Cub Cadet GT 2544 Operator's Manual page 20

1. Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a
battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals with a
thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to protect
against corrosion.
2. Always keep the battery cables and terminals
clean and free of corrosion.
3. Always keep the terminal covers in place over the
battery terminals.
4. Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak
electrolyte when tipped.
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.
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.
4. Recharge the battery before returning to service.
Although the tractor may start, the engine charging
system may not fully recharge the battery.
COMMON CAUSES FOR BATTERY FAILURE
1. Overcharging
2. Undercharging
3. Loose and/or corroded connections
4. Excessive loads
5. Freezing of electrolyte
LUBRICATING THE STEERING HOUSING
The steering housing must be lubricated after every 25
hour of operation with Cub Cadet 251H EP grease, or
an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease.
Lubricating The Segment Gear Shaft
To access the lube fitting for the segment gear shaft,
proceed as follows:
• Raise the hood using the hood latch at the bot-
tom front of the hood.
• Working from the left side of the tractor at the
front of the dash panel, remove the wing nut and
carriage bolt securing the LH engine shield.
• Note the position of the LH shield, then maneuver
the shield out of the tractor.
• Near the front of the steering housing, locate the
lube fitting for the segment gear shaft. Apply
lubrication through the lube fitting, using a
pressure lubricating gun.
• Reposition the LH engine shield inside the tractor
as noted earlier, and secure with the wing nut
and carriage bolt.
• Close the tractor hood.
Lubricating The Steering Shaft.
Working beneath left side of the tractor frame, locate
the lube fitting near the rear of the steering housing.
Using a pressure lubricating gun, apply grease through
the steering shaft lube fitting.
LUBRICATING THE FRONT AXLE
The front axle must be lubricated after every 10 hour of
operation with Cub Cadet 251H EP grease, or an
equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. There is
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.
LUBRICATING THE MOWER DECK
After every 10 hours of operation and/or before putting
the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle as-
semblies with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2
multipurpose lithium grease. Also lubricate the two
idler arms on the mower deck 251H EP grease or an
equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease after ev-
ery 10 hours of operation. Refer to the Lubrication
Guide at the end of this section.
Every 50 hours, or twice yearly, lubricate the double
pulley with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2
multipurpose lithium grease. Also lubricate the front
gauge wheels after 50 hours of operation. Refer to the
Lubrication Guide at the end of this section.
CLEANING THE MOWER DECK
Using The Deck Wash System
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.
• Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard garden
hose connected to a water supply.
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