Page 3 - TRACTOR PREPARATION; CONNECT THE BATTERY; WARNING; Wash hands; sition before attaching the battery cable.; CONTENTS
3 TRACTOR 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 remove theb...
Page 4 - IMPORTANT; HEED ITS WARNING; SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES; GENERAL OPERATION; 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 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 driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truckunder power, because the unit could tip overcausing serious personal injury. The ...
Page 7 - WA R N I N G; D A N G E R
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; Brake Pedal; 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 - KEY SWITCH MODULE
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...
Page 11 - Mowing in reverse is not recommended
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...
Page 13 - HOOD AND SIDE PANELS; Engage the brake lock and raise the hood.; Figure 8; REAR WING NUT
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...
Page 14 - BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR; Check the engine and transmission oil levels.; SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM; The safety interlock system will
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 ...
Page 15 - STARTING THE ENGINE; COLD WEATHER STARTING; STOPPING THE ENGINE; TRACTOR BREAK-IN PROCEDURE; CAUTION; Period
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 ...
Page 17 - USING THE DRAWBAR; DRAWBAR
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...
Page 18 - To use the “Reverse Caution Mode”:; REVERSE CAUTION MODE; will; Turn; Reverse Caution
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...
Page 19 - SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS; ADJUSTING THE SEAT; ADJUSTING THE BRAKES; Loosen the hex jam nut from against the ferrule.; a minimal tension; on; a minimal
19 SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for theModel GT 2554 tractor. Adjustment information for the54 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 ...
Page 20 - horizontal; PIVOT BAR ADJUSTMENT; PERPENDICULAR; Viewed from beneath the tractor
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...
Page 21 - forward; engage the parking
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...
Page 22 - Adjusting the Control Rod; NOTE; ADJUSTING LIFT ASSIST SPRING TENSION; LEFT LIFT; Internal Cotter Pin
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...
Page 23 - CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS; MAINTENANCE; NOTE: AIR CLEANER COVER MUST
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 ...
Page 24 - SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE; OIL FILLER
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...
Page 25 - MAINTENANCE CHART
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...
Page 26 - FILLING THE CRANKCASE; LUBRICATION TABLE
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...
Page 28 - The oil fill plug/dipstick; must be installed; Servicing the Precleaner; Reinstall the precleaner over the paper element.; Servicing the Paper Element
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...
Page 29 - Do not replace the fuel filter when engine is hot.
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 ...
Page 30 - FUSES; . If the electrical system; GENERAL BATTERY INFORMATION; Wash Hands after handling.; MAINTENANCE OF BATTERY; REFLECTOR
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...
Page 31 - WING NUT
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...
Page 32 - Full Charge
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....
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 30 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; Pass the PTO belt upward inside the front of the
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 34 WARNING...
Page 36 - REMOVAL OF DECK
36 Figure 38 17. While holding the belt in position, rotate the deck idler arm lever into its stop bracket to tension thePTO belt (Refer to Figure 39). Make certain thePTO belt is properly positioned in the PTO clutchpulley and both lower front pulleys. Reposition ifnecessary. Figure 39 18. Raise th...
Page 38 - From the front of the tractor, push downward and; With the tractor implement lift handle raised to its
38 Figure 46 8. Raise the tractor implement lift handle to itshighest setting. Roll the mower deck forward untilthe front lift rod slides up and out of the openingsof both front roller bracket slots. Manually lift therod out of the slots if necessary (Refer to Figure47). 9. Raise the front lift rod ...
Page 39 - B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS; SIDE TO SIDE LEVELING ADJUSTMENT; Lower the deck onto the hard, level surface.; Finger guard
39 B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS The 54" 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 40 - Tighten the upper jam nut against the adjustment; FRONT TO BACK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT; Raise the deck to its highest position.
40 8. Loosen the upper jam nut on the lift link rod andturn away from the adjustment ferrule. Turn thelower lock nut upward (tighten) on the threads ofthe rod to raise the right side of the mower deck.Turn the lock nut down (loosen) on the threads tolower the right side of the mower deck (See Figure...
Page 41 - CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT; highest
41 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 42 - BLADE CARE; The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.; CLEANING THE MOWER DECK; Turn on the water supply.; Nozzle
42 C. MAINTENANCE 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.When servicing the mower deck, be carefu...
Page 43 - Turn off the water supply.; LUBRICATION; Remove the spindle belt covers to expose the belt.; Grease Fittings
43 • Turn off the water supply. • Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter todisconnect the adapter from the nozzle. • Repeat the previous steps to clean the deckusing the nozzle at the other end of the deck. Periodically remove the belt covers and remove anyaccumulated grass clippings from a...
Page 44 - If using a fuel stabilizer:; Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.
44 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 45 - Do not engage the mower deck when
45 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...
Page 46 - OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES; Refer to the
46 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 48 - TROUBLE SHOOTING; Possible Cause
48 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 49 - Air
49 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 51 - LUBRICATION GUIDE
51 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 54 - SPECIFICATIONS
54 GT 2554 2-1/8 gallons 4 pints 6 qts. 0 to 6 mph0 to 3 mph Kohler Command 23 HP 2 3.15 in.2.64 in. 41.1 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.60.00 in.42.0...
Page 55 - SLOPE GAUGE; IN
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...
Page 57 - one; ) year for commercial; How State Law Relates to this Warranty:; This limited; IMPORTANT:
57 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...
Page 58 - Batteries and belts are subject to separate terms as follows:; Year Limited Warranty - PTO Clutch; Transportation charges and service calls.; Alteration; . You assume the risk and liability for loss,; This
58 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...
Page 60 - MAINTENANCE PARTS CHART
MODEL GT 2554 SERIES 2500 23 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 filt...
