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.
CONTENTS Section I II III IV V Page Section 2 3 7 8 9 9 9 10 14 19 24 32 VI VII Tractor and Deck Preparation ............. Safe Operation Practices .................... Product Graphics ................................ Slope Gauge ....................................... To The Owner ..................................... Calling Service Information ................. Recording Model & Serial Number...... Controls and Indicators ....................... Operation ..........................................
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).
DO: 1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing directions on slopes. 2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. 3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. 3. Before and when backing up, look behind and down for small children. 4. Never carry children, even with the blades off. Children may fall off and be seriously injured or may interfere with safe machine operation. 5.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running. 5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blades with the original equipment manufacturer’s blades only. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 11.
PRODUCT GRAPHICS Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean. Replace any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, miss- ing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replacement safety graphics are available through your dealer. STARTING INSTRUCTIONS 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. STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS 1.
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.
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. KNOW YOUR TRACTOR B C A H E I F D M G J K L O Q Q N P A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. Hour Meter/Battery Display Indicator Panel/Hour Meter Key Switch Module Power Take-Off (PTO) Control Switch Throttle Control Lever Choke Control Parking Brake/Cruise Lever Brake Pedal Forward Control Pedal J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q.
NOTE: The oil pressure indicator may illuminate when the key switch is turned to an on position, but should turn off when the engine is started. PTO Engaged Indicator (Refer to Figure 5) • This indicator illuminates when the key switch is turned to the "Start" position while the PTO switch is in the "Engaged" position. Check this indicator if the engine will not crank with the key switch in the "Start" position. If necessary, move the PTO switch to the "Disengaged" position.
To engage the cruise control, depress the forward control pedal to attain your desired speed; then push the parking brake/cruise control lever downward. While holding the lever down, release pressure from the drive pedal. This will engage the cruise control and allow the tractor to remain at approximately that same speed while removing your foot from the forward drive pedal.
The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO in the “RUN” position, regardless of whether the brake lock is engaged. The PTO switch must be moved to the “OFF” position to restart the engine. L. LIFT HANDLE The lift handle is located in the left fender and is used to raise and lower equipment used with the tractor.
SECTION II. OPERATION NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system. WARNING: Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully. Familiarize yourself with the operations of all the instruments and controls. Learn to operate this machine safely. Don’t risk INJURY or DEATH. Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an approved fuel.
COLD WEATHER STARTING HINTS STARTING THE ENGINE WARNING: Engine exhaust gases are dangerous. Do not run the engine in a confined area such as a storage building any longer than is necessary. Immediately move the tractor outdoors. 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.
5. Disengage the cruise control using one of the following methods: DRIVING THE TRACTOR NOTE: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, turn the ignition key off and remove the key. IMPORTANT: When using PTO driven equipment, the throttle lever should be in the “FAST” position.
Operate the PTO clutch as follows: STOPPING THE TRACTOR • WARNING: Always engage the brake pedal lock, push the PTO switch to the “OFF” position, lower the equipment and shut off the engine before dismounting. 1. Move the throttle control lever to approximately the mid throttle position. Fully depress the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop (and disengage the cruise control).
MODE” (Yellow) position of the key switch module. Refer to Figure 10. USING THE “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” KEY POSITION 3. Depress the “REVERSE PUSH BUTTON” (Orange/Triangular Button) at the top/right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top/left corner of the key switch module will be “ON” while activated. Refer to Figure 10. NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS To adjust the braking force proceed as follows (Refer to Figure 12): This section contains information for the various adjustments on the tractor. Adjustment information for the mower deck is located in Section V – Mower Deck. 1. Place the tractor on a level surface with the brake pedal lock disengaged. Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key. ADJUSTING THE SEAT WARNING: Do not adjust the seat when the tractor is moving.
4. Loosen the jam nuts from the ball joints (See Figure 14). 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. 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.
2. Raise the rear of the tractor, so that the rear tires are at least one inch above the surface, and set it on jack stands. Make certain the jack stands are positioned to balance the tractor and prevent tipping. PIVOT AXLE ADJUSTMENT BOLTS WARNING: The operator presence safety circuit will stop the engine if the seat is empty when the brake pedal is released. If an assistant is seated when adjusting the neutral setting, use extreme caution to prevent the tractor from tipping or rolling.
3 10 2 4 CONTROL CAM 5 1 6 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.
NOTE: Carburetor adjustments should be made only after the engine has warmed up. CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: 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. • Always keep the oil level at or near the “F” mark on the dipstick. If the oil is low, add oil of the proper type up to the “F” mark.
While the engine oil is warm, proceed as follows: 1. Place the tractor on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key. 2. Clean around the base of the oil filter, oil level dipstick, dipstick tube, and the oil filler cap to prevent debris from entering the crankcase. 3. 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 (Refer to Figure 20).
CHECKING TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL 10. Apply a light coating of clean oil on the gasket of the new oil filter. Thread the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter adapter, then tighten the filter an additional 2/3 to 1 turn. 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.
IMPORTANT: 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. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick from the oil fill port and SLOWLY pour oil into the oil fill port. Fill the transmission case until the oil level reaches the “FULL” mark on the dipstick (Refer to Figure 21). 4. Reinstall the oil fill plug/dipstick securely into the oil fill port.
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 all damaged air cleaner components. 4. Saturate the foam precleaner with new engine oil. Squeeze out all excess oil. 6. Inspect the rubber grommet (Refer to Figure 23) for deterioration, cracks, and for a snug fit on the air cleaner stud. Replace if damaged or worn. 1 7.
To replace a fuse, pull the old fuse from the fuse holder and install the new fuse. FUEL FILTER WARNING: Do not replace the fuel filter when engine is hot. GENERAL BATTERY INFORMATION The engine is equipped with an inline fuel filter. Visually inspect the filter periodically for a build-up of residue inside the filter body, and for a dirty element which can be indicated by discoloration. Replace the fuel filter when dirty. WARNING a.
STORAGE OF THE BATTERY HOLDDOWN ROD 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. 3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot.
a lube fitting at each end of the axle for lubricating the steering knuckles, and single lube fitting at the middle/ bottom of the axle for lubricating the axle pivot bolt. JUMP STARTING WARNING: Failure to use this jump starting procedure could cause sparking, which could result in an explosion of either battery. TIRES Keep the pneumatic tires properly inflated. Overinflation will cause operator discomfort. Under-inflation will cause short tire life. 1.
SECTION V. MOWER DECK A. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF DECK INSTALLATION OF DECK WARNING: Before performing the mower deck installation, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking brake, 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.
6. Refer to Figure 30 to ensure the correct orientation of the front lift rod/bracket assembly [the form (bend) in sides of rod point downward]. From the front of the tractor, push downward and hold the tractor quick-attach rod. Slide the shoulder bolts on each side of the front lift rod/bracket assembly fully into the left and right tractor latch receivers.
11. Disengage the deck idler arm lever from its stop bracket and release the spring tension by rotating the lever out and rearward (See Figure 34). FRONT LIFT ROD/BRACKET ASSEMBLY IDLER ARM LEVER STOP BRACKET TRACTOR FRONT LOWER PULLEYS PTO BELT Figure 36 16. Working from the left/rear of the mower deck, install the rearward end of the PTO belt on the upper pulley of the deck center double-pulley (Refer to Figure 37).
18. Raise the deck by moving the implement lift handle to its highest setting. PTO BELT 19. Connect the spark plug wires if previously disconnected. REMOVAL OF DECK MOWER DECK CENTER DOUBLE PULLEY WARNING: Before removing the mower deck, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch. Disconnect the spark plug wire for additional safety.
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 43). FRONT LIFT ROD FRONT LIFT ROD/BRACKET ASSEMBLY FRONT ROLLER BRACKET Figure 45 TRACTOR FRONT LOWER PULLEYS 10. From the front of the tractor, push downward and hold the tractor quick-attach rod.
B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS 4. Referring to Figure 48, measure and record the distance from the hard, level surface to the outermost cutting edge of the right blade. Repeat this step for the left blade. If the two blade heights are not within 1/16 inch, note whether the right hand blade is lower or higher than the left blade, then proceed to steps 5, 6 and 7. If the two blade heights are within 1/16 inch, proceed to FRONT TO BACK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT.
4. From the front of the tractor, loosen the outer nuts on the deck front hanger rod, and turn them away from the inner nuts. (See Figure 52). 8. Raise the lift handle to the mid-height position and recheck the blade measurements described in step 4. If the blade measurements are not within 1/16 inch, repeat steps 5 and 7. 9. Tighten the upper jam nut against the adjustment ferrule after side-to-side leveling is completed. DECK FRONT HANGER ROD OUTER HEX NUT FRONT TO BACK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT 1.
4. Position the front castor brackets to align with the hole in the index spindles that allow the ball wheels to just contact the surface below. Reinstall the quick release pins to secure the castor brackets. Both castor brackets must be pinned in the same index spindle hole location. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT WARNING: Before making any adjustments, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch.
C. MAINTENANCE CLEANING THE MOWER DECK Using The Deck Wash System BLADE CARE WARNING: When using the deck wash system, never engage the deck from any position other than the operator’s seat of the tractor. Do not use an assistant or engage deck in the presence of any bystanders.
SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT LUBRICATION After every 10 hours of operation and/or before putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle assemblies and the idler arms with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. Excess grease will be expelled from the inverted upper seals of the spindle assemblies. Listen for the muffled crackling noise of grease being expelled through the seal to indicate the spindle assembly is fully greased. Refer to Figure 56.
SECTION VI. OFF-SEASON STORAGE 2. If emptying the fuel system: If the machine is to be inoperative for a period longer than 30 days, the following procedures are recommended: 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. Refer to the chart below for a list of optional equipment and accessories currently available through your Cub Cadet dealer. Description Triple Bagger 32 Cu. Ft.
MAINTENANCE CHART Operation to be performed Before each use Check engine oil level X Fill fuel tank X 10 hours or once a month Change engine oil & oil filter Check transmission oil level Every 25 hours 50 hours or twice a season After first 25 hours, engine oil only Before storage Every 100 hours thereafter X X Replace transmission oil filter After first 10 hours X After first 50 hours X Clean & re-oil foam air precleaner Every 100 hours thereafter X X Check battery terminals and case X
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 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. Lubricant is cheap. Use plenty of it. Worn parts can be expensive to replace. NOTE: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
— 12 10 — 6 CHECK OIL — 2 LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE 50 50 — 13 10 — 8 10 — 7 50 — 14 10 — 8 10 — 6 10 — 6 10 — 4 50 — 11 100 — 15 10 — 7 50 — 13 10 — 5 25 — 10 50 — 12 25 — 10 1— BOTH SIDES 25 — 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.
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, and engine cooling fins are free of accumulated dirt and debris. Refer to “MAINTENANCE.
SPECIFICATIONS GT 2554 CAPACITIES Fuel Tank ........................................................................ Crankcase (approximately) ............................................. Transmission Case (approximately) ............................... HYDROSTATIC DRIVE Speed: Forward ............................................................... Reverse ............................................................... ENGINE Make and Model .............................................................
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. For California, engines produced in 1995 and later must be designed, built and equipped to meet the state’s stringent anti-smog standards.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR 2500 SERIES GARDEN TRACTORS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by Cub Cadet LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States and/ or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “Cub Cadet”).
CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STAT EMENT YOUR W ARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc. are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2007 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mower must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards. MTD Consumer Group Inc.
MAINTENANCE PARTS CHART MODEL GT 2554 ENGINE OIL SERIES 2500 23 HP KOHLER Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 4 pints Part No. Cub Cadet engine oil (Grade SG,SH,SJ or higher) Ambient temperature viscosity Above +32°F SAE 10W30 Below +32°F SAE 5W20 or 5W30 AIR FILTER CARTRIDGE Air Filter Requirements Part No. Clean air filter per instructions in your Operator’s Manual . . . . under Maintenance - Air cleaner.
