OPERATOR’S MANUAL SERIES 2000 TRACTOR Model Number LT 2180 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.
Briggs & Stratton Corporation (B&S), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.
CONTENTS Section I II III IV V Page Section 2 3 4 7 8 8 8 9 14 18 23 33 VI VII Emission Control Systems Warranty ... Tractor and Deck Preparation.............. Safe Operation Practices ..................... Product Graphics ................................. 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: 13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mow up and down slopes, not across. 15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. 16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
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. 5. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years and over should only operate the machine under close parental supervision and proper instruction. 6.
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.
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. A Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the controls and indicators before attempting to start or operate the tractor. B I C J F D K E H G L O M N A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.
A. LOW OIL INDICATOR This indicator will illuminate when the engine oil level is low. If this indicator illuminates, stop the tractor immediately and check the engine oil level. If the oil level is within the operating range, but the light remains on, contact your Cub Cadet dealer. E. THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the control cable will maintain a uniform engine speed.
I. BRAKE PEDAL The brake pedal is located at the front of the right running board above the forward control pedal. Press down to stop the tractor and disengage the cruise control. The brake pedal must be fully depressed to activate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor. J. FORWARD CONTROL PEDAL The forward control pedal is located at the front of the right running board below the brake pedal. Slowly press down on the pedal to start moving forward.
Q. 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 switch is in the “OFF” position.
UPPER FRONT WING NUT GRASP REAR WING NUT SIDE PANEL REAR TAB ON PANEL RETAINER WITH TAPERED GUIDE GRILLE GROOVE IN DASH PANEL GRASP Figure 8 13
SECTION II. OPERATION 6. Check the tire inflation pressures. 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. Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts. 3. NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away.
TRACTOR BREAK-IN PROCEDURE 1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat. 2. Pull choke control knob to full choke position. Less choking may be necessary due to variations in temperature, grade of fuel, etc. Little or no choking will be needed when the engine is warm. CAUTION Never operate a new engine immediately under full load. Break it in carefully as shown in the table below. 3. Move the throttle lever to the “FAST” position. 4. Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position. 5.
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 5 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. CAUTION Do not use the forward or reverse control pedals to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion.
DRIVING ON SLOPES Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 55 to help determine slopes where you may not operate safely. 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). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. 1. Start and run the engine a few minutes to warm up. 2. With the mowing deck, snow thrower, etc.
SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for the Model LT 2180 tractor. Adjustment information for the 42-inch deck is located in Section V – Mower Deck beginning on page 33. ADJUSTING THE SEAT WARNING Do not adjust the seat when the tractor is moving. Adjusting the seat while the tractor is moving could cause the operator to lose control of the tractor. Before starting the tractor, adjust the seat forward or rearward to the most comfortable driving position.
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 12. PERPENDICULAR TO FRAME 5. Disconnect the front ball joints from the steering arms by removing the hex lock nuts (Refer to Figure 13). 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 13). LOWER STEERING ARM BALL JOINT JAM NUT TIE ROD HEX LOCK NUT STEERING ARM Figure 13 Figure 12.
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 14) until binding is eliminated. WARNING 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 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.
3 2 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Front Control Rod Rear Control Rod Hex Tap Screw Pivot Sleeve Neutral Arm Control Arm Hex Cap Screw Centering Spacer Neutral Bracket Hairpin Cotter (Not Shown) 5 1 10 6 CONTROL CAM 5 7 8 9 Figure 15.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS 2. With the engine running, place the throttle control in the “SLOW” position. WARNING 3. Rotate the carburetor throttle lever against the idle speed screw and hold it (See Figure 17). 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.
Control Adjustments To adjust the choke control, remove the air cleaner. Move the choke control to the full choke position. The carburetor choke should be completely closed (See Figure 18). If not, loosen the casing clamp screw. Move the casing, wire and engine choke lever in the direction shown until the choke is completely closed. Tighten the casing clamp screw and replace the air cleaner. To adjust the throttle control, remove the air cleaner. Move the the throttle control to the “FAST” position.
SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE ENGINE OIL The engine oil must be drained and replaced with new oil after the firsr 5 to 8 hours of engine operation and then after every 50 hours of operation. To aid starting, the selection of crankcase lubricating oils should be based on the lowest anticipated temperatures until the next scheduled oil change. NOTE Check the oil level only while the engine is stopped and the tractor is level.
2. Clean the area around the oil filler cap to prevent debris from entering the crankcase. See Figure 21. The oil filter is located behind the left side panel and is mounted on the engine (See Figure 22). OIL FILLER CAP ENGINE OIL FILTER Figure 21 3. Unscrew the oil filler cap from the right valve cover and SLOWLY pour in oil (See Figure 21). Fill the crankcase until the oil level reaches the “FULL” mark on the dipstick (Refer to Figure 20). OIL DRAIN VALVE FLEXIBLE TUBING 4.
5. To open the drain valve, push it slightly inward and turn it counterclockwise until it stops, then pull it outward. Allow the old oil to completely drain from the engine crankcase into the container below. 6. Remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise using an automotive type filter wrench to loosen. 7. Push the drain valve it inward, turn clockwise until it stops and then release it to close the valve. 8. Remove the flexible tubing from the drain valve.
1. Place the tractor on a level surface and engage the brake pedal lock. Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key. ADDING TRANSMISSION OIL CAUTION 2. Clean the area around the transmission drain plug to prevent debris from entering the transmission case. Remove the drain plug and allow the transmission oil to drain into a clean container having a capacity of more than 7 quarts. Reinstall the drain plug (Refer to Figure 24). Never overfill the transmission case.
4. Apply a light coating of clean transmission oil to the gasket of the new filter. Install the filter by turning it clockwise, by hand, until the gasket contacts the filter base on the transmission housing; then tighten the filter an additional 1/2 turn. CLIPS COVER KNOB 5. Clean the area around the transmission oil fill plug/dipstick to prevent debris from entering the transmission case. PLATE PAPER ELEMENT 6.
CLEANING ENGINE This tractor has an air-cooled engine. Air must be able to circulate freely around the engine through the flywheel screen, through the cooling shrouds and over the fins of the cylinder head and cylinder block (See Figure 27). Keep these areas free of accumulated dirt and debris to keep the engine from overheating and possibly causing extensive engine damage. Regularly clean the inside of the side panels, dash intake screen and grille to ensure adequate cooling.
FUEL FILTER WARNING Do not replace the fuel filter when engine is hot. 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. HEADLIGHTS Refer to SPECIFICATIONS when replacement of a headlight bulb is necessary. WARNING 5. With the terminals pointing upward, align the tab of the socket with the notch of the reflector.
Battery Installation: 1. Connect the Positive cable. 2. Connect the Negative cable. MAINTENANCE OF BATTERY The tractor is shipped with a wet battery — the battery acid has already been added and the battery sealed. Although the battery is maintenance free, the following care should be taken when handling the battery and to assure its proper life cycle. To replace the battery, proceed as follows: 1.
5. Loosen the hose clamp and pull the drain tube from the battery. 6. Lift the battery upward and remove from the left side of the tractor. 7. Install the new battery from the left side of the tractor and lower into the battery tray. 8. Install the drain tube onto the battery and secure with the hose clamp. 9.
SECTION V. MOWER DECK This section contains adjustment, removal, installation, and maintenance information for the 42-inch mower deck. Instructions for installation and removal of the optional mulching plug are located at the end of this section. A. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS In order to achieve even cutting, the mower deck must be properly leveled. This leveling procedure will result in the left and right blades having corresponding front cutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inch of each other.
2 4 3 1 9. Loosen the upper jam nut on the hanger bracket and turn away from the adjustment ferrule. Turn the lower lock nut upward (tighten) on the threads of the hanger bracket 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 (Refer to Figure 35). 10. Raise the lift handle to the highest position and recheck the blade measurements described in step 6.
3. Initially adjust the front lift rod to allow 5/8 inch of thread to protrude beyond both lock nuts of the front lift rod/bracket assembly (Refer to Figure 37). NOTE The front lift rod must be against the back of both slots in the deck front roller bracket. If one side of the rod is not against the back of the slot after attaining the correct front pitch to the deck, tighten the front lock nut on that side until the rod just contacts the back of the slot. FRONT LIFT ROD BRACKET LOCK NUT 5/8" 9.
clearance between the wheel and level surface. Secure with the lock nut. NOTE e. Note the position of the index hole used; then install the other rear gauge wheel and the front ball wheels into the corresponding index hole of the other guage wheel brackets. Gauge wheels are intended to prevent scalping of the lawn, and are not meant to be used to set the cutting height. Do not run the deck on the guage wheels. To adjust the height of the gauge wheels, place the tractor on a firm and level surface.
B. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF DECK ASSEMBLY PTO BELT REMOVAL OF DECK MOWER DECK CENTER DOUBLE PULLEY WARNING Before removing the mower deck, place PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage brake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to “OFF” position and remove the key from switch. Disconnect the spark plug wire additional safety. the the the the for 1. Position the tractor and mower deck on a firm, level surface.
WARNING The exhaust system is HOT. To avoid personal injury, allow the engine and exhaust system to cool before proceeding with the following PTO belt removal instructions. 7. Raise the tractor implement lift handle to its highest setting, Slide the mower deck forward, so the front lift rod rests to the rear of, and free of, the front roller bracket slots of the deck (See Figure 46). FRONT LIFT ROD 4.
INSTALLATION OF DECK TRACTOR LATCH RECEIVER (BOTH SIDES) WARNING Before performing the mower deck installation, 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 wire for additional safety. QUICK ATTACH ROD FRONT LIFT ROD/BRACKET ASSEMBLY WARNING SHOULDER BOLT (BOTH SIDES) When handling the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades. Figure 48 1.
3. Make sure the slot in both rear deck brackets aligns with the implement lift links on each side of the tractor (See Figure 51). SLOT IN REAR DECK BRACKETS (BOTH SIDES) QUICK ATTACH ROD FRONT LIFT ROD/ BRACKET ASSEMBLY IMPLEMENT LIFT LINKS (BOTH SIDES) Figure 53 Figure 51 4. Refer to Figure 52 to ensure the correct orientation of the front lift rod/bracket assembly [form (bend) in sides of rod point downward]. From the front of the tractor, push downward and hold the tractor quick-attach rod.
NOTE REAR DECK BRACKET SLOTS 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. DECK WARNING The deck idler arm lever is spring loaded. Release it slowly. DECK SUPPORT PIN DISENGAGED Figure 55 7.
PTO BELT PTO CLUTCH PULLEY PTO BELT FRONT OF DECK MOWER DECK CENTER DOUBLE PULLEY Figure 58 Figure 60 11. Pass the PTO belt downward, inside the tractor frame, until the belt is below the two tractor front lower pulleys. Twist the two sides of the PTO belt 1/4 turn inward to engage the narrow sides of the belt into the grooves of the two tractor front-lower pulleys (See Figure 59). 14.
After replacing the blades, apply grease to the exposed threads at the bottom of the spindle bolts to prevent rust buildup. WARNING When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades. Clean the underside of the mower deck at the end of the mowing season or when buildup of cut material on the underside is noticed. Also remove the belt covers and remove any accumulated grass clippings. If using the mulching option, clean the underside of the deck frequently.
SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT D. INSTALLATION OF MULCHING PLUG In order to replace the spindle drive belt, refer to Figure 63 and Figure 64 and proceed as follows: WARNING 1. Remove the hardware that secures the spindle belt covers to the deck. Before installing the mulching plug, 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. 2.
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. 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.
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 10 hours 30 hours or Operation to Before or once Every three times be performed each use a month 25 hours a season More often Clean grille, engine under dirty air inlet screen, dash conditions intake screen and X side panels screens Check engine oil level X Fill fuel tank X Change engine oil After first & oil filter 5-8 hours Check transmission oil level Replace transmission oil filter Clean air precleaner Check battery terminals and case Grease front axle pivot bolt Grease steering knuck
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. Refer to “MAINTENANCE.
LUBRICATION TABLE Check at Hours Change at Hours Engine crankcase Check before each use 50 Approx. 3 pints Hydro drive unit and transmission case with filter Check before each use Add as needed Approx.
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.
LUBRICATION GUIDE —Before Each Use 1. Engine filler cap and dipstick Check the oil (with the engine stopped) and add sufficient new oil to bring it to 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.
CHECK OIL — 2 LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE 10 — 6 50 — 13 10 — 8 10 — 7 10 — 4 50 — 11 100 — 14 10 — 6 10 — 6 50 — 13 10 — 5 30 — 10 1— BOTH SIDES 30 — 9 BOTH SIDES 10 — 3 LEFT SIDE 100 — 12 CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE LUBRICATION GUIDE
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.
SPECIFICATIONS LT 2180 CAPACITIES Fuel Tank .............................................................................. Crankcase (approximately) ................................................... Transmission Case (approximately) ...................................... 2-1/8 gallons 3 pints (48 oz.) 6 quarts HYDROSTATIC DRIVE Speed: Forward ..................................................................... Reverse ....................................................................
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 LT 2180 SERIES 2000 18 HP VANGUARD Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 3 pints ENGINE OIL Part No. Cub Cadet engine oil Ambient temperature viscosity (Grade SG,SH,SJ or Higher) Above +40°F SAE 30 737-3029 0° to +40°F SAE 5W30 or 10W30 737-3030A (10W30) -20° to 100°+F Synthetic SAE 5W30 or 10W30 Air Filter Requirements AIR FILTER CARTRIDGE Part No. Clean air filter per instructions in your Operator’s Manual . . . . under Maintenance - Air cleaner.
