Service – Cub Cadet i1050 User Manual
Page 23

Service
7
3
Pivot Bar adjustment
If excessive play is experienced in the steering wheel, 
check the pivot bar for forward/rearward movement. 
Raise the front of the tractor and set it on jack stands, 
so the front wheels are suspended above the ground.
Grasping the ends of the pivot bar, attempt to move 
each end of the axle forward and rearward to check 
for side play. There should be minimal or no side play.
If there is no side play, lower the tractor to the 
ground and have the steering linkage inspected by 
you Cub Cadet dealer. If there is side play, tighten the 
pivot bar as follows:
Support the pivot bar, then remove the hex lock 
nuts securing the two shoulder bolts that pass 
through the pivot bar bracket, the pivot bar, and 
frame. Refer to Figure 6-2.
Slide a half inch flat washer, with a maximum thick-
ness of .030 inch, onto each shoulder bolt. Reinstall 
the shoulder bolts w/washers and fasten with the 
two hex lock nuts.
Gradually and evenly tighten the hex lock nut 
while continuing to check the forward/rearward 
movement of the pivot bar. Tighten the lock nuts 
until minimum play, without binding the pivot 
bar’s up and down movement, is achieved. 
Checking Main Harness Fuse
A 20 amp fuse is installed in your tractor’s wiring 
harness to protect the tractor’s electrical system from 
damage caused by excessive amperage. 
If the electrical system does not function, or your 
tractor’s engine will not crank, first check to be certain 
that the fuse has not blown. 
The fuse can be found inside of the dash panel behind 
the battery tray. You may need to remove the battery 
to gain access to the fuse. Always use a fuse with the 
same amperage capacity for replacement.
A five amp fuse can also be found inside the dash 
panel. This fuse is for the 12 volt power outlet.
IMPORTANT: Always use a fuse with the same amperage 
capacity for replacement.
Battery
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels 
cannot be checked.
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean 
and free of corrosive build-up.
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light 
coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the 
positive terminal to prevent shorting.
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IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, discon-
nect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal FIRST, 
followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the 
battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal 
first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that 
the wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing 
them could change the polarity and result in damage to 
your engine’s alternating system.
Charging the Battery
If the tractor has not been put into use for an extended pe-
riod of time, charge the battery with an automotive-type 
12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at six amps.
WARNING!: Batteries give off an explosive gas 
while charging. Charge battery in a well venti-
lated area and keep away from an open flame 
or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, 
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
Cleaning the Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and 
washing with a baking soda and water solution. If neces-
sary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to 
remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with 
grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are: 
• incorrect initial activation 
• undercharging
• overcharging
• corroded connections
• freezing
These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s warranty.
Changing Transmission Drive Belt
NOTE: Several components must be removed, including 
transmission steering linkage which will have to be read-
justed, in order to change the tractor’s transmission drive 
belt. Contact your Cub Cadet dealer to have your transmis-
sion drive belt replaced.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Keep the area around the transmission cooling fan free of 
grass and debris at all times. The hydrostatic transmission 
is sealed at the factory and is maintenance free. The fluid 
level cannot be checked and cannot be changed.
Jump Starting
WARNING!:
When removing or installing the
battery, follow these instructions to prevent 
the screwdriver (or other metal tools) from 
shorting against the frame
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