Cub Cadet 2518 w/44" Mower Deck Operator's Manual page 41

9. From beneath the right rear fender, push the lift
assist rod down and outward to release from the
frame. Disengage the hook of the lift assist spring
from the pigtail hook (See Figure 55).
Figure 55
10. Install the lower hook of the lift assist spring into the
hole in the right rear deck bracket (See Figure 56).
LIFT ASSIST
SPRING
Figure 56
11. Tension the spring by pushing downward and then
inward on the rear of the lift assist rod, so that the
flange at the rearward end of the rod is inside the
tractor frame (See Figure 57).
Figure 57
ASSIST
SPRING
PIGTAIL
LIFT ASSIST
HOOK
ROD
HOLE IN REAR
DECK BRACKET
LIFT
ASSIST
SPRING
LIFT ASSIST
ROD
The deck idler arm lever is spring loaded.
Release it slowly.
12. Disengage the deck idler arm lever from its stop
bracket and release the spring tension by rotating
LIFT
the lever out and rearward (Refer to Figure 58).
The exhaust system is HOT. To avoid personal
injury, allow the engine and exhaust system to
cool before proceeding with the following PTO
belt installation instructions.
13. Install the forward end of the PTO belt on the PTO
clutch pulley by passing the belt upward inside the
front of the tractor frame. Ensure that the narrow
side of the PTO belt engages the groove of the
clutch pulley (Refer to Figure 59).
41
WARNING
LEVER STOP
BRACKET
IDLER ARM
LEVER
Figure 58
WARNING
PTO
CLUTCH
PULLEY
PTO
BELT
Figure 59