Page 3 - TRACTOR AND DECK PREPARATION; A. INSTALL LIFT ASSIST SPRINGS; WARNING; Wash hands; sition before attaching the battery cable.; CONTENTS
3 TRACTOR AND DECK PREPARATION After removing the top of the shipping crate, cut the tiestrap securing the mower deck to the side panel of thecrate. Using a hoist, or with the help of an assistant,carefully lift the mower deck out of the shipping crate. Cut the tie strap securing the PTO belt and re...
Page 4 - IMPORTANT; HEED ITS WARNING; SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES; GENERAL OPERATION; Never carry passengers.; DANGER
4 WARNING • The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals knownto the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. • This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near a...
Page 5 - Cub Cadet
5 13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. 16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should notbe ...
Page 7 - WA R N I N G
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...
Page 8 - TO THE OWNER; Your local authorized; CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION; Cub; RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION; Hood Model; Figure 1
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...
Page 9 - SECTION I. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS; Figure 3
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...
Page 10 - CAUTION; Figure 4; NOTE; The hydrostatic transmission will not hold the; H. CRUISE CONTROL LEVER; in areas; Section II- OPERATION; for instructions on how
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...
Page 12 - Q. SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES; FUEL TANK; Engage the brake lock and raise the hood.
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...
Page 13 - Figure 8; REAR WING NUT
13 Figure 8 UPPER FRONTWING NUT RETAINER WITHTAPERED GUIDE REAR WING NUT GRILLE REAR TABON PANEL SIDE PANEL GROOVE INDASH PANEL GRASP GRASP
Page 14 - Avoid slopes. Tractors can be rolled over.; BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR; Check the engine and transmission oil levels.; STARTING THE ENGINE
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...
Page 15 - STOPPING THE ENGINE; TRACTOR BREAK-IN PROCEDURE; COLD WEATHER STARTING; Period
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...
Page 16 - DRIVING THE TRACTOR; Driving with forward or reverse pedals.
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 ...
Page 17 - DRIVING ON SLOPES; down; the slope. Turning up a slope greatly; STOPPING THE TRACTOR; Start and run the engine a few minutes to warm up.; Figure 9; DRAWBAR
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...
Page 18 - SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS; ADJUSTING THE SEAT; ADJUSTING THE BRAKES; Loosen the hex jam nut from against the ferrule.
18 SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for theModel 2518 tractor. Adjustment information for the 48inch 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...
Page 19 - WHEEL ALIGNMENT; Figure 12. Viewed from beneath the tractor.; FRONT WHEEL ADJUSTMENT; horizontal; PIVOT BAR ADJUSTMENT; PERPENDICULAR
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:...
Page 20 - forward; engage the parking
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...
Page 21 - ADJUSTING LIFT ASSIST SPRING TENSION; LIFT ASSIST; Internal Cotter Pin
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...
Page 22 - CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS; MAINTENANCE; Low Idle Fuel Needle Setting:; NOTE: AIR CLEANER COVER MUST
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 ...
Page 23 - SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE; OIL FILLER
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...
Page 24 - MAINTENANCE CHART
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...
Page 25 - FILLING THE CRANKCASE; LUBRICATION TABLE
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...
Page 26 - Refer to the; HYDROSTATIC DRIVE OIL FILTER; for information
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...
Page 27 - AIR CLEANER; Servicing the Precleaner; TRANSMISSION
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...
Page 28 - Figure 23. Air Cleaner Assembly; Servicing the Paper Element
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...
Page 29 - SPARK PLUG; FUEL FILTER; Do not replace the fuel filter when engine is hot.; HEADLIGHTS; Refer to; SPECIFICATIONS; when replacement of; Note which wire connects to
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. ...
Page 31 - BATTERY REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION; Wash Hands after handling.
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...
Page 33 - SECTION V. MOWER DECK; A. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF DECK; INSTALLATION OF DECK
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...
Page 34 - If installing the deck on a new tractor; Carefully guide the tractor implement lift links (left
34 NOTE If installing the deck on a new tractor , cut the cable tie used to hold the front lift rod up duringshipment. Then proceed to step 8. 6. Refer to Figure 31 to ensure the correctorientation of the front lift rod/bracket assembly[the form (bend) in sides of rod point downward].From the front ...
Page 35 - Disengage the deck idler arm lever from its stop; Install the forward end of the PTO belt on the PTO
35 NOTE: It may be necessary to lift each side of the deckand maneuver it slightly to align the support pins withthe holes of the lift links. Make certain the support pinsare fully extended through the lift links to prevent themower deck from disengaging the lift links whilemowing. Figure 35 WARNING...
Page 38 - Pass the PTO belt downward, inside the tractor
38 7. Lower the mower deck by moving the implementlift handle to its lowest setting. Disengage thedeck idler arm lever from its stop bracket andrelease the spring tension by rotating the lever outand rearward (Refer to Figure 47). Figure 47 8. Remove the rearward end of the PTO belt from theupper pu...
Page 40 - B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS; SIDE TO SIDE LEVELING ADJUSTMENT; Lower the deck onto the hard, level surface.; Finger guard
40 B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS The 48" mower deck is equipped with ground followingfront castor wheels and is designed to run on its ownwheels. However, to ensure even cutting, the mowerdeck should be properly leveled. The levelingprocedure will result in the left and right blades havingcorresp...
Page 41 - Tighten the upper jam nut against the adjustment; FRONT TO BACK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT; Raise the deck to its highest position.
41 8. Loosen the upper jam nut on the hanger bracketand turn away from the adjustment ferrule. Turnthe lower lock nut upward (tighten) on the threadsof the hanger bracket to raise the right side of themower deck. Turn the lock nut down (loosen) onthe threads to lower the right side of the mowerdeck ...
Page 42 - CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT; highest
42 8. Raise the deck to the highest position. Recheckthe blade measurements described in step 4. If theresultant measurements are not correct, repeatsteps 5, 6 and 7 until the proper measurements areobtained. NOTE The front lift rod should be against the front ofboth slots in the deck front roller b...
Page 43 - CLEANING AND BLADE CARE; The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.; LUBRICATION; HEX NUT
43 C. MAINTENANCE CLEANING AND BLADE CARE WARNING Before performing any maintenance, 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 to avoid accidental starting and injury. WARNING When servicing the...
Page 44 - C. SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT; Remove the spindle belt covers to expose the belt.; Grease Fittings
44 Every 50 hours, or twice yearly, lubricate the doublepulley with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2multipurpose lithium grease. Do not over lubricate.Refer to Figure 65. Figure 65 C. SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT In order to replace the spindle drive belt, refer toFigures 65 and 66 and procee...
Page 45 - If using a fuel stabilizer:; Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.
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...
Page 46 - MOWING; The following practices will help eliminate streaking:
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. WARNING Never direct the discharge of ma...
Page 47 - OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
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...
Page 49 - TROUBLE SHOOTING; Possible Cause
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...
Page 50 - Air
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 ...
Page 52 - LUBRICATION GUIDE
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...
Page 55 - SLOPE GAUGE; IN
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 ...
Page 57 - CAPACITIES; Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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. 56.00 in. 43.0...
Page 58 - one; How State Law Relates to this Warranty:
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...
Page 59 - Year Limited Warranty - PTO Clutch
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...
Page 60 - MAINTENANCE PARTS CHART
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...
