Cub Cadet 2518-44- Manuals

7 PRODUCT GRAPHICS Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean. Replaceany safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, miss- ing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replace-ment safety graphics are available through yourdealer. GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING – LOCATED ON RIGHT SIDE OF RUNNIN...

8 TO THE OWNER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tractor. The information contained in this manual has beenprepared in detail to help you better understand the features, correct operation, adjustments, and maintenance ofyour tractor. The performance and dependability of this tr...

9 SECTION I. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS Your Cub Cadet Tractor has been safety engineered.This section gives a brief description of the functionand location of the various controls and indicators. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the controls andindicators before attempting to start or operate the...

10 A. LOW OIL INDICATOR This indicator will illuminate when the engine oil level islow. If this indicator illuminates, stop the tractor imme-diately and check the engine oil level. If the oil level iswithin the operating range, but the light remains on,contact your Cub Cadet dealer. CAUTION Operatin...

12 Q. SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock systemfor the protection of the operator. If the interlock sys-tem should ever malfunction, do not operate the trac-tor. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer. The safety interlock system prevents the engine fromcran...

13 Figure 8 UPPER FRONTWING NUT RETAINER WITHTAPERED GUIDE REAR WING NUT GRILLE REAR TABON PANEL SIDE PANEL GROOVE INDASH PANEL GRASP GRASP

14 SECTION II. OPERATION WARNING RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Read theoperator’s manual. Learn to operate thismachine SAFELY. Don’t risk INJURY orDEATH. 1. Before starting the engine or beginningoperation, be familiar with the controls. Theoperator must be seated, the PTO switch inthe “OFF” position and th...

15 • The safety interlock system will automatical-ly shut off the engine if the operator leavesthe seat before engaging the brake pedallock. • The safety interlock system will automatical-ly disengage the PTO if the reverse controlpedal is pressed down with the PTO in the“RUN” position. To re-engage...

16 5. Turn the ingnition key to the “START” position andhold until the engine starts; however, do not crankthe engine continuously for more than 10seconds at a time. Once the engine starts, graduallyadjust the choke as needed to keep the enginerunning until warmed up, then push the choke controlall ...

17 DRIVING ON SLOPES Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 55 to helpdetermine slopes where you may not operate safely. WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excessof 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feetevery 10 feet). The tractor could overturn andcause serious injury. WARNING Operate...

18 SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for theModel 2518 tractor. Adjustment information for the 44inch deck is located in Section V – Mower Deckbeginning on page 33. ADJUSTING THE SEAT WARNING Do not adjust the seat when the tractor ismoving. Adjusting the seat whi...

19 WHEEL ALIGNMENT The front wheels should toe-in approximately 1/8 to1/4 inch, as measured across dimensions A and Bshown in Figure 12. Figure 12. Viewed from beneath the tractor. FRONT WHEEL ADJUSTMENT WARNING Place the tractor on a firm and level surface. To adjust the toe-in, proceed as follows:...

20 2. Pivot the ends of the axle up and down to check forbinding. If the axle is binding, loosen the lock nuts(See Figure 14) until binding is eliminated. Figure 14 3. Grasping the ends of the pivot axle, attempt tomove each end of the axle forward and rearwardto check for side play between the axle...

21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 CONTROL CAM Adjusting the Control Rod After completing the previous steps (1 thru 4) forchecking neutral setting, refer to Figure 15 and adjustthe control rod as follows: NOTE The brake pedal lock MUST be engaged toproperly adjust the control rod. 1. Loosen, but do not remove...

22 CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS WARNING When making adjustments to the carburetorwhile the engine is running, disengage the PTOclutch and engage the brake pedal lock. Keepclear of all moving parts and be careful of all hotsurfaces. WARNING Carbon monoxide fumes can be fatal! Do notmake any adjustments to ...

23 SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE ENGINE MAINTENANCE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emissioncontrol devices and systems, which are being done atthe customer’s expense, may be performed by anyengine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized Kohlerser...

24 ADDING OIL CAUTION Never overfill the engine crankcase. The enginemay overheat and/or damage may result if thecrankcase is below the “LOW” mark or over the“FULL” mark on the dipstick. NOTE For best results, fill to the “FULL” mark on thedipstick as opposed to adding a given quantityof oil. Always...

25 While the engine oil is warm, proceed as follows: NOTE A 12 inch length of flexible tubing is supplied inthe owner’s manual package and should beused to drain the engine oil. 1. Place the tractor on a level surface and engage thebrake pedal lock. Stop the tractor engine andremove the ignition key...

26 CHECKING TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL NOTE Check the oil level only while the engine isstopped and the tractor is level. Check the oil level of the transmission case beforeeach use to see that it is filled to the correct level.Before checking the transmission oil level, clean thearea around the oil fil...

27 2. Clean the area around the transmission drain plugto prevent debris from entering the transmissioncase. Remove the drain plug and allow thetransmission oil to drain into a clean containerhaving a capacity of more than 6 quarts. Reinstallthe drain plug (Refer to Figure 21). CAUTION If the transm...

28 Figure 23. Air Cleaner Assembly 2. Remove the foam precleaner by sliding it up off thepaper element (See Figure 23). 3. Wash the precleaner in warm water withdetergent. Rinse the precleaner thoroughly until alltraces of the detergent are eliminated. Squeezeout (do not wring) excess water in a dry...

29 SPARK PLUG WARNING To avoid possible injury, be sure the engine isoff and has cooled before making anyadjustments or repairs. NOTE Remove all dirt from around the spark plugbefore removing. To remove the spark plugs, always use a spark plugwrench. Check the gap after every 100 hours ofoperation. ...

31 BATTERY REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION WARNING Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash Hands after handling. When removing the battery, disconnect thebattery cables in the following order to avoidarcing and the resulting sparks: Battery Removal: 1. Disconnec...

33 SECTION V. MOWER DECK This section contains adjustment, removal, installation,and maintenance information for the 44-inch mowerdeck. Instructions for installation and removal of theoptional mulching plug are located at the end of thissection. A. INSTALLING LIFT ASSIST SPRING NOTE The following st...

34 NOTE Check the tires for proper inflation beforemaking a leveling adjustment. To level the deck,the tractor and deck MUST be placed on a hard,level surface during adjustment. SIDE-TO-SIDE LEVELING ADJUSTMENT 1. Position the tractor and mower deck on a hard,level surface. If necessary, reposition ...

35 3. Initially adjust the front lift rod to allowapproximately 3/4 inch of thread to protrudebeyond both lock nuts of the front lift rod/bracketassembly (See Figure 35). Figure 35 4. Refer to Figure 36. Measure and record thedistance from the front cutting edge to the ground(measurement A), and fro...

36 washers. Remove the lock nuts, shoulderscrews, and bell washers fastening the frontball wheels to the deck gauge wheel brackets. c. Again place the tractor implement lift handle inthe normally desired mowing height setting. Figure 37 d. Insert the shoulder screw and flat washer withthe rear gauge...

38 Figure 43 9. Pull the deck support pins outward, turn downwardand release so both spring-loaded pins are held inthe disengaged position against the outer surfaceof the deck brackets (Refer to Figure 44). Figure 44 10. Raise the implement lift handle to its highest set- ting. Slide the mower deck ...

39 INSTALLATION OF DECK WARNING Before performing the mower deck installation,place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position,engage the brake pedal lock, turn the ignitionkey to the “OFF” position and remove the keyfrom the switch. Disconnect the spark plugwires for additional safety. WARNING When handl...

41 9. From beneath the right rear fender, push the liftassist rod down and outward to release from theframe. Disengage the hook of the lift assist springfrom the pigtail hook (See Figure 55). Figure 55 10. Install the lower hook of the lift assist spring into the hole in the right rear deck bracket ...

42 14. Twist the PTO belt 1/4 turn to engage the narrow sides of the belt into the grooves of the two tractorfront-lower pulleys (Refer to Figure 60). Figure 60 15. From the front of the tractor, push the PTO belt through the front lift rod, then to the center of thedeck. Ensure that the forward end...

43 maintained. If the cutting edge of a blade hasbeen sharpened to within 5/8 inch of the windwing radius (see Figure 63), it is recommendedthat new blades be installed. New blades areavailable at your authorized dealer. Figure 63 When removing the blades, use a 1-1/8 inch wrench tohold the hex head...

44 6. Carefully slip the new belt under the movable flatidler pulley 7. Route the new belt around the spindle pulleys, thefixed idler pulley, and the bottom pulley of thecenter double pulley. Refer to Figure 66 for theproper routing of the belt. 8. Pull the moveable flat idler pulley toward the left...

45 SECTION VI. OFF-SEASON STORAGE If the machine is to be inoperative for a period longerthan 30 days, the following procedures arerecommended: WARNING Never store the tractor with fuel in the tankindoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures,where fuel fumes may reach an open flame,spark or pilot ligh...

47 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES When you purchased your tractor, you probably had itcompletely equipped for your particular needs at thetime. However, later you may wish to obtain optionalequipment or accessories. These items and otherallied equipment can be purchased from, and installedby, yo...

49 TROUBLE SHOOTING Possible Cause Possible Remedy HARD TO START No gasoline in fuel tank or carburetor ..................... Fill the tank with gasoline. Check the fuel line, carburetor and fuel filter. Fuel line or carburetor clogged................................ Clean the fuel line and carburet...

50 TROUBLE SHOOTING Possible Cause Possible Remedy LACK OF POWER Air cleaner clogged ................................................. Service the air cleaner element. Refer to “MAINTE- NANCE.” Engine overload ...................................................... Reduce the load. Engine overheated ...

52 LUBRICATION GUIDE The service life and reliability of any machine depends upon the care it is given. Proper lubrication is a veryimportant part of that care. This lubrication schedule reflects the minimal requirements to maintain theequipment. More frequent inspections and maintenance is preferab...

55 SLOPE GAUGE (Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.) 15 ° S IGH T AN D H O L D TH IS L E VEL WI TH A V E R T IC AL TR EE A POW E R PO LE A CORNE R OF A B U IL DING OR A FE N C E POS T F O L D O N D O T T E D L IN E , R E P R E S E N T IN G A 1 5 ° S L O P E US E THIS PAGE AS A GUI ...

57 2518 2-1/8 gallons 4 pints 6 qts. 0 to 6 mph0 to 3 mph Kohler Command 20 HP 2 3.03 in.2.64 in. 38.1 1200 RPM 3600 RPM ± 75 Battery .030 in. 12 volt neg. ground 725-1706 15 amp regulated 25 amp 725-0963 Internal expanding 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 9.5-12 31.5 in. 30.25 in. 47.00 in. 72.00 in. 49.00 in. 43.0...

58 CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMMERCIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADETLLC (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandisepurchased and used in the United States, its possessions andterritories. CUB CADET warrants this product against defec...

59 CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY (RESIDENTIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADETLLC (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandisepurchased and used in the United States, its possessions andterritories. CUB CADET warrants this product against defects in ma...

MODEL 2518 SERIES 2500 20 HP KOHLER Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 4 pints Part No. Cub Cadet engine oilAmbient temperature viscosity (Grade SG or SH)Above +32°F SAE 10W30 or 10W40 Below +32°F SAE 5W20 or 5W30 737-3030A (10W30) 737-3049 (5W30) Air Filter Requirements Part No. Clean air filter p...