Cub Cadet 5254 - Manuals

5 • Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughlydepress the brake pedal and shift into neutralbefore attempting to start the engine. • Your mower is designed to cut normalresidential grass of a height no more than 10”.Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall,dry grass (e.g. pasture) or piles of...

6 3. CHILDREN • Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is notalert to the presence of children. Children areoften attracted to the machine. Never assumechildren will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and inwatchful care of an adult other than theoperator. • T...

7 • Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be surethe equipment is in safe working condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check theirproper operation regularly. • After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,and thoroughly inspect the mower for anydamage. Repair the damage before resta...

8 SAFETY LABELS INSTRUCTION / WARNING LABEL ON LEFT RUNNING BOARD AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH READ OPERATOR'S WARNING GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES,NOT ACROSS.AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP. IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP PTO AND BACK DOWN HILL SLOWLY. DO NOT MOW WH...

9 RPM x1000 0 4 F UEL E F HO URS 1/10 SECTION 1: CONTROLS AND FEATURES Figure 1 * Steering Wheel, Seat, and ROPS Transparent for Clarity O. N. M. L. K. A.B. C.D. E. F. J. Steering Wheel PTO Switch Throttle Handle Ignition SwitchBrake PedalReverse Pedal PTO Reverse Override Switch G. Forward Pedal R....

11 H. Hand Holds Hand holds are built into both the left and right hand fender covers. The handles can be used to assist in mounting and dismounting the tractor. J. Transmission 4WD Shift Lever The 4WD shift lever is located on the right fender.This lever is used to engage the transmission drivethat...

12 T. Differential Lock Pedal Figure 8 Located at the front of the left running board, thedifferential lock pedal engages the transmissiondifferential lock. The differential lock is used to gain additional trac-tion when operating the tractor on wet or loose soil.When the pedal is depressed the rear...

14 SECTION 2: OPERATION ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE (ROPS) This tractor is equipped with a foldable RolloverProtection Structure (ROPS) and seat belts. Whenused together they are effective in reducing injuriesto the operator in the event of an accidental tractorrollover. The safety provided by the...

15 lock is engaged. NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the “OFF” position to restart theengine. • The safety interlock system will shut off thePTO if the reverse control pedal is depressed, unless the reverse override function isactivated. NOTE: If the reverse override function has been activated...

17 STOPPING THE TRACTOR • Fully depress the brake pedal to bring thetractor to a complete stop. Push downward onthe parking brake lever and release the pedalto engage the parking brake. See Figure 16. • Depress the rear of the PTO switch todisengage the PTO. • Place the throttle control lever in the...

18 DRIVING ON SLOPES WARNING: Do not operate on inclineswith a slope in excess of 15 degrees (arise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every10 feet). The tractor could overturn andcause serious injury. IMPORTANT: Always shift the transmission into the LOW speed range BEFORE beginningthe climb or descent of...

19 USING THE HYDRAULIC LIFT LEVER The hydraulic lift system provides power for raisingand positioning three point hitch and belly mountedequipment. To raise an attachment using thehydraulic lift system, the engine must be running.Generally, an attachment can be lowered with theengine running or off....

20 Hazard Lights Always use the flashing amber hazard lights alongwith the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem whenoperating the tractor on, or near, roadways. Alsoactivate the hazard lights when necessary to warnothers that the tractor is being operated in the area. • To turn on the flashing hazard li...

21 USING THE HITCH PLATE Use only the hitch plate (Refer to Figure 24), fortowing pull-behind equipment (carts, trailers, etc.)or dragging loads. Raise the lower links of the three point hitch to theirhighest position to prevent interference with thetowed equipment. IMPORTANT: When transporting pull...

22 SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTING THE SEAT For the comfort of the operator, a single leveradjustable seat is provided to set the fore to aftposition of the seat. Adjust the seat to the mostcomfortable position that allows you to operate allcontrols and pedals. WARNING: Do not adjust the seat whent...

23 • The length of the upper hitch link is normallydetermined by the design of each implement.To adjust the upper hitch link, loosen the lock-ing lever and turn the adjustment tube asshown in Figure 28. After the appropriate lengthis attained, tighten the locking lever. If correctlyadjusted, the upp...

24 ADJUSTING THE BRAKES The tractor brakes are adjusted at the factory andshould experience minimal wear if the tractor isoperated normally. However, all brake pads aresubject to wear and at some point the brake linkagemay have to be adjusted. Check the brakes as follows: • Place the tractor on a le...

25 SECTION 4: TRACTOR MAINTENANCE The service life and reliability of any machinedepends upon the care it is given. Proper lubrica-tion and maintenance is a vital part of that care.Using the Lubrication and Maintenance Chart as a guide, monitor the hourmeter on the instrumentpanel to ensure the requ...

26 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART (ILLUSTRATION) 8 11 19 1 2 5 6 6 7 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 18 20 4 14 3 21 21 22 23 6 6 21

27 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART † More often when operating under dusty conditions. Ref. No. Operation to be Performed Service Intervals Bef o re ea c h us e Ever y 10 Hour s Ever y 25 Hour s Ever y 50 Hour s Ever y 10 0 Hour s Ever y 20 0 Hour s Ever y 30 0 Hour s Ever y 40 0 Hour s Bef o re S...

28 ACCESSING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WARNING: If the tractor has beenrecently operated, engine surfaces(including the radiator) will be HOT.Allow the engine to cool before open-ing the hood, or use extreme cautionto avoid burns when the hood is open. To raise the hood, locate the latch release lever ...

29 BATTERY REMOVAL WARNING: Battery posts, terminalsand related accessories contain leadand lead compounds. Wash handsafter handling. The battery is located at the front of the tractorbeneath the hood. To remove the battery: • Open the tractor hood as described in theprevious sub-section. • Remove t...

30 • Turn the bulb/socket assembly approximately aquarter turn counterclockwise to align its tabswith the notches of the reflector, then removefrom the reflector. See Figure 36. Figure 36 • Replace with a new bulb/socket assembly (CubCadet No. 725-04084). • Align the tabs of the new bulb/socket asse...

31 Accessing the Lower Dash Panel Area Some electrical components are housed inside thelower dash panel. To access the area, remove thedash panel insert by removing the two screws. SeeFigure 40. Figure 40 To reinstall the dash panel insert, hook the retaininglip at the bottom of the insert over the ...

32 CHECKING TRANSMISSION / HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OIL LEVEL Check the hydro transmission/hydraulic system oillevel before each use. NOTE: Check the oil level only while the engine is stopped and the tractor isstanding on a level surface. The oil level sight glass is located in the rear of thetransmission ...

33 • Remove the old hydrostatic filter by turning itcounterclockwise, and immediately replace withthe new filter. Turn the filter clockwise by handuntil the gasket contacts the filter base; thentighten the filter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn. • Clean any residual oil from the top of thetransmission...

34 Dispose of used oil in an environmentallysafe manner. If necessary, contact yourarea EPA office for proper disposal proce-dures and recycling center locations. • Change the hydro transmission filter asinstructed in Changing Hydro Transmission Oil Filter . • Change the hydraulic system filter as i...

35 • To prevent debris from entering the front axlehousing, clean the area around the oil fill plug /dipstick and the axle drain plug located at thecenter front of the axle. Refer to Figure 46 andFigure 48. Figure 48 • Place a suitable container beneath the front ofthe axle housing. • Remove the oil...

36 TIRE MAINTENANCE Check the tire air pressure after every 50 hours ofoperation or weekly. Keep the tires inflated to therecommended pressures. Improper inflation willshorten the service life of a tire. See the tire sidewall, or the Tire Inflation chart, for proper inflationpressures. Observe the f...

37 TRACTOR STORAGE If your tractor is not going to be operated for anextended period of time (thirty days to approxi-mately six months), the tractor should be preparedfor storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protectedlocation. If stored outside, cover the tractor (includ-ing the tires) to protect...

38 SECTION 5: ENGINE INFORMATION 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 pleased to ...

39 3. LIMITED LIABILITY. (a) The liability of Kawasaki under this Emission Control Systems Warranty is limited solely to the remedying of defects in materials or workmanship by any authorized Kawasaki small off-road engine dealer at itsplace of business during customary business hours. This warranty...

40 ENGINE MAINTENANCE WARNING: Use care when servicingany component in the engine area. Ifthe engine has recently been operated,components will be hot and couldcause burns. Allow the engine to coolbefore servicing. WARNING: Before servicing the engine,place the tractor on a level surface,stop the en...

41 ADDING ENGINE OIL WARNING: Never overfill the enginecrankcase. The engine may overheatand/or damage may result if thecrankcase is below the “ADD” mark orover the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.For best results, fill to the “FULL” markon the dipstick as opposed to adding agiven quantity of oil. Alway...

42 • Turn the valve drain cock fully clockwise toclose the valve, and clean any residual oil fromthe valve. Refer to Figure 54. • Apply a light coating of clean oil on the gasket ofthe new oil filter. Thread the filter on by handuntil the gasket contacts the filter mounting sur-face, then tighten th...

43 INSPECTION OF COOLING SYSTEM HOSES Check the cooling system hoses for any cracks ordeterioration every 200 hours of operation. Checkall hose connections for looseness. Replace anydamaged hoses and tighten any loose connections. CHANGING THE ENGINE COOLANT The engine coolant should be drained and ...

44 SERVICING THE FOAM PRECLEANER Wash the foam precleaner every 25 hours ofoperation. Wash more often when operating underextremely dusty conditions. Replace the precleanerif torn or otherwise damaged. Referring to Figure 58, wash the precleaner asfollows: • Remove the knob and lift off the air clea...

45 SECTION 6: SPECIFICATIONS Engine Manufacturer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KawasakiHorsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

46 SPECIFICATIONS Hydraulic Lift System Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary PumpControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fender Mounte...

47 SECTION 7: OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES When purchasing your tractor, you probably had it equipped for your particular needs at that time.You may later wish to obtain additional equipment or accessories to perform other tasks. Refer to thechart below for a list of optional equipment and acc...