Cub Cadet 1535 User manual

Owner’s Manual
GARDEN TRACTOR
Model Number
1535
Important:
Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
Thank you for purchasing an American-built product
CUB CADET CORPORATION • P.O. BOX 360930 • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 772-4074

aib Cadet
Power Equipment
LIMITED WARRANTY
Proper maintenance of your Cub Cadet equipment is the owner’s responsibility. Follow the instructions
in your owner’s manual for correct lubricants and maintenance schedule. Your Cub Cadet dealer carries a
complete line of quality lubricants and filters for your equipments engine, transmission, chassis and
attachments.
RIDING MOWERS, LAWN TRACTORS, GARDEN TRACTORS, CUB CADET ATTACHMENTS AND HOME
MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS.
FIRST YEAR
This limited warranty for residential and commercial users, covers any defect in material or workmanship in
your Cub Cadet equipment for one year from the date of purchase for the first user purchaser.
Batteries have a one year prorated limited warranty with 100% replacement during the first three months.
We will replace or repair any part or parts without charge through your authorized Cub Cadet dealer.
SECOND YEAR
This limited warranty, for residential users only, covers any defects in material or workmanship in the drive
train for two years from the date of purchase for the first user purchaser.
The drive train consists of the engine, engine cradle, drive shaft, drive shaft clutch, all parts enclosed by the
transmission housing, rear axle housing, brakes and electric power take off (if so equipped). V-belts used for
either the traction drive or any attachments are covered for one year only.
ITEMS NOT COVERED
The warranty does not cover routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters (oil, fuel, air and
hydraulic), cleaning, tuneups, brake and/or clutch Inspection, adjustments made as part of normal mainte¬
nance, blade sharpening, set-up, abuse, accidents and normal wear. It does not cover incidental costs
such as transporting your equipment to and from the dealer, telephone charges or renting a product tem¬
porarily to replace a warranted product.
There is no other express warranty.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE
Contact your authorized Cub Cadet servicing dealer who sold you your Cub Cadet equipment. If this dealer is
not available see the Consumer Yellow Pages under "lawn mowers" for the name of a dealer near you.
If you need further assistance in finding an authorized Cub Cadet servicing dealer, write or telephone:
Cub Cadet Corporation Telephone: [phone]
Post Office Box 360930
Cleveland, Ohio 44136
Attn: Customer Service
HOW DOES STATE LAW APPLY?
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
\
2

CONTENTS
Section
Page
Section
Page
Warranty.
. 2
VI Mowing.
... 30
Safe Operations .
. 3
Optional Equipment
To The Owner.
. 7 and Accessories. .. 31
Serial No. Location.
. 7 Maintenance Chart.
.. 32
1
Controls.
. 8
Trouble Shooting.
.. 33
II
Operation.
. 14
Lubrication Table.
35
III
Adjustments.
. 19
Lubrication Guide.
.. 36
IV
Maintenance.
. 24 Specifications.
.. 39
V
Off-Season Storage.
. 29 Slope Gauge .
41
A
44 Instructions given with this symbol are for
4
personal safety. Be sure to follow them.
4
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.
IMPORTANT
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT
FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS
MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY
WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU
SEE THIS SYMBOL - A HEED ITS WARNING.
A WARNING
Your unit was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any
type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. If
you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
1. R EAD THIS 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 regular 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 the machine
quickly.
3

4. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do not
allow adults to operate It without proper instruc¬
tion. Only persons well acquainted with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use
your mower.
5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts to avoid entanglement in
th# moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare
feet, sandals, or sneakers.
6. 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.
7. Check overhead clearance carefully before driv¬
ing under power lines, guy wires, bridges or low
hanging tree branches; before entering or leaving
buildings, or in any other situation where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit,
which could result in serious injury.
8. To maintain control of the unit and reduce the
possibility of upset or collision, operate the tractor
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
9. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower.
Although the area of operation should be com¬
pletely cleared of foreign objects, a small object
may have been overlooked and could be acciden¬
tally thrown by the mower in any direction and
cause injury to you or a bystander.
10. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
11. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives,
walks or roads.
12. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into
neutral before attempting to start engine.
13. Before leaving the operator’s position, disengage
blades, place shift lever in neutral, engage park¬
ing brake, shut engine off and remove key.
14. 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.
15. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before making any repairs or adjustments.
Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and keep the
wire(s) away from the plug(s) to prevent acciden¬
tal starting.
16 . 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. Discon¬
nect the spark plug wire(s) and keep the wire(s)
away from the plug(s) to prevent accidental start¬
ing.
17. Disengage power to attachment(s) when trans¬
porting or not in use.
18. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as
part of this manual to measure slopes before
operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the
slope is greater than 15° as shown on the slope
gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or
serious injury could result.
19. 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 back¬
ward which could cause serious injury.
20. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Always keep
the tractor in low gear when going down steep
hills to take advantage of engine braking action.
Choose a low enough gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
21 . Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards which may cause the unit to tip over.
22. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
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.
23. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near road¬
ways.
24. When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow
anyone near vehicle while in operation.
25. 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. Always use original type vented
cap.
4

C. Open doors if engine is run in garage.
Exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
26. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are
present, such as hot water and space heaters,
clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
27. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and cutting
deck free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.
28. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operat¬
ing condition, and keep safety devices in place.
Use guards as instructed in operator’s manual.
29. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
30. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped
and inspected for damage after striking a foreign
object. The damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the equipment.
31. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
32. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as
follows:
A. M ow 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.
33. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or
deterioration. For safety protection, replace only
with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
34. 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.
35. This unit should net 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 prop¬
erly.
36. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service according to brake adjustment instruc¬
tions in this manual.
5

PRODUCT GRAPHICS missing, painted over or can no longer be read.
Keep safety product graphics (decals) clean. Replace Replacement safety graphics are available through
any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, your dealer.
LIFT LEVER
LOWER
BRAKE LOCK,
NOTE: IF THE BRAKE LOCK IS
DISENGAGED AND THE OPERA¬
TOR LEAVES THE SEAT WHILE
THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE
ENGINE WILL SHUT-OFF
RAISE
DEPRESS BUTTON TO OPERATE LEVER. RO¬
TATE PIN INTO SLOT FOR LEVER TO ROAT
CAUTION. WHEN IN FLOAT POSTON, AND
ATTACHMENT ENCOUNTERS AN OBSTRUCTION,
THE LEVER MAY MOVE RAPIDLY REARWARD!
LIFT LEVER STOP
TO
PRESET
LIFT
LEVER
HEIGHT
LIFT
'LEVER
LOCKING
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL
CLUTCH
POSITION
w ..._.. . V
V_/
IGNITION '
ON-LIGHTS
\- ON
START
BRAKE -
POSITION
CHOKE
HI
LO
4 -
GEAR SELECTOR
OFF
PTO
START
RUN
PTO SWITCH MUST
BE IN OFF POSITION
BEFORE STARTING
UNIT AND BEFORE
SHIFTING TRACTOR
INTO REVERSE
TO START THE
FRONT PTO PULL
KNOB OUT AND
LIFT UP (NOTE
KNOB WILL RE¬
TRACT INTO RUN
POSITION)
LOOK'
BEFORE
BACKING
POSITION AT
WHICH PTO WILL
RUN IF STARTING
PROCEDURE HAS
BEEN COMPLETED
(NOTE If PTO IS
RUNNING ANO UNIT
IS SHIFTED INTO
REVERSE OR OPERA¬
TOR LEAVES THE
SEAT THE PTO
WILL OISENGAGE
TO REACTIVATE
PTO, PULL KNOB
OUT AND LIFT UP
INTO START
POSITION i
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 m 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 1 Keep all people and pets a safe distance away.
A Don't pom! mower discharge at people
5 Avoid slopes Tractors can be rolled over.
6 Before leaving operator's position
Shut off PTO Place transmission m neutral Set brake lock Shut oft engine
Remove ignition key Wait tor all movement to stop before servicing or cleaning
7 Do not till gasoline lank when engine is running or while engine is hot Tighten cap
securely
AD
35290 ( 641 )
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION
LOCATED ON THE FRAME COVER
6

TO THE OWNER
Assembled in this manual are operation, lubrication,
and maintenance instructions for the Cub Cadet 1535
Tractor. The material has been prepared in detail to
help you better understand the correct care and
efficient operation of your tractor. Before 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.
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 paits, 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
cates grille end of the tractor; to REAR, the
drawbar end.
LEFT and RIGHT indicate the left and right
sides of the tractor when facing forward in Chassis serial number plate is located near left rear
the driver’s seat. Reference to FRONT indi- fender. (See Figure 1.)
CHASSIS SERIAL NUMBER
Figure 1
Figure 2
MODE!_
DELIVERY DATE
7

SECTION I. CONTROLS
Your Cub Cadet Tractor has been safety engineered. and controls before attempting to start or operate the
Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the instruments tractor.
1. Brake Spring
2. Brake Rod
3. Safety Starting Switch
4. Clutch Adjusting Nut
5. Steering Gear Box
6. Clutch Release Rod
7. Drain Plug
8. Transmission
Figure 3. Automotive-Type Transmission and Differential
A. Low Oil Indicator
B. Low Fuel Indicator
C. Amp Indicator
D. Hour Meter
E. Reverse Indicator
F. Disengage PTO Indicator
G. Depress Left Pedal Indicator
H. Lift Handle
I. Lift Height Indicator
J. Cam Lock Knob
K. Gear Shift Lever
L. Ignition/Light Switch
M. Tilt Wheel Release Lever
N. Choke Control
O. Creeper Drive Shift Lever
P. Brake Lock
Q. Clutch/Brake Pedal
R. Throttle Control Lever
S. Front Power Take-Off (PTO) Control Switch
T. Fuse (Not Shown)
U. Safety Interlock Switches (Not Shown)
Figure 4

A. L OW OIL INDICATOR
This indicator will illuminate when the oil level is low.
A CAUTION
When "LOW OIL" indicator illuminates, stop
the tractor and check the oil level. Continu¬
ing to operate the tractor could result in
severe damage to the engine.
B. LOW FUEL INDICATOR
This indicator will illuminate when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is low.
C. AMP INDICATOR
This indicator will illuminate when a problem exists
with the charging system or the battery. If this indica¬
tor illuminates, stop the tractor and contact your Cub
Cadet Dealer.
D. HOUR METER
The hour meter indicates the actual hours of engine
operation. This enables the operator to determine
when lubrication, change of oil or periodic inspections
are necessary. It also provides a means of computing
cost of specific jobs. The hour meter operates when¬
ever the engine is running or the ignition key is in the
"ON" position.
E. R" INDICATOR
This indicator is illuminated when the tractor is in
reverse. The "R“ indicator must be off before the trac¬
tor can be started.
F. DISENGAGE PTO INDICATOR
This indicator will illuminate if an attempt is made to
start the tractor with the PTO switch engaged. This
indicator must be off before the tractor can be started.
When starting the tractor, this indicator will briefly
flash.
G. DEPRESS LEFT PEDAL INDICATOR
This indicator will illuminate when an attempt is made
to start the tractor with the clutch/brake pedal not fully
depressed.
H. L IFT HANDLE
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 5.
Figure 5
1. Lift Handle
2. Slot
3. Button
4. Pin
I. LIFT HEIGHT INDICATOR
The lift height indicator will indicate the height of deck
attachment when installed. (See Figure 6).
LIFT
HEIGHT
INDICATOR
9

J. C AM LOCK KNOB
The cam stop may be adjusted to allow the implement
to return to a single height. (See Figure 7.)
With the implement in a desired height position,
release cam stop by turning locking knob counter¬
clockwise. Turn cam stop until it contacts lift bracket
on lift handle. Lock cam stop into this position by turn¬
ing cam knob clockwise.
■ ^NOTE
Figure 8
Refer to the equipment manual for proper
hitching instructions.
1
4
Figure 7
1. Cam Stop
2. Locking Knob
3. Lift Handle
4. Lift Bracket
K. GEAR SHIFT LEVER
This lever is used to select various gear ratios pro¬
vided in the transmission. There are three forward
speeds and one reverse speed. Refer to "SPECIFI¬
CATIONS". (See Figure 4.)
L. IGNITION/LIGHT SWITCH
WARNING
Remove the key from the tractor when the
tractor is not in use to prevent accidental
starting and battery discharge.
The combination lights and ignition switch is a four-
position switch. (See Figure 8.)
M. T ILT WHEEL RELEASE LEVER
The tilt wheel release lever is used to adjust the steer¬
ing wheel forward away from the operator or rearward
towards the operator. Refer to ADJUSTING THE
STEERING WHEEL in Section III.
N. CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is operated manually. Pull knob out
to choke engine. Push knob in to open choke. (See
Figure 4.)
O. CREEPER DRIVE SHIFT LEVER
The creeper drive provides a slower speed in each
respective gear by a four-to-one reduction in speed
from direct drive. When the creeper shift lever is all
the way forward, the tractor will be in direct drive. If
the creeper shift lever is all the way rearward, the trac¬
tor will be in creeper drive. (See Figure 4.)
P. BRAKE LOCK
Always engage the brake lock when dismounting the
tractor. To lock the brake, depress clutch/brake pedal
and place the brake lock in the engaged position.
(See Figure 9.) To disengage the lock, press down on
the pedal, lift the lock up and place it in the disen¬
gaged position.
1 2
Figure 9
1. Clutch/Brake Pedal
2. Brake Lock
10