Cadet 1212, Operator'S Manual

12

Cruise Control Button 

The cruise control button is 
located on the tractor dash panel 
to the left of the ignition switch. 
Push the cruise control button 
while traveling forward at a 
desired speed. While holding the 
button in, release pressure from 
the drive pedal. This will engage 
the cruise control and allow the 
tractor to remain at that speed 
without applying pressure to the drive pedal. Depress 
the brake pedal or the drive pedal to deactivate cruise 
control. Refer to 

SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN 

TRACTOR

 in this manual for detailed instructions  

regarding the cruise control feature.

NOTE: 

Cruise control can not be engaged at the

tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.

Parking Brake Button 

To set the parking brake, fully 
depress the brake pedal and 
push the parking brake button in. 
Hold the button in while taking 
your foot off the brake pedal. 
Both the parking button and the 
brake pedal will then stay 
depressed. To release the 
parking brake, depress the brake 
pedal slightly. The parking brake 
button will then return to its original position.

NOTE: 

The parking brake must be set if the operator

leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine
will automatically shut off.

IMPORTANT:

 Always set the parking brake when 

leaving the tractor unattended.

SECTION 5:  

OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR

WARNING: 

Read, understand, and follow

all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.

Safety Interlock Switches

This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system 
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system 
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. 
Contact a 

Cub Cadet 

dealer. The safety interlock 

system prevents the engine from cranking or starting 
unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO knob 
is in the disengaged (OFF) position.

•

The engine will automatically shut off if the operator 
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.

•

The engine will automatically shut off if the operator 
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO knob in the 
engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the 
parking brake is engaged.

•

The electric PTO clutch will automatically shut off if 
the PTO knob is moved into the engaged (ON) 
position with the shift lever in position for reverse 
travel.

WARNING: 

Do not operate the tractor if the

interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.

Setting the Cutting Height 

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing 
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height 
notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the 
deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, 
flat surface such as a driveway.    

P

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

•   GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. 
•   AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK

DOWNHILL SLOWLY.

• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN

PLACE AND WORKING.

• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-

ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE

BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL

WARNING