Cub Cadet Time Save - Manual (Page 12)

1
Operating
the Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Starting the Mower
Release all controls on the mower to prevent wheels
or blades from rotating.
Move gear shift lever to neutral (N) position.
Move the throttle/choke control lever fully upward to
the choke setting to start a cold engine or to the fast
(rabbit) setting to start a warm engine.
To start engine using recoil starter:
Stand on left side (as viewed from behind
handlebars) of machine. Be sure your feet are
safely away from the underside of the mower
deck and all mower controls are released.
Grasp starter rope handle and pull slowly until
rope pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind
slowly. Then pull rope with a rapid, full arm
stroke. Let rope return slowly. If engine fails to
start after three pulls, repeat instructions (try
setting throttle at fast setting).
When engine starts, operate in fast throttle
setting (move throttle/choke control lever from
the choke setting to the fast setting).
To start engine using electric starter:
Stand behind the handlebars and release all
mower controls.
Turn ignition key fully clockwise to the START
position. To avoid damage to starter motor, do
not crank engine for longer than five seconds
at a time. Also, allow 15 seconds between each
start attempt. If engine fails to start after three
attempts, repeat instructions with Step 3 (try
setting throttle/choke lever at fast setting).
When engine starts, release key and it will
return to the run (middle) position.
Operate engine at fast throttle setting (move
throttle/choke control lever from choke setting
to fast setting).
NOTE: If the electric start system is not functioning,
the engine can be started with the recoil starter. To
do so, first put the ignition key in the run (middle)
position. Leave the key in the run position during
engine operation.
WARNING: Look behind the mower
before and during reverse operation.
Stop the mower blades before operating
in reverse.
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2.
3.
4.
a.
b.
c.
4.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Stopping the Mower
Release blade and drive control to stop wheels and
deck blades.
Move throttle/choke control lever down to slow
(turtle) position. Whenever possible, gradually
reduce engine speed before stopping engine.
Move throttle/choke control lever all the way down
to stop position or turn the ignition key fully counter-
clockwise to OFF position.
On electric start models, remove the ignition key
before leaving the mower unattended.
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop
completely before performing any type of
maintenance on the mower.
Using the Lawn Mower
Refer to “Know your Mower” section for mower control
details.
Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other
objects which could damage lawn mower or engine.
Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower
in any direction and cause serious personal injury to
the operator and others. For best results, do not cut wet
grass and never cut off more than one-third of the total
length of the grass.
IMPORTANT: Be aware that when engaging the drive
control lever with the gear shift lever in 3rd or 4th gear,
the power and torque generated may cause the unit to
lurch forward. To avoid this, slowly squeeze the drive
control lever against the upper handle.
Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive
control against the upper handle to propel the unit.
To activate the cutting blades, squeeze the blade
control against the upper handle.
To change gears, release the drive control lever and
move the gear lever to the desired setting. When
first practicing with the mower, put the lever in No.
1 position. Select forward speeds according to
mowing conditions and terrain. Use slower speeds
on rough terrain or when grass is heavy or thick. The
forward speed can be increased on smooth terrain
or if the grass cover is light. Allow the wheels to stop
completely before shifting from one forward speed
into another.
To stop the blades, release the blade control. To
stop the drive control to the wheels, release the drive
control.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
WARNING: If you strike
a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from
the spark plug, thor-
oughly inspect mower for
any damage, and repair
damage before restarting
and operating. Exten-
sive vibration of mower
during operation is an
indication of damage. The
unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
Moving the Mower without
Engine Power
The mower can be manually pushed or pulled by placing
the gear shift lever into N (neutral) position and pressing
the drive control against the handlebar grip.
WARNING: Keep hands
and feet clear of mower
blades or other rotating
parts.
WARNING: Look behind
you to be sure there are no
obstacles before starting
the unit.