Cub Cadet RZT 17, Operator'S Manual

Page 1: ...h a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws if any If a spark arrester is used it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator In the State of California the above is required by law Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code Other states may have similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your n...

Page 2: ...l the protective cap off the negative terminal of the battery and remove the hex cap screw and nut from the free end of the negative battery cable 2 Connect the negative battery cable heavy black to negative terminal NEG of the battery using the hex cap screw and nut Slide the black terminal cover over the negative terminal of the battery REMOVE THE CHUTE STOP Locate the chute stop on the right si...

Page 3: ... manual and on the machine before starting Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference 2 Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the instructions to operate the machine Know the controls and how to stop the machine quickly 3 Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or near rotating parts 4 Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys wire etc which could be pi...

Page 4: ...ty use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area If the slope is greater than 15 as shown on the slope gauge do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result DO Mow across slopes not up and down Remove obstacles such as rocks limbs etc Watch for holes ruts or bumps Uneven terrain could overturn the mac...

Page 5: ...structed in this manual 8 After striking a foreign object stop the engine remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower 9 Grass catcher components are subject to wear damage and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown For your safety protection frequently check the ...

Page 6: ...D REVERSE FOR FIRST TIME OPERATORS Start Off In A Flat Open Area Keep Bystanders Away Set Throttle At A Low Speed Practice Maneuvering Forward Reverse Left Right Without Deck Engaged STARTING INSTRUCTIONS To START PARK BRAKE must be set P T O switch in OFF down position Lap bars in NEUTRAL and outward positions Throttle set properly CHOKE position if cold Turn key to ON then START release when eng...

Page 7: ...Safety Devices Guards Shields Switches Etc In Place And Working Remove Objects That Could Be Thrown By The Blade Do Not Operate Unit Where It Could Slip Or Tip Know Location And Function Of All Controls Be Sure Blades And Engine Are Stopped Before Placing Hands Or Feet Near Blades Before Leaving Operator Position Disengage Blades Place In Neutral Engage Parking Brake Shut Off And Remove Key When U...

Page 8: ...ith regards to performance power rating and specifications If you have difficulties with the tractor and or equipment have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of this equipment or desire additional information not found in this manual contact your nearest authorized Cub Cadet dealer If you need assistance in locating a dealer in your area contact the Customer Dealer Referral Line ...

Page 9: ...C D E F H Deck Height Index RH and LH Drive Control Levers Deck Lift Handle Ignition Switch PTO Switch Transmission Bypass Rod Not Shown G Cup Holder Storage Tray Seat Adjustment Wing Knobs Not Shown Fuel Tank Cap Hour Meter Indicator Panel Throttle Control Parking Brake Engagement Lever ...

Page 10: ...ing the control levers D 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 follow Figure 4 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 a...

Page 11: ...el Feature Battery Indicator Refer to Figure 6 Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the ignition switch it turned to the ON position Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has dropped below 11 5 0 5 1 0 volts The battery voltage is also displayed on the hour meter If this indicator and display come on during operation check the battery and charging system for possi bl...

Page 12: ...hould be in the operator s seat The PTO switch must be in the disengaged position the parking brake engaged and the RH and LH drive control levers moved fully outward in the neutral position Keep all shields in place Keep away from moving parts NO RIDERS Keep all people and pets a safe distance away Look behind to both sides before backing up DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people Avoid slope...

Page 13: ...tem will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged NOTE The PTO switch must be moved to the OFF position to restart the engine The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO and the mower blades w...

Page 14: ...ting instructions previously provided then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their connection Have the tractor s electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting STOPPING THE ENGINE Place the PTO switch in the OFF position Engage the parking brake Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position...

Page 15: ... can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over which may result in serious injury or death to the operator Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers forward The tractor will start to move forward See Figure 10 As the control levers are pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase Figure 10 To slow the tractor move the controls lever rearwa...

Page 16: ... or move the levers to the neutral position to stop the tractor IMPORTANT Always maintain your grasp on the drive control levers Do not release the levers to slow the tractor or to return to neutral Turning While Driving Rearward To turn the tractor while driving rearward move the control levers as necessary so that one lever is forward of the other The tractor will turn in the direction of the fo...

Page 17: ...e key from the switch DRIVING ON SLOPES Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 29 to help determine slopes where you may not operate safely WARNING Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2 1 2 feet every 10 feet The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury Always drive across slopes NEVER UP AND DOWN Always turn uphill where possible Start at the b...

Page 18: ...g CHECKING THE SAFETY INTERLOCK CIRCUITS Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly If a safety circuit is not working as designed contact you Cub Cadet dealer to have the tractor inspected DO NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is not functioning properly To check the safety circuits proceed as follows Sitting in the tractor seat with both drive...

Page 19: ...d as follows Remove the two hex insert lock nuts securing the hex cap screws fastening the control lever to the control pivot bracket Refer to Figure 19 While holding the hex cap screws in the control lever mounting bracket remove the control lever w screws from the control pivot handle and reposition by inserting the screws in the other pair of holes If repositioning the control levers forward or...

Page 20: ...of ammonia water or baking soda water NEVER connect or disconnect battery charger clips to the battery while the charger is turned on as it can cause sparks Keep all sources of ignition cigarettes matches lighters away from the battery The hydrogen gas generated during charging can be combustible As a further precaution only charge the battery in a well ventilated area Always shield eyes and prote...

Page 21: ...ecurring problem with blown fuses have the tractor s electrical system checked by your Cub Cadet dealer Figure 21 Relays and Switches There are several relays and safety switches in the electrical system If a function of the safety interlock system described earlier is not functioning properly have the electrical system checked by your Cub Cadet dealer LUBRICATION Using a pressure lubricating gun ...

Page 22: ...ion control rod beneath the frame at the front of the rear tire If both wheels rotate locate both control rods See Figure 23 Figure 23 Remove the internal cotter pin securing the ferrule to the transmission control arm and withdraw the ferrule Wheel rotation should stop If it does not contact your Cub Cadet dealer If the rotation stops adjust the ferrule up or down the control rod as necessary to ...

Page 23: ... the square hole of the drive idler bracket See Figure 25 Figure 25 Using the ratchet for leverage pivot the idler bracket and idler pulley away from the backside of the V belt then lift the belt off and above the engine pulley and off the idler pulley With the belt loose lift the belt off up and over the two transmission drive pulleys Remove the belt from the engine and idler pulleys Loop the new...

Page 24: ... correct amount of stabilizer for the capacity approximately 3 gallons of the fuel system Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the engine for 2 3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into the carburetor Emptying the fuel system Prior to putting the tractor in storage monitor fuel consumption with the goal of running the fuel tank empty Run the engine until it begins to stall Use the choke to kee...

Page 25: ...tractor release the left side of the deck by pulling the left deck support pin outward Raise the deck lift arms out of the rear hanger bracket slots by raising the deck lift handle on the tractor to its highest position Slide the deck forward so that the deck front hanger rod can be lifted out of the two slots of the front deck bracket After lifting the front hanger rod out of the slots slide the ...

Page 26: ...p to the ground The measurements should be equal If they re not proceed to the next step Comparing the two measurements determine whether the right side of the deck must be raised or lowered Loosen but do not remove the hex cap screw on the right deck hanger bracket Refer to Figure 28 Level the deck by using a wrench to turn the adjustment gear found immediately behind the hex cap screw just loose...

Page 27: ...he gauge wheels are near or touching the ground they should be raised If the gauge wheels are too high they should be lowered Remove the lock nut securing one of the gauge wheel shoulder screws to the deck Remove the gauge wheel and shoulder screw See Figure 30 Insert the shoulder screw in the one of four index holes that will give the gauge wheel a 1 4 to 1 2 inch clearance with the ground Note t...

Page 28: ...of operation and or before putting the deck into winter storage lubricate the spindle belt idler bracket with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No 2 multipurpose lithium grease The lube fitting is located in the top of the shoulder bolt securing the idler bracket After every 25 hours of operation and or before putting the deck into winter storage lubricate the deck gauge wheels with 251H EP grease o...

Page 29: ...OU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2 1 2 feet every 10 feet A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury If operating a walk behind mower on such a slope it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip resulting in serious injury Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes never across t...

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Page 31: ...uction of the Briggs Stratton engine manual that applies to the above engine Read this manual in its entirety Observe all warnings and follow all operation and maintenance instructions pro vided in the manual However if you experience any engine problems or have any questions regarding your engine contact your Cub Cadet dealer first ...

Page 32: ...g 9 10 Maintenance 11 13 Adjustments 14 Parts and Service Storage 15 16 Warranty Information 17 WARNING Briggs Stratton does not approve or authorize the use of these engines on 3 wheel All Terrain Vehicles ATVs motor bikes aircraft products or vehicles intended for use in competitive events Use of these engines in such applications could result in property damage serious injury including paralysi...

Page 33: ... time For example a typical walk behind lawn mower is used 20 to 25 hours per year Therefore the Emissions Durability Period of an en gine with an intermediate rating would equate to 10 to 12 years The Air Index is a calculated number describing the relative level of emissions for a specific engine family The lower the Air Index the cleaner the engine This information is displayed in graphical for...

Page 34: ...azard which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING indicates a hazard which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury CAUTION indicates a hazard which if not avoided might result in minor or moderate injury CAUTION when used without the alert symbol indicates a situation that could result in damage to the engine WARNING The engine exhaust from this product conta...

Page 35: ...FUEL IN TANK Store away from furnaces stoves water heaters or other appliances that have pilot light or other ignition source because they can ignite gasoline vapors WARNING Gaseous fuels are extremely flammable and readily form explosive air vapor mix tures at ambient temperatures IF YOU SMELL GAS DO NOT start the engine DO NOT actuate any electrical switches DO NOT use the phone in the vicinity ...

Page 36: ... monoxide an odorless colorless poison gas Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea fainting or death WARNING Start and run engine outdoors Do not start or run engine in enclosed area even if doors or windows are open WARNING Running engines produce heat Engine parts especially muffler become extremely hot Severe thermal burns can occur on contact Combustible debris such as leaves grass brush et...

Page 37: ...00 Bore 3 7 16 in 87 31 mm Stroke 3 1 16 in 77 78 mm Displacement 28 42 cu in 465 7 cc MODEL SERIES 310000 Bore 3 9 16 in 90 60 mm Stroke 3 1 16 in 77 78 mm Displacement 30 59 cu in 501 2 cc Note For practical operation the horsepower loading should not exceed 85 of rated horsepower Engine power will decrease 3 1 2 for each 1 000 feet 300 meters above sea level and 1 for each 10 F 5 6 C above 77 F...

Page 38: ... oil change intervals F 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 C 30 20 10 0 10 20 30 40 STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE 32 CAUTION Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive engines The use of non synthetic multi viscosity oils 5W 30 10W 30 etc in temperatures above 40 F 4 C will result in higher than normal oil consumption When using a multi viscosity oil check oil level more frequ...

Page 39: ...aporates before starting engine CAUTION Some fuels called oxygenated or reformulated gasoline are gasoline blended with alcohols or ethers Excessive amounts of these blends can damage the fuel system or cause performance problems If any undesirable operat ing symptoms occur use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES NATURAL LIQUID PROPANE GAS POWERED ENGINES ...

Page 40: ...ect type of oil for expected starting temperature See Oil Remove external equipment engine loads See equipment operating instructions Start lawn mower on hard surface or over previously cut grass Periodically remove grass buildup under mower deck See Maintenance After engine has started let it warm up several seconds to several minutes depending on outside temperature For maximum performance and l...

Page 41: ...ING 3 Let engine warm up If choke equipped Slowly adjust toward RUN position Wait until engine runs smoothly before each choke adjustment REWIND MANUAL STARTER auxiliary 1 Insert key if equipped and turn to RUN 2 Grasp rope handle Pull slowly until resistance is felt then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback STOPPING 1 With throttle in FAST turn key to OFF 2 Remove key and store out of ...

Page 42: ... air cleaner car tridge Replace Extended Life Series air cleaner cartridge Inspect spark arrester if equipped Replace spark plug Replace in line fuel filter if equipped Clean cooling system Check valve clearance Check valve clearance on NG LPG Engines Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use then every 50 hours or every season Change oil every 25 hours when operating the engine under heavy load ...

Page 43: ...y to prevent debris from entering engine 5 Place air cleaner pre cleaner if equipped and cartridge into blower housing Cartridge must fit securely in base 6 Align tabs on cover with slots of blower housing and replace cover 7 Hook handle and close cover If filters or covers are not installed correctly serious injury or death could result from backfire Do not attempt to start your engine with them ...

Page 44: ... stand for 20 minutes The filter is correctly oiled when the cotton changes from white to the color of the oil CAUTION DO NOT over oil air filter it will interfere with engine performance and may cause engine damage If the filter is placed on cardboard for 10 minutes and leaves a stain it is over oiled Wash clean and re oil per above instructions 8 Re install air filter CARBURETOR CLAMP HIGH FLOW ...

Page 45: ...8 to check for spark Note In some areas local law requires using resistor spark plug to suppress igni tion signals If this engine was originally equipped with resistor spark plug use same type for replace ment 030 0 76 mm WIRE GAGE REPLACE FUEL FILTER if equipped WARNING EXTENDED LIFE SERIES FUEL FILTER PART NO 695666 OR 5070 WITH FUEL PUMP Drain fuel tank or close fuel shut off valve before repla...

Page 46: ... be operated DO NOT EXCEED this speed Differences in fuel temperature altitude or load may require minor carburetor adjustment Air cleaner and its cover must be assembled to carburetor before starting engine The carburetor on this engine is equipped with an idle mixture valve with a limiter see inset which allows some adjustment and an idle speed adjustment screw TO ADJUST CARBURETOR IDLE MIXTURE ...

Page 47: ...iggs Stratton engine you are assured of highly skilled reliable service at more than 30 000 Authorized Service Dealers worldwide including more than 5 000 Master Service Technicians Look for these signs wherever Briggs Stratton service is offered You may locate your nearest Authorized Briggs Stratton Service Dealer in our dealer locator map on our web site or in the Yellow Pages directory under En...

Page 48: ...te to state and country to country r Sleeve Bore Kool Bore r 45 Commercial Use 2 years 90 days 1 year Consumer Use 2 years 2 years 90 days 1 year 1 year Note the following special warranty periods 2 years for Classic engines in the European Union and Eastern European countries for all consumer products in the European Union and for emission control systems on engines certified by EPA and CARB 5 ye...

Page 49: ...elow the emission con trol systems parts to the extent these parts were present on the engine purchased a Fuel Metering System Cold start enrichment system Carburetor and internal parts Fuel Pump b Air Induction System Air cleaner Intake manifold c Ignition System Spark plug s Magneto ignition system d Catalyst System Catalytic converter Exhaust manifold Air injection system Pulse valve e Miscella...

Page 50: ...7 9 7 7 7 C 9 7 95 7 96 7 9 7 6 CE E 9 9 8 6 9 7 7 5 5 7 8 79 8 8 8 6 9 8 7 9 8 LM 9 8 7 97 MN 7 96 7 9 9 5 7 6 9 8 7 8 7 96 7 9 8 9 8 E 8 8 7 8 9 7 7 5 7 8 7 8 9 6 8 7 C 9 9 9 5 9 C 97 96 8 7 9 5 J5 7 7 7 7 9 B 96 7 9 7 8 8 7 9 96 7 9 8 7 7 7 5 8 7 6 9 7 6 8 8 98 6 7 3 66 7 6 8 7 7 9 C 9 8 98 5 6 8 9 9 9 8 5 9 8 8 7 7 7 6 7 5 8C 8 8 7 6 97 6 8 8 98 9 9 9 8 9 5 7 9 9 MO 8 7 6 9 7 6 8 3 8 5 8 7 6 9...

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Page 52: ...ce items such as lubricants filters blade sharpening tune ups brake adjustments clutch adjustments deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d Cub Cadet does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States its possesions and territories except those sold through Cub Cadet s authorized channels of export distribution e...