Columbia ZT50, Operator'S Manual

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the RH console 
to the right of the operator’s seat. The ignition 
switch has three positions as follows:

OFF  - The engine and electrical system is 
turned off.

ON  -  The tractor electrical system is energized.

START - The starter motor will turn over the engine. Release the 
key immediately when the engine starts

NOTE: 

To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge, 

remove the key from the ignition switch when the tractor is not 
in use.

Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch

The PTO switch is located on the RH console to 
the right of the operator’s seat. 

The PTO switch operates the electric PTO 
clutch mounted on the bottom of the engine 
crankshaft. Pull the switch knob upward to 
engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob 
downward to disengage the clutch.

The PTO switch must be in the “disengaged” 
position when starting the engine.

Transmission Bypass Rods (Not Visible)

The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH 
transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just inside 
each rear wheel.

When engaged, the two rods open a bypass within the  
hydrostatic transmissions, which allows the tractor to be pushed 
short distances by hand. Refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for 
instructions on using the bypass feature.

$"65*0/

Never tow your tractor. Towing the 

tractor with the rear wheels on the ground may 
cause severe damage to the transmissions.

Cup Holder

The cup holder is located toward the rear of the RH console to 
the right of the operator’s seat. 

Storage Tray

The storage tray is located at the rear of the RH console.

Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Seen)

The seat adjustment lever is located below the front/left of the 
seat. The lever allows for adjustment of the fore to aft position 
of the operator’s seat. Refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for 
instructions on adjusting the seat position.

Fuel Tank Cap

The fuel tank cap is located near the middle of the LH console. 
Turn the fill cap approximately 1⁄4 turn and pull upward to 
remove. The fuel cap is tethered to the tractor to prevent its loss. 

Do not attempt to remove the cap from the tractor. 

Push the cap downward on the fuel tank fill neck and turn 
approximately 1⁄4 turn clockwise to tighten Always re-install the 
fuel cap tightly onto the fuel tank after removing.

8"3/*/(

Never fill the fuel tank when the engine 

is running. If the engine is hot from recently running, 
allow to cool for several minutes before refueling. 
Highly flammable gasoline could splash onto the 
engine and cause a fire. 

Hour Meter/Indicator Panel

The hour meter/indicator panel is 
located on the LH console to the left of 
the operator’s seat.

Hour Meter Features

The hour meter records the hours that 
the tractor has been operated in the 
digital display (tenths of an hour - right 
most digit).

NOTE: 

The hour meter is activated whenever the ignition switch 

is turned to the “ON” position. Keep a record of the actual hours 
of operation to assure all maintenance procedures are completed 
according to the instructions in this manual and the engine 
manual.

When key is turned to the “ON” position, the battery indicator 
light briefly illuminates and the battery voltage is briefly 
displayed. The display then changes to the accumulated hours.

The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of 
maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil. The LCD 
will alternately flash, “CHG” ; “OIL” and the recorded hours for 
five minutes after every 50 hours of recorded operation. The 
maintenance interval lasts for two hours (from 50-52, 100-102, 
150-152, etc.). The LCD will flash as described for five minutes 
every time the tractor’s engine is started during this maintenance 
interval. Follow the oil change intervals provided in the engine 
manual.

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