Figure 9 – Cub Cadet CLT-542H User Manual
Page 13

13
the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of
the engine and, on some models, when pushed all the
way forward, the choke control also. When set in a
given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine
speed. See Figure 7. 
Figure 7
IMPORTANT:
When operating the tractor with the
cutting deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is 
always in the FAST (rabbit) position.
CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control can be found
on the left side of the dash panel
and is activated by pulling the
knob outward. Activating the
choke control closes the choke
plate on the carburetor and aids
in starting the engine. Refer to
STARTING THE ENGINE in the
OPERATION section of this
manual for detailed starting
instructions.
BRAKE PEDAL
The brake pedal is located on the
right front side of the tractor
above the drive pedal along the
running board. The brake pedal
can be used for sudden stops or
setting the parking brake. 
NOTE:
The brake pedal must
be fully depressed to activate the
safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor
.
IGNITION SWITCH
WARNING:
Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch 
and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the 
key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once 
the engine has fired.
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key 
counterclockwise to the STOP position. See Figure 8. 
Figure 8
IMPORTANT:
Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both
Safety Interlock Switches, page 15 and Starting The Engine, page 
16 of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the 
Ignition Switch Module and operating the tractor in 
REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
DRIVE PEDAL
The drive pedal is located
below the brake pedal on the
right front side of the tractor
along the running board.
Depress the upper portion of
the drive pedal forward to
cause the tractor to travel
forward. Depress the lower
portion of the drive pedal
with the ball of your right foot
(NOT your heel) to cause the
tractor to travel in reverse.
Ground speed is also
controlled with the drive pedal. The further forward or
rearward that the pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor
will travel. The pedal will return to its original position
when it’s not depressed.
IMPORTANT:
Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.
Slow
Choke
Fast
Position
Position
Position
Slow
Fast
Position
Position
Start
Position
Normal
Driving
Mode
Stop
Position
