Cub Cadet 1204 User manual

Owners Manual
TRACTORS
Model Numbers
1204
1210
1211
Important:
Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
Thank you for purchasing an American-built product.
CUB CADET CORPORATION • RO. BOX36930 • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 772-3865
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.
(jubChdet
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
Responsibiiity
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.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EX¬
PRESSED OR IMPLIED. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED, AS ARE
ALL OTHER REPRESENTATION TO THE USER-PURCHASER, AND
ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING LIABILI¬
TY FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ON THE
PART OF THE COMPANY OR THE SELLER.
2

CONTENTS
Warranty. 2
Safe Operations. 3
To The Owner. 5
Serial Number Location. 5
Controls . 6
Operation.11
Adjustments.16
Maintenance.21
Off-Season Storage.25
Optional Equipment and Accessories .... 25
Maintenance Chart.26
Troubleshooting.27
Lubrication Table.30
Lubrication Guide.30
Specifications.35
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 an'ester meeting applicable local or stale 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.
A 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

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 blade(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 countenweight{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 mn
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 rerrxjving
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.

TO THE OWNER
Assembled in this manual are operation, lubrication,
and maintenance instructions for the Cub Cadet 1204,
1210 and 1211 Tractors. The material has been pre¬
pared in detail to help you better understand the cor¬
rect care and efficient operation of your tractor. Be¬
fore you operate 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-equipment service parts which assure proper
fit and good performance.
The Cub Cadet 1211 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,
chassis, 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 located near left rear
fender. (See Figure 1.)
CHASSIS SERIAL NUMBER
Figure 1
Figure 2
MODEL_
DELIVERY DATE
5

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. (1204 Tractor Only)
1. Drain plug 6.
2. Transaxie 7.
3. Transaxle pulley 6.
4. Belt guide 9.
5. Drive pulley 10.
Rockshatt arm
Safety starting switch
Steering gear box
Idler pulley
Brake rod
A. FUSE
The fuse is installed to protect the tractor's electrical
circuitry and components from damage caused by
excessive amperage overload. (See Figure 4, 5 or 6.)
B. CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is operated manually. Pull knob out
to choke engine. Push knob in to open choke. (See
Figure 4, 5 or 6.)
C. BRAKE PEDAL (1210 and 1211 Tractors Only)
■ ^NOTE
Do not rest your foot on the single brake ped -
al while driving the tractor as this would cause
the speed control lever to return to the "N"
position.
Brake pedal must be pressed all the way down to
activate the safety starling switch. When brake pedal
is In the depressed position, it automatically moves the
speed control lever to the "N" position, if the linkage is
properly adjusted. (See Figure 5 or 6.)
j
6

Figure 6. (1211 Tractor)
A. Fuse
B. Choke Control
C. BrakePedal (1210 and 1211 Only)
D. Brake Pedal Lock
E. Clutch-Brake Pedal (1204 Only)
F. Power Take-Off Control Switch
G. Interiock Safety Switches (Not Shown)
H. Lift Handle (1204 and 1210 Only)
I. Hydraulic Lift Control Lever (1211 Only)
J. Lift Height Indicator
K. Cam Lock Knob
L. Ignition/Light Switch
M. Charge Indicator
N. Hour Meter
O. Throttle Control Lever
P. Gear Shift Lever (1204 Only)
Q. Creeper Drive and Guard (1204 Only)
R. Speed Control Lever (1210 and 1211 Only)
S. Speed Control Stop (1210 and 1211 Only)
T. Fuel Tank Filler Cap Gauge
The tractor can be stopped either by pressing the
pedal all the way down or by placing the speed con¬
trol lever in the ”N" position.
D. B R AKE PEDAL LOCK
A WARNING
The hydrostatic transmission will not hold the
tractor on a hill. In a short period ot time (de¬
pending on the steepness of the hill) the oil
will drain from the transmission and allow the
tractor to roll downhill. To avoid an accident
and/or possible Injury, lock the brake.
Always lock the brake when tractor Is parked on a
grade. To lock the brake, depress brake pedal and
place the brake pedal lock in the engaged position.
(See Figure 7.) To disengage the lock, press down
on the pedal, lift the lock up and place it in the
disengaged position.
1. Brake Pedal
2. Brake Pedal Lock
E. C LUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL (1204 Tractors Only)
The combination clutch-brake pedal is used to dis¬
engage the engine from the transmission when shift¬
ing gears and to actuate the brake to stop the tractor.
To activate the safety starting switch or to disengage
the clutch to change gears, the pedal must be
pressed all the way down. (See Figure 4.)
F. FRONT POWER TAKE-OFF CONTROL SWITCH
The power take-off (PTO) control switch, which is
located on the left side of the instrument panel (see
Figure 4 or 5), operates an electric clutch. This
electric clutch controls the engagement ("RUN") or
disengagement ("OFF") of the front PTO.
G. INTERLOCK SAFETY SWITCHES
A CAUTION
The engine will not start unless:
1. The brake pedal is depressed.
2. The PTO switch is in the "OFF' position.
3. The operator is seated.
When using PTO-operated equipment, the
operator must remain in tractor seat at all
times. If operator should leave tractor seat
without turning off the PTO switch, the PTO
will automatically disengage.
Interlock safety switches are activated by the brake
pedal, the PTO switch located on the control panel,
and a switch located underneath the operator's seat.

The interlock safety switches, activated by the brake
pedal, PTO switch and seat switch serve to prevent
starting the engine accidentally. The engine will not
start unless: 1. the brake pedal is depressed, 2. the
PTO is in the "OFF" position, 3. the operator is
seated.
H. LIFT HANDLE (1204 and 1210 Tractors Only)
The lift handle is used to lift or lower equipment used
with the tractor. The equipment can be set in multiple
positions by depressing the button on the handle and
releasing it when the desired position is reached.
An additional feature has been provided to give
increased float capability to the deck by depressing
the button and rotating the pin into the slot as shown
in Figure 8.
3
Figure 9. (1211 Tractor Only)
1. Hydraulic Lift Control Lever
J. LIFT HEIGHT INDICATOR
The lift height indicator will Indicate the height of deck
attachment when installed. (See Figures 10 and 11.)
Figure 8. (1204 and 1210 Tractors Only)
1. Lift Handle
2. Slot
3. Button
4. Pin
I. HYDRAULIC LIFT CONTROL LEVER (1211
Tractor Only)
■ i^NOTE
The engine must be running in order to op*
erate the hydraulic lift.
The hydraulic lift control lever (see Figure 9 ) controls
the raising and lowering of a mowing deck, if installed.
The control lever is spring-loaded. To raise the equip¬
ment, move the lever back toward the tractor seat. To
lower the equipment, move the lever forward.
LIFT
O HEIGHT
INDICATOR
Figure 10. (1204 and 1210 Tractors Only)
8

HEIGHT
--INDICATOR
Figure 11. (1211 Tractor Only)
K. CAM LOCK KNOB (1204 and 1210 Tractors Only)
The cam stop may be adjusted to allow the implement
to return to a single height. (See Figure 12.)
With implement In desired height position, release
cam stop by turning locking knob counterclockwise.
Turn cam stop until it contacts lift bracket on lift handle.
Lock cam stop into this position by turning cam knob
clockwise.
1
Figure 12
1. Cam Stop
2. Locking Knob
3. Lift Handle
4. Lift Bracket
■ ^NOTE
Refer to the equipment manual for proper
hitching instructions.
CAM LOCK KNOB (1211 Tractor Only)
The cam lock knob is used to adjust the cam stop,
which will allow an attached implement to return to a
single preset height. (See Figure 13.)
With the implement at a desired height, release cam
stop by turning locking knob counterclockwise. Turn
cam stop until it contacts tang on rockshaft. Lock cam
stop into this position by turning cam knob clockwise.
S=>v
Figure 13. (1211 Tractor Only)
1. Locking Knob
2. Cam Stop
3. Tang
4. Rockshaft
Equipment Is normally operated In a "Float" position
(implement free to move upward).
To operate equipment in a fixed "Locked" position
where down pressure of the implement is required
(blade work), remove frame cover and install bolt, 1/2 x
1-1/8 inch (not furnished with tractor), between the lift
arm and lift bracket. (See Figure 14.)
9

1
Figure 14. (1211 Tfactor Only)
1. Lift Bracket
2. Hole (Not Seen) For Bolt
3. Lift Aim
L IGNITION/LIGHT SWITCH
A WARNING
Remove the key from the tractor when the
tractor is not In use to prevent accidental
starting and battery discharge.
mine without guesswork when lubrication, change of
oil or periodic inspections are necessary. It also pro¬
vides a means of computing cost of specific jobs. The
hour meter operates whenever the engine is running
or the ignition key is in the "ON" position.
Figure 16
O. 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 4, 5, or 6.)
When using power take-off operated equipment, best
performance is achieved with the throttle lever in the
"FAST" position.
This symbol shows slow position.
This symbol shows fast position.
The combination lights and ignition switch is a four-
position switch. (See Figure 15.)
IGNITION
OFF
^ ON/LIGHTS
0))-ON
\ START
Figure 15
M. CHARGE INDICATOR
This instrument indicates whether the alternator is
charging or the battery is discharging. If It shows
discharge continuously, investigate the cause to
avoid completely discharging the battery and possible
damage to the charging circuit. (See Figure 4,5 or 6.)
P. G EAR SHIFT LEVER (1204 Tractor Only)
This lever is used to select various gear ratios
provided in the transmission. There are four fonward
speeds and one reverse speed. Refer to
"SPECIFICATIONS”. (See Figure 4.)
Q. C REEPER DRIVE AND GUARD (1204 Tractor
Only)
The 1204 tractor has a built-in creeper drive in first
gear for extra slow speed at full power. There is also a
creeper drive guard installed to prevent accidental
shifting into creeper drive. To get Into creeper drive
from first gear, you must first flip over the guard. (See
Figure 4.)
R. S PEED CONTROL LEVER (1210 and 1211
Tractors Only)
■ ^NOTE
N. HOUR METER
The hour meter is located on the instrument panel.
(See Figures 4,5, 6 or 16.) It indicates the actual hours
of engine operation, enabling the operator to deter-
Do not rest your foot on the single brake
pedal while driving the tractor as this would
cause the speed control lever to return to the
"N" position.
10