Cub Cadet CLT-538 - Manual (Page 15)

15
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be
little difference between the highest two speeds until
after the belts have seated themselves into the pulleys
during the break-in period.
WARNING: Before leaving the operator’s
position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the shift lever in neutral,
engage the parking brake, shut engine off
and remove the key.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason
while on a grass surface, always
• Place the shift lever in neutral,
• Engage the parking brake,
• Shut engine off and remove the key.
Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your
lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s
running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit
will not operate with speed control lever in a low speed
position, proceed as follows.
• Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
• Restart engine.
• Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
• Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
• Depress clutch-brake pedal.
• Place speed control lever in desired position.
• Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE,
and follow normal operating procedures.
Driving on Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a
slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The
tractor could overturn and cause serious
injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must
be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is
necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up
smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of
flipping the tractor over backward.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the
left, then place it in the notch best suited for your
application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in
this section.
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to
the cutting deck or other (separately available)
attachments. To engage the blades, proceed as
follows:
• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
• Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and position it
all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.
• Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position
for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments
IMPORTANT: The engine will automatically shut off if the
PTO is engaged with the shift lever in position for
reverse travel with the ignition key in the NORMAL
MOWING position. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on
page 13.
Mowing
WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or
a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the
cutting deck with your tractor.
WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern to
avoid discharge of materials toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a
mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the
balance of cutting. This will give a better
appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at
full throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go
back over the cut area a second time to get a clean
cut.