Cub Cadet ZTXS5 60 Ultima Series Zero-Turn Mower Instruction Manual

SET-UP
SET-UP ZTXS5 60 Ultima Series Zero-Turn Mower
Instruction Manual

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all tractor models and the tractor depicted may differ from yours.
NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side and front or back of the tractor are from the operating position onlyExceptions, if any, will be specified.

PREPARATION

Manually Moving the Tractor

1. To engage the transmission bypass, pull the transmission bypass lever (a) located to the right of the operator’s seat (next to the park brake lever (b)), back and into the notch on the right side of the slot (Figure 1).
2. After moving tractor, reverse Step 1 to disengage the bypass lever.

Install Hitch (if necessary)

1. Locate hitch and install on the rear of the frame using the two hex washer screws provided (Figure 2).

NOTE: Hitch and hex washer screws will be in the hardware pack. Roll Over Protective System (ROPS)
Refer to Figure 3 and the following descriptions and uses for the three (3) positions for the Upper ROPS.

• TRANSPORT: Only to be used when transporting the tractor or when they need to be momentarily folded down to avoid contact with items such as tree limbs, clotheslines, guy wires, utility poles, buildings, etc.
• TRANSPORT WITH BAGGER: Allows for the ROPS to be lowered for situations outlined for the TRANSPORT position when the tractor is equipped with a bagger.
• OPERATION: The ROPS should always be in this position when operating unless the situations involved outlined in the TRANSPORT and TRANSPORT WITH BAGGER descriptions arise.
  Upper ROPS Positions

To change the position of the ROPS:

1. Pull slightly up on the ROPS to relieve any tension on the locking pin (a) and rotate the locking pin (a) from the LOCKED (b) position into the ADJUSTMENT (c) position. Repeat the procedure for the locking pin on the opposite side (Figure 4).

2. Move the ROPS into the desired position (Figure 5). N OTE: The three positions are TRANSPORT (a) position,
   TRANSPORT WITH BAGGER (b) position, and into the OPERATION (c) position (Figure 5).

3. Rotate both locking pins into the LOCKED position. Move the upper ROPS slightly until the locking pins settle, engaged in the LOCKED position.
   NOTE: See properly seated (fully engaged) ROPS pin in Figure 6.

DANGER
Always verify that both right and left locking pins of the ROPS are settled and fully engaged all the way through the hinge assembly so that each locking pin is visible on the inside face. Failure to fully lock each locking pin may result in serious injury or death.

Operator’s Seat

SEAT INSTALLATION (IF NECESSARY)

1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly to the tractor.
   Remove all packing material.
   NOTE: Be careful not to cut the seat wiring harness.

2. Install the seat onto the seat pan (b) using flange lock nuts (a) (Figure 7).

3. if necessary, securely connect the seat switch wiring harness (a) to the seat switch (b) (Figure 8). Secure excess wire away from pinch points before continuing.
   NOTE: Tractor will not operate without the seat switch wiring harness connected.

ADJUSTING SEAT FROM SHIPPING POSITION (IF NECESSARY)

1. Remove and discard packing material, as applicable.
2. Remove the two screws (one right side, one left side) securing seat in shipping position (Figure 9).
3. Pivot seat forward into operating position (Figure 10).
4. Secure with two screws (one right side, one left side)removed in Step 2 (Figure 11).
   NOTE: Torque screws to 68-102 in-lbs (8-12 N-m).

Installing Steering Wheel (if necessary)

IMPORTANT! Do not use impact tools to install or remove the steering wheel.

1. Remove the hardware for attaching the steering wheel (a) from beneath the steering wheel cover (b). Carefully remove the cover by inserting a small, bladed screwdriver into one of the three snap locations and slowly prying up on the steering wheel cover (b) to remove the hardware (Figure 12).

2. With the wheels of the machine pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel (a) over the steering shaft (Figure 12).

3. Place the Belleville washer (c) with the cupped side facing inward over the steering wheel and secure with the hex lock screw (d) (Figure 12).

4. Place the steering wheel cover (b) over the center of the steering wheel (a), align the three snaps with the tabs in the steering wheel, and push downward until it “clicks” into place (Figure 12).

5. Proper steering column and seat adjustment will result in the following (to adjust the seat, refer to Adjusting the Seat):
   a. In the neutral position with hands on the steering wheel:
   • Operator’s upper arms should be relaxed and approximately vertical.
   • Operator’s forearms should be approximately horizontal.
   • Operator’s back should stay in contact with the seat back.
   • Steering column should not contact operator’s legs.

6. Check the results of any adjustments to the conditions described above. Repeat any adjustment procedures as required until all conditions are met.

Steering Wheel Column

INSTALLING THE TILT LOCKING CYLINDER (IF NECESSARY)

1. Remove hardware from manual bag.
2. Sit in operator’s seat.
3.  With one hand, lift steering wheel column into a raised position.
4. While holding steering wheel column in a raised position, use other hand to raise tilt locking cylinder, aligning holes in top of cylinder with holes in cylinder mounting plates on the underside of the steering wheel column (Figure 13).
5. Working from right to left, install shoulder screw through holes aligned in Step 4 and secure with hex flange lock nut.
   Torque the shoulder screw to 120-144 in-lbs (14-16 N-m) (Figure 13 on page 10).

Adjusting the Steering Wheel

1. To tilt the steering wheel column (a) forward, lift the steering wheel column adjustment lever (b), place the steering wheel column (a) in the desired position and then release the steering wheel column adjustment lever (b) to secure the steering wheel column in place (Figure 14).

NOTE: When the steering wheel column adjustment lever is lifted, the steering wheel column will begin to raise up. Apply downward pressure on the steering wheel to lower the steering wheel column, if needed.
Lower Deck Discharge Chute Deflector
WARNING
Never operate the mower deck without the chute deflector installed and in the down position.

1. The chute is shipped attached and with a stop bracket holding the chute upright. The stop bracket must be removed prior to operating the tractor (Figure 15).
2. Holding the chute deflector fully upward, remove the stop bracket (Figure 15):
   a. Grasp the bracket from behind the chute on top of the deck.
   b. Lift up slightly to free the bracket from the notch.
   c. Pull back to fully remove the bracket.

Setting Deck Wheels

NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck.

1. Move the tractor to a level surface, preferably pavement.

2. Check tire pressure, adjust if necessary. See tire side wall for proper tire pressure.

3. Make sure the deck is level side-to-side and properly pitched. See the Product Care section for deck leveling information and instructions.

4. Place knob in the desired mowing height position and lower the deck.

5. Check the deck wheels for contact or excessive clearance with the surface below.
   NOTE: The deck wheels should have between 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) clearance above the ground.

6. Remove the lock nut (a) securing one of the front gauge wheels to the deck. Remove the shoulder screw (b), tube spacer (c), and shoulder spacer (e) to remove the wheel (d) (Figure 16).

7. Line up the gauge wheel with the tube spacer through the center, the shoulder spacer on the shorter side hub of the gauge wheel, and position the assembly inside the brackets at the desired height.
   NOTE: Allow a 1/4-1/2 inch (6.35-12.7 mm) clearance between the ground and gauge wheel.

8. Insert the shoulder screw into the chosen index hole on the front gauge wheel bracket.
   NOTE: On the left side and right side deck gauge wheels, the shoulder screw must be installed from the outside of the tractor inward, through the square hole on the bracket. On center deck gauge wheels (if equipped), the shoulder screw side of the
   assembly can be installed from either direction (Figure 17).

9. Secure with the lock nut previously removed.

Battery Information

WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
**WARNING
Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with clean cold water. Seek prompt medical attention. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean water, then neutralize with a solution 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 gas generated during charging can be combustible.
As a further precaution, only charge the battery in a well ventilated area.
Always shield eyes and protect skin and clothing when working near batteries.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases. Use extreme caution when handling batteries.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
The battery may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if misused. Do not open, disassemble, overheat, or incinerate the battery.
CAUTION
When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to the terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. [+]. The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. [-]. Connecting Battery Cables
WARNING**
Always connect the positive lead to the battery before connecting the negative lead. This will prevent sparking or possible injury from an electrical short caused by contacting the tractor body with tools being used to connect the cables.
For shipping reasons the factory may leave both battery cables disconnected from the terminals. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:
NOTE: Wiring harness should lay on top of battery hold-down rod, otherwise damage to the wiring harness may result (Figure 21 on page 14).

MODELS WITH LEAD-ACID BATTERY

1. If present, remove the plastic cover from the positive battery terminal. Attach the red connector to the positive battery terminal [+] using the bolt (a) and hex nut (b) (Figure 18).
2. Position the red rubber boot (c) over the positive battery terminal [+] to help protect it from corrosion (Figure 18).
3. If present, remove the plastic cover from the negative battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative battery terminal [-] with the bolt (a) and hex nut (b) (Figure 18).

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after date shown on top/ side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the Charging the Battery section prior to operating.

MODELS WITH AGM BATTERY

1. Remove the hex screws (a) and square nuts (b) located either on the end of the wiring harness or in the bag with this manual. Retain the hardware for later instructions (Figure 19).
2. Remove the plastic cover (c), if present, from the positive battery terminal (d) and attach the red cable (e) to the positive battery terminal (d) with one of the hex screws (a) and square nuts (b), from Step 1. Use a Phillips screwdriver (Figure 19).
3. Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery terminal to help protect it from corrosion (Figure 19 inset).
4. Remove the plastic cover (c), if present, from the negative battery terminal (f) and attach the black cable (g) to the negative battery terminal (f) with the remaining hex screw (a) and square nut (b) (Figure 19).
   NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the Charging the Battery section prior to operating the tractor.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

• Some batteries are filled with battery acid and then sealed at the factory. However, even a “maintenance free” battery requires some maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle.
• Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to protect against corrosion.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosion.
• Some models are equipped with a battery containing a liquid electrolyte. Handle the battery with care and avoid tipping to prevent leakage.

BATTERY STORAGE

• When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery.
• All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly.
• The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot.
• Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although the tractor may start, the engine charging system may not fully recharge the battery.

Battery Removal
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
The battery is located beneath the seat frame. To remove the battery:

MODELS WITH LEAD-ACID BATTERY

1. Remove the bolt and hex nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG [-]). Move the cable away from the negative battery post.
2. Remove the bolt and hex nut securing the red positive battery lead to the positive battery post (marked POS [+]).
3. Remove the hex washer screw (a) securing the battery hold-down bracket (b) to the frame. Then flip the battery hold-down bracket (b) up to free the battery (Figure 20).
4. Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor.
5. Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the reverse order.

MODELS WITH AGM BATTERY

1. Remove the hex screw and square nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG [-]). Move the cable away from the negative battery post.
2. Remove the hex screw and square nut securing the red positive battery lead to the positive battery post (marked POS [+]).
3. Remove the hex washer screw (a) securing the battery holddown rod (b) to the frame. Then flip the battery hold-down rod (b) up to free the battery (Figure 21). 
4. Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor.
5. Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the reverse order.

Charging the Battery
Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time.
MODELS WITH LEAD-ACID BATTERY

• A voltmeter or load tester reading of 12.4 volts (DC) or lower across the battery terminals indicates that the battery needs to be charged.
• A lead-acid battery charger should be used. Recommended charge rate is 4A/14.7V.
• If your battery charger is automatic, charge the battery until the charger indicates that charging is complete. If the charger is not automatic, charge for no fewer than eight (8) hours.

MODELS WITH AGM BATTERY

• An AGM battery charger should be used. Recommended charge rate is 1.1A/14.8V.
  IMPORTANT! Do not use an automotive charger.

• If your battery charger is automatic, charge the battery until the charger indicates that charging is complete. If the charger is not automatic, charge for no fewer than eight (8) hours.

Operating the Seat Latch

1. Place the drive pedals in the neutral position and engage the parking brake.
2. Locate the seat latch at the rear base of the seat.
3. Press downward on the front tabs to disengage the seat latch.
4. Rotate the entire seat pan upward (Figure 22).

Adjusting the Seat

1. Push left and hold the seat adjustment lever to adjust the seat position.
2.  Slide seat forward or rearward to desired position.
3.  Release the adjustment lever. Ensure seat is locked into position before operation (Figure 23).

Adjusting the Mechanical Suspension Mechanism (ZTXS6 models only)

The mechanical suspension mechanism (if equipped) incorporates weight/ride adjustment controls for operators in the 125 to 275 lb (57-124 kg) weight range. Turn the knob on the front of the seat clockwise to increase the weight capacity and counterclockwise to decrease (Figure 24).
NOTE: The seat base must be secured by the latch, otherwise, the seat assembly could tilt forward. The operator presence sensor must be connected to the electrical wiring harness.

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