15
Moving The Tractor Manually
Your tractor’s transmission is equipped with a 
hydrostatic relief valve for occasions when it is 
necessary to move the tractor manually. Opening this 
valve permits the fluid in the transmission to bypass its 
normal route, allowing the rear tires to "freewheel." To 
engage the hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:
• Locate the hydrostatic bypass rod in the rear of the 
tractor. See Figure 9.
Figure 9
• Pull the hydrostatic bypass rod outward, then 
down, to lock it in place.
NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the
hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to
its normal position prior to operating the tractor.
IMPORTANT:
 Never attempt to move the tractor 
manually without first engaging the hydrostatic relief 
valve. Doing so will result in serious damage to the 
tractor’s transmission.
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck 
or other (separately available) attachments. To engage 
the PTO, proceed as follows:
• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) 
position.
• Pull the PTO knob outward into the engaged (ON) 
position. See Figure 10.
• Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position 
for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other 
(separately available) attachments
IMPORTANT:
 The electric PTO clutch will automatically 
shut off if the PTO is engaged with the drive pedal in 
position for reverse travel. Refer to Safety Interlock 
Switches on page 12.
Figure 10
Mowing
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.
This tractor is equipped with one of Cub Cadet’s quality 
cutting decks. 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.
• 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.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites 
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at 
full throttle. 
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go 
back over the cut area a second time to get a clean 
cut. 
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds 
and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to 
mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades 
when worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 25 of this 
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
Hydrostatic
Bypass Rod
ON
OFF
Front View Pull Out
Push In