Cub Cadet Lawn Mower Z Force S User Guide
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty  
OperatOr’s Manual  
Z-Force S  
WARNING  
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL  
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.  
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.  
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019  
Printed In USA  
Form No. 769-07672  
(March 13, 2012)  
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Important Safe Operation Practices  
2
WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,  
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow  
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply  
with these instructions may result in personal injury.  
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!  
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65  
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components  
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects  
or other reproductive harm.  
WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead  
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive  
harm. Wash hands after handling  
DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in  
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the  
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet  
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in  
serious injury or death.  
6.  
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be  
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other  
foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by  
the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal  
injury.  
General Operation  
1.  
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the  
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to  
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for  
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement  
parts.  
7.  
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material  
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.  
2.  
Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.  
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them  
quickly.  
3.  
Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this  
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand  
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual  
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised  
by an adult.  
8.  
9.  
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during  
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair  
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can  
cause serious injury to the eyes.  
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting  
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be  
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in  
bare feet or sandals.  
4.  
5.  
Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper  
instruction.  
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.  
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction  
and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower  
without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its  
proper place.  
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the  
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate  
hands and feet.  
3
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12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade  
Slope Operation  
contact or thrown object injuries.  
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over  
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes  
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you  
feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.  
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or  
roads and while not cutting grass.  
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing  
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any  
public roadway.  
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this  
manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on  
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as  
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that  
area or serious injury could result.  
15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of  
alcohol or drugs.  
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.  
17. Never carry passengers.  
Do:  
1.  
Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme  
caution when changing direction on slopes.  
18. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and  
while backing to avoid a back-over accident. Be aware  
and pay attention to the safety system function that  
stops power to the blades when driving in reverse. If not  
fuctioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for safety  
system inspection and repair.  
2.  
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden  
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall  
grass can hide obstacles.  
3.  
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that you  
will not have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting  
or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to maintain  
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and  
carefully straight down the slope.  
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly.  
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.  
20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait  
until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing  
grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing  
any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel  
weights or counterweights to improve stability.  
21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off  
blade(s), place drive control levers in neutral, set parking  
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.  
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.  
These can change the stability of the machine.  
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do  
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid  
acceleration or deceleration could cause the front of the  
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which  
could cause serious injury.  
22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into  
a trailer or truck. This machine should not be driven up or  
down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing  
serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed  
manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.  
Do Not:  
23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do  
1.  
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly  
not touch.  
uphill and use extra care while turning.  
24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under  
low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc.,  
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the  
machine, which could result in serious injury.  
2.  
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The  
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge  
of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.  
3.  
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on  
the ground.  
25. Disengage all attachment clutches, set the parking brake to  
the ‘ON’ position.  
4.  
5.  
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.  
26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of  
a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through  
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.  
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/  
or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire  
hazard.  
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause  
sliding.  
6.  
Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded  
dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5  
degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to  
push the tractor and may cause you to lose control (e.g.  
tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are  
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to  
overturn).  
27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this  
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand  
and follow all instructions provided with the approved  
accessory or attachment.  
28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are  
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related  
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability  
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect  
themselves and others from serious injury.  
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use  
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service  
representative for assistance.  
4
Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS  
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Children  
Service  
1.  
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the  
Safe Handling of Gasoline:  
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the  
machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand  
the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where  
you last saw them.  
1.  
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme  
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely  
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious  
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on  
yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin  
and change clothes immediately.  
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in  
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the  
operator.  
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the  
area.  
c. To avoid back-over accidents, always look behind  
and down for small children.  
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off.  
They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere  
with safe machine operation.  
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,  
doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may  
block your vision of a child who may run into the  
path of the machine.  
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.  
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck  
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place  
containers on the ground away from your vehicle  
before filling.  
c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment  
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.  
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on  
a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a  
gasoline dispenser nozzle.  
d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel  
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is  
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.  
f.  
Keep children away from hot or running engines.  
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.  
g. Remove key when machine is unattended to  
prevent unauthorized operation.  
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other  
sources of ignition.  
2.  
Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this  
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand  
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual  
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised  
by an adult.  
f.  
Never fuel machine indoors.  
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine  
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two  
minutes before refueling.  
h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½”  
below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel  
expansion.  
Towing  
1.  
Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for  
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the  
hitch point.  
i.  
j.  
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.  
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and  
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5  
minutes before starting the engine.  
2.  
Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight  
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.  
3.  
Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.  
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,  
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel  
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.  
4.  
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause  
loss of traction and loss of control.  
5.  
The maximum weight on the hitch is 50 lbs. and the  
maximum towed load is 250 lbs.  
l.  
Never store the machine or fuel container inside  
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light  
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes  
dryer or other gas appliances.  
6.  
7.  
Never allow passengers on the towed equipment.  
Loss of traction can occur on slopes, 5° (9 %) maximum  
grade.  
m. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before  
storing.  
8.  
9.  
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.  
Use caution during turns to avoid jack-knifing.  
General Service  
1.  
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.  
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,  
and deadly gas.  
10. Use extra caution when operating in reverse.  
11. Do not modify or repair the hitch, replace the hitch if  
damaged.  
2.  
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the  
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect  
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to  
prevent unintended starting.  
12. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.  
Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS  
5
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3.  
Periodically check to make sure the blades come to  
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after  
operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades  
do not stop within the this time frame, your machine  
should be serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.  
Do not modify engine  
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any  
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway  
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper  
with factory setting of engine governor.  
4.  
5.  
Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper  
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety  
interlock system does not function properly, have your  
machine serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.  
Notice Regarding Emissions  
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal  
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)  
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and  
may include the following emission control systems: Engine  
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.  
Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent  
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s)  
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace  
the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s  
(O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts  
which do not meet the original equipment specifications  
may lead to improper performance and compromise  
safety!”  
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel  
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California  
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact  
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative  
emission control configuration for your model.  
6.  
7.  
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,  
and use extra caution when servicing them.  
Spark Arrestor  
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the  
equipment is in safe working condition.  
WARNING! This machine is equipped with an  
internal combustion engine and should not be used  
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-  
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s  
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor  
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).  
8.  
9.  
Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other  
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.  
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect  
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine.  
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair  
the damage before starting and operating.  
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in  
effective working order by the operator. In the State of California  
the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public  
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws  
apply on federal lands.  
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your  
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service  
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.  
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the  
machine while the engine is running.  
11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are  
subject to wear and damage which could expose moving  
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection,  
frequently check components and replace immediately  
with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only,  
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the  
original equipment specifications may lead to improper  
performance and compromise safety!”  
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed  
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe  
operating speed of the engine.  
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as  
necessary.  
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,  
etc. to protect the environment.  
15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission  
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),  
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,  
or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful  
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized  
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety  
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.  
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.  
6
Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS  
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Safety Symbols  
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the  
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.  
Symbol  
Description  
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)  
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to  
assemble and operate  
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES  
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the  
blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.  
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS  
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.  
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS  
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.  
BYSTANDERS  
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in  
operation.  
WARNING— SLOPE OPERATION  
Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.  
DANGER — ROTATING BLADES  
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover  
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.  
DANGER— ROTATING BLADES  
Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.  
DANGER— ROTATING BLADES  
To avoid a back-over accident, keep children away from the machine while it is in operation.  
WARNING! Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and  
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!  
Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS  
7
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8
Section 2 — Safe operation practiceS  
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Assembly & Set-Up  
3
Contents of Crate  
•
•
One Lawn Tractor  
•
•
One Oil Drain Hose (If equipped)  
One Engine Operator’s Manual  
•
One Deck Wash Hose Coupler  
One Z-Force S Tractor Operator’s  
Manual  
Steering Wheel  
Tractor Preparation  
1. Remove the upper crating material from the shipping pallet,  
and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the  
pallet.  
1.  
Remove the hardware for attaching the steering wheel  
from beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the  
steering wheel cover to remove the hardware.  
2.  
With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward,  
place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.  
2. If the deck is not in the highest mowing position (pushed all  
the way forward), use the deck lift pedal to raise the deck to  
its highest position. Refer to the Controls & Features section  
for instructions on raising and lowering the deck.  
3.  
Place the flat washer and belleville washer over the  
steering wheel and secure with the hex screw. See Fig. 3-2.  
3. Disengage the parking brake.  
Steering Wheel Cover  
Flat Washer  
4. Engage the transmission bypass rods on each side of the  
tractor; then carefully roll the tractor off the shipping pallet.  
The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH  
transmission) are located on the rear of the tractor, just  
inside each rear wheel. Disengage the bypass rods. See Fig.  
3-1.  
Hex Screw  
Belleville Washer  
Steering Wheel  
Transmission  
Bypass Rods  
Steering Wheel  
Column  
Keyhole Slot  
Figure 3-2  
4.  
Place the steering wheel cover over the center of the  
steering wheel and push downward until it “clicks” into  
place.  
Install Operator’s Seat  
To install the seat proceed as follows:  
Figure 3-1  
NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan  
attached. A second person may be needed to to hold the seat.  
5. Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter and oil drain  
tube (if so equipped) from the manual bag and store for  
future use.  
1.  
Cut any straps securing the seat assembly to the tractor.  
Remove any packing material.  
NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting the  
seat and the seat switch in the bottom of the seat.  
Steering Wheel Column  
The steering wheel column is tilted all the way back for shipping  
purposes. To tilt the column forward, press the steering tilt pedal.  
Release the steering tilt pedal when the column is in the desired  
position.  
9
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2.  
Remove the two shoulder bolts and lock nuts in the seat  
pan as shown in Fig. 3-3.  
Adjusting the Seat  
To adjust the position of the seat, push the seat adjustment lever  
to the left. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired  
position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is  
locked into position before operating the tractor. See Fig. 3-5.  
Figure 3-3  
3.  
Rotate the seat into position and secure the seat into place  
with the previously removed shoulder bolts and lock nuts.  
Be careful not to crimp or damage the wire harness while  
installing the seat. See Fig. 3-4.  
Figure 3-5  
Install the Rear Hitch Bracket  
1.  
Remove the hex flange screws and flange lock nuts that  
secure the hitch bracket and muffler mount bracket to the  
bumper bracket. See Fig. 3-6.  
Flange  
Lock  
Nuts  
Hitch  
Bracket  
Hex Flange  
Screws  
Figure 3-4  
Muffler Mount  
Bracket  
Figure 3-6  
10  
Section 2— ASSembly & Set-Up  
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2.  
Install the hitch bracket and muffler mount bracket as  
shown in Fig. 3-7 and secure with the hex flange screws  
and flange lock nuts removed in step 1.  
Connecting the Battery Cables  
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!  
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories  
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known  
to the State of California to cause cancer and  
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.  
CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always  
connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first,  
followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.  
For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment  
may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the  
factory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:  
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The  
negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).  
Flange  
Lock  
Nuts  
Hitch  
NOTE: If the positive battery cable is already attached, skip  
ahead to step 2.  
Bracket  
Hex Flange  
Screws  
1.  
Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the positive  
battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive  
battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex nut. See Fig. 3-8.  
Muffler Mount  
Bracket  
Figure 3-7  
Fuel Fill-Up  
Using a good grade of unleaded regular gasoline, fill the tank  
(beside the engine on the right side of the mower). When the fuel  
tank reaches one inch from the top of the tank, stop, DO NOT  
OVERFILL. Space must be left for expansion.  
Figure 3-8  
2.  
Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the negative  
battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative  
battery terminal (–) with the bolt and hex nut. See Fig. 3-8.  
3.  
Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery  
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.  
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown  
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the  
Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating  
the tractor.  
Section 2 — ASSembly & Set-Up  
11  
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Controls & Features  
4
Ignition  
Switch  
Module  
Parking Break  
Engagement Lever  
Hour Meter/  
Indicator Panel  
PTO Switch  
Fuel Tank Cap  
Choke Control  
Index Plate  
Deck Lift Pedal  
Throttle Control  
Seat Adjustment Lever  
Drive Pedal  
Reverse Pedal  
Figure 4-1  
NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that  
position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the  
operator’s seat.  
Ignition Switch Module  
WARNING! Never  
leave a running  
Deck Lift Pedal  
machine unattended.  
Always disengage  
PTO, set parking  
brake, stop engine  
and remove key to  
prevent unintended  
starting.  
The deck lift pedal is located near the front of the tractor on the  
left of the foot platform and is used to raise and lower the mower  
deck. The deck lift pedal has 17 positions including the transport  
position.  
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.  
Push the pedal forward and rock back to lock into the transport  
position, locking behind the notch on the front of the index  
plate. Remove and replace the lock rod into the desired height  
index hole, then push pedal forward and rock forward to unlock  
and slowly allow the pedal to move back until it reaches the lock  
rod.  
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the  
STOP position.  
CAUTION: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to  
both Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The  
Engine in the Operation section of this manual for  
detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch  
Module and operating the tractor in REVERSE  
CAUTION MODE.  
12  
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Indicator Panel Features  
Battery Indicator  
PTO (Power Take-Off ) Switch  
The PTO switch is located on the LH console to  
the left of the operator’s seat.  
Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the  
ignition switch it turned to the “ON” position.  
The PTO switch operates the electric PTO  
clutch mounted on the bottom of the engine  
crankshaft. Pull the switch knob upward to  
engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob  
downward to disengage the clutch.  
Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has dropped below  
11.5 (+0.5/-1.0) volts. The battery voltage is also displayed on  
the hour meter. If this indicator and display come on during  
operation, check the battery and charging system for possible  
causes and/or contact your Cub Cadet dealer.  
The PTO switch must be in the “disengaged”  
position when starting the engine.  
Oil Pressure Indicator (If Engine So Equipped)  
This warning lamp indicates low engine oil pressure. If the  
indicator comes on while the engine is running, stop the engine  
immediately and check for possible causes. Do not run the  
engine while this indicator is illuminated. Contact your Cub  
Cadet dealer to have the tractor and engine inspected.  
Transmission Bypass Rods (Not Visible)  
The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH  
transmission) are located on the rear of the tractor, just inside  
each rear wheel, below the fuel tank and the storage tray.  
NOTE: The oil pressure indicator may illuminate when the  
ignition switch is in the ON position, but should turn off when  
the engine is started.  
When engaged, the two rods open a bypass within the  
hydrostatic transmissions, which allows the tractor to be pushed  
short distances by hand.  
PTO Engaged Indicator  
CAUTION: Never tow your tractor. Towing the  
tractor with the rear wheels on the ground may  
cause severe damage to the transmissions.  
This indicator illuminates when the PTO switch is pulled upward  
in the “ENGAGED” position and the ignition switch is turned  
to the “START” position. Check this indicator if the engine will  
not crank with the ignition switch in the “START” position. If  
necessary, move the PTO switch to the “DISENGAGED” position.  
Fuel Tank Cap  
The fuel tank cap is located on the right console. Turn the fill cap  
to remove. Always re-install the fuel cap tightly onto the fuel tank  
after removing.  
Parking Brake Engaged Indicator  
This indicator illuminates when the parking brake is in the  
DISENGAGED position and the ignition switch is turned to the  
“START” position. Check this indicator if the engine will not crank  
with the ignition switch in the “START” position. If necessary,  
move the parking brake to the ENGAGED position.  
WARNING! Never fill the fuel tank when the engine  
is running. If the engine is hot from recently running,  
allow to cool for several minutes before refueling.  
Highly flammable gasoline could splash onto the  
engine and cause a fire.  
This indicator also illuminates when the ignition switch is turned  
to the “START” position and the RH and/or LH drive control levers  
are in a position other than the fully out in neutral position. Move  
the control levers fully outward.  
Hour Meter/Indicator Panel  
OIL  
BATT.  
The hour meter/indicator panel is  
located on the LH console to the left of  
the operator’s seat.  
Throttle Control  
The throttle control is located on the RH console  
to the right of the operator’s seat. When set in a  
given position, a uniform engine speed will be  
maintained.  
Hour Meter Features  
HOURS 1/10  
PARK  
BRAKE  
PTO /  
BLADE  
The hour meter records the hours that  
the tractor has been operated in the  
digital display (tenths of an hour - right  
most digit).  
Push the throttle control handle forward to increase  
the engine speed. The tractor is designed to operate  
with the throttle control in the fast position (full  
throttle) when the tractor is being driven and the  
mower deck is engaged.  
NOTE: The hour meter is activated whenever the ignition switch  
is turned to the “ON” position. Keep a record of the actual hours  
of operation to assure all maintenance procedures are completed  
according to the instructions in this manual and the engine manual.  
Pull the throttle control handle rearward to decrease the engine  
speed.  
When key is turned to the “ON” position, the battery indicator  
light briefly illuminates and the battery voltage is briefly  
displayed. The display then changes to the accumulated hours.  
The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of maintenance  
intervals for changing the engine oil. The LCD will alternately flash,  
“CHG” ; “OIL” and the recorded hours for five minutes after every  
50 hours of recorded operation. The maintenance interval lasts for  
two hours (from 50-52, 100-102, 150-152, etc.). The LCD will flash as  
described for five minutes every time the tractor’s engine is started  
during this maintenance interval. Follow the oil change intervals  
provided in the engine manual.  
Section 4 — controlS & FeatureS  
13  
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Choke Control  
Steering Tilt Pedal  
The choke knob controls the position of the  
engine choke and is located on the RH console.  
Pull the knob out to choke the engine; push the  
knob in to open the choke.  
The steering tilt pedal is located at the bas of  
the steering column. To increase or decrease  
the angle of the steering column press down on  
the steering tilt pedal, move the steering wheel  
column to the desired position and release the  
pedal.  
CHOKE  
I
Parking Brake Engagement Lever  
The parking brake engagement lever is located on the left  
of the seat box frame, and is used to engage the parking  
brake.  
Pull the lever reward to stop the tractor or slow it down.  
Transmission Oil Expansion Reservoir (Not Shown)  
Pull the lever fully rearward and to the right; then into the  
short “J” slot to engage the brake.  
Equipped on Z-Force S60 & Z-Force S54  
Pull the lever up out of the “J” slot and to the left; then  
completely forward to disengage the parking brake.  
The transmission oil expansion reservoir is connected by hoses  
to the RH and LH transmission assemblies, and is located behind  
the seat box. The function of the reservoir is to hold the natural  
expansion of transmission oil that occurs as the transmission  
warms up during operation. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.  
Under normal operating conditions, no oil should be added  
to the reservoir. The COLD oil level should be no higher than  
approximately 1⁄4” (the “Full Cold” mark) above the bottom of the  
reservoir. See Fig. 4-2.  
Drive Pedal  
The drive pedal is located on the right side  
of the tractor, along the running board. Press  
the drive pedal forward to cause the tractor to  
travel forward. Ground speed is also controlled  
with the drive pedal. The further forward the  
pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will  
return to its original position when it’s not pressed.  
Reverse Pedal  
The reverse pedal is located on the right  
side of the tractor along the running board.  
Ground speed is also controlled with the  
reverse pedal. The further downward the  
pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will  
travel. The pedal will return to its original  
position when it’s not pressed.  
Cup Holder  
Full Cold Line  
Figure 4-2  
The cup holder is located on the LH console to the left of the  
operator’s seat.  
Storage Tray  
NOTE: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the oil level in  
the reservoir may be slightly higher than the maximum due to air  
in the oil lines. Operation of the tractor will eventually purge the  
air from the lines and the oil level will settle to the maximum.  
The storage tray is located at the rear of the LH console.  
Seat Adjustment Lever  
The seat adjustment lever is located below the front/left of the  
seat. The lever allows for adjustment of the fore to aft position  
of the operator’s seat. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments  
section for instructions on adjusting the seat position.  
14  
Section 4— controlS & FeatureS  
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Operation  
5
General Safety  
Before Operating Your Tractor  
•
RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator’s  
•
•
•
Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully  
to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the  
instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you  
operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.  
manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk  
INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become  
competent in its usage to operate this tractor.  
•
Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be  
familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the  
operator’s seat. The PTO switch must be in the disengaged  
position and the parking brake engaged.  
This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh,  
unleaded regular gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel  
tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump  
sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.  
•
•
Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts.  
Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves  
less combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful  
exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not recommended  
and must not be used where exhaust emissions are  
regulated.  
NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away.  
Look behind and down to both sides of the tractor before  
and while backing up.  
•
•
DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people.  
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use  
gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize  
gum deposits in the fuel system.  
Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes  
greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater incline present  
dangerous operating conditions. Tractors can be rolled  
over.  
•
•
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline  
by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol  
blends are not approved.  
•
Before leaving the operator’s seat: Shut off the PTO and  
engage the parking brake, shut off the engine and remove  
the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop before  
servicing or cleaning.  
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline  
blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are  
approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not  
approved.  
•
•
•
Avoid any sudden movements of the steering wheel when  
starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the steering  
wheel.  
•
•
•
•
Check the engine oil level.  
Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.  
Check the tire inflation pressures.  
Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the tractor  
motion and wait for vehicles to pass before operating  
along the road.  
Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum comfort, visibility  
Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck removed.  
Removal of the deck will change the balance of the tractor,  
and could contribute to a tractor rollover.  
and for maintaining complete control of the tractor.  
Safety Interlock Switches  
•
•
•
•
Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable; use  
extreme caution if the surface is slippery.  
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the  
protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever  
malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact your Cub Cadet  
dealer.  
Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop  
before any zero turn maneuver.  
•
The safety interlock system prevents the engine from  
cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged,  
and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is in the disengaged  
(OFF) position.  
Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over  
combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc.  
Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or  
while the engine is hot. Allow the engine several minutes  
to cool before refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely.  
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves  
the seat before engaging the parking brake.  
WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the  
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was  
designed for your safety and protection.  
15  
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8.  
9.  
Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle  
before putting the engine under load.  
Starting the Engine  
WARNING! This tractor is equipped with a safety  
Observe the hour meter/indicator panel. If the battery  
indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately  
stop the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your Cub  
Cadet dealer.  
interlock system designed for the protection of the  
operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of  
the interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically  
check the functions of the interlock system for  
proper operation.  
Cold Weather Starting  
When starting the engine at temperatures near or below  
freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the  
engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as  
follows:  
WARNING! For personal safety, the operator must  
be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the  
engine.  
1.  
Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery  
has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.  
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for oil fill-up  
instructions and refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section for  
gasoline fill-up instructions.  
2.  
Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has  
higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline  
left over from summer.  
1.  
Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.  
Engage the parking brake. Refer to Fig. 5-1.  
2.  
3.  
Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.  
Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine  
WARNING! Batteries contain sulfuric acid and  
produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is  
well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and  
avoid sparks or flames near the battery.  
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine,  
recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and  
the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be  
necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:  
Engage the Parking Brake  
1.  
Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor  
battery’s positive terminal; then connect the other end of  
that cable to the booster battery’s positive terminal.  
2.  
Connect one end of the other cable to the booster  
battery’s negative terminal; then connect the other end of  
that cable to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far from  
the battery as possible.  
3.  
Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting  
instructions previously provided; then disconnect  
the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their  
connection.  
Figure 5-1  
3.  
Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down)  
position. Refer to Fig. 5-1.  
4.  
Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired  
as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.  
4.  
Pull the choke control upward into the full choke position  
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary  
to place the throttle control in the choke position.  
Stopping the Engine  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position.  
5.  
6.  
Move the throttle control to midway between its SLOW and  
FAST positions.  
Engage the parking brake.  
Move the throttle control to the SLOW position and allow  
the engine to idle for about one minute.  
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position.  
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the  
NORMAL MOWING position.  
4.  
Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the  
key from the ignition switch.  
CAUTION: Do NOT hold the key in the START  
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing  
so may cause damage to your engine’s electric  
starter.  
NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent  
accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left  
unattended.  
7.  
After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control.  
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating  
the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and  
cause the engine to run poorly.  
16  
Section 5— operation  
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Driving The Tractor  
Reverse Caution Mode  
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module  
allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO)  
engaged.  
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed  
and sudden stops.  
NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.  
1.  
Release the parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the  
FAST (rabbit) position.  
WARNING! Use extreme caution while operating  
the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always  
look down and behind before and while backing. Do  
not operate the tractor when children or others are  
around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone  
enters the area.  
2.  
To travel FORWARD, slowly press the drive pedal forward  
until the desired speed is achieved. See Fig. 5-2.  
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:  
NOTE: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.  
1.  
Start the engine as previously instructed on the previous  
page.  
2.  
Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position  
to the REVERSE CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the  
key switch module. See Fig. 5-3.  
Travel Forward  
Travel in Reverse  
Reverse  
Push Button  
Indicator  
Light  
Reverse  
Caution Mode  
Position  
Stop  
Position  
Figure 5-2  
Start  
3.  
To stop or slow down the tractor, take your foot off of the  
forward or reverse drive pedal. To lock the parking brake,  
pull the lever fully rearward and to the right; then into the  
short “J” slot to engage the brake. Pull the lever up out  
of the “J” slot and to the left; then completely forward to  
disengage the parking brake.  
Position  
NOTE: The forward and reverse pedals must not be used when  
the brake is partially engaged. When the brake is locked in the  
“J” the drive belt is disengaged but if the brake is only part way  
back then the brakes are engaged but so is the drive belt so  
transmission damage will occur if you push forward or reverse.  
Figure 5-3  
3.  
Press the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular  
Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module.  
The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key  
switch module will be ON while activated. See Fig. 5-3.  
4.  
To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear  
then slowly reverse pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT  
your heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See Fig. 5-2.  
4.  
5.  
Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be  
driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.  
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to change the  
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion.  
Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before  
moving the tractor from forward to reverse or vice  
versa.  
Always look down and behind before and while backing to  
make sure no children are around. After resuming forward  
motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position.  
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until:  
WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor  
without first placing the PTO/Blade Engage knob in  
the disengaged (OFF) position and engaging the  
parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also  
turn the engine off and remove the ignition key.  
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING  
position or STOP position or  
b. The operator leaves the seat.  
Section 5 — operation  
17  
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•
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.  
Driving On Slopes  
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 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.  
•
•
Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or  
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns,  
NOT clear brush.  
•
•
Mow across slopes, not up and down.  
Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.  
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on  
slopes.  
Using the Deck Lift Pedal  
•
•
•
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden  
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall  
grass can hide obstacles.  
Push the pedal forward until it locks into the transport position,  
locking behind the notch on the front of the index plate. Remove  
and replace the lock pin into the desired height index hole, then  
press down on the lift pedal and slowly allow the pedal to move  
back until it reaches the lock pin.  
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly  
uphill and use extra care while turning. Turning up a slope  
greatly increases the chance of a rollover.  
Engaging the PTO  
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other  
(separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO:  
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.  
1.  
Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)  
position.  
Mowing  
2.  
Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob outward into the engaged  
(ON) position. See Fig. 5-4.  
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.  
OFF  
ON  
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.  
Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is prone to weed  
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.  
Always operate the tractor with the throttle lever in the  
FAST (rabbit) position while mowing.  
Figure 5-4  
NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the throttle lever in the  
FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting  
deck or other (separately available) attachments.  
18  
Section 5— operation  
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Maintenance & Adjustments  
6
Maintenance Schedule  
Before  
Every  
Every  
Prior  
Each use  
10 Hours  
25 Hours  
to Storing  
Clean Battery Terminals  
P
P
Lube Front Caster Wheels and Wheel Spindles  
Check Engine Cooling Fins for Debris (Clean as  
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Necessary)  
Lube Deck Spindles  
Lube Pedal Pivot Points  
P
3.  
If your engine has the oil drain valve setup shown if Fig. 6-1,  
see the Oil Drain Valve section on page 20.  
Maintenance  
WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or  
repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine  
and remove key to prevent unintended starting.  
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick  
Engine  
Refer to the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual for all engine maintenance  
procedures and instructions.  
Oil Filler  
NOTE: Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control  
devices and systems which are being done at owner’s expense may  
be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual.  
Warranty repairs must be performed by a Cub Cadet Dealer.  
Oil Fill Tube  
Changing the Engine Oil  
WARNING! If the engine has been recently run, the  
engine, muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will  
be hot and can cause burns to the skin. Exercise  
caution to avoid burns.  
Oil Drain Valve  
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:  
1.  
Run the engine for a short time to warm the engine oil. The  
oil will flow more freely and carry away more impurities.  
Use care to avoid burns from hot oil.  
Figure 6-1  
2.  
Locate the oil drain hose/valve on the right side of the  
engine.  
19  
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4.  
If your engine has the oil drain hose setup in Fig. 6-2, see  
the Oil Drain Hose section below.  
Oil Drain Hose (If equipped)  
1.  
Remove the hose from the retaining loop-clamp. Route  
the free end of the oil drain hose toward an appropriate  
oil collection container with at least a 2.5 quart capacity,  
to collect the used oil. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from  
the oil fill tube.  
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick  
2.  
While holding the free end of the oil drain hose over the oil  
collection container, unscrew the square head hose plug  
from the end of the hose. See Fig. 6-2. Drain the engine oil  
into the collection container.  
Oil Filler  
Oil Fill Tube  
3.  
After draining the oil, wipe any residual oil from the oil  
drain hose. Thread the square head plug into the drain  
hose fitting and fully tighten the plug.  
Oil Drain Hose  
4.  
5.  
Replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil as  
instructed in the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual.  
Re-insert hose through the retaining loop-clamp.  
Square-Head  
Hose Plug  
Battery  
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!  
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories  
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known  
to the State of California to cause cancer and  
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.  
Figure 6-2  
Oil Drain Valve (If equipped)  
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot  
be checked and fluid can not be added.  
1.  
Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain  
valve to expose the drain port. Refer to Fig. 6-1. Remove the  
oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube.  
•
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and  
free of corrosive build-up.  
2.  
Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual) onto the  
oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose into an  
appropriate oil collection container with at least a 2.5 quart  
capacity, to collect the used oil.  
•
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat  
of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.  
CAUTION: If removing the battery for cleaning,  
disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from its  
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 result in serious damage to your engine’s  
alternating system.  
3.  
The engine is equipped with either a twist-and-pull drain  
port or a tabbed drain port. If your engine has the twist-  
and-pull drain go to step a. If your engine is equipped with  
the tabbed drain go to step b.  
a. Turn the oil drain valve 1⁄4-turn, then pull outward to  
begin draining oil. After the oil has finished draining,  
push the end of the oil drain valve back in and turn  
1⁄4-turn to secure it back in place. Re-cap the end of  
the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the  
drain port.  
Battery Storage  
1.  
When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the  
negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery.  
b. Pinch the tabs on the oil drain valve, then pull  
outward to begin draining oil. After the oil has  
finished draining, push the end of the oil drain valve  
back in, until the tabs click into place. Re-cap the end  
of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering  
the drain port.  
2.  
All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior  
of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will  
discharge more rapidly.  
3.  
The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged  
battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully  
charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot.  
3.  
After the oil has finished draining, push the end of the oil  
drain valve back in, until the tabs click into place. Re-cap  
the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering  
the drain port.  
4.  
Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although  
the tractor may start, the engine charging system may not  
fully recharge the battery.  
4.  
Replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil as  
instructed in the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual.  
Section 6— Maintenance & adjuStMentS  
20  
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Tractor Storage  
Removing The Tractor From Storage  
If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period 1.  
Check the engine oil.  
of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor  
should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and  
protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including  
the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures  
outlined below should be performed whenever the tractor is  
2.  
Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the  
recommended pressure.  
3.  
If drained before storing, fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh  
gasoline.  
placed in storage.  
4.  
5.  
Add clean, fresh fuel.  
1.  
Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions  
provided in the engine manual packed with this manual.  
Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to  
ensure engine is operating properly.  
WARNING! Never store the tractor with fuel in the  
tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where  
fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot  
light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.  
6.  
Drive the tractor without a load to make certain all the  
tractor systems are functioning properly.  
Hydrostatic Transmission  
Your zero turn tractor is equipped with dual integrated  
hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are sealed and are  
maintenance-free. However, the Z-Force S60 and Z-Force S54  
are equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir. Under  
normal operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion  
reservoir does not need to be checked and no additional oil is  
needed. If checking the reservoir oil level om the Z-Force S60 or  
the Z-Force S54, proceed as follows:  
2.  
If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:  
a. To prevent gum deposits from forming inside  
the engine’s carburetor and causing possible  
malfunction of the engine, the fuel system must be  
either completely emptied, or the gasoline must be  
treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration.  
WARNING! Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates  
and will cause serious starting problems.  
WARNING! Check the oil level ONLY before  
starting the tractor when the transmission oil is fully  
cooled.  
b. Using a fuel stabilizer:  
•
Read the product manufacturer’s instructions  
and recommendations.  
1.  
Pivot the operator’s seat forward and clean the reservoir  
cap and the area around the cap to prevent debris from  
contaminating the transmission oil. See Fig. 6-3.  
•
Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct  
amount of stabilizer for the capacity  
(approximately 3 gallons) of the fuel system.  
•
Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the  
engine for 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel  
into the carburetor.  
Full Cold Line  
c. Emptying the fuel system:  
•
•
•
Prior to putting the tractor in storage, monitor  
fuel consumption with the goal of running  
the fuel tank empty.  
Run the engine until it begins to stall. Use the  
choke to keep the engine running until all fuel  
in the carburetor has been exhausted.  
Referring to the engine manual, drain the fuel  
from the carburetor bowl.  
3.  
Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.  
4.  
Fully charge the battery, then disconnect the negative  
cable at the battery to prevent possible discharge.  
Recharge the battery periodically when in storage.  
NOTE: Remove the battery if exposed to prolonged periods  
of sub-freezing temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location  
where temperatures are above freezing.  
Figure 6-3  
2.  
Turn the reservoir cap counterclockwise to re-move, then  
check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be visible  
at the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be  
above the “FULL COLD” line. See Fig. 6-3. DO NOT FILL THE  
RESERVOIR.  
5.  
Lubricate all lubrication points.  
NOTE: Use a pressure washer or garden hose is not  
recommended to clean your tractor. They may cause  
damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys,  
bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in  
shortened life and reduce serviceability.  
3.  
If necessary to add oil because of some type of leakage, use  
a quality 20W50 motor oil and add only enough oil to bring  
the level to the “FULL COLD” line. Reinstall the cap and fully  
tighten.  
Section 6 — Maintenance & adjuStMentS  
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9.  
Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the  
tractor’s engine off.  
Cleaning the Tractor  
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off  
promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling  
fins of the engine, the transmission’s cooling fan or on any other  
part of the machine, especially the belts and pulleys.  
10. Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the  
water port on your deck’s surface.  
11. Repeat step 4-10 on the opposite side of the cutting deck.  
After cleaning your deck with the Smart Jet™ system, return to  
the operator’s position and engage the PTO. Keep the cutting  
deck running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the  
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.  
Smart Jet™  
Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as  
part of its deck wash system.  
Use the Smart Jet™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s  
underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.  
Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:  
Lubrication  
WARNING! Before lubricating, repairing, or  
inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking  
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent  
unintended starting.  
1.  
Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near  
enough for your garden hose to reach.  
CAUTION: Make certain the tractor’s discharge  
chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage,  
parked cars, etc.  
Front Wheels  
Each of the front wheel spindles and rims is equipped with a grease  
fitting. See Fig. 6-5. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease  
applied with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the parking brake  
and stop the engine.  
Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your tractor’s  
Operator’s Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.  
Grease  
Fittings  
Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your decks  
surface. See Fig. 6-4.  
Nozzle Adapter  
Deck Wash Nozzle  
Adapter Lock Collar  
Figure 6-5  
Pivot Points & Linkage  
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake  
and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.  
Figure 6-4  
4.  
Turn the water on.  
5.  
While sitting in the operator’s position on the tractor, start  
the engine and place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit)  
position.  
6.  
7.  
Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the ON position.  
Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck  
engaged for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the  
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.  
8.  
Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the OFF  
position.  
22  
Section 6— Maintenance & adjuStMentS  
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Deck Spindle  
3.  
Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt on the front left  
deck hanger link. See Fig. 6-7.  
Grease fittings can be found on top of each spindle bolt. See Fig.  
6-6. Lubricate with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multi-  
purpose lithium grease. Using a grease gun, apply two strokes  
(minimum) or sufficient grease to the spindle shaft.  
Adjustment  
Gear  
Grease Fittings  
Hex Bolt  
Figure 6-7  
NOTE: The front right deck hanger link is not adjustable  
and is used to help adjust the other hanger links.  
Figure 6-6  
4.  
Using a wrench, raise or lower the left side of the deck by  
turning the adjustment gears. See Fig. 6-7.  
Tires  
The deck is properly leveled when both blade tip measurements  
are equal. Retighten the hex bolt on the front left deck hanger  
bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.  
WARNING! Never exceed the maximum inflation  
pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.  
Leveling the Deck (Front To Rear)  
Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s  
recommended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate. Uneven tire  
pressure could cause the cutting deck to mow unevenly.  
NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing  
any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 21 for  
information regarding tire pressure. Always level the deck side to  
side before front to rear.  
Adjustments  
NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing  
any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 21 for  
information regarding tire pressure.  
The front of the deck should be between 1⁄4” and 3⁄8” lower than  
the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Park the tractor on a firm, level surface and place the deck  
lift pedal in a middle position.  
WARNING! Shut the engine off, remove the  
ignition key and engage the parking brake before  
making adjustments. Protect your hands by using  
heavy gloves when handling the blades.  
Rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is  
parallel with the tractor.  
Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the  
ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The  
first measurement taken should be between 1⁄4” and 3⁄8” less  
than the second measurement.  
Leveling the Deck (Side to Side)  
NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any  
deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires for information regarding  
tire pressure. Always level the deck side to side before front to rear.  
Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper  
adjustment and proceed, if necessary.  
NOTE: When leveling the deck side-to-side, make sure the two rear  
adjustment gears are set in the middle of the adjustment range.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt on the left and  
right rear deck hanger brackets. See Fig. 6-7.  
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side  
adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:  
Using a wrench, raise or lower the left and right side of the  
deck by turning the adjustment gears. See Fig. 6-7.  
1.  
With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck  
lift pedal in a middle mowing position and rotate both outside  
blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.  
The deck is properly leveled when the front tip of the  
blade is 1⁄4” lower than the rear tip. Retighten the hex bolt  
on the left and right rear deck hanger links when proper  
adjustment is achieved.  
2.  
Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade  
tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the  
right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken  
should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to the next step.  
Section 6 — Maintenance & adjuStMentS  
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Adjusting the Belt Tension  
Setting the Deck Wheels  
To tighten or loosen the tension on the belt, tighten or loosen  
the jam nuts on the U-rod, see Fig. 6-8, until a ten-pound pull  
with a spring scale deflects the belt about 1⁄2”.  
Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably  
pavement, and proceed as follows  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing  
the deck lift pedal in the normally desired mowing height  
setting.  
Check the deck wheels for contact or excessive clearance  
with the surface below. The deck wheels should have  
between ¼-½” clearance above the ground.  
If the deck wheels have excessive clearance or contact with  
the surface, adjust as follows:  
a. Raise the deck lift pedal to its highest setting.  
b. Remove the front and rear deck wheels by removing  
the lock nuts and shoulder bolts which secure them  
to the deck. See Fig. 6-9.  
Deck Wheel  
Figure 6-8  
Lock Nut  
Shoulder Bolt  
Figure 6-9  
c. Place the deck lift pedal in the desired mowing  
height setting.  
d. Reinsert the shoulder bolts (with each gauge wheel)  
into the index hole that leaves approximately  
½-inch between the bottom of the wheel and the  
pavement.  
Parking Brake Adjustment  
If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake  
lever is completely engaged, or if the tractor’s rear wheels can  
roll with the parking brake applied (and the hydrostatic relief  
valve open), the brake is in need of adjustment. See your Cub  
Cadet dealer to have the brake properly adjusted.  
Section 6— Maintenance & adjuStMentS  
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Service  
7
WARNING! Before performing any service, place  
Charging the Battery  
Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has  
been stored for a period of time.  
the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the  
parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the  
“OFF” position and remove the key from the switch.  
•
A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.6 volts (DC) or  
higher across the battery terminals. See Fig. 7-2.  
Battery Removal  
WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related  
accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash  
hands after handling.  
Voltmeter  
Reading  
State of  
Charge  
Charging  
Time  
12.7  
12.4  
12.2  
12.0  
100%  
75%  
50%  
25%  
Full Charge  
90 Min.  
The battery is located beneath the seat frame. To remove the battery:  
180 Min.  
280 Min.  
1.  
Push down and back on the battery hold-down bracket as  
shown in Fig. 7-1 to free it from the seat mount frame.  
Figure 7-2  
•
Charge the battery with a 12-volt battery charger at a  
MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps.  
Servicing Electrical System  
A fuse is installed to protect the tractor’s electrical system from  
damage caused by excessive amperage. Always use the same  
capacity fuse for replacement. If the electrical system does not  
function, check for a blown fuse.  
If you have a recurring problem with blown fuses, have the tractor’s  
electrical system checked by your Cub Cadet Service Dealer.  
Relays and Switches  
There are several safety switches in the electrical system. If a  
function of the safety interlock system described earlier is not  
functioning properly, have the electrical system checked by your  
Cub Cadet Service Dealer.  
Figure 7-1  
2.  
Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the black  
negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked  
NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post.  
3.  
Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the red  
positive battery lead to the positive battery post (marked POS).  
4.  
5.  
Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor.  
Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the  
reverse order.  
WARNING! Always connect the positive lead to  
the battery before connecting the negative lead.  
This will prevent sparking or possible injury from an  
electrical short caused by contacting the tractor  
body with tools being used to connect the cables.  
25  
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4.  
Pull the cotter pins out of the four deck lift adjustment  
brackets. See Fig. 7-5.  
Deck Removal  
Remove the mower deck from the tractor as follows:  
1.  
Move the tractor to a level surface, disengage the PTO, stop  
the engine, and set the parking brake.  
2.  
Place the deck lift pedal in the lowest mowing position and  
replace the lock pin in front of pedal in the deck height  
bracket and secure by locking the lock pin. See Fig. 7-3.  
Cotter  
Pin  
Lock Rod  
Figure 7-5  
CAUTION: The deck lift helper springs will cause  
the deck lift pedal to slam to the highest position if  
the click pin is not in front of the pedal.  
Highest  
Mowing  
Position  
Lowest  
Mowing  
Position  
5.  
Slide the links off the pins.  
Figure 7-3  
NOTE: It may be easier to place the deck lift pedal in  
the transport position when sliding the deck out from  
underneath the tractor.  
3.  
Using a 1⁄2” drive in the idler pulley bracket, turn the wrench  
towards the back of the tractor and slide the belt off the  
PTO pulley. See Fig. 7-4.  
6.  
7.  
Jack up the rear-end of the tractor using the rear bumper.  
Slide the deck out from underneath the tractor to the right  
side.  
Z-Force S60 &  
Z-Force S54  
Z-Force S48  
Idler Pulley  
Bracket  
Idler  
Assembly  
Figure 7-4  
Section 7— Service  
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5.  
6.  
After all four cotter pins are secure, slide the deck forward  
and hook the deck to the U-rod.  
Deck Installation  
Z-Force S60/54  
Install the deck on the tractor as follows:  
Route the PTO belt as shown in Fig. 7-8. After routing the  
belt around the PTO pulley, use a 1⁄2” drive in the idler pulley  
bracket and turn towards the back of the tractor to finish  
routing the belt around the idler pulley.  
1.  
Place the deck lift pedal in the highest mowing position  
and secure it by placing the click pin behind the pedal.  
Refer to Fig. 7-3.  
2.  
Slide the deck under the tractor on the right side of the  
tractor lining up the deck lift adjustment brackets and the  
deck lift brackets on the deck. See Fig. 7-6.  
Deck Lift Adjustment Brackets  
Deck Belt  
PTO Belt  
PTO Pulley  
Figure 7-8  
7.  
Place the deck in the highest mowing position by removing  
the click pin and push the pedal forward and rock back to  
lock into the transport position, locking behind the notch  
on the front of the index plate.  
Deck Lift Brackets  
Figure 7-6  
8.  
9.  
Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section to level  
the deck if required.  
3.  
Once the deck is under the tractor, move the deck lift pedal  
to the lowest mowing position.  
Make sure the proper tension is on the belt. To adjust the  
tension, refer to “Adjusting Belt Tension” on page 22.  
NOTE: To make the brackets line up properly it may be  
necessary to place a small block of wood under each side  
of the deck.  
NOTE: Before using the tractor double-check the belt  
routing to make sure that the belt has been routed  
properly.  
4.  
Once the brackets are properly aligned, slide the pin on the  
deck lift adjustment bracket into the lift bracket and secure  
with cotter pins. See Fig. 7-7.  
Z-Force S48  
Install the deck on the tractor as follows:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the deck lift pedal in the highest mowing position  
and secure it by placing the click pin behind the pedal.  
Refer to Fig. 7-3.  
Bracket Pin  
Slide the deck under the tractor on the right side of the  
tractor lining up the deck lift adjustment brackets and the  
deck lift brackets on the deck. See Fig. 7-6.  
Cotter  
Pin  
Once the deck is under the tractor, move the deck lift pedal  
to the lowest mowing position.  
NOTE: To make the brackets line up properly it may be  
necessary to place a small block of wood under each side  
of the deck.  
4.  
5.  
Once the brackets are properly aligned, slide the pin on the  
deck lift adjustment bracket into the lift bracket and secure  
with cotter pins. See Fig. 7-7.  
After all four cotter pins are secure, slide the deck forward  
and hook the deck to the U-rod.  
Figure 7-7  
Section 7 — Service  
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6.  
Route the belt as shown in Fig. 7-9. After routing the belt  
around the PTO pulley, use a 1⁄2” drive in the idler pulley  
bracket and turn towards the back of the tractor to finish  
routing the belt around the idler pulley.  
Replacing the Deck Belt  
Z-Force S60/54  
1.  
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck  
Removal on page 24).  
2.  
Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to  
the deck. See Fig. 7-10.  
Hex Washer  
Screws  
Belt Cover  
Belt Keeper  
Idler  
Pulley  
PTO Pulley  
Figure 7-9  
7.  
Place the deck in the highest mowing position by removing  
the click pin and push the pedal forward and rock back to  
lock into the transport position, locking behind the notch  
on the front of the index plate.  
Figure 7-10  
3.  
Using a 1⁄2” socket breaker bar or socket ratchet insert the  
male end into the 1⁄2” square opening in the lower idler arm  
assembly/Idler pulley bracket and pull the idler arm/pulley  
bracket clockwise. See Fig. 7-11. While holding the idler arm  
back, loosen the deck belt from the pulleys and slide the  
belt away from the pulley.  
8.  
9.  
Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section to level  
the deck if required.  
Make sure the proper tension is on the belt. To adjust the  
tension, refer to “Adjusting Belt Tension” on page 22.  
NOTE: Before using the tractor double-check the belt  
routing to make sure that the belt has been routed properly.  
Idler Arm  
Figure 7-9  
4.  
5.  
Install the new deck belt around the spindle pulleys as  
shown in Fig. 7-8 and reinstall the belt covers.  
Reinstall the deck following the instructions in Deck  
Installation on page 25.  
Section 7— Service  
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3.  
A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing  
and the cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose  
the hex nut securing the blade. To reinstall the blades,  
reverse the above process and tighten nut to 100-120 lb ft.  
Replacing the Belt  
Z-Force 48  
1.  
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck  
Removal on page 24).  
4.  
Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 25 ).  
NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the  
bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvanic corrosion.  
2.  
Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to  
the deck and loosen the belt keepers enough to slide the  
belt off the pulleys. See Fig. 7-10.  
WARNING!: Never mow with dull blades. Blades  
that are bent should be replaced. The cutting blades  
are sharp and can cause severe injury. Wrap the  
cutting surface of the blade with a rag to avoid injury.  
3.  
Remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Refer to Fig. 7-9.  
4.  
Install the new belt around the spindle pulleys as shown in  
Fig. 7-9 and reinstall the belt covers.  
5.  
Reinstall the deck following the instructions in Deck  
Installation on page 25.  
Sharpening the Blades  
1.  
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck  
Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to  
expose its underside.  
Replacing the PTO Belt (Z-Force S60/54 only)  
1.  
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck  
Removal on page 23).  
2.  
Clean any debris from the blades. Keep blades sharp and  
free of build up at all times.  
2.  
Replace the PTO belt and reinstall the deck following the  
instructions in Deck Installation on page 25.  
3.  
Sharpen blades evenly at the original 30° angle to maintain  
balanced cutting blades. Do not sharpen the underside of  
the blades. Use a electric blade sharpener, a conventional  
electric grinder or a hand file to sharpen the blades.  
Mower Blade Care  
WARNING! Protect your hands by using heavy  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Replace any blade with severe nicks or dents that cannot  
be removed by filing.  
gloves when handling the blades. When servicing  
the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on  
the sharpened blades.  
Check the balance of the blade after sharpening by placing  
it on a blade balancer. Do not use unbalanced blades.  
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharpen the  
cutting edges of the blades evenly so that the blades remain  
balanced and the same angle of sharpness is maintained.  
If the blade dips on one end, file stock off of the cutting  
surface on that end.  
NOTE: Replace any blades that cannot be easily balanced.  
If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharpened many  
times, or if any metal separation is present, it is recommended  
that new blades be installed. New blades are available at your  
authorized dealer.  
The blades may be removed as follows.  
1.  
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck  
Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to  
expose its underside.  
2.  
Use a 3⁄4” wrench to hold the hex washer screw on the top  
of the spindle assembly when loosening the flange lock  
nut securing the blade. See Fig. 7-11.  
Hex  
Washer  
Screw  
Spacer  
Pulley  
Hex Screw  
Spacer  
Spindle Assembly  
Spacer  
Blade  
Flange Lock Nut  
Figure 7-11  
Section 7 — Service  
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Changing the Spindle Assembly  
1.  
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck  
Removal on page 25).  
2.  
Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers  
to the deck and remove the belt from the spindle pulleys.  
Refer to Fig. 7-9.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Remove the drive belts. (See Replacing the Belt)  
Remove the blade. (See Mower Blade Care).  
Use a 3⁄4” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle  
assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade.  
A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing  
and the cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose  
the hex nut securing the blade. See Fig. 7-12.  
Hex  
Washer  
Screw  
Spacer  
Pulley  
Hex Screw  
Spacer  
Spindle Assembly  
Spacer  
Blade  
Flange Lock Nut  
Figure 7-12  
NOTE: Take note of the order that the parts composing the  
assembly are placed.  
4.  
5.  
Using a wrench or socket ratchet remove four hex washer  
screws. Remove the spindle assembly. See Fig. 7-10.  
Reverse the process to install the spindle assembly.  
Changing the Transmission Drive Belt  
Several components must be removed and special tools used in  
order to change the tractor’s transmission drive belt. See your  
Cub Cadet dealer to have the transmission drive belt replaced.  
Section 7— Service  
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Troubleshooting  
8
Problem  
Cause  
Remedy  
Excessive vibration  
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.  
1. Tighten blade and spindle.  
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.  
2. Replace blade.  
Uneven cut  
1. Deck not leveled properly.  
2. Dull blade.  
1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.  
2. Sharpen or replace blade.  
3. Uneven tire pressure.  
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.  
1. Engine speed too low.  
2. Wet grass.  
Mower will not mulch grass  
(If Equipped w/Mulching Kit)  
1. Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.  
2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.  
3. Excessively high grass.  
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then  
mow again at desired height or make a  
narrower cutting swath.  
4. Dull blade.  
4. Sharpen or replace blade.  
31  
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Replacement Parts  
9
Component  
Part Number and Description  
759-3336  
Spark Plug  
KM-11013-7049 Air Filter  
KM-49019-0707 Fuel Filter (Z-Force S48/54)  
KM-49040-7008 Fuel Filter (Z-Force S60)  
KM-49065-7007 Oil Filter  
754-04044A  
Deck Belt (Z-Force S48)  
754-04137A  
Deck Belt (Z-Force S54)  
01005376  
Deck Belt (Z-Force S60)  
PTO Belt (Z-Force S54/60)  
954-04262  
754-04250  
Drive Belt  
02005017  
02005017-X  
02005018  
Mowing Blade (Z-Force S48)  
Xtreme Mowing Blade (Z-Force S48)  
Mowing Blade (Z-Force S54)  
02005018-X  
02005019  
02005019-X  
Xtreme Mowing Blade (Z-Force S54)  
Mowing Blade (Z-Force S60)  
Xtreme Mowing Blade (Z-Force S60)  
32  
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Component  
Part Number and Description  
618-04426  
Deck Spindle  
734-04155  
634-3159  
Deck Wheel (Z-Force S48)  
Deck Wheel (Z-Force S54/60)  
925-1707D  
751-12193A  
946-1086  
Battery  
Gas Cap  
Throttle Control Cable  
746-04057  
925-2054A  
Choke Control Cable  
Ignition Key  
01006693  
Chute Deflector  
634-04128  
634-04295  
Wheel Assembly (Z-Force S48)  
Wheel Assembly (Z-Force S54/60)  
634-04629  
Caster Wheel Assembly  
Section 9 — Replacement paRtS  
33  
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Attachments & Accessories  
10  
Part No.  
Part  
48” Double Bagger (Z-Force S48)  
54” Triple Bagger (Z-Force S54)  
60” Triple Bagger (Z-Force S60)  
Mulch Kit (Z-Force S48)  
Mulch Kit (Z-Force S60)  
Headlight Kit  
19A70011100  
19A70012100  
19A70012100  
19A70016100  
19A70017100  
19A70018100  
19A70025100  
19A70024100  
490-850-0005  
490-850-0008  
Hitch Kit  
58” Snow Blade  
Blade Removal Tool  
Oil Siphon  
34  
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Notes  
11  
35  
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36  
Section 11— noteS  
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Section 11 — noteS  
37  
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FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT  
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS  
MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and, for those products certified for sale in the state of California, the  
California Air Resources Board (CARB) are pleased to explain the emission (evaporative and/or exhaust) control system (ECS) warranty on your outdoor 2006  
and later small off-road spark-ignited engine and equipment (outdoor equipment engine) In California, new outdoor equipment engines must be designed, built and  
equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards (in other states, 1997 and later model year equipment must be designed, built, and equipped to meet  
the U.S. EPA small off-road, spark ignition engine regulations. MTD Consumer Group Inc must warrant the ECS on your outdoor equipment engine for the period of  
time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of outdoor equipment engine.  
Your ECS may include parts such as the carburetor, fuel-injection system, the ignition system, catalytic converter, fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel caps, valves, canisters,  
filters, vapor hoses, clamps, connectors, and other associated emission-related components.  
Where a warrantable condition exists, MTD Consumer Group Inc will repair your outdoor equipment engine at no cost to you including diagnosis, parts and labor.  
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY COVERAGE:  
This emission control system is warranted for two years. If any emission-related part on your outdoor equipment engine is defective, the part will be repaired or  
replaced by MTD CONSUMER GROUP INC.  
OWNER’S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:  
As the outdoor equipment engine owner, you are responsible for performance of the required maintenance listed in your owner’s manual. MTD Consumer Group  
Inc recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your outdoor equipment engine, but MTD Consumer Group Inc cannot deny warranty solely  
for the lack of receipts.  
As the outdoor equipment engine owner, you should however be aware that MTD Consumer Group Inc may deny you warranty coverage if your outdoor equipment  
engine or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance or unapproved modifications.  
You are responsible for presenting your outdoor equipment engine to MTD Consumer Group Inc’s distribution center or service center as soon as the problem  
exists. The warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have a question regarding your warranty coverage,  
you should contact the MTD Consumer Group Inc Service Department at 1-800-800-7310 or via email at http://support.mtdproducts.com  
GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE:  
MTD Consumer Group Inc warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that the outdoor equipment engine is: Designed, built and equipped  
so as to conform with all applicable regulations; and free from defects in materials and workmanship that cause the failure of a warranted part to be identical in all  
material respects to that part as described in MTD Consumer Group Inc’s application for certification.  
The warranty period begins on the date the outdoor equipment engine is delivered to an ultimate purchaser or first placed into service. The warranty period is two  
years.  
Subject to certain conditions and exclusions as stated below, the warranty on emission-related parts is as follows:  
1. Any warranted part that is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the written instructions supplied, is warranted for the warranty period  
stated above. If the part fails during the period of warranty coverage, the part will be repaired or replaced by MTD Consumer Group Inc according to subsection  
(4) below. Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the period.  
2. Any warranted part that is scheduled only for regular inspection in the written instructions supplied is warranted for the warranty period stated above. Any such  
part repaired or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the remaining warranty period.  
3. Any warranted part that is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the written instructions supplied is warranted for the period of time before the  
first scheduled replacement date for that part. If the part fails before the first scheduled replacement, the part will be repaired or replaced by MTD Consumer  
Group Inc according to subsection (4) below. Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the period prior to the  
first scheduled replacement point for the part.  
4. Repair or replacement of any warranted part under the warranty provisions herein must be performed at a warranty station at no charge to the owner.  
5. Notwithstanding the provisions herein, warranty services or repairs will be provided at all of our distribution centers that are franchised to service the subject  
engines or equipment.  
6. The outdoor equipment engine owner will not be charged for diagnostic labor that is directly associated with diagnosis of a defective, emission-related war-  
ranted part, provided that such diagnostic work is performed at a warranty station.  
7. MTD Consumer Group Inc is liable for damages to other engine or equipment components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any warranted  
part.  
8. Throughout the off-road engine and equipment warranty period stated above, MTD Consumer Group Inc will maintain a supply of warranted parts sufficient to  
meet the expected demand for such parts.  
9. Any replacement part may be used in the performance of any warranty maintenance or repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner. Such use will  
not reduce the warranty obligations of MTD Consumer Group Inc.  
10. Add-on or modified parts that are not exempted by the Air Resources Board may not be used. The use of any non-exempted add-on or modified parts by the  
ultimate purchaser will be grounds for disallowing a warranty claims. MTD Consumer Group Inc will not be liable to warrant failures of warranted parts caused  
by the use of a non-exempted add-on or modified part.  
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WARRANTED PARTS:  
The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group  
Inc demonstrates that the outdoor equipment engine has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper mainte-  
nance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part. That notwithstanding, any adjustment of a component that has a factory installed,  
and properly operating, adjustment limiting device is still eligible for warranty coverage. Further, the coverage under this warranty extends only to parts that were  
present on the off-road engine and equipment purchased.  
The following emission warranty parts are covered (if applicable):  
(1) Fuel Metering System  
•
•
•
•
Cold start enrichment system (soft choke)  
Carburetor and internal parts (or fuel injection system)  
Fuel pump  
Fuel tank  
(2) Air Induction System  
•
•
Air cleaner  
Intake manifold  
(3) Ignition System  
•
•
Spark plug(s)  
Magneto ignition system  
(4) Exhaust System  
•
•
Catalytic converter  
SAI (Reed valve)  
(5) Miscellaneous Items Used in Above System  
•
•
Vacuum, temperature, position, time sensitive valves and switches  
Connectors and assemblies  
(6) Evaporative Control  
•
•
•
•
Fuel hose  
Fuel hose clamps  
Tethered fuel cap  
Carbon canister  
• Vapor lines  
GDOC-100223 Rev. A  
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CUB CADET LLC  
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR  
Z-FORCE S/Z-FORCE ZERO-TURN RIDING MOWER  
IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an  
In the U.S.A.:  
original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the  
servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on  
required maintenance and service intervals.  
Check your Yellow Pages, or contact Cub Cadet LLC at P.O. Box  
361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, call 1-877-282- 8684  
or log on to our website at www.cubcadet.com.  
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Cub Cadet LLC with  
respect to new merchandise purchased or leased and used in the  
United States and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD  
Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased or  
leased and used in Canada and/or its territories and possessions  
(either entity respectively, “Cub Cadet”).  
In Canada:  
Contact MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, call 1-800-  
668-1238 or log on to our website at www.mtdcanada.com.  
Without limiting the foregoing, this limited warranty does not provide  
coverage in the following cases:  
a. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade  
sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments,  
deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior finish  
due to use or exposure.  
This warranty is in addition to any applicable emissions warranty  
provided with your product.  
Cub Cadet warrants this product (excluding its Normal Wear Parts,  
Batteries and Attachments as described below) against defects in  
material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years or one  
hundred eighty (180) operation hours, whichever comes first,  
commencing on the date of original retail purchase or lease and will,  
at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be  
defective in materials or workmanship.  
b. Service completed by someone other than an authorized service  
dealer.  
c. Cub Cadet does not extend any warranty for products sold or  
exported outside of the United States and/or Canada, and their  
respective possessions and territories, except those sold through  
Cub Cadet’s authorized channels of export distribution.  
Normal Wear Parts are warranted to be free from defects in material  
and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of  
original purchase or lease. Normal wear parts include, but are not  
limited to items such as: belts, blades, blade adapters, grass bags,  
rider deck wheels, seats, and tires.  
d. Replacement parts and\or accessories that are not genuine Cub  
Cadet parts.  
e. Transportation charges and service calls.  
There are no implied warranties, including without limitation any  
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular  
purpose. No warranties shall apply after the applicable period  
of express written warranty above. No other express warranties  
beyond those mentioned above, given by any person or entity,  
including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall  
bind Cub Cadet. The exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of  
the product as set forth above. The terms of this warranty provide  
the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale and/or lease  
of the products covered hereby. Cub Cadet shall not be liable for  
any incidental or consequential loss or damage including, without  
limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn  
care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a  
warranted product.  
Batteries have a one-year prorated limited warranty against defects  
in material and workmanship, with 100% replacement during the  
first three months. After three months, the battery replacement  
credit is based on the months remaining in the twelve (12) month  
period dating back to the original date of original sale or lease. Any  
replacement battery will be warranted only for the remainder of the  
original warranty period.  
Attachments — Cub Cadet warrants attachments for this product  
against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1)  
year, commencing on the date of the attachment’s original purchase  
or lease. Attachments include, but are not limited to items such as:  
grass collectors and mulch kits.  
This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been  
operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual  
furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse,  
abuse, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration,  
vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other peril or  
natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use of any  
part, accessory or attachment not approved by Cub Cadet for use  
with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as  
to any resulting damage. In addition, Cub Cadet may deny warranty  
coverage if the hour meter, or any part thereof, is altered, modified,  
disconnected or otherwise tampered with.  
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of  
incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an  
implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not  
apply to you.  
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of  
the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of safety features of  
the product shall void this warranty. You assume the risk and liability  
for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others  
and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the  
product.  
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH  
PROOF OF PURCHASE AND APPLICABLE MAINTENANCE RECORDS,  
through your local authorized service dealer. To locate the dealer in  
your area:  
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the  
original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a  
gift.  
HOW LOCAL LAWS RELATE TO THIS WARRANTY: This limited  
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other  
rights that vary in different jurisdictions.  
Cub Cadet LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019, Phone: 1-877-282-8684  
MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, Phone: 1-800-668-1238  
GDOC-100090 REV. C  
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