Cub Cadet 5254 Series manual

CUB CADET LLC P .O . BO X 361131 CLEVELAND , OHIO 4 4136-0019 [ www .cubcadet.com ] IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RU LES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAR EFULLY Warning : This unit is equipped wi th an internal combu stion engine and should not be used on or near any un improved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered lan d unles s the engine’s exha ust syst[...]

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE OWNER ............ ... .... ... ............. ... ... ... .... ............. ... ... ... ............. ... .... ... ............. ... ... .. .. 2 CALLING SERV ICE INFORMATION ........... ............. ................ ............. ................ ............. .... 2 RECORDING MODEL AND SERI AL NUM BER INFO RM ATION ...[...]

3 www.cubcadet.com CUB CADET LLC P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELA ND, OH 4 4136 DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER: 877-282-8684 Model Number Mfg. Date XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX RECOR DING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION Product identificat ion plates are provided for majo r comp onents of your tractor. The numb ers on these plates are imp ortant if your tractor[...]

4 IMPOR T ANT SAFE OPERA TION PRA CTICES W ARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORT ANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS W HICH, 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 YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN P[...]

5 • Disengage all attachment clut ches, thoroughly depress the brake pedal and shift into neutral before atte mpting to start the engine. • Your mower is designed t o cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through unu sually tall, dry grass (e.g. past ure) or piles of dry leav es. Debris may build up [...]

6 3. CHILDREN • Tragic accidents can occur if the operato r is not alert to the pr esence of children. Children ar e often attracte d to the machine. Never assume children will remain wher e you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area a nd in watchful care of an adult other tha n the operator. • Be alert and turn machine off if [...]

7 • Keep all nuts, bolts and scr ews tight to be sure the equipm ent is in safe w orking cond ition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operat ion regularly. • After striking a foreig n object, stop the engine, and thoroughly inspec t the mower for any damage. Repair t he damage before restar ting and operating t he mower.[...]

8 SAFETY LABELS INSTRUCTION / WARNING LABEL ON LEFT RUNNING BOARD AV O I D SERIOUS INJURY OR DEA TH READ OPERA TOR'S W ARNING GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. DO NOT OPERA TE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP O R TIP . IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP PTO A ND BACK DOWN HILL SLOWL Y . DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROU[...]

9 O. N. M. L. K. SECTION 1: CONTR OLS AND FEA TURES Figure 1 A. B. C. D. E. F. J. Steering Wheel PTO Swit c h Throttle Hand le Ignition Switch Brake Pedal Reverse Ped al PTO Reverse Overri de Switch * Steering Wheel, Seat, and ROPS Transparent for Clar ity G. Forward Ped a l R. S. T. U. V. W. Trans. 4WD Shift Lever Hydraulic Lift Lev er Cup Holder [...]

10 NOTE: References to LEFT and RI GHT indicate that side of t he tractor when facing forward while seated in the drivers seat. Reference to FRONT indicates the grille end of the tractor; to REAR, the tow plate end. A. Steering Wheel The steering wh eel is centered on the dash panel, and used to change t he direction (left or righ t) of the tractor[...]

11 H. Hand Holds Hand holds are built into both the left and right ha nd fender covers. The ha ndles ca n be us ed to assist in mounting and dismount ing the tractor. J. T ransmission 4WD Shift Le ver The 4WD shift lever is located on the right fender. This lever is used to en gage the transmission drive that powers th e front transaxle. Push the l[...]

12 T . Diffe rential Lock Pedal Figure 8 Located at the fro nt of the left running board, th e differential lock pedal engag es the transmission differential lock. The differenti al lock is used to gain additiona l trac- tion when ope rating the tractor on wet or loos e soil. When the pedal is depr essed the rear wheels of the tractor are p revente[...]

13 X. Instrument P anel Figure 1 2 1. Fuel Gauge The fuel ga uge monitors, at 20 se cond intervals, the fuel level in the fuel tank. The needle point ing to the right indicate s a full tank . The ignition switch mu st be in the ON position to read the fuel gauge. 2. T achometer The tachometer shows t he engine speed in revolu- tions per minute (RPM[...]

14 SECTION 2: OPERA TION ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE (R OPS) This tractor is equipp ed with a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and seat be lts. When used together they are effective in reducing in juries to the operator in th e event of an accidental tractor rollover. The safety provid ed by the ROPS is minimized if the seat belt is not prope[...]

15 W ARNIN G: Gasoline is ext remely flammable and can be explos ive in certain conditions. Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or while the engin e is hot. Tighten the fuel cap securel y. The fuel fill cap is located on the fend er to the left of the seat. Unscrew the fuel cap and fill tank from an approved gaso line container. Im[...]

16 COLD WEATHER STARTING Be sure to use the p roper oil for the expected temperatur es and use winter grade fuel. Fo llow the normal engine starti ng instructions above. However, allow th e engine am ple time to wa rm up before putt i ng the tractor under load. USING JUMPER CABLES TO START ENGINE W ARN IN G: Batteries contain sulfuric acid and prod[...]

17 USING THE FORWARD AND REVERSE PEDALS The hydros tatic transmiss ion provide s constantly variable ground sp eeds within the speed rating of each transm ission range. Th e tractor spe ed is controlled by the forw ard and reverse pedals on the front of the right running board. The forward an d reverse pedals are self neut raliz- ing. The transmiss[...]

18 DRIVING ON SLOPES W ARNING: Do not ope rate on inclines with a slope i n excess of 15 degree s (a rise of approximate ly 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tract or could ov erturn and cause serious inj ury. IMPORTANT: Always shift t he transmission into the LOW speed range BEFORE begin ning the climb or descen t of any slop e. Operate the tractor u[...]

19 USING THE HYDRAULIC LIFT LEVER The hydraulic lift system pr ovides power for raising and positioning thr ee point hitch and belly mounte d equipment. To r aise an attachment using th e hydraulic lift system, t he engine must be running. Generally, an att achment can be lowered with the engine running or off. • Move the lift lever forw ard in t[...]

20 Hazard Ligh t s Always use the flashing amber h azard lights along with the SMV (Slow Movin g Vehicle) emblem when operating the tractor on, or near, roadways. Also activate the hazard ligh ts when necessary to warn others that the t ractor is being operated in the area. • To turn on the flashing hazar d lights, depress the top end of the haza[...]

21 USING THE HITCH PLATE Use only the hitch p late (Refer to Fig ure 23), for towing pull-behind equip ment (carts, trailers, etc.) or dragging loads. Raise the lower links of the thr ee point hitch to their highest pos ition to prev ent interfer ence with the towed equipm en t. IMPORTANT: When transporting pull-be hind equipment on p ublic roadway[...]

22 SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTING THE SEAT For the comfort of the operator, a single lever adjustable se at is provided to set the for e to aft position of the sea t. Adjust the seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to op erate all controls and pe dals. W ARNING: Do not adjust the se at when the tractor is moving, as thi s could c[...]

23 • The length o f the upper hitch lin k is normally determined by the d esign of each implement. To adjust th e upper hi tch link, loosen the lock- ing lever and turn the adjustment t ube as shown in Figure 27. Aft er the appropriate length is attained, tighte n the locking lever. If correctly adjusted, the upper hi tch link will be parallel or[...]

24 ADJUSTING THE BRAKES The tractor br akes are adjusted at the factor y and should experience minimal wear if the tractor is operated no rmally. However, all br ake pads are subject to wear and at some point the brake linkage may have t o be adjusted . Check the brakes as follows: • Place the tract or on a level surface. S top the tractor en gin[...]

25 SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE The service life and reliability of any machine depends upon the ca re it is given. Proper lubrica- tion and main tenance is a vital part of th at care. Using the Lubrication and Maintenance Chart as a guide, mon itor the ho urmeter o n the instru ment panel to ensure t he required maintenance p roce- dures are performed .[...]

26 LUBRICA TION AND MAINTENA NCE CHART (ILLUSTRATION) 21 1 2 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 20 4 14 3 21 21 22 23 6 6[...]

27 LUBRICA TION AND MA INTENANCE CHAR T † More often when operatin g under dusty condi tions. Ref. No. Operation to be P e rformed Service In tervals Before each us e Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Every 200 Hours Every 300 Hours Every 400 Hours Before Storage 1 Check Engine Oil Le vel • 2 Check Air Cleaner • 3 C[...]

28 ACCESSING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT W ARNING: If the tractor has been recently opera ted, engine surfaces (including the radiator ) will be HOT. Allow the engine to cool before open- ing the hood, or use extreme caution to avoid burns when the hood is open . To raise the h ood, locate the latch release lever in the hood notch at the front of the tr[...]

29 BATTERY REMOVAL W ARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related ac cessories contain lead and lead compounds. Was h hands after handling. The battery is loca ted at the front of th e tractor beneath the ho od. To remove the batter y: • Open the tractor hoo d as described in the previous sub-section. • Remove the tw o wing nuts and the battery[...]

30 HEAD LIGHT BULB REPLA CEMENT The tractor is equipped with headlights. If one of the bulbs should b urn out, r eplace the bulb as follow s: • Fully raise the hood. • Pull the wire har ness plug from the bulb/socket assembly to unplug the wire harne ss. See Figure 35. Figure 3 5 • Turn the bulb/socket assembly approx imately a quarter turn c[...]

31 Accessing the Fuse Center The fuse center is located on the inside right of the dash panel. To access the fuse center, remove the dash panel insert by removing the two screws. See Figure 38. To cover the fuse center, reposition the dash pan el insert in the da sh and secure with the two screws. Figure 3 8 Instrument Panel Fuses The instrument p [...]

32 CHECKING TRAN SMISSI ON / HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OIL LEVEL Check the hydro transmission /hydraulic system oil level before e ach use. NOTE: Check the oil level only while the engi ne is stopped and the tractor is standing on a level surface. The oil level sight glass is located in the re ar of the transmission housing, just t o the right of the rear P[...]

33 • Remove the old hydrostatic filter by turning it counterclockwise, and immed iately replace with the new filter . Turn the filter clockwise by ha nd until the gaske t contacts the f ilter base ; then tighten th e f ilter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 t urn. • Clean any residual oil fr om the top of the transmission. Changing Hydraulic System Fil[...]

34 Dispose of used oil in an environmen tally safe mann er. If ne cessary, cont act your area EPA office for proper disposal proce- dures and recycling center locations. • Change the hydr o transmission filter as instructed in Changing Hydro Transmission Oil Filter . • Change the hydr aulic system filter as instructe d in Changing Hydraulic Sys[...]

35 • To preve nt debris from entering th e front axle housing, clean the area around the o il fill pl ug / di psti ck and the axle drain plug located at the center front of the axle. Refer to Figure 45 and Figure 47. Figure 4 7 • Place a suitable container beneat h the front of the axle hous ing . • Remove the oil fill plug/d ipstick to help [...]

36 TIRE MAINTENANCE Check the tire air pr essure after every 50 hours of operation or weekly. Keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressures. Improper inflation will shorten the serv ice life of a tire. See the tire side wall, or the Tire Inflation chart, for p roper inflat ion pressures. Obse rv e the following guid elin es : • Do not infl[...]

37 TRACTOR STORAGE If your tractor is not going to be operated fo r an extended period of time (thirty days to approxi - mately six mont hs), the tractor shou ld be prepared for storage. St ore the tractor in a dry and protected location. If store d outside, cover the tractor (includ - ing the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures [...]

38 SECTION 5: ENGINE INFO RMA TION AND MAINTENANCE KAWASAKI LIMITED WARRANTY CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEMS SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES The California Air Resources Board, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , and Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (hereinafter “Kawasaki”) are pl eased to explai n the Emission Control System s War[...]

39 3. LIMITED LIABILIT Y. (a) The liability of Kawasaki under this Emission Cont rol Systems Warranty is limite d solely to the remedying of defects in materials or workmanship by any auth or ized Kawasaki small off-road eng ine dealer at its place of business during customary business hours. This warranty does not cover inconvenien ce or loss of u[...]

40 ENGINE MAINTENANCE W ARNIN G: Use care when servicing any component in th e engine area. If the engine has recently been operated, components will be hot and could cause burns. Allow the engine to cool before servici ng. W ARNING: Before servicing the engine, place the t ractor on a level surface, stop the engine, enga ge the parking brake, and [...]

41 ADDING ENGINE O IL W ARNING: Never ov erfill the engine crankcase. T he engine may overheat and/or damage may result if the crankcase is below the “ADD” mark or over the “FULL” mark on th e dipstick. For best results, fill to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick as o pposed to adding a given quantity of oil. Always check the level on the [...]

42 • Turn the valve dr ain cock fully clockw ise to close the valve, and clean any residual oil from the valve. Refe r to Figure 5 3. • Apply a light coating of clean oil on t he gasket of the new oil filter. Thread the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts th e filter mounting sur- face, then tighten the f ilter an addit ional 3/ 4 t urn[...]

43 INSPECTION OF COOLING SYSTEM HOSES Check the cooling system hoses for any cracks or deteriorati on every 200 hours of operation. Check all hose connections f or looseness. Replace any damaged hoses and tighten any loose conn ections. CHANGING THE ENGINE COOLANT The engine coola nt should be drained and re placed with new coolant solution af ter [...]

44 SERVICING THE FOAM PRECLEANER Wash the foam precleaner every 25 hours of operation. Wash mo re often when operating unde r extremely dusty conditions. Re place the precleaner if torn or otherwise dam aged. Referring to Figure 57, wash the precleaner as follows: • Remove the knob an d lift off the air cleaner cover and the washer. • Remove th[...]

45 SECTION 6: SPECIFICATIONS Engine Manufact urer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kawasaki Horsepowe r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

46 SPECIFICATIONS Hydraulic Lift Syst em Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aux iliary Pump Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fender Mounted Lever Pump Capac ity . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

47 SECTION 7: OPTIONAL EQ UIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES When purchasing your t ractor, you probably had it equ ipped for your particular needs at that time. You may later wish to obtain additio nal equipment or accessories to perf orm other tasks. Refer to the chart below for a list of optional equipment a nd accessories currently availab le through your[...]

Proper maintenance of your Cub Cade t equipment is the owner’ s responsibility. Follow the instructions i n your owner’s manual for correct lubricants and maintenance schedule. Your Cub Cadet dealer carries a complete line of genuine C ub Cadet parts and quality lubricants and filters for your equipment’s engi ne, transmission, chassis and at[...]