Cub Cadet Challenger 500 User manual

O perator ’ s M anual
Challenger 500\700
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Form No. HS-01231401C
(December 4, 2017)
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPER-
ATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Owner’s Manual
WARNING: 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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions
may result in personal injury
When you see this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling
DANGER: This machine 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. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury
or death.

Owner’s Manual
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Cub Cadet Challenger UTV. This Owner’s / Operator’s manual
will provide you with information regarding safe operation, operational instructions, maintenance and care.
Fully understanding this manual and following all of the instructions herein will provide the knowledge
needed to have safe and enjoyable UTV operation.
If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your UTV, please consult
your Cub Cadet dealer.
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES
● READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR UTV. MAKE SURE
YOU UNDERSTAND ALLINSTRUCTIONS.
● PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TOTHE WARNING AND CAUTION LABELS ON THE UTV.
● NEVER OPERATE THE UTV WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING OR INSTRUCTION.
● THIS UTV SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED BY ANYONE UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE.

Owner’s Manual
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH. Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following
notations:
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
FailuretofollowWARNING instructions couldresult insevereinjuryor deathto
the machine operator, passengers, bystanders,or anyperson inspecting or
repairing the machine.
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage
to the machine.
NOTE: ANOTE
provides keyinformation to make procedures easier or clearer
.

Owner’s Manual
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This UTV is designed and manufactured for OFF - ROAD use only. It is illegal and unsafe to operate this
UTV on any public street, road or highway.
This UTV complies with all applicable OFF - ROAD noise level and spark arrester laws and regulations in
effect at the time of manufacture.
Please check your local riding laws and regulations before operating this UTV.
When the temperature is below -4°F (-20°C), park the UTV in a place where the temperature is higher
than-4°F (-20°C). Startthe UTVafterthe UTVhas warmed up. Pleasesee page 6-3on the warmingup
process.
Follow the proper parking procedures when the temperature is higher than 100°F (38°C): turn off the
engine; make sure the radiator fan is on for 3 minutes before turning off the power switch.
Starting the UTVfor the first time will take longer because the fuel will need reach the fuel injectors.To
start the UTV the first time, hold the ignition key on at 5-second intervals. Allow the starter to rest 15
seconds between each startattempt.

1 Location of the Warningand
Specification Labels
Owner’s Manual
1-1 Accelerator Pedal 4-14
Brake Pedal 4-15
ParkingBrake Lever 4-16
2 Safety Information 2-1
Description and Vehicle 3-1
Identification
Drive Select Lever 4-17
FuelTank Cap 4-17
Seats 4-18
On-Command Four-Wheel-Drive and
3
Identification Number Records 3-3
Seat Belts
4-19
Vehicle Identification Number
3-3
Glove Compartment
4-21
Cargo Bed
4-22
4
Control Functions
4-1
Opening and Closing the Tailgate
4-22
Main Switch
4-1
Lifting and Lowering the Cargo Bed
4-23
Indicator and Warning Lights
4-2
Front and Rear Shock Adjustment
4-25
Use of EPS system
4-4
Spring Preload
4-28
Speedometer Unit
4-5
Rebound Damping Force
4-29
Odometer and Trip Meter Modes
4-6
Compression Damping Force
4-30
Faultcode indicator 4-8
Trailer Hitch Bracket
4-31
Fuel level indicator 4-9
Auxiliary DC Jack
4-31
Switches 4-10
5
Pre Operation Checks
5-1
Differential GearLock Switches 4-11
Brakes
5-2

Owner’s Manual
3
0
2
Brake Fluid Level
5-2 TireWear Limit 5-1
Brake Fluid Leakage
5-3
Brake Operation
5-3 6 Operation 6-1
Fuel
5-4 Starting the Enginein Low 6-1
Gasohol
5-4 Temperatures
Engine Oil
5-5 Starting the Engine 6-2
Coolant
5-6 Warming Up 6-3
Final Gear Oil
5-7 Drive Select LeverOperation and 6-4
Differential Gear Oil
5-7 Driving InReverse
Throttle Pedal
5-8 Parking 6-8
Throttle Freeplay
5-9 Parking onaSlope 6-8
Throttle Freeplay Inspection
5-9 Vehicle Break-in Period 6-9
Throttle Freeplay Adjustment
5-9 Engine Break-In 6-1
Steering Wheel Inspection
5-10 Accessories 6-11
Seat Belts
5-10 Loading 6-1
Fittings and Fasteners
5-10
Lights
5-10 7 DrivingYour Vehicle 7-1
Switches
5-11 Getting to KnowYour Vehicle 7-1
Tires
5-11 Learning to OperateYour Vehicle 7-5
How to Measure Tire Pressure
5-12 Turning your Vehicle 7-6

Owner’s Manual
8
Engine Oil and OilFilter Cartridge 8-12
Braking
7-8
To Check the Engine Oil Level
8-13
Going Uphill
7-8
To Change the Engine Oil
8-14
Going Downhill
7-10
Final Gear Oil
8-17
Crossing Through Shallow Water
7-12
Checking the Final Gear Oil Level
8-17
Riding Over Rough Terrain
7-15
Changing the Final Gear Oil
8-18
Riding in Brush or Wooded Areas
7-17
Differential Gear Oil
8-19
Encountering Obstacles on the Trail
7-17
Checking the Differential Gear Oil
Level
8-19
Changing The Differential Gear Oil
8-20
Periodic Maintenance and 8-1 Coolant
8-21
Adjustment Axle Boots
8-23
Periodic Maintenance Chartfor the 8-3 Spark Plug Inspection
8-23
Emission Control System Removal
8-23
General Maintenanceand Lubrication 8-4 Inspection
8-24
Chart Installation
8-25
Hood 8-7 Cleaning theAir Filter Elements
8-26
Console 8-8 V-belt Cooling Duct CheckHose
8-30
EFI System 8-9 V-belt Case DrainPlug
8-30
ECU 8-12 Cleaning the SparkArrester
8-31
EFI System Inspection 8-12 Valve Clearance
8-33

Owner’s Manual
Front BrakePad Check 8-33
Rear BrakePad Check 8-34
Checking the BrakeFluid Level 8-34
Brake Fluid Replacement 8-35
Checking the Brake Pedal 8-35
Parking Brake LeverFreePlay 8-37
Adjustment
Brake LightSwitchAdjustment 8-38
Cable Inspectionand Lubrication 8-39
HeadlightBeamAdjustment 8-50
Tail/Brake LightBulb Replacement 8-51
Troubleshooting 8-53
Solution to Common Problems in the
Vehicle 8-54
Cleaning and Storage 9-1
Cleaning 9-1
Storage 9-3
Brake Pedal and Accelerator Pedal
Lubrication
Rear Knuckle Upper and LowerPivot
8-40
8-40 Specifications 10-1
Lubrication
Steering Shaft Lubrication 8-41
WheelRemoval 8-41
Fault code of ElectronicInjection
System
USA EPA Emissions Limited
11-1
WheelInstallation 8-42
Battery 8-43
BatteryMaintenance 8-45
Fuse Replacement 8-45
Replacing Headlight Bulb 8-47
Warranty andStandardWarranty 12-1
9

1-1 Location of the Warning and Safety Labels
Read and understand all of the labels on your vehicle. They contain important information for safe
and proper operation of your vehicle.
Never remove any labels from your vehicle. If a label becomes difficult to read or comes off, a
replacement label is available by contacting your dealer.

Location of the Warning and Safety Labels
1-2
1' Chongqing Huansong Science And Technology IndustrialCo.,Ltd:
2 '
This structurem e e t s ROPS r e q u i r emen t s for
earth-moving machinery under ISO 3471.
3
4A
,
4B
5
A
CAUTION
•Use only 91 Octane or higher
gasoline (E-10 max).
•Use Non-Ethanol gasoline when
possible for better engine
performance.
•NEVER USE E-85 gasoline, it
will damage the engine and void
the warranty.
VEHI CLE EM1S8'0N CONTROL INFORM ATION
C UB CADE T L LC
ENGINE DfSPL ACEMENT :
ENGINE FAMILY:
ENGINE EXHAUST CONTROL SYSTEM:
PERM FAMILY:
F I E M D
SFl,TWC, HIX!S
ENGINETUNEUP
SPECIFICATtoNS :
IDLE MIXTURE : NON ADJUSTABLE
O
TH
P
I
E
S
R
VE
A
S.
O
THIS
VE I
REGUL
AS
CE
.
E
F 201 0 L
YEAR NEW
UTVS ANO IS CERTIFIED
TO 1.5 G/KM
HC + NOX, 35 GIKM CO
EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARDS
li
E
_
...
,, , MM
: . M
•
UST.ABLE
MANUFA C TUR ED IN CHINA
IDLE SPEED: t 500 + 150 RPM
FUEL
: UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY · 91
(R+M),"1 OCTANE OR
HIGHER
O
IL: t0W40
SEE OWNER·s MANUAL
CuJ.OuJee .
.,_ A .W....,.A......,R......,Nl..,N...,.G
----t
•Keep hands and body safely
V
away when closing bed..
•NEVER operate the vehicle
with the bed up.
A WARNING
; , rne ; w '""" ' " ''" ' "d" 4w
:;: :i h: b a l1 r •
1
for
Ba e l , t y '\., Exhausto p en n i g
Take off1herubber,u ling
capandromovof,llin . plu s
.
RoplaconibtHircapw,1h
R&mov• rul>btro•p
e
xhaust 1ub& or<ivlded
Filling elec1roly1e(acid)
f
Conneot a,hauottu be
Gr av ityof , coo!ortemperateclimale 1.270-1.280
trop 1ca l climate 1.250-1 .260
The electro
lyte temperature when fill ing mus t not be lower than 1s•c
or higher than JO" C
.
Fi
ll battery to upper level as indicatedon the ba tterycase
Lea ve b a ttery tostand foratleast J Om
i nu tes afle r fi lling
Elect rol yte
l evelm a yf all during th isper iod. refill to upperlevel
before charg ing
Tnebatterycontar1sorerntschemcalsknown1ncertil1nqua1t1\es
to cause cancer b rthdefects o r otherre roduct 1ve harm
Improper tire pressure or o verloading
can cause loss of control .
Loss of control can re sult in sev ere
injur y or death.
• Cold tire pressure:
Fr on t . 10psi (70kPa )
Rear : 10psi (70kPa)
• Maximum weight capacity:880 Ibs.(399kg )
A WARNING

1-3 Location of the Warning and Safety Labels
6 8
Cert1f1es tha t this ROV complies with theAmencan National Standard for
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles, ANSI/ROHVA 1-2011 Standard
TYPE OF VEHICLE UTV
AWARNING:
EXHAUST FUMES MAY CAUSEHARM
Engineexhaustfromthisproductcontainschemicals,known incertain
quantitiestocausecancer,birthdefects,orotherreproductiveharm.
7
9
WARNING
Severe INJURY or DEATH can result if you ignore
the following guidelines:
• Maximum load in cargo bed is 3501b ( 159kg )
• Never carry passengers in cargo bed. Passengers can
be thrown off causing serious injury or death.
• Cargo can affect handling and stability.
• Read Owner's Manual before loading or towing _
• When operating with cargo or towing a trailer always
reduce speed, allow more room to stop and avoid hills
and rough terrain _
• Be sure cargo is secured since a loose load can
change vehicle handling _
• Keep weight in the cargo bed centered and as low and
as far forward as possible.
• Top-heavy loads increase the risk of rollover.
WARNING
NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS
IN CARGO BED.
• Operationofthisequipmen
may createsparks thatcan
start fires around dry
vegetation.
• Asparkarrestermaybe
required . The operator
should contact local fire
agencies for laws or
regulations relating tofire
prevention requirementsdj
-
•

• Max towing weight:544kg(1200Ibs
• Max tongue weight:50kg(11Olbs)
Location of the Warning andSafety Labels 1-4
11
10
)
12
I • •
• _j -- .. ...
Improper Use of Off-Highway Vehicles Can Cause Severe Injury or Death
Be Prepared
•Fasten seatbelts.
• Wear anapprovedhelmet andprotec tiv egear.
• Eachrider must beablet os it withbackagai ristseat,
feetflatonfloor[andfootrests],andhandsonsteering
wheel or handhold[s](,whereequ ippedl, S1ay
completely inside thevehicle.
Drive Responsibly
Avoid losso fcontro l and rollovers:
• Avoidabruptm aneuvers,sidewayssllding,skldding,
orfishta iling, andneverdodonuts.
• Slowdownbeforeenteringaturn.
• Avoidh ardacceleration whenturning, even
from a stop.
• Pla nfor hills, roughterrai n, rut s, andother
changesintractionan d terrain.Avoid Rollovers havecaused
pavedsurfaces. seyerein juriesanddeath,
• Avoidsidehilling( ridingacrossslopes). eYenonflat, openareas,
Be Sure Riders Pay Attent i on and Plan
®
Ahead
If youthinkorfeelthe vehiclemayti por roll, reduceyour risk to injury:
• Keep afi rmgriponthesteeringwheelor handholdsa ndbrace yourself.
• Donot putanypart ofyour bodyoutsideofthevehi cleforanyreason .
Require Proper Use of Your Vehicle
Doyou r part toprevent in1ur1es VER
• Donot all ow carelessorreck less driving
• Mak esureope rato rs arel 6orolder w 1t ha vahd U R
drivers license 1
• Donot let peoplednveor nde after usmgalcohol ordru gs
• Donot al l owope rat 1 ononpub l 1 croads(unlessdes 1 gnated for
off-highwayvehicleaccess)··collisionswithcarsandtruckscanoccur.
• Donot exceedseatingcapacity:!passenger.
[Locate and] Rea d [ Owner 's Manual]
Follo w All I nstruct i on and Warning s
[ Reserve d for Ref ere nce t o Oth er Sou re s of Saf ety I nfo rmati on ]
WARNING
•Improperly loading a
trailer and failure to use
extra care when pulling
trailer can cause an
accident or injury.
• Never load more than
110 1b s (50kg) tongue
weight on the towing
bracket.
•Do not tow more than
1200lbs (544kg) rolling
weight(trailerpluscargo).
•Operate in low-range
gears only, allow for
increased braking
distance, and use
extreme caution when
operating on inclines.
•Read carefully the
loading information and
trailer hitch sections in
the owners manual.

1-5 Location of the Warning and Safety Labels
13
u
' 1 4 ---
A
-
WA
-
RN
-
ING
-- ' ---
15
A.WARNING
You could be severely injured if you try to stop
a vehicle rollover using your arm or leg.
If vehicle starts to rollover, keep arms and legs
inside vehicle.
16
Operation takes more effort whil e the veh icle
is in 4W D -LOCK.
When in 4WD-LOCK ope rate at a slow
speed
and allow extra time and di stance for
turns to
avoid loss ofcontrol.
Select gear "L"on
rough terrain and
sloped terrain.
ACAUTION
AWARNING
•
Do not drive in the water deeper than 15 in
• Turn speed not to exceed 18 MPH/30KPH

Safety Information 2-1
Operation
General Operation
Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthevehicleandinthemanualbeforeattemptingtooperateorservicevehicle.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
Thisisanoff-roadutilityvehicleanditshouldnotbeoperatedonpublichighways.Knowandcomplywithalllawsand
regulationsgoverningtheuseofoff-highway vehiclesinyour area.
Thisvehiclehandlesandmaneuversdifferentlythananormalpassengercar.Sharphighspeedturnsandabruptmaneuvers
cancausevehicletorolloverorgooutofcontrol.Slowdownwhenturningandavoidabruptmaneuvers.
Handlingandmaneuvering characteristicsofvehiclechangedependinguponcargoload.Heavyloadsaffectsteering,braking,
stability,andoverall handlingofvehicle.
Befamiliarwithallinstructionsandcontrolsandtheirproper operationbeforestarting vehicle.
Neverallowadultstooperatethisvehiclewithoutproper instruction.

2-2 Safety Information
Neverallowchildrenunder 16yearsoldtooperatethisvehicle.Children16yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe
operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.Thisvehicleisnotintendedforuseonanypublicroadway.
Donotoperatethisvehiclewhileundertheinfluence ofalcohol ordrugs.
Never carrymorepassengersthanthevehicleisdesignedtocarry.Donotallowanypassengerstorideinthecargobed.All
passengers mustbeseatedwiththeir seatbeltsfastenedatalltimes..
Keepallbodyparts(i.e.head,arms,hands,legs,feet)insidevehiclewhenvehicleisinmotion.
Alwaysremainseatedandkeepbothhandsonthesteeringwheelwhendrivingthevehicle.
Sitonthecenteroftheseatandkeepbothfeetwithinthefootplatformperimeter.Cleanfootplatformifdirtyandremoveany
debris fromaroundfootcontrols,e.g.brake pedal.
Donotmisusetheutilityvehicle.Itisanutilityvehicle,notarecreationvehicleortoy.Recreational ridingcanleadtoaccidents,
severebodilyinjuryor death.

Safety Information 2-3
Inspectareaaroundvehiclebeforemoving,especiallyinreverse.Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeand
whilebackingtoavoidaback-over accident.Keepbystandersoutofarea.
Avoiddrivingthroughwater,sincelossofcontrolmayoccur.Drivebeltmayslipifexposedtowaterthusreducingvehicle
pullingpower andstopping vehicleentirely.
Always use vehicle lights while operating inlow light situations.
Donotmountorleavevehiclewhileitisinmotionorinactualoperation.
Avoidsuddenstarts,stops,orturnsandalwaysusealevelturn-aroundarea.
Neverleavevehicleunattendedwiththekeyintheignition.Alwaysturnkeytothe"Stop"position,settheparkingbrakeand
removekey.
Checkoverhead clearances carefully beforedriving under lowhanging treebranches, wires,power lines,bridges,beforeentering or
leavingbuildings,orinanyothersituationwheretheoperatorand/oroperatorprotectivestructure(OPS)maybestruck,
whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

2-4 Safety Information
Usetheoperatorprotectivestructure (OPS)andseatbeltforsafeoperation.Overturning theutilityvehiclewithoutanoperator
protectivestructure(OPS),orwithanoperatorprotectivestructure(OPS)andtheseatbeltunfastened,canresultindeath
orinjury.
Always use the seat belt, except if the operator protective structure (OPS) has been removed.
Thedoorsandnetsaredesignedtoassistinkeepingtheoperatorandpassengerinsidethevehicleduringoperation. Donot
operate vehiclewithout doorsandnetsinplaceandproperlysecured.
Improper useofthevehicle orfailuretoproperlymaintainitcouldresultindecreasedvehicleperformance orpersonalinjury.
Enginemustbestoppedwhencleaning,servicing,adjusting,repairing,orinstallingattachmentsonutilityvehicle.
Afterstrikingforeignobjectsstoptheunitandshutofftheengine.Inspectfordamageandrepairthedamagebeforerestarting
and operatingequipment.
Donotstartoroperatevehicleinaninsidearea,unlessit isadequatelyventilated.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide
fumes,whichareverypoisonous andcanbedeadly.
Donotchangeenginegovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.Thegovernorissetatthefactoryforsafeoperatingspeed.

Safety Information 2-5
Assuresafetyinterlockswitchisadjustedcorrectlysoenginecannotbestartedunlessgearshiftisintheneutralposition.
Donottouchengineormufflerwhileengineisrunningorsoonafteritisstopped.Theywillbehotandcancauseaburn.
Alwaysinspectyour vehicleeachtimeyouuseittomakesureit isinsafeoperatingcondition.Alwaysfollowtheinspectionand
maintenance procedures andschedules describedinthismanual.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyourlocalservicecenter orcall
tollfree1-877-282-8684forthenameofyour nearestservicecenter.
Occupant Size and Capacity
Make sure operators are at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license.
Eachoccupantshouldbeabletositwiththeirbackagainsttheseat,feetflatonthefloor,andhandsonthesteeringwheelor
handholds.
The operator should be tall enough to wear the seat belt properly and reach all controls.
Passengers shouldalsobetallenoughfortheseatbelttofitproperlyandbeabletobracethemselves,asnecessary,byplacing
bothfeetfirmlyonthefloorwhilegrippingthehandholds. Keepallbodypartscompletelyinsidethevehicle.

2-6 Safety Information
Dress Properly
Slope Operation
Do: