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Steering the Tractor
Your i1000 series tractor is equipped with an innovative
steering design which is somewhat different from that of
the traditional steering wheel type lawn tractor. Turning
the steering wheel not only turns the front wheels, but
also controls the drive linkage of the two hydro transmis-
sions that drive the tractor. This feature allows you to
vary the radius of turns from a normal wide turn down to
a zero turn. Some practice may be required to become
accustomed to the steering of your tractor. The steering
works as follows:
• The steering wheel turns approximately two turns stop
to stop. With the center position being the straight
ahead position.
• Minor turns of the steering wheel from the center
position (up to approx. 10º) will turn only the front
axles and result in wider turns.
• Increasing the turn of the steering wheel (beyond 10°)
results in increasingly tighter turns. As the steering
mechanism turns the front wheels, it also changes
the position of the transmission drive linkage to slow
down the inner rear wheel in the turn and adjust the
speed of the outer wheel as necessary to complete
the desired turn. Turn the steering wheel back to the
center position as the turn is completed.
NOTE: It is not necessary to release the drive pedal
when making a turn. The change to the transmission
linkage occurs regardless of how far the drive pedal is
depressed. When the steering wheel is straightened, the
tractor will return to the speed set by the drive pedal.
• Turning the steering wheel fully to its stop in either
direction will fully turn the front wheels, reverse the
direction of the inner wheel and adjust the outer wheel
speed to execute a zero turn in the chosen direction.
Turn the steering wheel back to the center position as
the turn is completed.
NOTE: As the steering wheel is turned further toward
its stop, the effort needed to turn the steering wheel
increases.
IMPORTANT: Making tight or zero turns on grass will
greatly increase the potential for defacement of the turf.
Driving On Slopes
IMPORTANT: Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help
determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
• Mow up and down slopes, never across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must
be made, turn downhill on the slope. Turning uphill
increases the possibility of a tractor rollover.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is neces-
sary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly
and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the
tractor over backward.
Moving the Tractor Manually
If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to
move the tractor, engage the two hydro transmission
bypass rods to manually move the tractor short distances.
IMPORTANT: Never tow or drag the tractor with the rear
wheels on the ground. Even with the bypass rods engaged.
Doing so will damage the transmissions.
To engage a bypass rod, pull the rod rearward through the
slot until the offset form the rod is outside the hitch plate.
Then turn the rod in either direction and release so that
the offset is locked against the hitch plate. Engage both
bypass rods to manually move the tractor. See Figure 8.
To disengage, turn the rod to align with the slot and
release the rod back through the hitch plate.
NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the
hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its
normal position prior to operating the tractor.
Mowing
WARNING: To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers, children and
pets at least 75 feet from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
This tractor is equipped with one of Cub Cadet’s high quality
cutting decks. The following information will be helpful when
using the cutting deck with your tractor.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a
mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps
be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center.
After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw
the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting.
This will give a better appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at
full throttle.
4
To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown
object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers,
children and pets
at least 75 feet from
the machine while it
is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone
enters the area.
WARNING
Operation
IMPORTANT
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE
on page 3 to help determine
slopes where you may
operate the tractor safely.
Never attempt to move the
tractor manually without first
engaging the relief valve.
Doing so may damage the
tractor’s transmission.
Bypass Rods
Disengaged
Offset Form Locked Against
Hitch Plate to Engage
Figure 8