Cub Cadet Lawn Mower LT1018 User Manual

Operator’s Manual  
SERIES 1000  
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor  
Models LT1018  
LT1022  
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY  
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-  
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with 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 Cub Cadet dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-  
0019.  
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019  
769-00994.
(12/10/2003)  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
FORM NO.  
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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES  
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger  
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual  
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal  
injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.  
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-  
ual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in  
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to  
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.  
California Proposition 65 Warning:  
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain  
or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other  
reproductive harm.  
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the  
GENERAL OPERATION  
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate  
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the  
hands and feet.  
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to  
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade  
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place  
contact or thrown object injuries.  
for future and regular reference and for ordering  
replacement parts.  
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or  
roads and while not cutting grass.  
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.  
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing  
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them  
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any  
quickly.  
public roadway.  
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this  
15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of  
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and  
alcohol or drugs.  
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in  
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.  
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a  
17. Never carry passengers.  
parent.  
18. Disengage blade(s) before travelling in reverse. Back up  
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper  
slowly. Always look down and behind before and while  
backing to avoid a back-over accident.  
instruction.  
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,  
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine  
keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75  
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.  
feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop  
machine if anyone enters the area.  
20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and  
wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before  
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be  
removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging  
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and  
chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any  
other foreign objects which could be picked up and  
adjustments.  
thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause  
serious personal injury.  
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material  
21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn  
off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking  
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.  
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,  
22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine  
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction  
into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or  
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back  
down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing  
toward the operator.  
serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed  
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during  
manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.  
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to  
23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do  
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can  
not touch.  
cause serious injury to the eyes.  
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting  
24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving  
under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings  
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be  
etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the  
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in  
unit, which could result in serious injury.  
bare feet or sandals.  
25. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake  
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge  
pedal completely before attempting to start engine.  
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.  
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26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass  
of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow  
through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of  
dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine  
exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a  
potential fire hazard.  
27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this  
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read,  
understand and follow all instructions provided with the  
approved accessory or attachment.  
28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,  
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-  
related injuries. These operators should evaluate their  
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to  
protect themselves and others from serious injury.  
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,  
use care and good judgment. Contact your Cub Cadet  
dealer for assistance.  
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 coast downhill. Over-speeding 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 down hill, the extra weight tends to  
push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g.  
tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are  
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to  
overturn).  
CHILDREN  
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to  
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to  
the machine and the mowing activity. They do not  
understand the dangers. Never assume that children will  
remain where you last saw them.  
SLOPE OPERATION  
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-  
over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All  
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope  
or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.  
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in  
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the  
operator.  
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the  
area.  
For your safety, 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 degrees as  
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that  
area or serious injury could result.  
c. Before and while backing, look behind and down  
for small children.  
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut  
off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or  
interfere with safe machine operation.  
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind  
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects  
that may block your vision of a child who may run  
into the machine.  
f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before traveling in  
reverse. The “No-Cut-In Reverse” feature is a  
reminder not to cut in reverse and to help avoid  
back over accidents. Do not defeat it.  
g. Keep children away from hot or running engines.  
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.  
h. Remove key when machine is unattended to  
prevent unauthorized operation.  
DO:  
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme  
caution when changing direction on slopes.  
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden  
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall  
grass can hide obstacles.  
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so  
that you will not have to stop while on the slope. Tires  
may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are  
functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear when  
going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking  
action.  
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel  
weights or counterweights to improve stability.  
5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.  
These can change the stability of the machine.  
6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do  
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid  
engagement or braking could cause the front of the  
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which  
could cause serious injury.  
9. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the  
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.  
TOWING  
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for  
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the  
hitch point.  
7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,  
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down  
the slope.  
2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight  
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.  
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.  
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause  
loss of traction and loss of control.  
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, ditch, or if an edge caves in.  
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.  
6. Do not coast downhill.  
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GENERAL SERVICE:  
SERVICE  
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated  
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an  
odorless, and deadly gas.  
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain  
the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped.  
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the  
engine to prevent unintended starting.  
3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to  
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after  
operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades  
do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be  
serviced professionally by an authorized Cub Cadet  
dealer.  
4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to  
wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as  
required.  
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:  
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use  
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is  
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.  
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is  
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash  
your skin and change clothes immediately.  
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.  
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck  
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place  
containers on the ground away from your vehicle  
before filling.  
c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment  
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.  
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment  
on a trailer with a portable container, rather than  
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.  
d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel  
tank or container opening at all times until fueling  
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open  
device.  
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other  
sources of ignition.  
f. Never fuel machine indoors.  
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the  
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at  
least two minutes before refueling.  
h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than  
three inches below the top of the filler neck to  
allow space for fuel expansion.  
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.  
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and  
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5  
minutes before starting the engine.  
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of  
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up  
oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked  
debris.  
l. Never store the machine or fuel container inside  
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light  
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace,  
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.  
m. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes  
before storing.  
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at  
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually  
inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent,  
cracked).  
Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment  
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this  
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original  
equipment specifications may lead to improper  
performance and compromise safety!”  
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,  
and use extra caution when servicing them.  
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the  
equipment is in safe working condition.  
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other  
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.  
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect  
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine.  
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair  
the damage before starting and operating.  
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the  
machine while the engine is running.  
11. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-  
speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum  
safe operating speed of the engine.  
12. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as  
necessary.  
13. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas,  
oil, etc. to protect the environment.  
14. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are  
subject to wear and damage which could expose moving  
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection,  
frequently check components and replace immediately  
with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts  
only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not  
meet the original equipment specifications may lead to  
improper performance and compromise safety!”  
WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,  
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.  
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SAFETY LABELS  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT  
OPERATE UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR  
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.  
IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.  
W A R N I N G  
TO 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 & BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE  
BACKING.  
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS,  
AND SWITCHES, ETC.) 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 PLACING HANDS OR FEET  
NEAR BLADE(S).  
N
INJ  
D F  
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W
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S30018  
O
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15  
EN  
˚
A
F
E
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION,  
DISENGAGE BLADE(S), ENGAGE PARKING  
BRAKE, SHUT OFF AND REMOVE KEY.  
DANGER  
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.  
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER  
UNLESS CHUTE DEFLECTOR  
OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER IS  
IN ITS PROPER PLACE.  
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
S30503  
ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT BEFORE OPERATING.  
All Labels Displayed at 3/4 Scale.  
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SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE  
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SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP  
Gas and Oil Fill-up  
Shipping Brace Removal  
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.  
WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s  
engine is off, set the parking brake and  
remove the ignition key before removing the  
shipping brace.  
Locate the shipping brace, if present, and warning  
tag found on the right side of the cutting deck.  
While holding the discharge chute with your left  
hand, remove the shipping brace with your right  
hand by grasping it between your thumb and index  
finger and rotating it clockwise.  
WARNING: Use extreme care when  
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely  
flammable and the vapors are explosive.  
Never fuel machine indoors or while the  
engine is hot or running. Extinguish  
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of  
ignition.  
WARNING: The shipping brace, used for  
packaging purposes only, must be removed  
and discarded before operating your riding  
mower.  
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil in the  
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before  
operating. Refer to Checking the Oil Level on page 18 for  
detailed instructions. Be careful not to overfill.  
WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of  
throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding  
mower without the discharge cover in the  
proper operating position could result in  
serious personal injury and/or property  
damage.  
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SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR  
A
B
G
H
+
C
BATTERY  
OIL PRESSURE  
PTO  
/
BLADE ENGAGE  
PARKING  
HOURS 1/10  
P
BRAKE  
I
J
D
K
L
E
F
M
NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.  
Figure 1  
A
B
C
D
E
F
Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter  
Throttle Control Lever  
Choke Control  
H
I
J
K
L
M
Ignition Switch  
Brake Pedal  
Drive Pedal  
Cruise Control Lever  
Deck Lift Lever  
Cup Holder  
Parking Brake Lever  
Fuel Tank Cap  
Seat Adjustment Lever  
PTO (Blade Engage) Knob  
G
NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.  
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Throttle Control Lever  
Ignition Switch  
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 Figure 2.  
WARNING: Never leave  
machine unattended. Always disengage the  
PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and  
remove key to prevent unintended starting.  
a
running  
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition  
switch and turn clockwise to the START position.  
Release the key into the ON position once engine has  
fired. See Figure 3.  
Fast  
Position  
On/Lights  
Off  
On  
STOP  
Slow  
Position  
Start  
Figure 2  
IMPORTANT: When operating the tractor with the cutting  
deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is  
always in the FAST (rabbit) position.  
Figure 3  
Choke Control  
Refer to Starting The Engine on page 13 of this manual for  
detailed starting instructions  
The choke control can be found  
on the left side of the dash panel  
and is activated by pulling the