Cub Cadet GT-2550- Manuals

7 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING – LOCATED ON RIGHT SIDE OF RUNNING BOARD SAFETY GRAPHIC – LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK WA R N I N G ! BE FAMILIAR WITH CONTROLS BEFORESTARTING ENGINE AND OPERATING. SET CHOKE, MOVE THROTTLE TO MID POSITION AND DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL. TURN KEY TO THE START POS...

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. INDICATOR PANEL / HOUR METER The hour meter/indicator uses indicator lights to dis-play the status of various functions of the tractor andalso records the accumulated hours of operation. Figure 4 Indicator Panel Features Battery Indicator (Refer to Figure 4) • Illuminates and the battery volta...

11 • START — Energizes the starter motor to crank and start the tractor engine. Release the key assoon as the engine starts and the key will returnto “NORMAL MOWING” position. WARNING To prevent accidental starting and/or batterydischarge, remove the key from the key switchwhen the tractor is not in...

13 HOOD AND SIDE PANELS The tractor hood is arranged to swing up and forwardfor easy access to the engine compartment (See Fig-ure 8). Whenever engine maintenance is required, theside panels can be removed. WARNING If the engine has been recently run, the engine,muffler and surrounding metal surface...

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 beginning op-eration, be familiar with the controls. Theoperator must be seated, the PTO switch inthe “OFF” position and ...

15 STARTING THE ENGINE WARNING For personal safety, the operator must be sittingin the tractor seat when starting the engine.Never try to start the engine while standing onthe ground. 1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat. 2. Pull choke control knob to full choke position.Less choking may ...

17 Back the tractor with implement up the steepest portionof each slope you intend to work. If the tractor cannotnegotiate the slope in reverse, the slope is too steep tobe worked. Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must bemade, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases t...

18 USING THE “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” KEYPOSITION The “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” position of the keyswitch module allows the machine to be operated in re-verse with the blades (PTO) engaged. IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended . WARNING Use extreme caution while operating the tractorin the “RE...

19 SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for theModel GT 2550 tractor. Adjustment information for the50 inch 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 ...

20 WHEEL ALIGNMENT The front wheels should toe-in approximately 1/8 to1/4 inch, as measured across dimensions A and Bshown in Figure 13. Figure 13 FRONT WHEEL ADJUSTMENT WARNING Place the tractor on a firm and level surface. To adjust the toe-in, proceed as follows: 1. Check the lower steering arm t...

21 2. Pivot the ends of the axle up and down to check forbinding. If the axle is binding, loosen the lock nuts(See Figure 15) until binding is eliminated. Figure 15 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...

22 Figure 16 Adjusting the Control Rod After completing the previous steps (1 thru 4) forchecking neutral setting, refer to Figure 16 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, the hex tap screws (3...

23 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 ...

24 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...

25 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...

26 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...

28 CAUTION If the transmission oil is to be re-used, cover thecontainer holding the drained oil to preventcontamination. Contaminated transmission oilcan damage the hydro transmission. 3. Clean around the base of the transmission oil filterand remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise(Refer t...

29 3. Remove the wing nut and element cover plate,then lift out the paper air filter element. 4. Do not wash the paper element or use pressurizedair, as this will damage the element. Replace adirty, bent or damaged element. Handle newelements carefully; do not use if the sealingsurfaces are bent or ...

30 Replace headlight bulbs as follows: (See Figure 25) 1. Unplug the wire harness leads from the headlightsocket terminals. Note which wire connects to each terminal before disconnecting . 2. Rotate the socket assembly as follows to removefrom the reflector housing: • Left headlight — appoximately 1...

31 STORAGE OF THE BATTERY 1. When storing the tractor for extended periods,disconnect the negative battery cable. It is notnecessary to remove the battery. 2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep theexterior of the battery clean, especially the top. Adirty battery will discharge more rapidly...

32 CHARGING THE BATTERY Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after thetractor has been stored for a period of time. • A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.6 volts(DC) or higher across the battery terminals. • Charge the battery with a 12-volt battery charger ata MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps....

33 SECTION V. MOWER DECK A. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF DECK INSTALLATION OF DECK WARNING Before installing the mower deck, place thePTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage thebrake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the“OFF” position and remove the key from theswitch. Disconnect the spark plug w...

35 WARNING The deck idler arm lever is spring loaded.Release it slowly. 10. Disengage the deck idler arm lever from its stop bracket and release the spring tension by rotatingthe lever out and rearward (See Figure 34). Figure 34 WARNING If the engine has been recently operated, theexhaust system, en...

36 15. While holding the belt in position, rotate the deck idler arm lever into its stop bracket to tension thePTO belt (Refer to Figure 38). Make certain thePTO belt is properly positioned in the PTO clutchpulley and both lower front pulleys. Reposition ifnecessary. Figure 38 16. Raise the deck by ...

38 9. From the front of the tractor, push downward andhold the tractor quick-attach rod. Pull the front liftrod/bracket assembly forward to release theshoulder bolts on each side of the bracket fromthe left and right tractor latch receivers. Releasethe tractor quick-attach rod ( See Figure 46). Figu...

39 B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS In order to achieve even cutting, the mower deck mustbe properly leveled. This leveling procedure will resultin the left and right blades having correspondingcutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inchof each other. Also, the blades will each have a 1/8 to1/4...

40 9. Raise the lift handle to the highest position andrecheck the blade measurements described instep 5. If the blade measurements are not within1/16 inch, repeat steps 6, 7 and 8. 10. Tighten the upper jam nut against the adjustment ferrule after side-to-side leveling is completed. FRONT TO BACK L...

41 GAUGE WHEEL ADJUSTMENT WARNING Before making any adjustments, place the PTOswitch in the “OFF” position, engage the brakepedal lock, turn the ignition key to the “OFF”position, and remove the key from the switch.Disconnect the spark plug wires for additionalsafety. When handling the mower deck, b...

42 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT The mower can be set in multiple positions. NOTE: If multiple settings are used while mowing, it may benecessary to adjust the gauge wheels for each settingto prevent scalping. 1. Push, or pull, the tractor implement lift handle todepress the button on top of the lift ha...

43 • Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter andpush the adapter onto one of the deck washnozzles at either end of the mower deck. Releasethe lock collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle.See Figure 57. Figure 57 • Turn on the water supply. • From the tractor operator’s seat, start the engin...

44 SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT In order to replace the spindle drive belt, refer to Figure58 and Figure 59 and proceed as follows: 1. Disengage the idler arm lever from its stop bracketand rotate the lever to the outside of the deck torelease the spring tension. 2. Remove the hardware that secure...

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...

46 SECTION VII. MOWING MOWING WARNING To avoid possible injury, do not allow anyone inthe area opposite the discharge chute whilemowing. Although the area has beensupposedly cleared of foreign objects, smallobjects may be picked up and discharged bythe mower. Never direct the discharge ofmaterial to...

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° SIGHT AN D H O LD THIS LEVEL WITH A V E RTICAL TREE A P O WE R POLE A CORNER OF A BUILD ING OR A FENCE POST F O L D O N D O T T E D L IN E, R E P R E SE N T IN G A 1 5 ° SL OP E USE THI S PAG E AS A GUIDE TO DETERM INE SL OPE...

57 GT 2550 2-1/8 gallons 4 pints 6 qts. 0 to 6 mph0 to 3 mph Kohler Command 21 HP 2 3.03 in.2.64 in. 38.1 1200 RPM 3600 RPM ± 75 Battery .030 in. 12 volt neg. ground 725-1707D 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.57.00 in.42.0...

58 CUB CADET CORPORATION 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 again...

59 CUB CADET CORPORATION MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY (RESIDENTIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADETCORPORATION (“CUB CADET”) with respect to newmerchandise purchased and used in the United States, itspossessions and territories. CUB CADET warrants this product again...

MODEL GT2550 SERIES 2500 21 HP KOHLER Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 4 pints Part No. Cub Cadet engine oilAmbient temperature viscosity (Grade SG,SH,SJ or higher)Above +32°F SAE 10W30 Below +32°F SAE 5W20 or 5W30 737-3030A (10W30) 737-3049 (5W30) Air Filter Requirements Part No. Clean air filte...