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28

3.

Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick from the oil fill port
and SLOWLY pour oil into the oil fill port. Fill the
transmission case until the oil level reaches the
“FULL”  mark on the dipstick (Refer to Figure 21).

4.

Reinstall the oil fill plug/dipstick securely into the
oil fill port.

IMPORTANT:

 The oil fill plug/dipstick 

must be

installed securely into the fill port at all times when
the engine is operating

.

HYDROSTATIC DRIVE OIL FILTER

WARNING: Never overfill the transmis-
sion case. Damage or leakage may result
if the oil level in the transmission case is
below the “ADD” mark or over the
“FULL” mark of the dipstick. For best
results, fill to the “FULL” mark on the
dipstick as opposed to adding a given
quantity of oil. Always check the level on
the dipstick before adding more oil.

Refer to the 

MAINTENANCE CHART

 for information

regarding the frequency of the hydrostatic transmis-
sion oil filter replacement. The filter, part number 923-
3014, can be obtained from your 

Cub Cadet

 dealer.

Refer to the 

LUBRICATION TABLE

 for information

regarding the oil capacity and the proper type of oil to
pour into the transmission case.

1.

Place the tractor on a level surface and engage the
brake pedal lock. Stop the tractor engine and
remove the ignition key.

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 (See Figure 22).

Figure 22  

IMPORTANT:

 If the transmission oil is to be re-used,

cover the container holding the drained oil to prevent
contamination. Contaminated transmission oil can
damage the hydro transmission.

3.

Clean around the base of the transmission oil filter
and remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise
(Refer to Figure 22).

4.

Apply a light coating of clean transmission oil to the
gasket of the new filter. Install the filter by turning
it clockwise, by hand, until the gasket contacts the
filter base on the transmission housing; then
tighten the filter an additional 1/2 turn.

5.

Clean the area around the transmission oil fill plug/
dipstick to prevent debris from entering the
transmission case.

6.

Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick from the oil fill port
and SLOWLY pour oil into the oil fill port. Fill the
transmission case until the oil level reaches the
“FULL”  mark on the dipstick (Refer to Figure 21).

7.

Reinstall the oil fill plug/dipstick securely into the
oil fill port.

8.

Start the engine and allow it to run for a few
minutes. Shut the engine off, then check for leaks
and re-check the oil level in the transmission case.

WARNING: The oil fill plug/dipstick must
be installed securely into the fill port at
all times when the engine is operating.

AIR CLEANER

Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the
engine. Check for loose or damaged components and
check the condition of the filter element. Remove any
buildup of dirt and debris in the air cleaner housing.

WARNING: Operating the engine with
loose or damaged air cleaner compo-
nents will allow unfiltered air into the
carburetor; causing extensive wear and
eventual failure of the engine.

Servicing the Precleaner

Wash and re-oil the foam precleaner at 1 month
intervals or after every 25 hours of operation (more
often under extremely dusty or dirty conditions),
whichever occurs first.

1.

Unfasten the air cleaner cover retaining knob and
remove the air cleaner cover (Refer to Figure 23).

2.

Remove the foam precleaner by sliding it up off the
paper element (Refer to Figure 23). 

3.

Wash the precleaner in warm water with
detergent. Rinse the precleaner thoroughly until all
traces of the detergent are eliminated. Squeeze
out (do not wring) excess water in a dry cloth.
Allow the precleaner to air dry.

TRANSMISSION

OIL FILTER

TRANSMISSION
DRAIN PLUG

Summary of Contents for GT 2550

Page 1: ...tem 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 avail...

Page 2: ...Model Serial Number 10 I Know Your Tractor 11 II Operation 15 III Adjustments 20 IV Maintenance 25 V Mower Deck 33 VI Off Season Storage 43 VII Mowing 44 Optional Equipment and Accessories 45 Lubrication 45 Maintenance Chart 46 Lubrication Table 47 Lubrication Guide 48 Trouble Shooting 50 Specifications 52 Emission Control Systems Warranty 53 Warranty 54 Maintenance Parts Chart 56 ...

Page 3: ...heck 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 p...

Page 4: ...ears old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent 4 Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction 5 To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object inju ry keep bystanders helpers children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in opera tion Stop machine if ...

Page 5: ...uge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area If the slope is greater than 15 as shown on the slope gauge do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result DO 1 Mow up and down slopes not across Exercise ex treme caution when changing directions on slopes 2 Remove obstacles such as rocks limbs etc Watch for holes ruts ...

Page 6: ... from your vehicle before filling c When practical remove gas powered equip ment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground If this is not possible then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle d Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete Do not use ...

Page 7: ...air the damage before starting and operating 10 Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running 11 Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown For safety protection frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer s O E M ...

Page 8: ...HER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE IF D AM AG ED R EPL ACE IM M ED IATEL Y KEY SWITCH MODULE GRAPHIC LOCATED ON DASH PANEL DANGER GRAPHIC REVERSE CAUTION MODE LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF RUNNING BOARD STEERING GEAR ENGINE SCREEN MAINTENANCE ON LH ENGINE SHIELD AT FRONT OF DASH PANEL S t eer i ng Box Access Pa nel Remove Wing Nut O n Left Panel To G rease Steering Box Fitting Second Steering Box Fitting Can Be...

Page 9: ...OPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2 1 2 feet every 10 feet A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury If operating a walk behind mower on such a slope it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip resulting in serious injury Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes ne...

Page 10: ...rvice parts which assure proper fit and high quality CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine related issues with regards to performance power rating and specifications If you have difficulties with the tractor and or equipment have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of this equipment or desire additional information not found in this manu...

Page 11: ... PTO Control Switch E Throttle Control Lever F Choke Control G Parking Brake Cruise Lever H Brake Pedal I Forward Control Pedal J Reverse Control Pedal K Seat Adjustment Lever L Lift Handle M 12V Power Outlet N Transmission Release Lever O Cup Holder P Fuel Fill Cap Q Storage Tray Figure 4 B A D F E H G C I J K L N M Q O P Q ...

Page 12: ...res sure If this indicator illuminates stop the tractor immediately and check the engine oil level If the oil level is within the operating range but the light remains on contact your Cub Cadet dealer NOTE The oil pressure indicator may illuminate when the key switch is turned to an on position but should turn off when the engine is started PTO Engaged Indicator Refer to Figure 5 This indicator il...

Page 13: ...downward on the parking brake cruise control lever Hold the lever down while releasing the brake pedal The lever should lock in the down position and the parking brake should be engaged NOTE Always engage the parking brake when dis mounting the tractor To engage the cruise control depress the forward con trol pedal to attain your desired speed then push the parking brake cruise control lever downw...

Page 14: ... for the protection of the operator If the interlock sys tem should ever malfunction do not operate the trac 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 pressed and the PTO switch is in the OFF position The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the operator leav...

Page 15: ... deposits and re duces harmful exhaust emissions Leaded gaso line is not recommended and must not be used where exhaust emissions are regulated NOTE Purchase gasoline in small quantities Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system Gasohol up to 10 ethyl alcohol 90 unleaded gasoline by volume is an approved fuel Other gasoline alcohol blends ar...

Page 16: ...ry to start the engine NOTE Upon start up a metallic ticking may occur This is caused by hydraulic lifter leakdown Run the en gine for 5 minutes The noise will normally cease in the first minute If noise continues run the engine at mid throttle for 20 minutes If the noise persists contact your Cub Cadet dealer COLD WEATHER STARTING HINTS WARNING Engine exhaust gases are dangerous Do not run the en...

Page 17: ...forward control pedal should lock in the down position and the tractor will maintain the approximate same forward speed 5 Disengage the cruise control using one of the following methods Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and stop the tractor Lightly depress the forward control pedal To change to the reverse direction when operat ing with cruise control depress the brake pedal ...

Page 18: ...TO clutch at ten second intervals five times 4 Disengage the PTO and stop the engine OPERATING THE POWER TAKE OFF PTO CLUTCH IMPORTANT NEVER engage the PTO clutch while its driven equipment is under load e g mower deck low ered in grass snow thrower lowered in deep snow tiller lowered in soil Premature wear and eventual fail ure of the PTO clutch and drive belts will result Operate the PTO clutch ...

Page 19: ...Figure 10 3 Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON Orange Triangular Button at the top right corner of the key switch module The red indicator light at the top left corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated Refer to Figure 10 4 Once activated indicator light ON the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades PTO engaged 5 Always look down and behind before and while backing ...

Page 20: ...the brake pedal lock If the tractor cannot be pushed forward or rearward the braking force must be decreased To adjust the braking force proceed as follows Refer to Figure 12 1 Place the tractor on a level surface with the brake pedal lock disengaged Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key 2 Working from the under right side of the tractor at the brake pedal shaft locate the front thre...

Page 21: ... than mea surement C on each side of the tractor 4 Loosen the jam nuts from the ball joints See Figure 14 5 Disconnect the front ball joints from the steering arms by removing the hex lock nuts Refer to Figure 14 Manually move each wheel to achieve the required toe in and equal D measurements Figure 14 6 Making sure not to move the steering gear or either wheel turn the ball joint in or out on eac...

Page 22: ...an assistant is seated when adjusting the neutral setting use extreme caution to prevent the tractor from tipping or roll ing Similar precautions should be taken with any other method of over riding the safety circuit such as placing a weight in the seat Never operate the tractor with the safety circuit disabled 3 Carefully start the tractor engine and release the parking brake Observe both rear w...

Page 23: ...ing the screws 4 Raise the rear of the tractor remove the jack stands and lower the tractor ADJUSTING LIFT ASSIST SPRING TENSION The effort required to operate the implement lift handle can be varied by loosening or tightening the lift assist spring adjusting bolts on each side of the tractor See Figure 17 The bolts can be accessed from the rear of the tractor inside the left and right rear wheels...

Page 24: ...or a clogged air filter If however the engine is hard starting or runs roughly or stalls at low idle speed it may be necessary to adjust or service the carburetor The air filter element and element cover must be assembled to the carburetor when running the engine There are no accessible mixture adjustment screws on the carburetor The only setting which can be changed is the low idle speed NOTE Car...

Page 25: ...lows The engine must be cool so the oil has had time to drain into the sump of the crankcase Clean the area around the oil level dipstick to pre vent debris from entering the crankcase Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean Insert the dipstick into the tube and press all the way down Remove the dipstick and check the oil level Always keep the oil level at or near the F mark on the dipstick If the o...

Page 26: ...eeded The oil filter is located on the left side of the engine See Figure 20 Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the oil in the crankcase to warm up Warm oil will flow more freely and carry away more of the engine sediment which may have settled at the bottom of the crankcase Use care to avoid burns from hot oil While the engine oil is warm proceed as follows 1 Place the tractor on a level s...

Page 27: ... the engine is operating Severe engine damage could result from failure to do so 5 Start the tractor engine and allow it to run for 30 seconds then stop the engine and remove the ignition key 6 Check the oil level and add oil if necessary DO NOT OVERFILL THE ENGINE CRANKCASE 7 Check the oil filter and drain valve for leaks CHECKING TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL NOTE Check the oil level only while the eng...

Page 28: ...terclockwise Refer to Figure 22 4 Apply a light coating of clean transmission oil to the gasket of the new filter Install the filter by turning it clockwise by hand until the gasket contacts the filter base on the transmission housing then tighten the filter an additional 1 2 turn 5 Clean the area around the transmission oil fill plug dipstick to prevent debris from entering the transmission case ...

Page 29: ...nd for a snug fit on the air cleaner stud Replace if damaged or worn 7 Reinstall the paper element foam precleaner element cover wing nut and air cleaner cover Make certain the cover retaining knob is tightened securely CLEANING ENGINE This tractor has an air cooled engine Air must circu late freely through the flywheel screen blower hous ing and cooling shrouds and over the cooling fins of the cy...

Page 30: ...ls and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds Wash Hands after handling b Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto the skin rinse the affected area immediately with clean cold water If there is any further discomfort seek prompt medical attention c If acid spills on clothing first dilute it with clean water then neutralize with a solution of ammonia water or bak...

Page 31: ...able To replace the battery proceed as follows 1 Remove the negative cable from the negative terminal of the battery then remove the positive cable from the positive terminal 2 Remove the hex screw securing the LH side of the holddown rod to the battery tray Refer to Figure 26 3 Note which battery tray hole the RH side of the holddown rod is hooked into Figure 26 4 Rotate the holddown rod upward o...

Page 32: ...g 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 ...

Page 33: ...actor implement lift handle to its highest setting and slide the deck under the tractor Make sure the slot in each rear deck bracket aligns with the implement lift link on each side of the tractor See Figure 28 Figure 28 NOTE If installing the deck on a new tractor the front lift rod bracket assembly is already installed on the front of the tractor Cut the cable tie used to hold the front lift rod...

Page 34: ...in passes through the inner hole of the rear deck bracket The spring tension will push the pins inward and if aligned through the hole in each implement lift link Refer to Figure 32 NOTE It may be necessary to lift each side of the deck and maneuver it slightly to align the support pins with the holes of the lift links Make certain the support pins are fully extended through the lift links to prev...

Page 35: ...from the left rear of the mower deck install the rearward end of the PTO belt on the upper pulley of the deck center double pulley Refer to Figure 36 Ensure that the narrow side of the belt engages the groove of the upper pulley and that there is no more than a 1 4 twist in the belt between the front pulleys and the double pulley Figure 36 15 While holding the belt in position rotate the deck idle...

Page 36: ...ey of the deck center double pulley See Figure 39 Engage the deck idler arm lever back into its stop bracket Refer to Figure 38 Figure 39 WARNING The exhaust system is HOT To avoid personal injury allow the engine and exhaust system to cool before proceeding with the following PTO belt removal instructions 4 From beneath the front of the tractor lift the two sides of the belt up and maneuver the P...

Page 37: ...nt lift rod bracket assembly forward to release the shoulder bolts on each side of the bracket from the left and right tractor latch receivers Release the tractor quick attach rod See Figure 44 Figure 44 WARNING To avoid possible equipment damage make sure that the tractor implement lift handle is raised to its highest setting before sliding the deck out from under the tractor NOTE To aid in slidi...

Page 38: ...dicular to the tractor frame See Figure 45 Then lower the deck to a mid height setting using the tractor implement lift handle Figure 45 4 Referring to Figure 46 measure and record the distance from the hard level surface to the outer most cutting edge of the right blade Repeat this step for the left blade If the two blade heights are not within 1 16 inch note whether the right hand blade is lower...

Page 39: ...ise to lengthen the front hanger rod and lower the front of the deck IMPORTANT The deck front hanger rod should be at the front of the slots of the front deck bracket If one side of the rod is not at the front of its slot turn the inner hex nut on that side until rod just touches the front of the slot Then re measure and re adjust the front hanger rod as necessary 7 When the correct pitch of the d...

Page 40: ...e IMPORTANT All gauge wheels shoud be installed in the same relative adjustment index hole location in each of the gauge wheel brackets CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT The mower can be set in multiple positions Proceed as follows NOTE If multiple positions are used while mowing it may be necessary to adjust the gauge wheels for each setting to prevent scalping 1 Push the tractor implement lift handle do...

Page 41: ...k in the presence of any bystanders Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard garden hose connected to a water supply Move the tractor to an area within reach of the hose where the dispersal of wet grass clippings is not objectionable to you Disengage the PTO engage the parking brake and stop the engine Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and push the adapter onto one of the deck wash no...

Page 42: ...nd Figure 55 and proceed as follows 1 Disengage the idler arm lever from its stop bracket and rotate the lever to the outside of the deck to release the spring tension 2 Remove the hardware that secures the spindle belt covers to the deck 3 Remove the spindle belt covers to expose the belt 4 Pull the movable flat idler pulley away from the backside of the belt and remove the old drive belt 5 Insta...

Page 43: ...d fuel into the carburetor 2 If emptying the fuel system WARNING Do not drain fuel when the engine is hot Allow the engine adequate time to cool Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from open flame a Drain any large volume of fuel from the tank by disconnecting the fuel line from the in line fuel filter near the engine b Reconnect the fuel line and run the engine until it starts to ...

Page 44: ...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 The following practices will help eliminate streaking 1 Mow the area more often so the grass doesn t get too tall and heavy 2 Operate the tractor at full throttle and slower forward speeds 3 Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn 4 Follow the mowing pattern ...

Page 45: ...ach bearing until it emerges at the end carrying with it the worn lubricant and any dirt that may have entered the bearing Miscellaneous working parts not provided with lubrication fittings should be oiled regularly with a good grade of lubricating oil Always lubricate the tractor thoroughly before taking it to a remote location for a prolonged period of time Lubricant is cheap Use plenty of it Wo...

Page 46: ...0 hours X After first 50 hours X Every 100 hours thereafter X Clean re oil foam air precleaner X Check battery terminals and case X X Grease front axle pivot bolt X X Grease steering knuckles X X Retorque rear wheel lug nuts After first 10 hours X X Replace air cleaner paper cartridge More often under dirty conditions X Check spark plugs X X Clean engine air inlet screen X Clean cylinder heads and...

Page 47: ...EP grease or equivalent No 2 multi purpose lithium grease and apply two strokes minimum or sufficient grease to flush out old grease and dirt Front wheel bearings 25 Two strokes minimum of the lubricator using 251H EP grease or equivalent No 2 multi purpose lithium grease Steering housing 25 Two strokes minimum of the lubricator using 251H EP grease or equivalent No 2 multi purpose lithium grease ...

Page 48: ...ICATION GUIDE 10 10 10 100 10 LEFT SIDE BOTH SIDES BOTH SIDES CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE EACH USE 10 50 100 5 9 3 15 6 2 6 6 14 11 4 1 25 10 10 10 50 7 8 12 12 50 13 50 10 25 25 10 ...

Page 49: ...ium grease and apply 2 strokes minimum or sufficient grease to flush out old grease and dirt 8 Belt idler arms Use 251H EP grease or an equivalent No 2 multi purpose lithium grease and apply 2 strokes minimum or sufficient grease to flush out old grease and dirt After Every 25 Hours of Operation 9 Front wheel bearings Two or three strokes minimum of the lubricator using 251H EP grease or an equiva...

Page 50: ...ARLY OR KNOCKS Engine incorrectly timed Spark plug dirty wrong gap or wrong type Clean reset the gap or replace Poor or weak spark Check the spark plugs and wiring Carburetor setting incorrect Poor grade fuel or water in fuel Drain and use a good grade of clean fuel Engine overheating Refer to MAINTENANCE Engine valves at fault Engine smokes Oil level rises due to gasoline in crankcase Air filter ...

Page 51: ...e fuel tank cap Air leakage between carburetor and engine Remove air cleaner Tighten the carburetor and manifold mounting nuts Replace any damaged parts as indicated in MAINTENANCE Incorrect timing or faulty ignition Brake dragging Adjust the brake Refer to ADJUSTMENTS Insufficient cooling air dirt or debris clogging the air intake screen shrouds cooling fins Keep the air intake screen and cooling...

Page 52: ...ATIC DRIVE Speed Forward Reverse ENGINE Make and Model Horsepower Cylinders Bore Stroke Displacement cubic inches Engine Speed governed Low Speed High Speed no load Ignition Spark Plug Gap Cub Cadet No 759 3336 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM System Voltage Battery Alternator Fuse auto type Head Lamp Bulb BRAKES TIRE SIZES Front Rear DIMENSIONS Tread Front with 16 x 6 5 8 tires Rear with 23 x 9 5 12 tires Wheel...

Page 53: ...d in 1995 or later are warranted for two years in California For 1997 and later model years EPA requires manufacturers to warrant engines for two years in all other states These warranty periods will be begin on the date the engine is purchased by the initial purchaser If any emis sion related part on the engine is defective the part will be replaced by Kohler Co at no cost to the owner Kohler Co ...

Page 54: ...ler in your area In the U S A Check your Yellow Pages or contact Cub Cadet LLC at P O Box 361131 Cleveland Ohio 44136 0019 or call 1 877 282 8684 or log on to our Web site at www cubcadet com In Canada Contact MTD Products Limited Kitchener ON N2G 4J1 or call 1 800 668 1238 or log on to our Web site at www mtdcanada com Without limiting the foregoing this limited warranty does not provide coverage...

Page 55: ... warranty period stated above If the part fails during the period of warranty coverage the part will be repaired or replaced by MTD Consumer Group Inc according to subsec tion 4 below Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the period 2 Any warranted part that is scheduled only for regular inspection in the written instructions supplied is warranted...

Page 56: ...59 3336 Oil Filter Requirements Part No Change every 100 hours 923 3014 Transmission Oil Requirements approx 6 qts Part No Check before each use 1 quart 1 gallon 737 3120 737 3121 Deck Blade Belt Tractor to Deck Belt PTO Part No Part No 954 04047 954 04055 Original Equipment Blade Part No 50 Mower Blade 759 3820 3 Deck Spindles 618 3129C Ignition Key 725 2054 Solenoid KH 25 435 06 S Fuel Filter KH...

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