13
Figure 7
NOTE:  The  crowned  (rounded)  surface  of  the  front
bell  washers  should  be  against  the  shoulder  screw,
between  the  front  ball  wheel  and  deck  gauge  wheel
bracket. The cupped surface of the bell washer should
be against the deck.
• If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with 
the surface below, lower the wheels to the index 
hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance 
as described above.
Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 17 of this manual for 
more detailed instructions regarding various deck 
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF) 
position.
• Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
• Place the throttle control in the FAST position
• Pull the choke control outward.
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START 
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It 
will return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT:
 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.
• After the engine starts, deactivate the choke 
control.
NOTE:  Upon  starting  the  engine,  a  metallic  ticking
may  occur.  This  is  caused  by  the  hydraulic  lifter
leakdown  during  storage.  Run  the  engine  for  five
minutes.  The  noise  will  normally  cease  in  the  first
minute. If noise continues, run the engine at mid-throttle
for twenty minutes.  If noise persists, have  the  engine
serviced by your Cub Cadet dealer.
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. 
Stopping the Engine
WARNING:  If you strike 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 restarting
and operating
• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob in 
the disengaged (OFF) position.
• Place the throttle control near the FAST position
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP 
position. 
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent 
unintended starting.
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
• Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it there 
while gently pushing the parking brake lever 
downward.
• Hold the parking brake lever down while removing 
your foot from the brake pedal.
• Once engaged, the parking brake lever and the 
brake pedal will lock in the “down” position.
To disengage the parking brake: 
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:  The  parking  brake  must  be  engaged  if  the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the
engine will automatically shut off.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING:  Avoid  sudden  starts,  ex-
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:  Do  not  leave  the  seat  of  the
tractor  without  first  placing  the  PTO  knob  in
the  disengaged  (OFF)  position,  depressing
the  brake  pedal  and  engaging  the  parking
brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also
turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
Lock nut
Shoulder Screws
Flat Washer
Bell Washer