Cub Cadet 542 WE Operator's Manual

PRINTED IN U.S.A.772C0741 (01/05) Automatic LawnTractorModel: CLT-542 Operator’s ManualIMPORTANT: READSAFETY RULES ANDIN

10Figure 5SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTORThrottle Control LeverThe throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel.

11Figure 7NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.NOTE: Hood styles vary by m

12Ignition Switch ModuleWARNING: Never leave a running machineunattended. Always disengage PTO, moveshift lever into neutral position, set parkingbrak

13Electric PTO (Blade Engage) KnobTo engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments on models equipped with an elect

14Shift Lever The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The brake pedal must be

153. 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

16Stopping the EngineWARNING: If you strike a foreign object,stop the engine, disconnect the spark plugwire(s) and ground against the engine.Thorough

17Models with Manual PTO• Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.Models with Electric PTO•

18SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTSWARNING: Never attempt to make anyadjustments while the engine is running,except where specified in the operator’sman

19If 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 park

2TABLE OF CONTENTSFINDING MODEL NUMBERThis Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and mai

20SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTORWARNING: Before performing anymaintenance or repairs, disengage PTO,move shift lever into neutral position

21Deck Wash System™ (Optional)A hex plug can be found on your tractor’s deck surface. This plug can be replaced with a water port to be used as part

22• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up.• After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat o

23IMPORTANT: If the cutting edge of the blade has already been sharpened to within 5/8" of the wind wing radius, or if any metal separation is pr

2446-inch Decks with Electric PTOInsert a 3/8”-drive ratchet wrench (set to loosen) into the square hole found in the idler bracket on the left side o

25Figure 22Figure 23SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGEClean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR of this manual before

26SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTINGTrouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective ActionEngine fails to start PTO engaged.Parking brake not engaged.Spark plug wire(s

THREE (3) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTYFor three (3) years from the date of original purchase of our products, we will either repair or replace, at itsoption,

3SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICESWARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endangerthe

425. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.26. Your machine i

5f. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting into reverse. The “Reverse Caution Mode” should not be used wh

69. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine

7SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGEUse this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn tractor on such slopes

8SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UPNOTE: This owner’s manual covers various models oflawn tractors. The units illustrated may vary slightlyfrom your unit. Fol

9WARNING: The mowing deck is capable ofthrowing objects. Failure to operate the ridingmower without the discharge cover in theproper operating positio