MTD Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX5 54 User Manual

Important Safe Operation Practices • Assembly • Operation • Service and Maintenance • Troubleshooting
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING
California Proposition 65
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.
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.
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.
Record Product Information
Before setting up and operating your new equipment,
please locate the model plate on the equipment and
record the information in the provided area to the right.
You can locate the model plate by lifting up the seat
and looking under the seat pan. This information will be
necessary, should you seek technical support via our web
site or with your local authorized service dealer.
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
Form No. 769-22033A
(October 21, 2019)
Important Safe Operation Practices ..................... 2
Assembly .................................................................. 8
Operation ................................................................12
Service and Maintenance ......................................18
Troubleshooting .................................................... 26
Parts/Warranty .............. See Separate Supplement
Table of Contents
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all
models and the model depicted may differ from yours.
Zero-Turn Tractor
Lapbar Drive Control Levers

MTD Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX5 54 Specifications

General

Type	Zero-Turn Mower
Engine Size	726cc
Horsepower	24 HP
Cutting Width	54 inches
Cutting Height	1.5 - 4.5 inches
Blades	3
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Deck Material	11-gauge fabricated steel
Turning Radius	Zero

Summary

Record Product Information

Safe Operations Practices

General Safety and Operator Preparation

Covers general safety rules, operator preparation, and the Operator Protective System (OPS).

Operating Procedures and Child Safety

Details safe tractor operation, including specific precautions for children.

Slope, Fire, Fuel, Hauling & Towing Safety

Guidelines for slopes, fire prevention, fuel handling, hauling, and towing.

Service Safety, Emissions & Spark Arrestor

Safety during service, emissions notice, and spark arrestor requirements.

Understanding Safety Symbols

Explains the meaning of various safety symbols found on the tractor.

Slope Gauge

Assembly

Tractor Preparation, Hitch & ROPS

Steps for moving the tractor, installing the hitch, and adjusting the ROPS.

Operator Seat Installation

Guide for installing the operator's seat onto the tractor.

Control Levers, Deck Chute & Battery Info

Adjusting control levers, deck chute, deck wheels, and battery warnings.

Battery Connections, Maintenance & Storage

Procedures for connecting, maintaining, and storing the tractor battery.

Seat Tether & Suspension Adjustment

Attaching the seat tether and adjusting the mechanical suspension.

Operation

Controls Overview, Ignition & PTO

Explanation of lapbar controls, deck height, PTO, ignition switch, and bypass rods.

Console Features, Service Minder & Controls

Describes console elements like fuel gauge, service minder, throttle, choke, and headlights.

Starting Procedures, Safety Interlocks & Jumper Start

How to start the engine, check safety interlocks, and use jumper cables.

Driving, Turning & Practice Operation

Instructions for stopping, practice operation, driving forward, and turning.

Reverse Driving, Zero Turns & PTO Engagement

Operating in reverse, executing zero turns, and engaging the PTO.

Mowing Procedures and Safety

Safe mowing practices and operational steps for the mower deck.

Service and Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule Overview

A detailed schedule for all required periodic maintenance tasks.

Post-Operation Care, Cleaning & Storage

Procedures for cleaning, caring for the tractor after use, and storage guidelines.

Engine and Transmission Maintenance

Details on engine oil changes, lubrication, and transmission service.

Tractor Storage & Deck Adjustments

Preparing for off-season storage and adjusting the deck lift pedal.

Deck Leveling, Wheels & Control Lever Stops

Adjusting deck leveling, wheels, and control lever stops.

Electrical System Service

Information on servicing the tractor's electrical system and safety switches.

Parking Brake & Deck Removal

Procedures for parking brake adjustment and deck removal.

Deck Installation & Belt Replacement

Steps for installing the deck onto the tractor and replacing the drive belt.

Tractor Blade Care

Proper care, handling, sharpening, and installation of tractor blades.

Transmission Belt & Creeping Issues

Replacing transmission belt and addressing tractor creeping issues.

Troubleshooting

Engine & Performance Issue Resolution

Diagnosing and resolving engine start, running, and performance problems.