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Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive 

c. 

wear. Replace if any of these are detected.
Replace the deck cover.

d. 

Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower 

8. 

deck should be level side to side, and the front of the deck 

should be approximately 1⁄4” lower than the rear of deck. 

If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Maintenance & 

Adjustments section.
Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Maintenance & 

9. 

Adjustments section.

Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum comfort, visibility 

10. 

and for maintaining complete control of the tractor.

Safety Interlock System

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 authorized 

Cub Cadet Dealer.

The safety interlock system prevents the engine from 

• 

cranking or starting unless the  RH and LH drive control 

levers are moved fully outward in the neutral position, the 

parking brake is engaged, and the PTO is disengaged.

To avoid sudden movement when disengaging the parking 

• 

brake, the safety interlock system will shut off the engine 

if the RH and/or LH drive control levers are moved to a 

position other than the fully out in the neutral position 

when the parking brake is engaged.
The safety interlock system 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 will stop if both drive control levers are 

moved into the reverse position. The PTO will re-engage 

when one or both of the levers are moved back to the 

neutral or forward position.

Starting the Engine

WARNING! 

This tractor is equipped with a safety 

interlock system designed for the protection of the 

operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of 

the interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically 

check the functions of the interlock system for 

proper operation.

WARNING! 

For personal safety, the operator must 

be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the 

engine.

Open the fuel shut-off valve.

1. 

Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with both drive 

2. 

control levers in the neutral/start position.

Engage the parking brake.

3. 

Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down) 

4. 

position. 

Push the choke lever to the on position.

5. 

 NOTE: 

If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary 

to choke the engine.

Push the throttle control forward about halfway.

6. 

Turn the ignition key clockwise to the “START” position 

7. 

and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not 

crank the engine continuously for more than 10 seconds 

at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn 

the key to “OFF” and wait at least 30 seconds to allow the 

engine’s starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If 

after a few attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep 

trying to start it with the choke closed as this will cause 

flooding and make starting more difficult.

Once the engine starts, push the choke on halfway and as 

8. 

the engine warms, push the choke off all the way.

Cold Weather Starting

When starting the engine at temperatures near or below 

freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the 

engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as 

follows:

Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery 

1. 

has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has 

2. 

higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline 

left over from summer.

Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.

3. 

Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine

WARNING! 

Batteries contain sulfuric acid and 

produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is 

well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and 

avoid sparks or flames near the battery.

If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, 

recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and 

the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be 

necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:

Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor 

1. 

battery’s positive terminal; then connect the other end of 

that cable to the booster battery’s positive terminal.

Connect one end of the other cable to the booster 

2. 

battery’s negative terminal; then connect the other end of 

that cable to the  frame of the disabled tractor, as far from 

the battery as possible.

Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting 

3. 

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 

4. 

as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.

Summary of Contents for Tank M54-KH

Page 1: ...Practices Set Up Operation Maintenance Service Troubleshooting Warranty WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY Tank M54 KH Form No 769 05059 November 19 2009 ...

Page 2: ...range of product specifications for various models Characteristics and features discussed and or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models We reserve the right to change product specifications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us directl...

Page 3: ...ware 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 Do n 10 ot put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck Contact with the blade s can amputate hands and feet A missin 11 g or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries S...

Page 4: ...ustomer service representative for assistance Do not o 31 perate or start machines if there are fuel or oil leaks or spillage Clean it up Do not stop or park machine over dry leaves grass debris 32 etc that could be combustible Do not operate machines that have been damaged or have 33 not been properly maintained If the machine has been damaged then have it repaired When looking for oil leaks neve...

Page 5: ...s onto trailers 2 and trucks If ramps are used they must be full width and secured to 3 the trailer or truck Machines must be secured onto trailers and trucks with 4 straps chains cables ropes or other means deemed adequate for that purpose The front and rear of the machines must be secured to the trailer or truck in both the lateral and vertical directions Operator Protective System OPS This mach...

Page 6: ... OFF The key is removed The engine spark plug wire s removed All connections to the negative terminal of the battery are removed The park brake is set All by pass valves if so equipped are open Hydrau lic controls are actuated to release pressure on pumps cylinders etc If float positions are available they should be used After the above operations are completed it should be safe to begin disconnec...

Page 7: ...y inspect the machine for any damage Repair the damage before starting and operating Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 10 machine while the engine is running Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are 11 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 ...

Page 8: ...semble and operate WARNING ROTATING BLADES Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck Contact with the blade s can amputate hands and feet WARNING THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury WARNING THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury BYSTANDERS Ke...

Page 9: ...RNING Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes 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 Operate riding mowers up and down slopes never across the face of slopes Operate TANK zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down Begin with the first pass acr...

Page 10: ...nsmission Bypass Valve Figure 3 1 Install Roll Over Protective System ROPS The Roll Over Protective System ROPS has not been installed on your unit for shipping purposes Using the hardware found in the Roll Over Protective System container install it on your unit as follows Insert each of the lower section ROPS posts into the 1 brackets welded to the main frame See Fig 3 2 NOTE The ROPS pivot hole...

Page 11: ...clips See Fig 3 5 Position Drive Control levers The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for shipping purposes Using the hardware found in the manual bag the control levers must be repositioned to operate the tractor To reposition the control levers for operation proceed as follows Lift and swing the control levers up into the operating 1 position From the outside insert the bolts throu...

Page 12: ...edures as required until all conditions are met Suspension Seat This unit is equipped with an adjustable suspension seat 1 system which includes a fold forward seat with retractable seat belt assembly a low profile mechanical suspension and an Operator Presence Sensor OPS The seat bottom is covered with a heavy duty vinyl 2 fabric and integrates the EVC cushion comfort system that provides up to 1...

Page 13: ...ive battery terminal is marked Pos The negative battery terminal is marked Neg NOTE If the positive battery cable is already attached skip ahead to step 2 Remove the plastic cover if present from the positive 1 battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive battery terminal with the bolt and hex nut See Fig 3 8 Remove the plastic cover if present from the negative 2 battery terminal and...

Page 14: ...Deck Lift Pedal The deck lift pedal is located on the right front corner of the foot platform and is used to raise and lower the mower deck To raise the mowing deck to the transport position push the upper part of the pedal all the way forward and place the clevis pin in furthest hole from you and secure with the cotter pin To lower the deck remove the clevis pin and reinsert it in the desired cut...

Page 15: ...ockwise to tighten Always re install the fuel cap tightly onto the fuel tank after removing Warning 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 Ignition Switch The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the right of t...

Page 16: ...it must be replaced prior to operator use Failure to us the Roll Over Protection System and seat belt properly could result in serious injury or death Transmission Bypass Valves Not Shown The transmission bypass valves one for each the RH and LH transmission are located just in front of the engine and just behind the seat When engaged the two valves open a bypass within the hydrostatic transmissio...

Page 17: ... to be mowed debris and loose grass will reduce traction Mow only in daylight or good artificial light Watch for holes sprinkler heads and other hidden hazards Avoid dr iving too close to trees creeks ditches sand traps and other obstacles Slow down bef ore turning and come to a complete stop before any zero turn maneuver If yo u hit a solid object while mowing turn off the PTO place the steering ...

Page 18: ...with both drive 2 control levers in the neutral start position Engage the parking brake 3 Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged down 4 position Push the choke lever to the on position 5 NOTE If the engine is warmed up it may not be necessary to choke the engine Push the throttle control forward about halfway 6 Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position 7 and release it as soo...

Page 19: ...eeded safety eye glasses gloves earplugs boots hats etc Warning Hearing Protection is required for all operator exposure exceeding two 2 hours Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions in the following section Driving the Tractor Practice until you are confident that you can safely operate the tractor Driving the Tractor Warning Avoid sudden starts excessive speed and sudde...

Page 20: ...direction of travel we recommend performing gradual U turns where possible Sharper turns increase the possibility of turf defacement and could affect control of the tractor ALWAYS slow the tractor before making sharp turns To turn the tractor while driving forward move the control levers as necessary so that one lever is rearward of the other The tractor will turn in the direction of the rearward ...

Page 21: ...arward move the control levers as necessary so that one lever is forward of the other The tractor will turn in the direction of the forward control lever To turn to the left while traveling in reverse move the left 1 drive control lever forward of the right lever See Fig 5 7 To turn to the right while traveling in reverse move the 2 right drive control lever forward of the left lever See Fig 5 8 T...

Page 22: ... moving drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position and engaging the parking brake If leaving the tractor unattended turn the ignition key off and remove key Driving On Slopes Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Section 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 ...

Page 23: ...ould not crank Engage the parking brake and pull the PTO switch upward 2 to the engaged position Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the start position the engine should not crank Push the PTO switch downward to the disengaged position 3 and engage the parking brake Start the engine and move one of the drive control levers from the fully outward neutral position The engine should stop running ...

Page 24: ...lift High 1 to 2 1 2 Low 3 to 5 High 1 to 2 1 2 Low 3 to 5 High 1 to 2 1 2 Low 3 to 5 Table Notes This table is a general outline of suggested settings mowing conditions may vary Front Skirts When the front skirt is set to low the grass lift is increased for precision cutting When the skirt is set to high the grass can rebound and higher volumes of grass can be cut Inner Baffle The inner baffle re...

Page 25: ...e Screen Cover P Clean Mower P Lubricate Wear Points See Chart P P Clean And Re Oil Air Filter P Grease Three Spindle Bearings P Replace Air Filter P Change Engine Oil And Replace Oil Filter P Check Battery s Electrolyte Level P Clean Engine Cooling Fins External Surfaces P Lubricate All Grease Fittings See Chart P Check Spark Plug Condition Gap P Check Air Gap Pto Clutch P Change Hydrostatic Flui...

Page 26: ...ricant Apply the oil to both sides of pivot points Wipe off any excess Start engine and operate mower briefly to insure that oil spreads evenly Engine Oil Rimula 15W40 recommended or 10W40 engine oil rated SJ or higher Hydrostatic Fluid Rimula 15W40 recommended Spindle Lubricant Use only Shell Alvania RL 2 grease This grease is an amber colored grease designed for high speed bearing applications I...

Page 27: ...dle Lubricant Use only Shell Alvania RL 2 grease This grease is an amber colored grease designed for high speed bearing applications It has a base oil viscosity that reduces running losses has been formulated for low noise has excellent corrosion protection and has excellent bearing lubrication General Purpose Lubrication Use any NLGI grade 2 multi purpose grease Shell Albida EP2 is recommended Sh...

Page 28: ...Hydraulic Oil Warning Never overfill the hydraulic units Damage can occur if the oil level is not within the proper operating range NOTE When adding hydraulic oil do so in small quantities and recheck the oil level before adding more It is important that you do not overfill the reservoir Adding Hydraulic Oil use SAE15W40 Place the Machine on a level surface and engage the 1 parking brake Stop the ...

Page 29: ...ng the oil Remove the fill cap and fill the tank with the same 15W 40 6 oil selected for the filter until the oil level is up to the level of the second hole in the fill tube Leave this air space for expansion Start the engine and let it run at Lo idle for about five 7 minutes Check the filter for leaks Idling the engine and the pumps in this way will purge any air from the system Shut off the eng...

Page 30: ...l and replace it If a tire is getting soft park the mower on the nearest level paved area Rear Tire 1 Put blocks on each side of the opposite traction a wheel and jack up the tire that leaks about an inch off the ground Loosen and remove the lug nuts and remove the b wheel Mount a wheel and tire replace the lug nuts and c using a torque wrench tighten them to 60 10 ft lbs Front caster wheel 2 Bloc...

Page 31: ... but do not overtighten NOTE The tractor will not drive with the bypass valves in the engage position Hydraulic Bypass Valve Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and push the 3 adapter onto one of the deck wash nozzles at either end of the mower deck Release the lock collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle See Fig 6 3 Turn on the water supply 4 From the tractor operator s seat start th...

Page 32: ...l out of the spark plug holes Replace the spark plugs and the ignition leads If drained before storing fill the fuel tank with clean fresh 4 gasoline Check the level of the engine oil in the crankcase and the 5 hydraulic reservoir tank Battery Storage When storing the tractor for extended periods disconnect 1 the negative battery cable It is not necessary to remove the battery All batteries discha...

Page 33: ...ed the mower deck should be level side to side and the front of the deck should be approximately 1 4 lower than the rear of deck NOTE Check the tractor s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments See the tire side wall for proper inflation pressures Side to Side Leveling Park the mower on a flat paved surface engage the 1 parking brake shut off the engine remove the key from th...

Page 34: ... Tighten both inner jam nuts to secure the deck adjustment 5 The final adjustment would be to take the slack out of 6 the left rear linkage if the rear of the deck was raised by adjusting the jam nuts on the eyebolt Loosen the jam nuts and tighten the upper nut to remove slack In many cases it will be necessary to adjust deck height 7 using both eyebolt adjustments and pitch adjustment to achieve ...

Page 35: ... then retighten the nut See Fig 6 8 Repeat on the other side and be sure that both skirts are in 2 the same position Removing Installing the Inner Baffle The inner flow control baffle can be removed depending on the mowing conditions The baffle controls discharge and can be removed for high volume grasses and installed for precision cutting Remove the carriage bolts and flange lock nuts that 1 sec...

Page 36: ...of the red jumper cable to the 2 positive terminal of the low charge battery Attach the end of the black jumper cable to the negative 3 terminal of the charged battery Attach the other end of the black jumper cable to the 4 frame of the unit with the low charge battery Servicing Electrical System Fuse There is one fuse located in the wiring between the ignition start switch and other electrical co...

Page 37: ...osition Apply the parking brake Remove ignition key and both 2 spark plug caps Remove tension off the PTO belt by moving the belt 3 tensioning rod See Fig 7 2 NOTE There is a certain amount of spring tension due to the weight of the deck When removing the lift linkage from the deck the tension of the springs will go from the deck to the deck lift pedal Not capturing the deck lift pedal while remov...

Page 38: ...e to sharpen the blades Replace any blade with severe nicks or dents that cannot 4 be removed by filing Check the balance of the blade after sharpening by placing 5 it on a blade balancer Do not use un balanced blades If the blade dips on one end file stock off of the cutting 6 surface on that end NOTE Replace any blades that cannot easily be balanced Replacing the Blades Warning Before performing...

Page 39: ... Hex Screw Figure 7 5 Tractor High Speed Tracking If the tractor tracks to one side with both drive control levers fully forward adjust the control levers as follows Check for proper and balanced air pressure in both front 1 and rear tires Refill tires if necessary Check hydraulic fluid level Ref Engine owner s manual 2 Perform the steps in the previous section Tractor Creeping 3 to verify that th...

Page 40: ... lever in the fast position 5 Pull choke control into full choke position 6 Fill tank with clean fresh less than 30 days 7 old gas Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter 8 Clean adjust gap or replace plug s 9 Crank engine with throttle in FAST position 10 Engine runs erratic Tractor running with CHOKE activated 1 Spark plug wire s loose 2 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 3 Vent in gas cap plugged ...

Page 41: ...r cleaner element and or clean 2 pre cleaner Excessive vibration Cutting blade loose or unbalanced 1 Damaged or bent cutting blade 2 Tighten blade and spindle 1 Replace blade 2 Uneven cut Deck not leveled properly 1 Dull blade 2 Uneven tire pressure 3 Perform side to side deck adjustment 1 Sharpen or replace blade 2 Check tire pressure in all four tires 3 Mower will not mulch grass If Equipped w M...

Page 42: ...ription 759 3336 Spark Plug KH 25 083 01 S Primary Air Filter KH 25 083 04 S Safety Air Filter KH 25 050 22 S1 Fuel Filter KH 12 050 01 S Oil Filter 01005375 Deck Belt 01005377 PTO Belt 01007015 Drive Belt 02005018 Hi Lift Blade 19 0 01003532P Deck Spindle ...

Page 43: ...Part Number and Description 634 3159 Deck Wheel 925 1707D Battery 951 3124E Gas Cap 02003421 Throttle Control 02003422 Choke Control 725 1341B Ignition Key 01006693 Discharge Chute Assembly 02002668 Wheel Assembly 02002821 Caster Wheel Assembly ...

Page 44: ... 59A30004150 12 Bushel Dump Hopper Kit 59A3001150 12 Bushel Triple Bagger Kit 59A30029150 54 Mulch Kit 590 488 150 All Trail Tires 590 851 150 Discharge Restrictor Kit 59A30011150 Light Kit 01008312 19 Bahia Blades Low Lift The following attachments and accessories are compatible with your TANK tractor See your dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding ...

Page 45: ...ustment at 1 4 increments Cutting Height 1 to 5 No of Blades 3 belt driven power take off from engine Controls Engine ignition and start switch throttle choke left and right steering levers electric blade clutch switch parking brake mower deck lift Parking Brake Mechanical linkage brake handle to internal drum brakes Front Caster Wheels 13 x 6 50 6 Tire Pressure 8 10 psi rear 20 25 psi front caste...

Page 46: ...at cause the failure of a warranted part to be identical in all material respects to that part as described in MTD Consumer Group Inc s application for certification The warranty period begins on the date the outdoor equipment engine is delivered to an ultimate purchaser or first placed into service The warranty period is two years Subject to certain conditions and exclusions as stated below the w...

Page 47: ...l eligible for warranty coverage Further the coverage under this warranty extends only to parts that were present on the off road engine and equipment purchased The following emission warranty parts are covered if applicable 1 Fuel Metering System Cold start enrichment system soft choke Carburetor and internal parts or fuel injection system Fuel pump Fuel tank 2 Air Induction System Air cleaner In...

Page 48: ... void your warranty as to any resulting damage In addition Cub Cadet may deny warranty coverage if the hour meter or any part thereof is altered modified disconnected or otherwise tampered with HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE Warranty service is available WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE AND APPLICABLE MAINTENANCE RECORDS through your local authorized service dealer To locate the dealer in your area In the U S A Chec...

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