OPERATOR’S MANUAL SERIES 2500 TRACTOR Model Number GT 2554 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 forestcovered, 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.
KOHLER CO. FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY SMALL OFF-ROAD EQUIPMENT 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 small off-road equipment engine (herein engine). For California, engines produced in 1995 and later must be designed, built and equipped to meet the state’s stringent anti-smog standards.
CONTENTS Section I II III IV V Emission Control Systems Warranty ... Tractor Preparation .............................. Safe Operation Practices ..................... Product Graphics ................................. To The Owner .................................... Calling Service Information .................. Recording Model & Serial Number ...... Controls and Indicators ........................ Operation ............................................. Adjustments .......................................
WARNING • • • The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to 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 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).
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action. 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 not be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, because the unit could tip over causing serious personal injury.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. 6. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage the cutting blades before shifting in reverse. The "Reverse Caution Mode" should not be used when children or others are around. 7. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler. 8.
ing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replacement safety graphics are available through your dealer. PRODUCT GRAPHICS Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean. Replace any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, miss- STARTING INSTRUCTIONS 1. BE FAMILIAR WITH CONTROLS BEFORE DANGER 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.
TO THE OWNER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tractor. The information contained in this manual has been prepared in detail to help you better understand the features, correct operation, adjustments, and maintenance of your tractor. The performance and dependability of this tractor rely greatly on the manner in which it is operated and maintained. Therefore, it is recommended that all operators of the tractor carefully read this manual and fully understand its operation.
SECTION I. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS Your Cub Cadet Tractor has been safety engineered. This section gives a brief description of the function and location of the various controls and indicators. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the controls and indicators before attempting to start or operate the tractor. B A I F D J E K C H G N L P O A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.
A. INDICATOR PANEL/HOUR METER The hour meter/indicator uses indicator lights to display the status of various functions of the tractor and also records the accumulated hours of operation. Oil Pressure Indicator Battery Indicator Hour Meter PTO Engaged Indicator Parking Brake Engaged Indicator Figure 4 Indicator Panel Features Battery Indicator (Refer to Figure 4) • Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the ignition switch it turned to an on position.
• START — Energizes the starter motor to crank and start the tractor engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts and the key will return to “NORMAL MOWING” position. WARNING To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge, remove the key from the key switch when the tractor is not in use.
M. LIFT HEIGHT INDICATOR The lift height indicator is located in the left fender and indicates the height of the deck attachment when installed. N. SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER The seat adjustment lever (See Figure 6) is used to move the seat forward or rearward into one of five positions. See ADJUSTING THE SEAT in Section III. Q. SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator.
HOOD AND SIDE PANELS The tractor hood is arranged to swing up and forward for easy access to the engine compartment (See Figure 8). Whenever engine maintenance is required, the side panels can be removed. 3. Grasp the side panel just behind the grille and pull outward to release the side panel from the tapered bushings on the grille. 4. Slide the side panel forward and out of the groove in the dash panel. To install either the right or left side panel, refer to Figure 8 and proceed as follows: WARNING 1.
SECTION II. OPERATION Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ ether blends are not approved. WARNING RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Read the operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Don’t risk INJURY or DEATH. 1. Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the controls. The operator must be seated, the PTO switch in the “OFF” position and the brake pedal fully depressed. 2.
5. Turn the ingnition key to the “START” position and hold until the engine starts; however, do not crank the engine continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Once the engine starts, gradually adjust the choke as needed to keep the engine running until warmed up, then push the choke control all the way in. STARTING THE ENGINE WARNING For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the engine. Never try to start the engine while standing on the ground. 1.
b. Lightly push the cruise control lever downward as far as possible and hold in this position. DRIVING THE TRACTOR c. CAUTION Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. d. If properly engaged, the cruise lever and forward control pedal should lock in the down position, and the tractor will maintain the same forward speed. WARNING e.
Back the tractor with implement 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. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over. Avoid stopping when driving up a slope.
USING THE “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” KEY POSITION The “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” position of the key switch module allows the machine to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged. IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended. WARNING 2. Turn the key from the “NORMAL MOWING” (Green) position to the “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” (Yellow) position of the key switch module. Refer to Figure 10. 3. Depress the “REVERSE PUSH BUTTON” (Orange/Triangular Button) at the top/right corner of the key switch module.
SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for the Model GT 2554 tractor. Adjustment information for the 54 inch deck is located in Section V – Mower Deck beginning on page 33. ADJUSTING THE SEAT To adjust the braking force proceed as follows (Refer to Figure 12): 1. Place the tractor on a level surface with the brake pedal lock disengaged. Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key. 2.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT The front wheels should toe-in approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch, as measured across dimensions A and B shown in Figure 13. Viewed from beneath the tractor PERPENDICULAR TO FRAME 5. Disconnect the front ball joints from the steering arms by removing the hex lock nuts (Refer to Figure 14). Manually move each wheel to achieve the required toe-in and equal D measurements. 6. Loosen the jam nuts from the ball joints (See Figure 14).
2. Pivot the ends of the axle up and down to check for binding. If the axle is binding, loosen the lock nuts (See Figure 15) until binding is eliminated. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and chock the front wheels before raising the rear wheels from the ground. Use jack stands to support the rear of the tractor when raised. PIVOT AXLE ADJUSTMENT BOLTS LOCK NUT WARNING 2.
3 CONTROL CAM 10 2 4 5 6 1 7 9 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Front Control Rod Rear Control Rod Hex Tap Screw Hex Wash Hd Tapp Screw Control Arm Control Arm Pin Neutral Arm Centering Pin Neutral Return Adjust. Brkt.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS NOTE WARNING Carburetor adjustments should be made only after the engine has warmed up. When making adjustments to the carburetor while the engine is running, disengage the PTO clutch and engage the brake pedal lock. Keep clear of all moving parts and be careful of all hot surfaces. 1. Start the engine and run at half throttle for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up. The engine must be warm before making the final settings. Check that the throttle and choke plates can fully open. 2.
SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE • ENGINE MAINTENANCE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customer’s expense, may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized Kohler service outlet. Never operate the engine with the oil level below the “L” mark or above the “F” mark on the dipstick. NOTE Check the oil level only while the engine is stopped and the tractor is level.
ADDING OIL WARNING CAUTION If the tractor has recently been operated, the engine and surrounding areas may be hot. Use caution not to burn yourself when removing the side panels, draining the oil from the crankcase, and changing the oil filter. Never overfill the engine crankcase. The engine may overheat and/or damage may result if the crankcase is below the “LOW” mark or over the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.
While the engine oil is warm, proceed as follows: FILLING THE CRANKCASE NOTE CAUTION A 12 inch length of flexible tubing is supplied in the owner’s manual package and should be used to drain the engine oil. Never overfill the engine crankcase. The engine may overheat and/or damage may result if the crankcase is below the “LOW” mark or over the “FULL” mark on the dipstick. 1. Place the tractor on a level surface and engage the brake pedal lock. Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key.
CHECKING TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL NOTE Check the oil level only while the engine is stopped and the tractor is level. Check the oil level of the transmission case before each use to see that it is filled to the correct level. Before checking the transmission oil level, clean the area around the oil fill plug/dipstick to prevent debris from entering the transmission case. Always keep the oil level between the “FULL” and the “ADD” marks on the dipstick (See Figure 21).
CAUTION If the transmission oil is to be re-used, cover the container holding the drained oil to prevent contamination. Contaminated transmission oil can damage the hydro transmission. 3. Clean around the base of the transmission oil filter and remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise (Refer to Figure 22). 2. Remove the foam precleaner by sliding it up off the paper element (Refer to Figure 23). 3. Wash the precleaner in warm water with detergent.
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 pressurized air, as this will damage the element. Replace a dirty, bent or damaged element. Handle new elements carefully; do not use if the sealing surfaces are bent or damaged. 5. When servicing the air cleaner, check the air cleaner base. Make sure it is secured and not bent or damaged. Also check the element cover for damage or improper fit.
Replace headlight bulbs as follows: (See Figure 25) GENERAL BATTERY INFORMATION 1. Unplug the wire harness leads from the headlight socket terminals. Note which wire connects to each terminal before disconnecting. WARNING a. Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash Hands after handling. 2. Rotate the socket assembly as follows to remove from the reflector housing: • Left headlight — appoximately 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
STORAGE OF THE BATTERY 1. When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery. 2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly. WING NUT ROTATE UPWARD HOLDDOWN STRAP TAB 3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery.
CHARGING THE BATTERY Tire SizePounds per Square Inch Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor 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. Front Tires 16 x 6.5–8 14 Rear Tires 23 x 9.5–12 10 • Charge the battery with a 12-volt battery charger at a MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps. Voltmeter Reading 12.7 12.4 12.2 12.0 State of Charge 100% 75% 50% 25% Charging Time Full Charge 90 Min. 180 Min.
SECTION V. MOWER DECK A. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF DECK INSTALLATION OF DECK WARNING Before installing the mower deck, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the brake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch. Disconnect the spark plug wires for additional safety. When handling the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades. SLIDE UNDER 1. Position the tractor and mower deck on a firm, level surface. 2.
NOTE If installing the deck on a new tractor, cut the cable tie used to hold the front lift rod up during shipment. Then proceed to step 8. 8. While holding the front lift rod up, slide the mower deck forward until the rod aligns with both front roller bracket slots. Lower the lift rod into the front roller bracket slots and slide the deck rearward to engage the lift rod fully forward in the slots of the deck front roller bracket (See Figure 32). 6.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lift each side of the deck and maneuver it slightly to align the support pins with the holes of the lift links. Make certain the support pins are fully extended through the lift links to prevent the mower deck from disengaging the lift links while mowing. LIFT LINKS (BOTH SIDES) 13. Pass the PTO belt upward inside the front of the tractor frame and install the forward end of the belt onto the PTO clutch pulley on the front of the engine.
CASTOR CHANNELS PTO BELT FRONT CASTOR ASSEMBLIES MOWER DECK CENTER DOUBLE PULLEY REAR BALL WHEELS FRONT OF DECK Figure 38 17. While holding the belt in position, rotate the deck idler arm lever into its stop bracket to tension the PTO belt (Refer to Figure 39). Make certain the PTO belt is properly positioned in the PTO clutch pulley and both lower front pulleys. Reposition if necessary. STOP BRACKET IDLER ARM LEVER QUICK PINS Figure 40 2.
4. Remove the rearward end of the PTO belt from the upper pulley of the deck center double-pulley (Refer to Figure 42). Engage the deck idler arm lever back into its stop bracket (See Figure 43). PTO CLUTCH PULLEY PTO BELT PTO BELT MOWER DECK CENTER DOUBLE PULLEY FRONT OF DECK Figure 42 Figure 44 6. Pass the PTO belt downward, inside the tractor frame, until the belt is below the two tractor front lower pulleys and pull the belt clear of the tractor (See Figure 45).
TRACTOR LATCH RECEIVER (BOTH SIDES) QUICK ATTACH ROD LIFT LINK REAR DECK BRACKET SHOULDER BOLT (BOTH SIDES) FRONT LIFT ROD/BRACKET ASSEMBLY DECK SUPPORT PIN DISENGAGED (BOTH SIDES) Figure 48 Figure 46 8. Raise the tractor implement lift handle to its highest setting. Roll the mower deck forward until the front lift rod slides up and out of the openings of both front roller bracket slots. Manually lift the rod out of the slots if necessary (Refer to Figure 47). 9.
B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS The 54" mower deck is equipped with ground following front castor wheels and is designed to run on its own wheels. However, to ensure even cutting, the mower deck should be properly leveled. The leveling procedure will result in the left and right blades having corresponding cutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inch of each other. Also, the blades will have a downward tilt toward the front of the tractor of approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
8. Loosen the upper jam nut on the lift link rod and turn away from the adjustment ferrule. Turn the lower lock nut upward (tighten) on the threads of the rod to raise the right side of the mower deck. Turn the lock nut down (loosen) on the threads to lower the right side of the mower deck (See Figure 52). UPPER JAM NUT ADJUSTABLE FERRULE 3. Position the mower blades so the ends of each blade point to the front and the rear of the tractor (See Figure 54).
8. Raise the deck to the highest position. Recheck the blade measurements described in step 4. If the resultant measurements are not correct, repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 until the proper measurements are obtained. NOTE To adjust the mower deck cutting height by raising or lowering the ball wheels, refer to Figure 56 and proceed as follows: 1. Move the tractor implement lift handle to the position that places the ball wheels slightly above or just contacting the surface below. 2.
C. MAINTENANCE HEX NUT BLADE CARE WARNING Before performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the brake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch to avoid accidental starting and injury. When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades. 1-1/8" WRENCH The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.
• Turn off the water supply. SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT • Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to disconnect the adapter from the nozzle. In order to replace the spindle drive belt, refer to Figure 60 and Figure 61 and proceed as follows: • Repeat the previous steps to clean the deck using the nozzle at the other end of the deck. 1. Disengage the idler arm lever from its stop bracket and rotate the lever to the outside of the deck to release the spring tension.
SECTION VI. OFF-SEASON STORAGE If the machine is to be inoperative for a period longer than 30 days, the following procedures are recommended: 2. If emptying the fuel system: WARNING Do not drain fuel when the engine is hot. Allow the engine adequate time to cool. Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors, away from open flame.
SECTION VII. MOWING MOWING 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. Never direct the discharge of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while in operation. IMPORTANT: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES When you purchased your tractor, you probably had it completely equipped for your particular needs at the time. However, later you may wish to obtain optional equipment or accessories. These items and other allied equipment can be purchased from, and installed by, your authorized Cub Cadet dealer.
MAINTENANCE CHART Operation to be performed Before each use Clean grille, engine air inlet screen, dash intake screen and side panel screens 10 hours or once a month 30 hours or three times a season 50 hours or twice a season X Fill fuel tank X Change engine oil & oil filter Replace transmission oil filter More often under dirty conditions X X After first 10 hours X Clean & re-oil foam air precleaner X Check battery terminals and case X Grease front axle pivot bolt X Grease steering knuckl
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 carburetor with a commercial carburetor cleaner. Fuel filter plugged.................................................... Replace. Water in gasoline.....................................................
TROUBLE SHOOTING Possible Cause Possible Remedy LACK OF POWER Air cleaner clogged ................................................. Service the air cleaner element. Refer to “MAINTENANCE.” Engine overload ...................................................... Reduce the load. Engine overheated.................................................. Make sure the air intake screen, shrouding, engine fins, side panels, dash intake screen and grille are free of accumulated dirt and debris.
LUBRICATION TABLE Check at Hours Change at Hours Capacity Engine crankcase Check before each use 100 Approx. 4 pints Hydro transmission and transaxle with filter Check before each use Add as needed Approx. 6 qts Point of Lubrication Anticipated Air Temperature Above + 32°F Below + 32°F Cub Cadet Engine Oil SAE 10W30 Cub Cadet Engine Oil SAE 5W20 or 5W30 Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus NOTE: Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus is specially formulated for this application.
LUBRICATION GUIDE WARNING The service life and reliability of any machine depends upon the care it is given. Proper lubrication is a very important part of that care. This lubrication schedule reflects the minimal requirements to maintain the equipment. More frequent inspections and maintenance is preferable. NOTE: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electrical components; spindles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine.
— 12 10 — 6 CHECK OIL — 2 LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE 50 50 — 13 10 — 8 10 — 7 10 — 4 50 — 11 100 — 15 10 — 6 10 — 6 50 — 13 50 — 12 10 — 7 12 — 50 50 — 14 10 — 8 10 — 5 30 — 10 1— BOTH SIDES 30 — 9 BOTH SIDES 10 — 3 LEFT SIDE 100 — 16 CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE LUBRICATION GUIDE
LUBRICATION GUIDE —Before Each Use 1. Engine filler cap and Check the oil (with the engine stopped) and add sufficient new oil to bring it to dipstick the “FULL” mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the oil level is below the “LOW” mark on the dipstick. 2. Transmission oil level and fill port Check the oil with the engine stopped. Keep the lubricant up to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick. NOTE: The transmission oil level and fill port services the following: 1. Rear axle 2.
SPECIFICATIONS GT 2554 CAPACITIES Fuel Tank ........................................................................ Crankcase (approximately) ............................................. Transmission Case (approximately) ................................ HYDROSTATIC DRIVE Speed: Forward................................................................ Reverse ................................................................ ENGINE Make and Model ..............................................................
NE, R WARNING 15° N DO TTE D LI EPR ES ENT ING A 15 ° SL OPE 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 walk-behind 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.
CUB CADET CORPORATION MANUFACTURER’S ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMMERCIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADET LLC (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories.
CUB CADET CORPORATION MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY (RESIDENTIAL USE) This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases: 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.
MAINTENANCE PARTS CHART MODEL GT 2554 SERIES 2500 23 HP KOHLER Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 4 pints ENGINE OIL Part No. Cub Cadet engine oil Ambient temperature viscosity (Grade SG,SH,SJ or higher) Above +32°F SAE 10W30 737-3030A (10W30) Below +32°F SAE 5W20 or 5W30 737-3049 (5W30) Air Filter Requirements AIR FILTER CARTRIDGE Part No. Clean air filter per instructions in your Operator’s Manual . . . . under Maintenance - Air cleaner.
