Cub Cadet LT 2042 User manual

LT 2042
SERIES 2000
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
CUB CADET LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 [www.cubcadet.com]
PRINTED IN U.S.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 for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
FORM NO. 769-01474
TRACTOR
Model Number
(9/04)

2
KOHLER CO.
FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS
LIMITED WARRANTY
SMALL OFF-ROAD EQUIPMENT ENGINES
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and Kohler Co. are pleased to explain the Federal and
California Emission Control Systems Warranty on your small off-road equipment engine (herein engine). For California, engines produced in 1995 and
later must be designed, built and equipped to meet the state’s stringent anti-smog standards. In other states, 1997 and later model year engines must
be designed, built and equipped, to meet the U.S. EPA regulations for small non-road engines. The engine must be free from defects in materials and
workmanship which cause it to fail to conform with U.S. EPA standards for the first two years of engine use from the date of sale to the ultimate pur-
chaser. Kohler Co. must warrant the emission control system on the engine for the period of time listed above, provided there has been no abuse,
neglect or improper maintenance.
The emission control system may include parts such as the carburetor or fuel injection system, the ignition system, and catalytic converter. Also included
are the hoses, belts and connectors and other emission related assemblies.
Where a warrantable condition exists, Kohler Co. will repair the engine at no cost, including diagnosis (if the diagnostic work is performed at an autho-
rized dealer), parts and labor.
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY COVERAGE
Engines produced in 1995 or later are warranted for two years in California. In other states, 1997 and later model year engines are warranted for two
years. if any emission related part on the engine is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by Kohler Co. free of charge.
OWNER’S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) The engine owner is responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in the owner’s manual. Kohler Co. recommends that you
retain all receipts covering maintenance on the engine. But Kohler Co. cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to
assure that all scheduled maintenance was performed.
(b) Be aware, however, that Kohler Co. may deny warranty coverage if the engine or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or
unapproved modifications.
(c) For warranty repairs, the engine must be presented to a Kohler Co. service center as soon as a problem exists. Call 1-800-544-2444, or access
our web site at: www.kohlerengines.com, for the names of the nearest service centers. The warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable
amount of time, not to exceed 30 days.
If you have any questions regarding warranty rights and responsibilities, you should contact Kohler Co. at 1-920-457-4441 and ask for an Engine Service
representative.
COVERAGE
Kohler Co. warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that the engine will be designed, built and equipped, at the time of sale,
to meet all applicable regulations. Kohler Co. also warrants to the initial purchaser and each subsequent purchaser, that the engine is free from defects
in material and workmanship which cause the engine to fail to conform with applicable regulations for a period of two years.
Engines produced in 1995 or later are warranted for to years in California. For 1997 and later model years, EPA requires manufacturers to warrant
engines for two years in all other states. These warranty periods will be begin on the date the engine is purchased by the initial purchaser. If any emis-
sion related part on the engine is defective, the part will be replaced by Kohler Co. at no cost to the owner. Kohler Co. is liable for damages to other
engine components caused by the failure of a warranted part still under warranty.
Kohler Co. shall remedy warranty defects at any authorized Kohler Co. engine dealer or warranty station. Warranty repair work done at an authorized
dealer or warranty station shall be free of charge to the owner if such work determines that a warranted part is defective.
Listed below are the parts covered by the Federal and California Emission Control Systems Warranty. Some parts listed below may require scheduled
maintenance and are warranted up to the first scheduled replacement point for that part. The warranted parts are:
LIMITATIONS
This Emission Control System Warranty shall not cover any of the following:
(a) repair or replacement required because of misuse or neglect, improper maintenance, repairs improperly performed or replacement not conforming
to Kohler Co. specifications that adversely affect performance and/or durability and alterations or modifications not recommended or approved in
writing by Kohler Co.,
(b) replacement of parts and other services and adjustments necessary for required maintenance at and after the first scheduled replacement point,
(c) consequential damages such as loss of time, inconvenience, loss of use of the engine or equipment, etc.,
(d) diagnosis and inspection fees that do not result in eligible warranty service being performed, and
(e) any add-on or modified part, or malfunction of authorized parts due to the use of add-on or modified parts.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS REQUIREMENTS
The owner is responsible for the proper use and maintenance of the engine. Kohler Co. recommends that all receipts and records covering the perfor-
mance of regular maintenance be retained in case questions arise. If the engine is resold during the warranty period, the maintenance records should
be transferred to each subsequent owner. Kohler Co. reserves the right to deny warranty coverage if the engine has not been properly maintained; how-
ever, Kohler Co. may not deny warranty repairs solely because of the lack of repair maintenance or failure to keep maintenance records.
Normal maintenance, replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be performed by any repair establishment or individual; how-
ever, warranty repair must be performed by a Kohler authorized service center. Any replacement part or service that is equivalent in performance
and durability may be used in non-warranty maintenance or repairs, and shall not reduce the warranty obligations of the engine manufacturer.
• Carburetor assembly • Ignition module(s) with high tension lead
• Throttle body (EFI Systems) • Spark advance module (if equipped)
• Catalytic muffler (if equipped) • Oxygen, speed, throttle position, and temperature sensors (if equipped)
• Fuel metering valve (if equipped) • Electronic control unit (if equipped)
• Crankcase breather • Fuel injectors (EFI Systems)
• Fuel pressure regulator (EFI Systems) • Air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs (only to first scheduled replacement point)

3
TRACTOR AND DECK PREPARATION
1. ATTACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
For shipping purposes, the mulching plug has been in-
stalled in the mower deck. The mulching plug must be
removed to install the chute deflector assembly.
WARNING
Do not operate the mower deck, even with the
mulching plug installed, unless the chute
defelector has been properly installed.
1. Remove the wing nut and carriage bolt securing the
mulching plug to the deck and withdraw the plug
from the discharge opening of the deck.
2. Remove the two hex nuts and bell washers from
the hex cap screws installed in the deck at the
chute opening.
3. Positon the deflector assembly to align the holes of
its hinge bracket with the two hex cap screws and
slide the hinge bracket onto the screws. Secure
with the two bell washers and hex nuts.
NOTE: The crowned (rounded) surface of the
washers go toward the hex nuts.
4. Refer to SECTION V-MOWER DECK when re-
installing the mulching plug.
2. CONNECT THE BATTERY
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
The tractor is shipped with an activated sealed battery.
The positive battery cable is factory connected. The
negative cable must be connected.
Note: Make sure the ignition switch is in the "OFF" po-
sition before attaching the battery cables.
1. Pull the protective cap off the negative terminal of
the battery, and remove the hex cap screw and nut
from the free end of the negative battery cable.
2. Connect the negative battery cable (black) and
green ground wire to the negative terminal (NEG)
of the battery using the hex cap screw and nut.
3. Slide the black terninal cover over the negative
terminal of the battery.
WING NUT
HEX NUTS
BELL
WASHERS
CHUTE
DEFLECTOR
HEX CAP
SCREWS
MULCHING
PLUG
CARRIAGE
BOLT
CONTENTS
Section Page
Emission Control Systems Warranty ... 2
Tractor and Deck Preparation.............. 3
Safe Operation Practices..................... 4
Product Graphics ................................. 7
To The Owner ...................................... 8
Calling Service Information.................. 8
Recording Model & Serial Number ...... 8
I Controls and Indicators ........................ 9
II Operation ............................................. 14
III Adjustments ......................................... 19
IV Maintenance ........................................ 24
V Mower Deck ......................................... 33
Section Page
VI Off-Season Storage ............................. 45
VII Mowing................................................. 46
Optional Equipment and Accessories . 47
Maintenance Chart............................... 48
Trouble Shooting.................................. 49
Lubrication Table ................................. 51
Lubrication Guide................................. 52
Slope Gauge ........................................ 55
Specifications....................................... 57
Warranty — Commercial Use ............. 58
Warranty — Residential Use ............... 59
Maintenance Parts Chart .................... 60

4
WARNING
• The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• 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 to federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available
at your nearest engine authorized service center.
IMPORTANT
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— HEED ITS WARNING.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Your lawn mower 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 injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating
hands and feet or throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference.
2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine. Know the
controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or
near rotating parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by
the blades. A small object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to
you or a bystander. To help avoid a thrown
objects injury, keep children, animals, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while
it is in operation. Always wear safety glasses with
side shields or safety goggles during operation or
while performing an adjustment or repair, to
protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Disengage the blades before shifting into reverse
and backing up. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off the blades, place the transmission
in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove key before dismounting.
11. Turn off blades when not mowing.
12. Stop the engine and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before (a) removing the grass
catcher or unclogging chute, or (b) making any
repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
DANGER

5
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down 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 on a ramp to load or unload
properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while the
engine is running if the operator must dismount to
do so.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals
or sneakers.
19. Check overhead clearance carefully before
driving under power lines, 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.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal and shift into neutral
before attempting to start the engine.
21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not
attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass
(e.g. pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may
build up on the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
22. Use only accessories approved for this machine
by Cub Cadet. Read, understand and follow all
instructions provided with the approved
accessory.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
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.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise ex-
treme caution when changing directions on slopes.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Al-
ways keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of
the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards,
which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Do not use the grass catcher on steep slopes.
Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded
dump cart, lawn roller) on slopes greater than 5 de-
grees. When going downhill, the extra weight may
cause you to loose control and possibly overturn the
tractor.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
They do not understand the dangers. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
3. Before and when backing up, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
Children may fall off and be seriously injured or
may interfere with safe machine operation.
5. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects
that may block your vision of a child who may run
into the machine.

6
6. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage
the cutting blades before shifting in reverse. The
"Reverse Caution Mode" should not be used
when children or others are around.
7. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
8. Remove the key when the machine is left unat-
tended to prevent unauthorized operation.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the
machine. Children 14 years and over should only oper-
ate the machine under close parental supervision and
proper instruction.
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the en-
gine running. Allow the engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and oth-
er sources of ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine
inside where there is an open flame or spark,
such as a gas hot water heater, space heater
or furnace.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage. Allow the machine to cool at
least 5 minutes before storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
5. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at fre-
quent intervals for proper tightness. Also visually
inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked). Replace with blades which meet
original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check the
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing blades.
11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot
during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to
cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can
harm the environment and the ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, contact your local
Environmental Protection Agency to
determine the proper method for disposing of
the waste. Recycling centers are established
to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids.
Do not use food or beverage containers that
may mislead someone into drinking from
them. Properly dispose of the containers im-
mediately following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the
ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond,
lake, or other body of water. Observe Environ-
mental Protection Agency regulations when
disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, fil-
ters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
15. We do not recommend the use of a pressure
washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They
may cause damage to electrical components;
spindles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The
use of water will result in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

7
PRODUCT GRAPHICS
Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean. Replace
any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, miss-
ing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replace-
ment safety graphics are available through your
dealer.
SAFETY GRAPHIC – LOCATED ON
LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – LOCATED ON RIGHT
SIDE OF RUNNING BOARD
WARNING
!
BE FAMILIAR WITH CONTROLS BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE AND OPERATING.
SET CHOKE, MOVE THROTTLE TO MID
POSITION AND DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL.
TURN KEY TO THE START POSITION.
AFTER ENGINE STARTS OPEN CHOKE.
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
DISENGAGE PTO AND SET PARKING BRAKE
MOVE THROTTLE CONTROL TO MID
POSITION AND TURN KEY OFF.
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
READ OPERATORS MANUAL AND ALL
WARNING LABELS BEFORE USING
MACHINE.
GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WHERE IT COULD
SLIP OR TIP.
IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP
PTO AND BACK DOWN HILL SLOWLY.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR
OTHERS ARE AROUND.
NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND
WHILE BACKING.
KEEP SAFETY DEVICES [GUARDS, SHIELDS,
AND SWITCHES] IN PLACE AND WORKING.
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE
THROWN BY THE BLADES.
KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS.
BE SURE THE BLADES AND THE ENGINE
ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLACING HANDS
OR FEET NEAR BLADES.
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S
POSITION, DISENGAGE PTO, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT OFF ENGINE AND
REMOVE KEY.
2.
3.
1.
2.
4.
1.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
HANDS AND FEET SAFETY GRAPHIC–
LOCATED ON DEFLECTOR CHUTE
DEFLECTOR and SAFETY GRAPHIC –
LOCATED ON RIGHT SIDE OF DECK
SAFETY GRAPHIC – LOCATED
ON LEFT SIDE OF DECK
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT
OPERATE
UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
IF
DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
KEY SWITCH/MODULE GRAPHIC–
LOCATED ON DASH PANEL
ROTATING BLADES CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDEREN OR
OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN EVEN
WITH BLADE(S) OFF.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE
AND WHILE BACKING.
• MOWING IN REVERSE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED.
DANGER
OPERATING MODES
REVERSE CAUTION MODE
1.
2. DEPRESS REVERSE PUSH BUTTON. (RED INDICATOR LIGHT "ON")
WHEN RED LIGHT IS "ON" MACHINE CAN BE OPERATED
IN REVERSE WITH MOWER BLADES ENGAGED.
IMPORTANT: MOWING IN REVERSE IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
3
. AFTER RESUMING FORWARD OPERATION, RETURN
KEY TO "NORMAL MOWING" POSITION.
NOTE: IN BOTH MODES, WHEN OPERATOR LEAVES SEAT,
ENGINE WILL STOP UNLESS PARKING BRAKE IS SET AND
BLADES ARE DISENGAGED.
NORMAL MOWING
YOU MUST DISENGAGE BLADES/PTO, (POWER TAKE OFF)
BEFORE TRAVELING IN REVERSE.
TURN KEY TO REVERSE CAUTION MODE POSITION.
DANGER GRAPHIC - REVERSE
CAUTION MODE – LOCATED ON
LEFT SIDE OF RUNNING BOARD

8
TO THE OWNER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tractor. The information contained in this manual has been
prepared in detail to help you better understand the features, correct operation, adjustments, and maintenance of
your tractor. The performance and dependability of this tractor rely greatly on the manner in which it is operated and
maintained. Therefore, it is recommended that all operators of the tractor carefully read this manual and fully under-
stand its operation. Also keep the manual available for reference to ensure proper operation, and that maintenance
procedures are performed as scheduled to assure the tractor’s optimal mechanical condition.
NOTE: All references to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR, unless specifically stated otherwise, indicate that rela-
tive position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the operator’s seat.
CAUTION: DO NOT tow your hydrostatic tractor. Towing may damage the transmission. Place the tractor on a LEV-
EL SURFACE before pulling the transmission release lever to the disengaged position.
Your local authorized Cub Cadet dealer is interested in the performance you receive from your tractor, and with the
maintenance needed to ensure the satisfactory operation of your tractor. The dealer has trained service personnel
familiar with the latest servicing information, is equipped with the latest tools, and has a complete line of genuine
Cub Cadet service parts which assure proper fit and high quality.
CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, and
specifications.
If you have difficulties with the tractor and/or equipment; have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance
of this equipment; or desire additional information not found in this manual, contact your nearest authorized Cub
Cadet dealer. If you need assistance in locating a dealer in your area, contact the Customer Dealer Referral Line by
calling:
1-877-282-8684
Or you may contact Cub Cadet via the internet by logging on to our Web Site at:
www.cubcadet.com
To obtain top performance and assure economical operation, the tractor should be inspected by your authorized
dealer periodically or at least once a year, depending on its hours of use. Before calling your dealer, make sure that
you have your model number(s) and manufacturing date available for the dealer.
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION
Product identification plates are provided for major components of your tractor. The numbers on these plates are
important if your tractor should require dealer service, or if you need additional information on your tractor. Prior to
using your tractor for the first time, record the numbers from the identification plates in the appropriate spaces pro-
vided below.
The chassis model plate, showing the factory model number and Mfg. Date (See Figure 1) can be found on the
underside of the seat mounting base. Pivot the seat foward to locate the decal.
The engine serial number decal (See Figure 2) is located on the engine blower housing.
Hood Model Factory Model No. Mfg. Date
Delivery Date Engine Model/Spec. No. Engine Serial No.
Figure 1 Figure 2
www.cubcadet.com
CUB CADET LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER: 877-282-8684
Model Number Mfg. Date
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX

9
SECTION I. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
Your Cub Cadet Tractor has been safety engineered.
This section gives a brief description of the function
and location of the various controls and indicators.
Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the controls and
indicators before attempting to start or operate the
tractor.
A. Indicator Panel/Hour Meter
B. Hour Meter/Battery Display
C. Power Take-Off (PTO) Control Switch
D. Key Switch Module
E. Throttle Control Lever
F. Choke Control
G. Brake Pedal Lock
H. Cruise Control Lever
I. Brake Pedal
J. Forward Control Pedal
K. Reverse Control Pedal
L. Lift Handle
M. Lift Height Indicator
N. Seat Adjustment Lever
O. 12V Power Outlet
P. Transmission Release Lever
Q. Fuses (Not Shown)
R. Safety Interlock Switches (Not Shown)
Figure 3
A
B
C
F
E
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A. INDICATOR PANEL/HOUR METER
The hour meter/indicator uses indicator lights to dis-
play the status of various functions of the tractor and
also records the accumulated hours of operation.
Figure 4
Indicator Panel Features
Battery Indicator (Refer to Figure 4)
• Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed
briefly when the ignition switch it turned to an on
position.
• Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has
dropped below 11.5 (+0.5/-1.0) DC volts. The bat-
tery voltage is also displayed on the hour meter.
If this indicator and display come on during oper-
ation, check the battery and charging system for
possible causes and/or contact your Cub Cadet
dealer.
Oil Pressure Indicator (Refer to Figure 4)
• This warning lamp indicates low engine oil pres-
sure. If this indicator illuminates, stop the tractor
immediately and check the engine oil level. If the
oil level is within the operating range, but the light
remains on, contact your Cub Cadet dealer.
NOTE: The oil pressure indicator may illuminate
when the key switch is turned to an on position,
but should turn off when the engine is started.
PTO Engaged Indicator (Refer to Figure 4)
• This indicator illuminates when the key switch is
turned to the "START" position while the PTO
switch is pulled upward in the "ENGAGED"
position. Check this indicator if the engine will not
crank with the key switch in the "START" position.
If necessary, move the PTO switch to the
"DISENGAGED" position.
Brake Engaged Indicator (Refer to Figure 4)
• This indicator illuminates when the key switch is
turned to the "START" position and the brake
pedal is not fully depressed. Check this indicator
if the engine will not crank with the key switch in
the "START" position. If necessary, fully depress
the brake pedal.
B. HOUR METER/BATTERY DISPLAY
The hour meter shows the hours (tenths of an hour-
right most digit) that the tractor has been operated.
• The hour meter is activated when the key switch
is turned to either the “NORMAL MOWING” or the
"REVERSE CAUTION MODE" switch positions. A
record of the actual hours of operation should be
kept to assure maintenance procedures are com-
pleted according to the schedule in this manual.
• When the key switch is turned to an on position,
the battery indicator light briefly illuminates and
the battery voltage is briefly displayed. The dis-
play then changes to the accumulated hours.
C. POWER TAKE–OFF (PTO) CONTROL SWITCH
The power take-off (PTO) switch operates the front
electric PTO clutch. Pull the switch knob upward to en-
gage, or push downward to disengage the PTO clutch.
D. KEY SWITCH MODULE
The key switch module consist of a four position key
switch, the “Reverse Push Button”, and a red indica-
tor light. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
The four key positions of key switch module (Refer to
Figure 5) and their functions are as follows:
•STOP — Stops the tractor engine and shuts
down the tractor’s electrical circuits.
•REVERSE CAUTION MODE — This position
allows the machine to be operated in reverse with
the blades (PTO) engaged.
•NORMAL MOWING — The normal operating
position. All safety interlock circuits are activated
and the blades (PTO) will disengage when the
tractor is driven in the reverse direction.
Battery Oil
PTO Parking Brake
Engaged
Engaged
Pressure
Indicator
Hour
Meter
Indicator
Indicator Indicator
REVERSE
PUSH
INDICATOR
LIGHT
BUTTON
KEY IN STOP
POSITION
KEY IN REVERSE
CAUTION MODE
KEY IN NORMAL
MOWING MODE
KEY IN START
POSITION
KEY SWITCH MODULE