Cub Cadet 1204 - BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR; Essential Pre-Operation Checks; STARTING THE ENGINE; Safety Interlock System Explained

BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
1. Before you operate the tractor, study this manual
carefully. It has been prepared to help you
operate and maintain your tractor with utmost
efficiency.
2. Familiarize yourself with the operation of all the
instruments and controls.
3. Fill the tank with either lead-free, low-lead or
regular gasoline. Make sure before you fill the
tank that the gasoline is clean and fresh.
4. Check the engine and transmission oil levels.
5. Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
6. Check tire inflation pressures.
7. Adjust the seat for operator's maximum comfort,
visibility and complete control of the tractor.
8. Remove the noise isolation panels and clean any
accumulated grass and debris from the intake fan
on engine.
9. Make certain that the backside of the grille is
clean and unobstructed. Pull forward on top
edge to expose rear side of grille. Remove by
hand any accumulated grass and debris.
10. Refer to various sections of the Owner's Manual
for additional information.
STARTING THE ENGINE
WARNING
Do not operate tractor if the interlock system is
malfunctioning because it is a safety device
designed for protection.
■ ^NOTE
This unit is equipped with a safety interlock
system for your protection. The purpose of
the safety interlock system Is to prevent the
engine from cranking or starling unless the
single brake pedal Is depressed, the PTO
switch is in the "OFF" position and the
operator Is seated.
■ i^NOTE
This unit can be equipped with an optional
disconnect clutch.
■ ^NOTE
This disconnect clutch is mounted on the
engine to transmission drive shaft. The pur¬
pose of the disconnect clutch is to allow the
engine to start before the transmission is
engaged. This will greatly reduce the load on
the engine when it is started, thus making it
easier to start the engine. (See Figure 18.) It
is available through your authorized Cub
Cadef dealer.
NOTE
The disconnect clutch should be installed by
your authorized Cub Cade/dealer.
DISCONNECT
CLUTCH
Figure 18. (1210 and 1211 Tractors Only)
1. Operator must be seated.
2. Pull choke control button to full choke position.
Less choking may be necessary due to varia¬
tions in temperature, grade of fuel, etc. Little or
no choking will be needed when the engine is
warm.
3. Place the throttle just off "SLOW" position.
4. Place the PTO switch to the "OFF" position.
5. To start the engine, safety starting switches must
be activated by pressing the brake pedal (or
clutch-brake pedal on the 1204 model tractors)
all the way down.
6. On the 1204 model tractor place the gear shift
lever in neutral ("N").
^^NOTE
On the 1210 and 1211 model tractors, the
speed control lever will automatically return
to neutral when the single brake pedal is
pressed all the way down and the linkage Is
properly adjusted.
7. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the "START"
position and release it as soon as the engine
starts: however do not operate the starter for
more than 10 seconds at any one time. If the
engine does not start within this time, turn the
key "OFF" and wait a few minutes, then try again.
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