Nf r, Throttle control lever, Choke control – Cub Cadet LT1040 User Manual
Page 10: Brake pedal, Shift lever, Ignition switch module, Drive pedal

10
Throttle Control Lever
The throttle control lever is 
located on the left side of the 
tractor’s dash panel. This lever 
controls the speed of the engine. 
When set in a given position, the 
throttle will maintain a uniform 
engine speed.
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 on page 13 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
.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the 
left side of the fender and has 
three positions, FORWARD, 
NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The 
brake pedal must be depressed 
and the tractor must not be in 
motion when moving the shift 
lever.
IMPORTANT:
Never force the shift
lever. Doing so may result in 
serious damage to the tractor’s 
transmission.
Ignition Switch Module
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 3. 
Figure 3
IMPORTANT:
Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both
Safety Interlock Switches on page 12 and Starting The Engine 
on page 13 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 drive 
pedal with your right foot when 
the tractor shift lever is in either 
FORWARD or REVERSE to 
cause the tractor to move. 
Ground speed is also controlled 
with the drive pedal. The further 
down the pedal is depressed, the faster the tractor will 
travel. The pedal will return to its original position when 
released.
IMPORTANT:
Always set the parking brake when leaving
the tractor unattended.
Slow
Fast
Position
Position
N
F
R
3TART
0OSITION
3TOP
0OSITION
.ORMAL
-OWING
