Cub Cadet GT 2544 Operator's Manual
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Cub Cadet GT 2544 Operator's Manual

2500 series
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O
M
PERATOR'S
ANUAL
SERIES 2500
TRACTOR
Model Number
GT 2544
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.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
CUB CADET LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 [www.cubcadet.com]
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 769-01476
(9/04)

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  • Page 1 Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019. CUB CADET LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 [www.cubcadet.com] PRINTED IN U.S.A.
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Tractor And Deck Preparation

    CONTENTS Section Page Section Page Emission Control Systems Warranty ... Off-Season Storage ......Tractor and Deck Preparation....Mowing..........Safe Operation Practices ..... Optional Equipment and Accessories . Product Graphics ......... Maintenance Chart....... To The Owner ........Trouble Shooting........Calling Service Information ....Lubrication Table .........

  • Page 4: Important Safe Operation Practices

    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).
  • Page 5 When going downhill, the extra weight may exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard. cause you to loose control and possibly overturn the tractor. 22. Use only accessories approved for this machine by Cub Cadet. Read, understand and follow all III. CHILDREN instructions provided with approved accessory.
  • Page 6 6. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage 8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, the cutting blades before shifting in reverse. The remove the wire from the spark plug and "Reverse Caution Mode" should not be used thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. when children or others are around.

  • Page 7: Product Graphics

    PRODUCT GRAPHICS ing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replace- ment safety graphics are available through your Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean. Replace dealer. any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, miss- STARTING INSTRUCTIONS BE FAMILIAR WITH CONTROLS BEFORE D A N G E R STARTING ENGINE AND OPERATING.

  • Page 8: To The Owner

    EL SURFACE before pulling the transmission release lever to the disengaged position. Your local authorized Cub Cadet dealer is interested in the performance you receive from your tractor, and with the maintenance needed to ensure the satisfactory operation of your tractor. The dealer has trained service personnel familiar with the latest servicing information, is equipped with the latest tools, and has a complete line of genuine Cub Cadet service parts which assure proper fit and high quality.
  • Page 9 SECTION I. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS Your Cub Cadet Tractor has been safety engineered. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with all the controls and This section gives a brief description of the function indicators before attempting to start or operate the and location of the various controls and indicators.
  • Page 10 KEY SWITCH MODULE tery voltage is also displayed on the hour meter. If this indicator and display come on during oper- ation, check the battery and charging system for INDICATOR possible causes and/or contact your Cub Cadet REVERSE LIGHT PUSH dealer.
  • Page 11 • START — Energizes the starter motor to crank The brake lock lever, located in the center of the and start the tractor engine. Release the key as dash panel below the steering wheel, is identified soon as the engine starts and the key will return with the symbol.
  • Page 12 If the interlock sys- stalled. tem should ever malfunction, do not operate the trac- tor. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from N. SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER cranking or starting unless the brake pedal is fully de- The seat adjustment lever (See Figure 6) is used to pressed, and the PTO switch is in the “OFF”...
  • Page 13 HOOD AND SIDE PANELS 3. Grasp the side panel just behind the grille and pull outward to release the side panel from the The tractor hood is arranged to swing up and forward tapered bushings on the grille. for easy access to the engine compartment (See Fig- ure 8).
  • Page 14 SECTION II. OPERATION Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE WARNING by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ ether blends are not approved. RECEIVE INSTRUCTION Read 4. Check the engine and transmission oil levels. operator’s manual.
  • Page 15 STARTING THE ENGINE 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 WARNING seconds at a time. Once the engine starts, gradually adjust the choke as needed to keep the engine For personal safety, the operator must be sitting running until warmed up, then push the choke control in the tractor seat when starting the engine.
  • Page 16 b. Lightly push the cruise control lever downward DRIVING THE TRACTOR as far as possible and hold in this position. c. While continuing to hold the cruise lever down, CAUTION lift your foot from the forward control pedal (you should feel the cruise latch engage). Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and d.
  • Page 17 Back the tractor with implement up the steepest portion OPERATING THE POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) CLUTCH of each slope you intend to work. If the tractor cannot IMPORTANT: NEVER engage the PTO clutch while its negotiate the slope in reverse, the slope is too steep to driven equipment is under load (e.g., mower deck low- be worked.
  • Page 18 USING THE “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” KEY 2. Turn the key from the “NORMAL MOWING” POSITION (Green) position to the “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” (Yellow) position of the key switch The “REVERSE CAUTION MODE” position of the key module. Refer to Figure 10. switch module allows the machine to be operated in re- verse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
  • Page 19 SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS This section contains adjustment information for the To adjust the braking force proceed as follows (Refer Model GT 2544 tractor. Adjustment information for the to Figure 12): 44 inch deck is located in Section V – Mower Deck 1.
  • Page 20 WHEEL ALIGNMENT 5. Disconnect the front ball joints from the steering arms by removing the hex lock nuts (Refer to The front wheels should toe-in approximately 1/8 to Figure 14). Manually move each wheel to achieve 1/4 inch, as measured across dimensions A and B the required toe-in and equal D measurements.
  • Page 21 2. Pivot the ends of the axle up and down to check for binding. If the axle is binding, loosen the lock nuts WARNING (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 PIVOT AXLE wheels from the ground.
  • Page 22 CONTROL 1. Front Control Rod 2. Rear Control Rod 3. Hex Tap Screw 4. Hex Wash Hd Tapp Screw 5. Control Arm 6. Control Arm Pin 7. Neutral Arm 8. Centering Pin 9. Neutral Return Adjust. Brkt. 10. Internal Cotter Pin Figure 16 Adjusting the Control Rod ADJUSTING LIFT ASSIST SPRING TENSION...
  • Page 23 CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS NOTE WARNING Carburetor adjustments should be made only When making adjustments to the carburetor after the engine has warmed up. while the engine is running, disengage the PTO 1. Start the engine and run at half throttle for 5 to 10 clutch and engage the brake pedal lock.
  • Page 24 OIL LEVEL are recommended. DIPSTICK Ambient Temperature Viscosity (Grade SG/SH) OPERATING +32°F and Above — Cub Cadet Engine Oil S.A.E. RANGE 10W30 Below +32°F — Cub Cadet Engine Oil S.A.E. 5W20 or S.A.E. 5W30* OIL FILLER *Synthetic Engine Oil S.A.E. 5W20 or S.A.E. 5W30 is acceptable, up to 40°F.
  • Page 25 For best results, fill to the “FULL” mark on the change interval. The filters can be obtained dipstick as opposed to adding a given quantity through your Cub Cadet dealer under part of oil. Always check the level on the dipstick number KH-12-050-08.
  • Page 26 While the engine oil is warm, proceed as follows: FILLING THE CRANKCASE NOTE CAUTION A 12 inch length of flexible tubing is supplied in Never overfill the engine crankcase. The engine the owner’s manual package and should be may overheat and/or damage may result if the used to drain the engine oil.
  • Page 27 The filter can be obtained through your Cub Cadet dealer under the part number 923-3014. Refer to the LUBRICATION TABLE for information regarding the oil capacity and the proper type of oil to pour into the transmission case.
  • Page 28 2. Remove the foam precleaner by sliding it up off the paper element (Refer to Figure 23). CAUTION 3. Wash the precleaner in warm water with detergent. Rinse the precleaner thoroughly until all If the transmission oil is to be re-used, cover the traces of the detergent are eliminated.
  • Page 29 3. Remove the wing nut and element cover plate, then lift out the paper air filter element. NOTE 4. Do not wash the paper element or use pressurized air, as this will damage the element. Replace a Remove all dirt from around the spark plug dirty, bent or damaged element.
  • Page 30 2. Rotate the socket assembly as follows to remove GENERAL BATTERY INFORMATION from the reflector housing: • Left headlight — appoximately 1/4 turn counter- WARNING clockwise. a. Battery posts, terminals related • Right headlight — approximately 1/4 turn clock- accessories contain lead lead...
  • Page 31 STORAGE OF THE BATTERY 1. When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not WING NUT necessary to remove the battery. 2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the ROTATE HOLDDOWN exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A UPWARD STRAP TAB dirty battery will discharge more rapidly.
  • Page 32 CHARGING THE BATTERY Tire SizePounds per Square Inch Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the Front Tires tractor has been stored for a period of time. 16 x 6.5–8 • A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.6 volts (DC) or higher across the battery terminals.
  • Page 33 SECTION V. MOWER DECK This section contains adjustment, removal, installation, 3. Raise the tractor implement lift handle to its and maintenance information for the 44-inch mower highest setting. deck. Instructions for installation and removal of the 4. Carefully rotate the outer cutting blades so that optional mulching plug are located at the end of this they are positioned perpendicular to the tractor section.
  • Page 34 7. Side-to-side leveling is obtained utilizing the 3. Initially adjust front lift allow adjustment ferrule and right hand lift link rod (See approximately 5/8 inch of thread to protrude Figure 29). beyond both lock nuts of the front lift rod/bracket assembly (See Figure 31).
  • Page 35 b. Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing the lock nuts, shoulder screws, and flat NOTE washers. Remove the lock nuts and shoulder screws fastening the front ball wheels to the The front lift rod must be against the front of gauge wheel brackets.
  • Page 36 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT The mower can be set in multiple positions. NOTE: If LEVER STOP multiple settings are used while mowing, it may be BRACKET necessary to adjust the gauge wheels for each setting to prevent scalping. 1. Push, or pull, the tractor implement lift handle to depress the button on top of the lift handle.
  • Page 37 4. Open the tractor hood and remove the forward end 6. Pull the deck support pins outward, turn downward of the PTO belt from the PTO clutch pulley on the and release so both spring-loaded pins are held in front of the engine (See Figure 36). the disengaged position against the outer surface of the deck brackets (See Figure 38).
  • Page 38 INSTALLATION OF DECK 9. From the front of the tractor, push downward and hold the tractor quick-attach rod. Pull the front lift rod/bracket assembly forward to release the WARNING shoulder bolts on each side of the bracket from the left and right tractor latch receivers. Release the Before performing the mower deck installation, tractor quick-attach rod.
  • Page 39 3. Make sure the slot in both rear deck brackets aligns with the implement lift link on each side of the tractor (See Figure 43). SLOT IN REAR DECK BRACKETS (BOTH SIDES) QUICK ATTACH ROD FRONT LIFT ROD/ BRACKET ASSEMBLY IMPLEMENT LIFT LINKS (BOTH SIDES)
  • Page 40 6. If not already done, pull the deck support pins outward, turn downward and relesase so both NOTE spring-loaded pins are held in the disengaged position against the outer surface of the deck It may be necessary to lift each side of the deck brackets (See Figure 47).
  • Page 41 10. Pass the PTO belt upward inside the front of the 13. Install the rearward end of the PTO belt on the tractor frame and install the forward end of the belt upper pulley of the deck center double-pulley (See onto the PTO clutch pulley on the front of the Figure 52).
  • Page 42 C. MAINTENANCE BLADE CARE CLEANING THE MOWER DECK WARNING Use the Deck Wash System as follows: WARNING: When using the deck wash Before performing any maintenance, place the system, never engage the deck from any PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the position other than the operator’s seat of brake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the the tractor.
  • Page 43 After replacing the blades, apply grease the exposed SPINDLE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT threads at the bottom of the spindle bolts to prevent In order to replace the spindle drive belt, refer to Figure rust buildup. 57 and Figure 58 and proceed as follows: When replacing the blades, be sure they are installed 1.
  • Page 44 D. INSTALLATION OF MULCHING PLUG DEFLECTOR HINGE ROD WARNING 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. 1. If the mower deck has been used, clean any LOWER EDGE OF buildup of grass clippings from the chute opening CHUTE OPENING...
  • Page 45 SECTION VI. OFF-SEASON STORAGE If the machine is to be inoperative for a period longer 2. If emptying the fuel system: than days, following procedures recommended: WARNING Do not drain fuel when the engine is hot. Allow WARNING the engine adequate time to cool. Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors, away from Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank open flame.
  • Page 46 SECTION VII. MOWING MOWING WARNING To avoid possible injury, do not allow anyone in the area opposite the discharge chute while mowing. Although area 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.

  • Page 47: Optional Equipment And Accessories

    Refer to the allied equipment can be purchased from, and installed attachment guide for a complete description of by, your authorized Cub Cadet dealer. equipment and required components that can be utilized with your tractor.

  • Page 48: Maintenance Chart

    MAINTENANCE CHART 10 hours 30 hours or 50 hours 100 hours Operation to Before or once three times or twice Before be performed each use a month a season a season yearly storage Clean grille, engine More often air inlet screen, dash under dirty intake screen and side conditions...

  • Page 49: Trouble Shooting

    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.
  • Page 50 TROUBLE SHOOTING Possible Cause Possible Remedy LACK OF POWER Air cleaner clogged ..........Service the air cleaner element. Refer to “MAINTE- NANCE.” Engine overload ............Reduce the load. Engine overheated..........Make sure the air intake screen, shrouding, engine fins, side panels, dash intake screen and grille are free of accumulated dirt and debris.

  • Page 51: Lubrication Table

    Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus and transaxle with before needed 6 qts NOTE: Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid Plus is specially filter each formulated for this application. If any other oil is used Cub Cadet will not be responsible for substandard performance.

  • Page 52: Lubrication Guide

    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 Lubricant is cheap.
  • Page 53 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”...
  • Page 54 LUBRICATION GUIDE...

  • Page 55: Slope Gauge

    SLOPE GAUGE (Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.)

  • Page 57: Specifications

    Engine Speed (governed) Low Speed ..............1200 RPM High Speed (no load) ........... 3600 RPM ± 75 Ignition ................Battery Spark Plug Gap (Cub Cadet No. 759-3336) .....030 in. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM System Voltage ............... 12 volt neg. ground Battery ................725-1707D Alternator .................
  • Page 58 CUB CADET CORPORATION MANUFACTURER’S ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (COMMERCIAL USE) The limited warranty set forth below is given by CUB CADET CUB CADET does not extend any warranty for LLC (“CUB CADET”) with respect to new merchandise products sold or exported outside of the United...
  • Page 59 CUB CADET will, at its option, repair or re- warranted product. place, free of charge, any PTO clutch or mounting hardware found to be defective in material or workmanship provided this product has been operated and maintained as set forth above.

  • Page 60: Maintenance Parts Chart

    MAINTENANCE PARTS CHART MODEL GT2544 SERIES 2500 20 HP KOHLER ENGINE OIL Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 4 pints 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...

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