (1220 Tractor) must be
in neutral (“N”) and the PTO switch in the “OFF”
position before engine will start.
When using PTO operated equipment, the operator
must remain seated at all times. If the operator should
leave the tractor seat without turning off the PTO
switch, the engine will automatically shut off. In addi¬
tion, the PTO switch must be in the “OFF” position
when shifting the tractor into reverse or the PTO will
automatically disengage. To re-engage the PTO, shift
into neutral (“N”), move PTO switch into the “OFF”
position and then reactivate PTO while seated.
SWITCH
Figure 6.
8

REVERSE SWITCH AND
PTO INDICATOR SWITCH
Figure 7.
O. HYDROSTATIC DUMP VALVE LEVER
(1220 Tractor)
The hydrostatic dump valve lever is located on the
frame cover.
M. GEAR SHIFT LEVER (1215 Tractor)
■ ^NOTE
Clutch pedal must be fully depressed before
shift lever can be moved.
The gear shift lever is located on the right rear tractor
fender. This lever is used to select various gear ratios
provided in the transmission. There are five forward
speeds and one reverse speed. Refer to ‘'SPECIFICA¬
TIONS’*. (See Figure 8.)
Figure 8.
N. SPEED CONTROL LEVER (1220 Tractor)
The speed contol lever is located on the right rear
tractor fender. Move the speed control lever forward
for various forward tractor speeds or backward for
various reverse tractor speeds. (See Figure 9.)
The dump valve disconnects the transmission from the
pump so the unit can be pushed without running.
1. To engage the dump valve (making the tractor
free-wheeling), push the lever forward and hold in
this position. (See Figure 10.)
2. To disengage the dump valve, release the lever.
(See Figure 11.)
HYDROSTATIC
DUMP VALVE
HYDROSTATIC DUMP
VALVE LEVER
9

FUEL TANK AND GAUGE
The fuel tank and gauge are located under the oper¬
ator’s seat. (See Figure 12.)
1
3
Figure 12.
1. Operator’s Seat
2. Fuel Tank
3. Fuel Tank Gauge
FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE
The fuel shut-off valve is located under the tractor’s
rear fender. The fuel shut-off valve is used to shut off
fuel flow to the engine to aid maintenance. (See Figure
13.)
1. Rear Fender
2. Fuel Shut-Off Valve
LIFT CONTROL LEVER
The lift control lever is used to lift or lower equipment
used with the tractor. The equipment can be set in five
positions by depressing the button on the lever and
releasing it when the desired position is reached. (See
Figure 14.)
LIFT CONTROL
LEVER
OPERATION
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
1. Check oil level. The oil fill and dipstick are located
on the right rear side of the engine. (See Figure
15.)
2. Fill fuel tank with Regular or Unleaded gasoline.
ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS
Cub Cadet Low Ash Engine Oil
DO NOT USE: Synthetic oil, non-detergent oil or other
non-recommended oils.
DO NOT MIX different brands of oil.
OIL DIPSTICK CHECKS
Dipstick should be checked before starting the unit
EVERY TIME.
Ambient Temperature
Above 40 degrees F
0 to 100 degrees F
Below 20 degrees F
Viscosity (Grade SF)
SAE30
SAE 10W30 or 10W40
SAE 5W20 or 5W30
Dipstick markings indicate upper and lower limits at a
cold oil condition.
Never overfill engine oil.
10