Cub Cadet RZT54 - Starting the Engine; Throttle;Choke Control Lever Set-Up; Cold Weather Starting

The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the 

of whether the parking brake is engaged.
NOTE: 
position to restart the engine.

mower blades will stop if both drive control levers are

when one or both of the levers are moved back to the
neutral or forward position.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! This tractor is equipped with a safety
interlock system designed for the protection of the
operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of

check the functions of the interlock system for
proper operation.
WARNING! For personal safety, the operator must
be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the
engine.
Separate Throttle and Choke

2.
3.


position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5.
FAST positions.

and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not
crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at
a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn

starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few
attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep trying to
start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and
make starting more difficult.
As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke knob 7.
downward to open the choke. Do not use the choke to
enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the
engine.
Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle 8.
before putting the engine under load.

indicator light comes on, immediately stop the engine.

Throttle/Choke Control Lever Set-Up

2.
3.

Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module. 
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary
to choke the engine.
5.
and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not
crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at
a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn

starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few
attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep trying to
start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and
make starting more difficult.
As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke knob 
downward to open the choke. Do not use the choke to
enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the
engine.
Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle 7.
before putting the engine under load.
8.
indicator light comes on, immediately stop the engine.

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:
Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery 
has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has 2.
higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline
left over from summer.
3.
Figure 5-1
LH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
RH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Parking Brake
Engaged
Throttle/Choke
Control or Throttle
Control
Choke
PTO Switch in Down
(Disengaged) Position
16 se c t i O n 5— Op e r a t i O n