Warning – Cub Cadet 53AJ8CTX750 User Manual
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moving the LEFT lap bar rearward. Release 
both lap bars and the machine should stop 
turning (this is a safety check, the normal 
procedure is for the operator to slowly bring 
the lap bars to the neutral position).
3.
Start the Engine:
a.
Open the fuel shutoff valve by selecting the 
left or right tank position.
b.
Sit on the Seat. Set the parking brake “On”.
c.
Make sure that the left and right steering 
levers are in their neutral position.
d.
Turn the electric blade clutch switch “Off”.
e.
Push the throttle control to a position a third of 
the way between slow and fast.
f.
Insert the key in the ignition and start switch 
and turn the switch to “On”.
g.
Turn the ignition key in a clockwise direction to 
the “Start” position until the engine starts.
Note:
Do not hold the key in the “Start” posi-
tion for more than 10 seconds or you may damage 
the starter. If the engine does not start in this 
time, wait about 30 seconds and try again.
4.
Operating the Mower: Operating a zero-turning-
radius mower is not like operating a tractor-type 
riding mower. The zero-turning-radius mower is 
much more maneuverable and much less fatigu-
ing to operate. However, getting used to the fin-
gertip control of the zero-turning-radius mower 
takes some practice. We strongly recommend 
that you locate a “test area” where you can oper-
ate the mower for about 30 minutes without being 
disturbed.
a. Get into the operator’s seat.
b.
Start the engine.
c.
Use the upper foot pedal to raise the mowing
deck to the transport position. Make sure the 
blade clutch switch is off.
d. After the engine has warmed, adjust the throt-
tle to the fast position.
e.
Release the parking brake.
f.
Fold in the steering levers to the operating
position.
WARNING:
When operating this mower forward, do not allow 
the steering levers to return to the neutral posi-
tion on their own. Always maintain a firm grip on 
the steering levers, operate them smoothly and 
avoid any sudden movements of the levers when 
starting or stopping.
g.
To go forward, move both steering levers 
slightly forward and the mower will slowly 
move forward. The farther you move the levers 
forward the faster the mower will go forward.
h.
To back up, move both steering levers slightly 
backward and the mower will slowly move 
backward. The farther you move the levers 
backward the faster the mower will go back-
ward.
i.
To turn, pull the lever back on the side to 
which you want to turn. The farther back you 
pull the lever, the faster and more sharply you 
will turn. Initially, you will have to be careful to 
avoid turning to fast and too far.
j.
After you have mastered operating the mower, 
use the second foot pedal to lower the mowing 
deck to the cutting position and pull on the 
electric blade clutch switch to start the blades 
rotating.
k.
Practice mowing in straight passes. When you 
feel confident, slowly practice mowing around 
obstacles such as trees.
5.
Parking the Mower:
a.
Push off the electric blade clutch switch.
b.
Use the upper foot pedal to raise the mowing 
deck to the transport position.
c.
Drive the mower to the cleanup or storage 
area.
d.
Move the throttle to slow.
e.
Place the steering levers in the neutral posi-
tion.
f.
Set the parking brake.
g.
Turn off the ignition switch and take the key 
from the switch.
h.
Close the fuel shutoff valves.
E.Mower Cutting Blades
The blades normally “factory installed” on a mower 
afford the best grass cutting performance on the majority 
of grasses and mowing conditions; however, there will 
be occasions whereby the grass type, stage of grass 
growth, soil conditions, and weather conditions will 
require different cutting blade types. Since the mower 
decks are designed so that over-lap of the cutting blades 
generally exceed 1.5”, there is no need for orientation of 
one cutting blade to an adjacent blade (I.E., the blades 
do not need to be “timed” nor synchronized).
Hi-lift- These are generally the best cutting blades for 
most grasses and mowing conditions. These blades will 
provide extra “lift” for the thinner leaf grasses, will handle 
lush grasses, and will provide maximum grass and 
debris discharge. These blades are generally required 
for material collection systems. More horsepower is 
required for these blades when compared to others, and 
they generally produce the highest noise levels.
Medium-lift- These blades require less horsepower 
than the hi-lift, and they generally work well in wider leaf 
grasses and some mulch applications.
Low-lift- These blades require less horsepower than hi-
lift and medium-lift blades, and they generally work best 
with wide leaf grasses, sparse grass growth, and sandy 
soil conditions. They generally produce the lowest noise 
