Cub Cadet Series 1000 LT1042 Lawn Mower Operators Manual

Cub Cadet Series 1000 LT1042 Lawn Mower Operators

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage it quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects that could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid the discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Loose-fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.
15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
17.  Never carry passengers.
18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
20. Disengage blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine, and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher, emptying the grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off the blade(s), place the transmission in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the key before dismounting
22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

DO NOT:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2.  Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Overspeeding may cause the operator to lose control of
   the machine resulting in serious injury or death.
7. Do not tow heavy pull-behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going downhill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to lose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, the attachment may jack-knife and cause the tractor to overturn).

SLOPE GAUGE

TRACTOR SET-UP

Gas and Oil Fill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a capacity of three gallons. Unthread the fuel cap by ,_turning it counterclockwise. Use only clean, fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than four inches below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.

IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Refer to Checking the 0il Levelon page 19 for detailed instructions. Be careful not to overfill.

KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

• A Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter
• B Throttle Control Lever
• C Choke Control
• D Parking Brake Lever
• E Fuel Tank Cap
• F Seat Adjustment Lever
• G Ignition Switch Module
• H PTO (Blade Engage) Knob
• I Brake Pedal
• J Drive Pedal
• K Cruise Control Lever
• L Deck Lift Lever
• M Cup Holder

Throttle Control Lever

The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. See.
IMPORTANT: When operating the tractor with the cutting deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is always in the FAST (rabbit) position.

Choke Control

The choke control can be found on the left side of the dash panel and is activated by pulling the knob outward. Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine. Refer to StartingThe Engineon page 13 of this manual for detailed starting instructions.

BrakePedal

The brake pedal is located on the right front side of the tractor above the drive pedal along the running board. The brake pedal can be used for sudden stops or setting the parking brake.
NOTE: The brake pedal must be fully depressed to activate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.

Seat Adjustment Lever

To adjust the seat forward or backward, slide the seat adjustment lever to the left and reposition the seat to the desired position. Once a comfortable position is found, release the seat adjustment lever to lock the seat in place. Refer to SeatAdjustmenotn page 18 of this manual for more detailed instructions.

Ignition Switch Module

To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once the engine has fired. To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position. See Figure 2.

Drive Pedal

The drive pedal is located on the right side of the tractor, along the running board. Depress the upper portion of the drive pedal forward to cause the tractor to travel forward. Depress the lower portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your right foot (NOT your heel) to cause the tractor to travel in reverse. Ground speed is also controlled with the drive pedal. The further forward or rearward that the pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to its original position when it’s not depressed.
IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake when leaving the tractor unattended.

Hour Meter

Located in the center of the tractor’s console, the hour meter operates whenever the engine is running and records the actual hours of tractor operation. See Figure 3.

ElectricPTO/Blade Engage Kno

To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments, pull outward on the PTO/Blade Engage knob. Push the PTO/Blade Engage knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck

Cruise Control Lever

The cruise control lever is located on the tractor dash panel, below the steering wheel. Push the cruise
control lever downward while traveling forward at the desired speed. While holding the lever down, 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 page 14 for detailed instructions regarding the cruise control feature.

Parking Brake Lever

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

OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

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 your Cub Cadet dealer.

• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake
• The electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch
  will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.

To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:

IMPORTANT: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.

1. Start the engine as previously instructed in this Operator’s Manual.
2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module. See Figure 4.
3. Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated. See Figure 4.
4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.
5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around.
6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position.
   IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until:
   • The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING position or the STOP position.
   • The operator leaves the seat.

Setting the Gauge Wheels

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 fender. To adjust the deck wheels so that they are between 1__ inch and V2-inch above the ground as follows.

Place the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, refer to Figure 5, and proceed as follows:

• Place the tractor’s deck lift handle in the normally desired mowing height setting, then check the
  gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance with the surface below.
• If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:
  • Raise the deck lift handle to its highest setting.
  • Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing the lock nuts and shoulder screws which secure them to the deck.
  • Remove the lock nuts and shoulder screws which secure the front gauge wheels to the
    deck.
  • Place the deck lift handle in the desired mowing height setting.
  • Insert the shoulder screw and flat washer with the rear gauge wheel into the index hole
    that leaves approximately 1/2″ between the bottom of the wheel and the pavement.
  • Note the position of the index hole used; then install the other rear gauge wheel and the
    front ball wheels into the corresponding index hole of the other gauge wheel brackets.
• If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with the surface below, lower the wheels to the index
  hole that provides the approximate 1/2″ clearance as described above. Refer to Levelingthe Deckon page 17 of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.

Driving The Tractor

• Briefly depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST
  (rabbit) position.
• To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the upper portion of the drive pedal forward until the desired
  speed is achieved. See Figure 6.
• To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See
  Figure 6.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPEGAUGEon page 7 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
  machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a rollover.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start-up
  smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.

Moving The Tractor Manually

Your tractor’s transmission is equipped with a hydrostatic relief valve for occasions when it is necessary to move the tractor manually. Opening this valve permits the fluid in the transmission to bypass its
normal route, allowing the rear tires to “freewheel.” To open the hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:

• Locate the hydrostatic bypass rod in the rear of the tractor. See Figure 7.
• Pull the hydrostatic bypass rod outward, then down, to lock it in place.
  NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic bypass rod is puffed out. Return the rod to its normal position prior to operating the tractor.

Engaging the PTO

Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO, proceed as follows:

• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.
• Pull the PTO/Blade Engage knob outward into the engaged (ON) position. See Figure 8.
• Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments

Mulching

Cub Cadet Series 1000 tractors are equipped with a mulch kit that incorporates special blades, already
standard on your tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer. Observe the following points for the best results when mulching.

• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting
  deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
• Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches. Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.
• Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass clippings more time to effectively be mulched.
• Always position the throttle control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there
  while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full throttle places strain on the tractor’s engine and
  does not allow the blades to properly mulch the grass.

42-inch Decks
On model LT1042, the mulch kit is installed at the factory. To operate the cutting deck without mulching
simply remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic wing nut which fastens it to the cutting deck. This will allow the clippings to discharge out the side. See Figure 9.

46- and 50-inch Decks
On models LT1045, LT1046 and LTI050, the mulch kit is packed separately within the tractor’s crate. Observe the instructions included with the mulch kit for the best results when mulching.

MAKING ADJUSTMENT

LevelingtheDeck

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires on page 21 for information regarding tire pressure.

Front To Rear

The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:

• With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top-notch (highest
  position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel to the tractor.
• Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground.
• The first measurement taken should be between 1/4″ and 3/8″ less than the second measurement.
• Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
• Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of the deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 10
• Locate the two lock nuts on the opposite side of the stabilizer bracket. See Figure 10. Tighten the lock nuts to raise the front of the deck; loosen the lock nuts to lower the front of the deck.
• Retighten the two jam nuts loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.

Side to Sid

If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side-to-side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if
necessary as follows:

• With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top-notch (highest
  position) and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular to the tractor.
• Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the
  outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they’re
  not, proceed to the next step.
• Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket. See Figure 11.
• Balance the deck by using a wrench to turn the adjustment gear (found immediately behind the hex
  cap screw just loosened) clockwise/up or counterclockwise/down.
• The deck is properly balanced when both blade tip measurements taken earlier are equal
• Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment

If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed, or if the
tractor’s rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied, the brake is in need of adjustment. The brake disc can be found on the right side of the transmission in the rear of the tractor. Adjust if necessary as follows.

• Looking at the transmission from the right side of the tractor, locate the compression spring and
  brake disc. See Figure 12.
• Carefully remove the cotter pin from the crown nut on the right side of the brake assembly.
• Using a feeler gauge, check the gap between the brake disc and the brake puck. The proper gap is .011 “.
• Tighten the crown nut until the proper gap is achieved.
• Insert a replacement cotter pin (part # 714-0111) into the crown nut.

SteeringAdjustment

If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, or if the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or wear, the steering drag links may need to be adjusted. Adjust the drag links so that equal lengths are threaded into the ball joint on the left side and the ball joint on the right side:

• Loosen the jam nut found on the drag link at the rear of the ball joint. See Figure 13.
• Remove the hex nut and lock the washer on the top of the ball joint. See Figure 13.
• • Thread the ball joint toward the jam nut to shorten the drag link. Thread the ball joint away from the jam nut to lengthen the drag link.
• Replace hex nut and lock washer and retighten the jam nut after proper adjustment is achieved.

Front tire toe-in can be measured as follows:

• Place the steering wheel in position for straight-ahead travel.
• In front of the axle, measure the distance horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
• Behind the axle, measure the distance horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
• The measurement taken in front of the axle should be between 1/16″ and 5/16″ less than the
  measurement is taken behind the axle.
• Adjust if necessary.

Engine

Refer to the Kohler Owner’s Manual for engine maintenance instructions. Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the Kohler Owner’s Manual packed with your unit. Follow the instructions carefully. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customer’s expense, may be performed by any repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by your Cub Cadet Dealer.

ChangingEngine 0il

• Gently raise the tractor’s hood
• Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube. See Figure 14.

SERVICE

Tires

The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 14 psi for the
front tires. Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting deck to mow unevenly.

Fuse

A fuse is installed in your tractor’s wiring harness to protect the tractor’s electrical system from damage
caused by excessive amperage. If the electrical system does not function, or your tractor’s engine will not crank, first check to be certain that the fuse has not blown. It can be found under the hood mounted behind the top of the dash panel on the support bar.

IMPORTANT: Always use a fuse with the same amperage capacity for replacement.

Cutting Blade

The blades may be removed as follows.

• Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to CuttingDeckRemovalon page 22) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
• Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 17.
• Use a 1-1/8″ wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Figure 17.
  To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25 ° to 30° angle.

Cutting Deck Removal

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

• Place the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking
  brake.
• Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender.
• Remove the deck belt from around the tractor’s electric PTO clutch (refer to Changing the BeckBelt).
• Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left side of the deck
• Rotate the pin slightly toward the rear of the tractor and release the pin into the hole provided.
• Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck from the deck lift arm. See Figure 18.
• Repeat the above steps on the tractor’s right side.
• Move the deck lift lever into the top notch to raise the deck lift arms up and out of the way
• Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the tractor allowing the hooks on the deck to release themselves from the deck stabilizer rod
• Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath the tractor.

Hydrostatic Transmission

Keep the area around the transmission cooling fan free of grass and debris at all times. The hydrostatic,_
transmission is sealed at the factory and is maintenance free. The fluid level cannot be checked and on most models, cannot be changed. If your tractor is equipped with a transmission drain plug (see Figure 19), exposed to extreme conditions (hilly _1_terrain, towing, etc.) and you choose to change the hydrostatic fluid, do so after the tractor’s initial 50 hours of operation and every 100 hours of operation
thereafter.After draining the oil, refill the transmission with 76 oz. (to the top of the fill hole found on the transmission’s surface) with any SAE 20W50 motor oil.

Changing the Deck Belt

All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present.

To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows:

• Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender.
• Remove the belt guards by removing the self-tapping screws that fasten them to the deck.

42-inch Decks

• Remove the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley.
• Insert a 3/8″-drive ratchet wrench (set to loosen) into the square hole found in the idler bracket on
  the left side of the deck’s surface. See Figure 20.
• Grasp the ratchet’s handle and pivot it toward the front of the tractor to relieve tension on the belt.
• With belt tension relieved, carefully remove the belt from around the left-hand spindle pulley.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section7:MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR on page 19 of this manual before storing for an extended period.

Engine

If the engine will be out of service for two months or more, use the following storage procedure:

• Clean the exterior surfaces of the engine.
• Change the oil and filter while the engine is still warm from operation. Refer to Changing the Engine011 on page 19.
• The fuel system must be completely emptied, or the gasoline must be treated with a fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL® to prevent deterioration. If you choose to use a stabilizer, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and add the correct amount for the capacity of the fuel system. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Run the engine for 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into the carburetor.To empty the system, run the engine until the tank and system are empty.
• Remove the spark plug. Add one tablespoon of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Install the plug,
  but do not reconnect the plug wire. Crank the engine two or three revolutions.
• Store the engine in a clean, dry place.

TROUBLESHOOT

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Cub Cadet Series 1000 LT1042 Lawn Mower Operators-FAQs