Tractor And Deck Preparation - Cub Cadet GT 2542 Operator's Manual

1. TRACTOR STEERING WHEEL
For shipping purposes, the steering wheel was removed
from the steering shaft. Pivot the seat rearward and re-
move any packaging material from the seat. Cut the ties
securing the steering wheel and remove any packaging
material. Install the steering wheel as follows:
1. Locate the steering bellow and note the riser at one
end of the bellow. With the riser facing upward, slide
the bellow onto the steering shaft. Refer to Figure 1.
2. Pry the steering wheel cover off the steering wheel
and remove the hex lock screw and flat washer.
3. Check that the tractor front tires are in the straight
position. If not, temporarily slide the steering wheel
onto the steering shaft and straighten the front
wheels. Carefully remove the steering wheel.
4. From the operator's seat, rotate the steering wheel
so that the spokes of the wheel are in the basic 'T'
position. Align the splines of the steering wheel
hub with the splines of the steering shaft and press
the steering wheel onto the shaft. See Figure 1.
Figure 1
5. Position the steering bellow so that its riser is
inside the bottom of the steering wheel.
6. Slide the flat washer onto the hex lock screw.
Insert the screw through the center hole of the
steering wheel and thread into the steering shaft.
Fully tighten the lock screw into the steering shaft.
7. Position the steering wheel cover to align with the
steering wheel. Press the cover downward until it
snaps into place on the steering wheel.

TRACTOR AND DECK PREPARATION

STEERING WHEEL
COVER
HEX LOCK SCREW
FLAT WASHER
STEERING
WHEEL
STEERING SHAFT
STEERING BELLOW
2. CONNECT THE BATTERY
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
The tractor is shipped with an activated sealed battery.
The positive battery cable is factory connected. The
negative cable must be connected.
Note: Make sure the ignition switch is in the "OFF" po-
sition before attaching the battery cables.
1. Pull the protective cap off the negative terminal of
the battery, and remove the hex cap screw and nut
from the free end of the negative battery cable.
2. Connect the negative battery cable (black) and
green ground wire to the negative terminal (NEG)
of the battery using the hex cap screw and nut.
3. Slide the black terminal cover over the negative
terminal of the battery.
3. DECK CHUTE DEFLECTOR & MULCHING PLUG
For shipping purposes, the chute deflector is propped
up and the mulching plug is installed in the mower deck.
The chute deflector must be lowered and the mulching
plug may be removed from the deck as follows:
1. While holding the discharge chute up, rotate the
chute stop clockwise and remove. Discard the chute
stop. Refer to Figure 2.
2. Lift and hold the chute deflector upward and re-
move the wing nut and carriage bolt securing the
mulching plug to the deck. Withdraw the plug from
the discharge opening of the deck and lower the
chute deflector. See Figure 2.
CARRIAGE
BOLT
MULCHING
PLUG
WING NUT
3. Refer to SECTION V - MOWER DECK when re-
installing the mulching plug
3
CHUTE
DEFLECTOR
CHUTE
STOP
Figure 2