OPERATOR’S MANUAL 3000 TRACTOR Model 3186 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 FINDING YOUR MODEL & SERIAL NUMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A small object may have been overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in operation.
2. SLOPE OPERATION • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation. • Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 4. SERVICE • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual. • Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
• Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not use food or beverage containers that may mislead someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose of the containers immediately following the draining of fluids. • DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other body of water. Observe Environmental Protection Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
SECTION 5: SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR UNIT IGNITION STOP WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH STARTING INSTRUCTIONS • GO UP AND DOWN 1. BE FAMILIAR WITH CONTROLS BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AND OPERATING. 2. SET CHOKE, MOVE THROTTLE TO MID POSITION AND DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL. 3. TURN KEY TO THE START POSITION. 4. AFTER ENGINE STARTS OPEN CHOKE. S L O P E S , N OT A C R O S S . • AVO I D S U D D E N T U R N S . • • STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS • • 1. DISENGAGE PTO AND SET PARKING BRAKE. 2.
SECTION 6: CONTROLS A R O B P N C D M F E G L Q (Not Shown) K J I H Figure 3 A B C D E F G H I Parking Brake Lever PTO Switch Brake Pedal Reverse Pedal Forward Pedal Center Lift Height Indicator Ignition/Light Switch Transmission Release Rod Transmission Oil Fill/Dipstick J K L M N O P Q R Fuel Fill Cap Cup Holder Hydraulic Lift Lever Steering Wheel Tilt Lock Cruise Control Lever Choke Lever Throttle Lever Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Shown) Indicator Light Pod * Steering Wheel and Seat Remov
NOTE: References to LEFT and RIGHT indicate that side of the tractor when facing forward while seated in the drivers seat. Reference to FRONT indicates the grille end of the tractor; to REAR, the drawbar end. disengage the cruise control. The brake pedal must be fully depressed to activate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor. Reverse Pedal Steering Wheel The steering wheel is centered on the dash panel. It is used to change the direction (left or right) of the tractor while driving.
Ignition / Light Switch Hydraulic Lift Lever To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch when the tractor is not in use. The combination lights and ignition switch has four positions. See Figure 8 for a description of each position. The hydraulic lift lever is located on the fender to the left of the seat. This lever is used to operate the tractor’s center lift system.
Seat Adjustment Lever The seat adjustment lever is located below the seat. This lever is used to adjust the seat forward or back. Refer to Figure 13 on page 15. Quick Latch Rod Deck Front Lift Rod Assembly For shipping purposes, the deck front lift rod assembly has been installed on the tractor. Cut the tie strap holding the lift rod assembly to the tractor; then pull downward on the quick latch rod at the front of the tractor to remove the lift rod assembly.
SECTION 7: OPERATION Safety Interlock Switches This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the PTO is “OFF”.
• Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position. Place the throttle control lever between the “MID” and “FAST” positions. Then turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position. • Remove the key from the ignition switch. Driving The Tractor WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake.
Before operating the tractor on any slope, walk the slope to look for possible hazards such as rocks. mounds, ruts, stumps or other surface irregularities which could cause the tractor to be upset. Back the tractor with attachment up the steepest portion of each slope you intend to work. If the tractor cannot negotiate the slope in reverse, the slope is too steep to be worked. Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope.
WARNING: To avoid possible injury, do not allow anyone in the area opposite the discharge chute while mowing. Although the area has been supposedly cleared of foreign objects, small objects may be picked up and discharged by the mower. WARNING: Never direct the discharge of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while in operation. For best results it is recommended that the first two laps should be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center.
Steering Wheel Tilt Adjustment Steering Axle Hex Lock Nut WARNING: Do not adjust the steering wheel when the tractor is moving. Adjusting the steering wheel while the tractor is moving could cause the operator to lose control of the tractor. To allow for the comfort of the operator, an easy to operate adjustable steering wheel is a feature of this tractor.
• With the brake pedal disengaged, insert an .030” feeler gauge between the inner brake pad and the rotor. If the .030” gauge does not fit, the brakes are overly tightened and should be loosened. • Attempt to insert an .060” feeler gauge between the inner brake pad and the rotor. The .060” clearance is maximum allowable clearance and insertion of the gauge should not be possible. • If the .060” gauge can be inserted the brake must be tightened.
LUBRICATION ILLUSTRATION Transmission 18 L/R Front Wheels Foot Control Pivot Points Engine Oil Can (High quality lubricating oil) Front Pivot Axle Engine Oil: See Figure 25 on page 28 Transmission Oil- Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus - ONLY L/R Steering Knuckle Cub Cadet 251H EP Grease or equivalent No.
Accessing Engine Compartment The engine compartment can be accessed by lifting the hood upward from the recessed notches of the side panels and tipping the hood forward. If greater access is required, the tractor is equipped with quick release side panels. To remove the quick release side panels (see Figure 17): • Open the hood by pulling up. • Flip quick release fasteners up and turn to align with slots in side panels.
cables. Removing the battery from the unit is recommended. Battery Removal The battery is located under the dash panel in the frame pedestal. To remove the battery: • Open the tractor hood by lifting it at the notches in the side panels. • Remove the upper baffle of the bulkhead from the front of the dash panel by lifting upward on the locking tab on each side of the baffle. • Pull the upper end of the rubber battery strap rearward to unhook it from the tab on the pedestal.
• To remove the bulb assembly from the reflector, turn the socket counterclockwise to align its locking tabs with the notches in the reflector. • Replace light bulb with like part. • Align the tabs on the bulb assembly and the notches in the reflector and insert light bulb. • Turn light bulb clockwise to lock in place. Connect wire harness and make sure that the locking tabs are seated on the light bulb.
Changing Transmission Oil Adding Transmission Oil WARNING: The fluid for your transmission has been specially formulated to ensure the safe and proper operation of your tractor. When changing the transmission fluid replace it with Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus ONLY. Failure to use Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus may result in a failure of the drive system which could result in property damage or personal injury.
NOTE: Do not reuse the transmission oil. Contaminated transmission oil can damage the hydro transmission. Please dispose of used oil at appropriate recycling centers. • Clean around the base of the transmission oil filter and remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise. • Apply a light coating of clean transmission oil to the gasket of the new filter.
WARNING: Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc. Voltage Indicator Module Open Relay 25 Amp Fuses WARNING: Fuel left in the fuel tank during warm weather deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems. Open Figure 21 Fuse Fuses are installed to protect the tractor’s electrical system from damage caused by excessive amperage.
SECTION 10: ENGINE INFORMATION KOHLER CO. FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY UTILITY AND LAWN AND GARDEN ENGINES The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and Kohler Co. are pleased to explain the Federal and California Emission Control Systems Warranty on your utility/lawn/garden equipment engine (herein engine).
LIMITATIONS This Emission Control System Warranty shall not cover any of the following: (a) repair or replacement required because of misuse or neglect, improper maintenance, repairs improperly performed or replacement not conforming to Kohler Co. specifications that adversely affect performance and/or durability and alterations or modifications not recommended or approved in writing by Kohler Co.
Before checking the oil level, clean the area around the oil level dipstick to prevent debris from entering the crankcase. See Figure 24. Always keep the oil level between the “FULL” and the “ADD” marks on the dipstick. See Figure 23. When checking the oil level, the engine must be cold, the dipstick must be withdrawn and wiped clean, then inserted (screw in if necessary) all the way into the tube before being withdrawn for a true reading.
See (Figure 25), VISCOSITY CHART, below for the proper type of oil. Above +32° F SAE 10W30 SAE 10W40 Below +32° F SAE 5W20 SAE 5W30 • Unseat the plastic dust cap from the engine oil drain valve. To prevent loss of the cap, do not remove the cap’s retaining ring from the drain valve. Remove the dipstick. • Attach the flexible tubing to the drain valve. Place an appropriate container below the open end of the tubing to collect the old oil.
To remove the spark plugs, always use a spark plug wrench. Check the gap after every 100 hours of operation. Replace a defective plug with a new plug. Set the spark plug gap at .040 inch. Tighten the plug to 18-22 ft-lbs. See your authorized dealer for the correct replacement plug. Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the engine. Check for loose or damaged components and check the condition of the filter element. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris in the air cleaner housing.
Servicing The Paper Element Inspect an replace the paper element as necessary. See Figure 27. • Loosen the air cleaner cover knob and remove the cover. • Loosen and remove the element cover wing nut. • Remove element cover by lifting straight up. • Remove the foam precleaner by sliding it up off the paper element. • Lift out the paper air filter element. • Do not wash the paper element or use pressurized air, as this will damage the element. Replace a dirty, bent or damaged element.
SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING Possible Cause Possible Remedy Hard To Start No fuel in fuel tank or carburetor Fill the tank with fuel. Check the fuel line, carburetor and fuel filter. Fuel ine or carburetor clogged Clean the fuel line and carburetor with a commercial carburetor cleaner. Fuel filter plugged Replace Water in fuel Drain the fuel tank and carburetor. Use new fuel and dry the sparks plugs. Choked improperly.
Possible Cause Possible Remedy Fuel tank air vent clogged Remove obstruction from the vent in the fuel tank cap. Air leakage between carburetor and engine Remove air cleaner. Tighten the carburetor and manifold mounting hardware. Replace any damaged parts as indicated in “MAINTENANCE.” Incorrect timing or faulty ignition See your authorized dealer. Brake dragging Adjust the brakes. Refer to “ADJUSTMENTS.
SECTION 13: SLOPE GAUGE WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walkbehind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury. • Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
SECTION 14: SPECIFICATIONS Engine Manufacturer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kohler Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 (Command) Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Fast Idle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CUB CADET CORPORATION MANUFACTURER’S ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMMERCIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADET CORPORATION (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.
The provisions as set forth in this Warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale.
CUB CADET CORPORATION MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY (RESIDENTIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADET CORPORATION (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases: a. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade sharpening and tune-ups, or adjustments such as brake adjustments, clutch adjustments or deck adjustments; and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure. b.
SECTION 15: QUICK REFERENCE PARTS Description Part Number Engine Oil 737-3029 (SAE 30) 737-3030A (10W30) 737-3049 (5W30) Air Filter CARTRIDGE FOAM PRE-CLEANER KH-47-083-03 KH-24-083-02 Engine Oil Filter KH-12-050-08 Spark Plug 759-3336 Transmission Oil Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus 737-3120 - Quart 737-3121 - Gallon Transmission Oil Filter 923-3014 Mower Deck Blades Mower Deck Belts PTO Belt (set of 2) 48” Mower Deck 759-3826 (3) 54” Mower Deck 759-3820 (3) 48” Mower Deck 954-3053 (1) 54
