Cub Cadet 1215 User Manual

Needle Valve Mixture (High Speed)
Move throttle control lever to “FAST” position. Turn
needle valve in until engine slows or misses (lean
mixture), then turn it out past the smooth operating
point until engine runs unevenly (rich mixture). Now
turn needle valve to the midpoint between rich and
lean so the engine runs smoothly (see Figure 27).
Engine should accelerate smoothly. If engine does not
accelerate properly, the carburetor should be re¬
adjusted usually to a slightly richer mixture.
MAINTENANCE
ENGINE OIL
The engine crankcase is filled with ship-away oil. This
oil may be used for the first 5 hours of engine operation
at temperatures between 0 degrees F. and 90 degrees
F. If temperatures are not within this range, drain the oil
from crankcase and replace with new oil as specified in
the “LUBRICATION TABLE”. The engine oil must be
drained and replaced with new oil every 25 hours of
engine operation.
To aid starting, the selection of crankcase lubricating
oils should be based on the lowest anticipated tem¬
peratures until the next drain period.
Cub Cadet Low Ash Engine Oil meeting API Service
Classification SF is recommended. For maximum
engine life select API SF oils with lowest levels of
barium, calcium, or magnesium additives and mini¬
mum ash content (approximately 0.5%). Lubricant
suppliers will normally furnish this information on their
engine oils.
Multi-viscosity numbered oils such as SAE 10W-30 or
SAE 10W-40 can be used above 32 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Regularly check the oil level of the engine crankcase to
see that it is filled to the correct level. Always keep the
oil level between the “FULL” and the “LOW” marks
on the dipstick. When checking the oil lever the dip¬
stick must be withdrawn and wiped clean, then insert¬
ed all the way and withdrawn for a true reading.
■ ^NOTE
Check the oil level only while the engine is
stopped and tractor is level.
NOTE
During initial break-in period the engine oil
level should be checked prior to every use.
FILLING THE CRANKCASE
To fill the crankcase with oil, place the tractor on a level
surface. Clean the area around the oil fill tube and
dipstick to prevent debris from entering the crankcase.
■ ^NOTE
Never overfill the engine crankcase. Engine
may overheat and/or damage may result if the
crankcase is below the “LOW” mark or over
the “FULL” mark. For oil capacity refer to the
“SPECIFICATIONS” and "LUBRICATION
TABLE” sections.
Remove the oil fill cap and dipstick and fill to the full
mark on the dipstick. POUR SLOWLY. The oil capacity
is 3 pints. When checking the oil level, push the dip¬
stick assembly firmly but slowly until cap bottoms on
tube. DO NOT OVERFILL. Dipstick assembly MUST
BE PUSHED FULLY INTO TUBE AT ALL TIMES
WHEN ENGINE IS OPERATING.
AIR CLEANER
Servicing Foam Pre-Cleaner Element
Clean and re-oil foam pre-cleaner element at 1-month
intervals or every 10 hours, whichever occurs first.
NOTE
Service more often under dusty conditions.
1. Remove wing nut and cover. (See figure 29.)
2. Remove foam pre-cleaner element by sliding it
up off the paper cartridge.
3. A. Wash pre-cleaner element in liquid detergent
and water.
B. Squeeze dry in cloth.
C. Saturate in engine oil. Squeeze to distribute
oil evenly.
D. Wrap in shop towel and squeeze to remove
excess oil.
Discard used element and replace with new one at
least once a year.
19

Cub Cadet 1215 Specifications

Capacities

fuel tank capacity	3 gals
crankcase capacity	3 pints
transmission capacity	1-1/2 pints
transaxle capacity	2-3/4 pints

Transmission

gears	5 forward speeds and 1 reverse
forward speed	0 to 5.5 mph
reverse speed	0 to 2.35 mph

Engine Specifications

engine make and model	Briggs and Stratton
engine power	12 HP
cylinders	1
bore	3.44 in
stroke	3.06 in
displacement	28.40 cubic inches
low speed	1750 RPM
high idle speed	3400 RPM +-100

Electrical System

system voltage	12 volt neg. ground
alternator	16 amp
fuse	20 amp slow blow
headlights	GE 12 volt 1156

Tires and Dimensions

front tire size	15x6-6
rear tire size	20x10-8
wheelbase	45.0 in
length	68.50 in
turning radius	29.00 in