Cub Cadet 2518 w/48" Mower Deck Operator's Manual
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Cub Cadet 2518 w/48" Mower Deck Operator's Manual

2500 series w/48" mower deck
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See also: Operator's Manual
O
PERATOR'S
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.
ECO
2500
TRACTOR
Model Number
2518
w/48" Mower Deck
M
ANUAL
FORM NO. 769-00037A
(11/02)

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Summary of Contents for Cub Cadet 2518 w/48" Mower Deck

  • 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: Emission Control Systems Warranty

    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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    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: 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 Do not use the grass catcher on steep slopes. exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard. 22. Use only accessories approved for this machine III. CHILDREN by Cub Cadet. Read, understand and follow all Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert instructions provided...
  • Page 6 5. Never allow children under 14 years old to 8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, operate the machine. Children 14 years and over remove the wire from the spark plug and should only operate the machine under close thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.

  • 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 STARTING ENGINE AND OPERATING.

  • Page 8: To The Owner

    LEVEL 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: Controls And Indicators

    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 If the oil level is a uniform engine speed. within the operating range, but the light remains on, contact your Cub Cadet dealer. NOTE CAUTION When using power take-off operated equip- ment, best performance is achieved with the throttle lever in the “FAST”...
  • Page 11 BRAKE PEDAL The brake pedal is located at the front of the right run- ning board above the forward control pedal. Press down to stop the tractor and disengage the cruise con- trol. The brake pedal must be fully depressed to acti- vate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.
  • Page 12 8). Whenever engine maintenance is required, the tem should ever malfunction, do not operate the trac- side panels can be removed. tor. Contact your authorized Cub Cadet Dealer. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the brake pedal is fully de- WARNING pressed, and the PTO switch is in the “OFF”...
  • Page 13 UPPER FRONT WING NUT GRASP REAR WING NUT SIDE PANEL REAR TAB RETAINER WITH ON PANEL TAPERED GUIDE GRILLE GROOVE IN DASH PANEL GRASP Figure 8...

  • Page 14: Operation

    SECTION II. OPERATION Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an approved fuel. Other WARNING gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded RECEIVE INSTRUCTION Read gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE operator’s manual.

  • Page 15: Stopping The Engine

    • The safety interlock system will automatical- TRACTOR BREAK-IN PROCEDURE ly shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the brake pedal lock. CAUTION • The safety interlock system will automatical- ly disengage the PTO if the reverse control Never operate a new engine immediately pedal is pressed down with the PTO in the under full load.
  • Page 16 5. Turn the ingnition key to the “START” position and hold until the engine starts; however, do not crank CAUTION the engine continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Once the engine starts, gradually Do not use the forward or reverse control adjust the choke as needed to keep the engine pedals to change the direction of travel when running until warmed up, then push the choke control...
  • Page 17 DRIVING ON SLOPES 1. Start and run the engine a few minutes to warm up. Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 55 to help 2. With the mowing deck, snow thrower, etc. installed determine slopes where you may not operate safely. and the engine running at approximately 50% throttle, engage and disengage the clutch at ten second intervals (ten seconds ON-ten seconds...

  • Page 18: Adjustments

    If brake rod 2. Release the brake pedal lock. If the tractor cannot adjustment does not correct the problem, see your be pushed forward or rearward, the braking force authorized Cub Cadet dealer. must be decreased.
  • Page 19 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 13). 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 20 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 14) 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 21 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 15.
  • Page 22 CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS 2. Idle Speed Setting: Place the throttle control into the “idle” or “slow” position. Set the low idle speed to 1200 rpm (± 75 rpm) by turning the low idle WARNING speed adjusting screw in or out. Check the speed using a tachometer (See Figure 17).

  • Page 23: Maintenance

    Ambient Temperature Viscosity (Grade SG/SH) OPERATING RANGE +32°F and Above — Cub Cadet Engine Oil S.A.E. 10W30 or S.A.E. 10W40 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 24 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 25 While the engine oil is warm, proceed as follows: FILLING THE CRANKCASE NOTE CAUTION A 12 inch length of flexible tubing is supplied in the owner’s manual package and should be Never overfill the engine crankcase. The engine used to drain the engine oil. may overheat and/or damage may result if the crankcase is below the “LOW”...
  • Page 26 The filter can be case is below the “ADD” mark or over the obtained through your Cub Cadet dealer under the part “FULL” mark of the dipstick. number 923-3014.
  • Page 27 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 6 quarts. Reinstall the drain plug (Refer to Figure 21).
  • Page 28 1. Unfasten the air cleaner cover retaining knob and remove the air cleaner cover (See Figure 23). 2. Remove the foam precleaner by sliding it up off the paper element (See Figure 23). 3. Remove the wing nut and element cover plate, then lift out the paper air filter element.
  • Page 29 SPARK PLUG HEADLIGHTS Refer to SPECIFICATIONS when replacement of head lamp bulbs is necessary. WARNING To avoid possible injury, be sure the engine is WARNING off and has cooled before making any adjustments or repairs. Allow the engine and surrounding surfaces to cool before changing the head lamp bulbs.
  • Page 30 FUSES MAINTENANCE OF BATTERY Always use the same capacity fuse for replacement. The tractor is shipped with a wet battery — the battery Refer to SPECIFICATIONS. If the electrical system acid has already been added and the battery sealed. does not function, check the fuses. Although the battery is maintenance free, the following To replace a fuse, pull the old fuse from the fuse holder care should be taken when handling the battery and to...

  • Page 31: Battery Removal Or Installation

    BATTERY REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION 5. Lift the battery upward and remove from the left side of the tractor. WARNING Battery posts, terminals related HOLDDOWN accessories contain lead and lead compounds. STRAP Wash Hands after handling. When removing the battery, disconnect the battery cables in the following order to avoid arcing and the resulting sparks: Battery Removal:...
  • Page 32 TIRES MOUNTING TIRES ON THE RIM Keep the pneumatic tires properly inflated. Over- inflation will cause operator discomfort. Under-inflation WARNING will cause short tire life. Do not mount a tire unless you have the proper Improperly inflated tires will also affect the leveling of equipment.

  • Page 33: Mower Deck

    SECTION V. MOWER DECK A. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF DECK INSTALLATION OF DECK WARNING Before installing the mower deck, 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.
  • Page 34 8. While holding the front lift rod up, slide the mower deck forward until the rod aligns with both front NOTE roller bracket slots. Lower the lift rod into the front roller bracket slots and slide the deck rearward to If installing the deck on a new tractor, cut the engage the lift rod fully forward in the slots of the cable tie used to hold the front lift rod up during...
  • Page 35 NOTE: It may be necessary to lift each side of the deck 13. Install the forward end of the PTO belt on the PTO and maneuver it slightly to align the support pins with clutch pulley by passing the belt upward inside the holes of the lift links.
  • Page 36 PTO BELT LIFT ASSIST SPRING MOWER DECK CENTER DOUBLE PULLEY FRONT OF DECK HOLE IN REAR DECK BRACKET Figure 39 17. While holding the belt in position, rotate the deck idler arm lever into its stop bracket to tension the PTO belt (Refer to Figure 40).

  • Page 37: Removal Of Deck

    B. REMOVAL OF DECK LIFT ASSIST SPRING WARNING Before removing the mower deck, 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.
  • Page 38 7. Lower the mower deck by moving the implement lift handle to its lowest setting. Disengage the WARNING deck idler arm lever from its stop bracket and release the spring tension by rotating the lever out If the engine has been recently operated, the and rearward (Refer to Figure 47).
  • Page 39 11. Pull the deck support pins outward, turn TRACTOR downward and release so both spring-loaded LATCH RECEIVER pins are held in the disengaged position against (BOTH SIDES) the outer surface of the deck brackets (Refer to Figure 52). QUICK ATTACH SHOULDER BOLT LIFT (BOTH SIDES)
  • Page 40 B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS The 48" mower deck is equipped with ground following front castor wheels and is designed to run on its own wheels. However, to ensure even cutting, the mower DECK deck should be properly leveled. The leveling INSTALLED procedure will result in the left and right blades having corresponding cutting-edge-to ground measurements...

  • Page 41: Front To Back Leveling Adjustment

    8. Loosen the upper jam nut on the hanger bracket 3. Position the mower blades so the ends of each and turn away from the adjustment ferrule. Turn blade point to the front and the rear of the tractor the lower lock nut upward (tighten) on the threads (Refer to Figure 60).

  • Page 42: Cutting Height Adjustment

    8. Raise the deck to the highest position. Recheck To adjust the mower deck cutting height by raising or the blade measurements described in step 4. If the lowering the ball wheels, refer to Figure 62 and resultant measurements are not correct, repeat proceed as follows: steps 5, 6 and 7 until the proper measurements are 1.

  • Page 43: Cleaning And Blade Care

    C. MAINTENANCE When removing the blades, use a 1-1/4 inch wrench to hold the hex shaped hub of the pulley when loosening CLEANING AND BLADE CARE the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing and the cutting edge of the blade to assist in removal of the hex nut se- WARNING curing the blade (Refer to Figure 64).

  • Page 44: Spindle Drive Belt Replacement

    Every 50 hours, or twice yearly, lubricate the double 1. Disengage the idler arm lever from its stop bracket pulley with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 and rotate the lever to the outside of the deck to multipurpose lithium grease.

  • Page 45: Off-Season Storage

    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: Mowing

    SECTION VII. MOWING MOWING Streaking may occur when attempting to mow heavy weeds and tall grass. Under these conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut. WARNING The following practices will help eliminate streaking: To avoid possible injury, do not allow anyone in 1.

  • 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 ................725-1706 Alternator .................

  • Page 58: Warranty - Commercial Use

    CUB CADET LLC 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: Warranty - Residential Use

    CUB and CUB CADET will, at its option, repair or replace, free of CADET shall not be liable for incidental or consequential...

  • Page 60: Maintenance Parts Chart

    MODEL 2518 SERIES 2500 20 HP KOHLER ENGINE OIL Engine Oil Requirements approx. . . 4 pints Part No. Cub Cadet engine oil Ambient temperature viscosity (Grade SG or SH) Above +32°F SAE 10W30 or 10W40 737-3030A (10W30) Below +32°F...

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