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O

PERATOR’S

 

M

ANUAL

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.  770-10286B

2000

TRACTOR

Model Number

2186

(4/02)

ECO9599

IMPORTANT:  READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

CUB CADET LLC  P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019  [www.cubcadet.com]

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.

Summary of Contents for GT 2186

Page 1: ... 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 la...

Page 2: ...ed in 1995 or later are warranted for to 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 3: ...ontain lead and lead compounds Wash hands after handling The tractor is shipped with an activated sealed battery with the positive battery cable 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 f...

Page 4: ... machine before starting Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts 2 Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the instructions to operate the machine Know the controls and how to stop the machine quickly 3 Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or near rotating parts 4 Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys wire etc ...

Page 5: ...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 Mow up and down slopes not across Remove obstacles such as rocks limbs etc Watch for holes ruts or bumps Uneven terrain could overturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles Use slow speed Choose a low eno...

Page 6: ...s instructed in this manual 8 After striking a foreign object stop the engine remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower 9 Grass catcher components are subject to wear damage and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown For your safety protection frequently check ...

Page 7: ...ISENGAGE PTO ANDSET PARKING BRAKE MOVE THROTTLE CONTROL TO MID POSITION AND TURN KEY OFF STARTING INSTRUCTIONS AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH READ OPERATORS MANUAL AND ALL WARNING LABELS BEFORE USING MACHINE GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES NOT ACROSS AVOID SUDDEN TURNS DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL STOP PTO AND BACK DOWN HILL SLOWLY DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR O...

Page 8: ...acturer 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 manual contact your nearest authorized Cub Cadet dealer If you need assistance in locating a dealer i...

Page 9: ... attempting to start or operate the tractor A Low Oil Indicator B Hour Meter C Power Take Off PTO Control Switch D Ignition Light Switch E Throttle Control Lever F Choke Control G Brake Pedal Lock H Cruise Control Lever I Brake Pedal J Forward Control Pedal K Reverse Control Pedal L Lift Handle M Lift Height Indicator N Seat Adjustment Lever O Transmission Release Lever P Fuses Not Shown Q Safety ...

Page 10: ... the control cable will maintain a uniform engine speed NOTE When using power take off operated equip ment best performance is achieved with the throttle lever in the FAST position F CHOKE CONTROL The choke control is operated manually Pull the knob out to ckoke the engine push the knob in to open the choke G BRAKE PEDAL LOCK WARNING The hydrostatic transmission will not hold the tractor on a hill...

Page 11: ...moving the han dle to the desired position then releasing the button It may be necessary to push or pull slightly on the handle to depress the button There is a lift assist spring which reduces the effort needed to lift attachments To adjust spring tension refer to ADJUSTMENTS in Section III M LIFT HEIGHT INDICATOR The lift height indicator is located in the left fender and indicates the height of...

Page 12: ... filler cap is in the center rear of the fender see Figure 7 Figure 7 HOOD AND SIDE PANELS The tractor hood is arranged to swing up and forward for easy access to the engine compartment see Fig ure 8 Whenever engine maintenance is required the side panels can be removed WARNING If the engine has been recently run the engine muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to ...

Page 13: ...13 Figure 8 UPPER FRONT WING NUT RETAINER WITH TAPERED GUIDE REAR WING NUT GRILLE REAR TAB ON PANEL SIDE PANEL GROOVE IN DASH PANEL GRASP GRASP ...

Page 14: ...d because it leaves less combustion chamber deposits Leaded gasoline may be used in areas where unleaded is not available and exhaust emissions are not regulated Be aware however that the cylinder head may require more frequent service Gasohol up to 10 ethyl alcohol 90 unleaded gasoline by volume is an approved fuel Other gasoline alcohol blends are not approved Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether MTBE an...

Page 15: ...nob all the way in Do not use the choke to enrich the fuel mixture except as necessary to start the engine STOPPING THE ENGINE CAUTION Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended Place the PTO switch in the OFF position Place the throttle control lever between the MID and FAST positions Wait a moment to allow the e...

Page 16: ... throttle lever to the position where the engine operates best for the load to be handled 2 Driving with forward or reverse pedals CAUTION Do not use the forward or reverse control pedals to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion Use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a stop before depressing either the forward or reverse control pedal a To move forward slowly depress th...

Page 17: ...ntrol engage the brake pedal lock disengage the PTO turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the key from the switch before dismounting OPERATING THE POWER TAKE OFF PTO CLUTCH Before operating the new clutch under load mowing grass etc perform the following break in procedure 1 Start and run the engine a few minutes to warm up 2 With the mowing deck snow thrower etc installed and the engine runn...

Page 18: ...pushed forward or rearward the braking force must be increased 2 Release the brake pedal lock If the tractor cannot be pushed forward or rearward the braking force must be decreased To adjust the braking force refer to Figure 11 and proceed as follows 1 Place the tractor on a level surface with the brake pedal lock disengaged Stop the tractor engine and remove the ignition key 2 While working from...

Page 19: ...asurement D should be approximately 1 16 to 1 8 inch less than measurement C on each side of the tractor 5 Disconnect the front ball joints from the steering arms by removing the hex lock nuts Refer to Figure 13 Manually move each wheel to achieve the required toe in and equal D measurements 6 Loosen the jam nuts from the ball joints See Figure 13 Figure 13 7 Making sure not to move the lower stee...

Page 20: ...vent tipping WARNING The operator presence safety circuit will stop the engine if the seat is empty when the brake pedal is released If an assistant is seated when adjusting the neutral setting use extreme caution to prevent the tractor from tipping or rolling Similar precautions should be taken with any other method of over riding the safety circuit such as placing a weight in the seat Never oper...

Page 21: ...r then tighten the hex tap screws Make sure to maintain the adjusted position of the control rods when tightening 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 bolt See Figure 16 The bolt ca...

Page 22: ...r when running the engine Adjust the carburetor idle fuel mixture in the order stated as follows Refer to Figure 17 NOTE Carburetor adjustments should be made only after the engine has warmed up 1 Start the engine and run at half throttle for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up The engine must be warm before making the final settings Check that the throttle and choke plates can fully open 2 Idle Speed Sett...

Page 23: ...ne Oil S A E 5W20 or S A E 5W30 is acceptable up to 40 F CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL Regularly checking and maintaining the engine oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized Close monitoring of the oil level during the first 10 hours of operation is especially important Referring to Figure 18 check the oil level BEFORE EACH USE as follows The engine must be cool so the oil has had time to drai...

Page 24: ...LVE COVER AT ALL TIMES WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING Severe engine damage could result from failure to do so DRAINING OIL AND REPLACING OIL FILTER NOTE The engine oil should be changed after the first 5 hours of operation Then oil should be changed after every 100 hours of operation WARNING If the tractor has recently been operated the engine and surrounding areas may be hot Use caution not to burn...

Page 25: ...into the filter material 11 Apply a light coating of clean oil on the gasket of the new oil filter Thread the filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter adapter then tighten the filter an additional 1 2 turn Refer to FILLING THE CRANKCASE and to the LUBRICATION TABLE and refill the crankcase with the quantity and type of oil specified FILLING THE CRANKCASE CAUTION Never overfill th...

Page 26: ...he ignition key 2 Clean the area around the oil fill plug dipstick to prevent debris from entering the transmission case 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 20 4 Reinstall the oil fill plug dipstick securely into the oil fill port CA...

Page 27: ... 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 20 Figure 22 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 CAUTION The oil fill plug...

Page 28: ...o check the element cover for damage or improper fit Replace all damaged air cleaner components 6 Inspect the rubber grommet See Figure 23 for deterioration cracks and 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 Properly cleane...

Page 29: ...s is necessary WARNING Allow the engine and surrounding surfaces to cool before changing the head lamp bulbs Replace headlight bulbs as follows See Figure 25 1 Unplug the wire harness leads from the headlight socket terminals Note which wire connects to each terminal before disconnecting 2 Rotate the socket assembly as follows to remove from the reflector housing Left headlight appoximately 1 4 tu...

Page 30: ...s shield eyes and protect skin and clothing when working near batteries DANGER BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID AND MAY EMIT EXPLOSIVE GASES USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN HANDLING BATTERIES KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN MAINTENANCE OF BATTERY The tractor is shipped with a wet battery the battery acid has already been added and the battery sealed Although the battery is maintenance free the...

Page 31: ... it from the tab beneath the battery tray 5 Lift the battery upward and remove from the left side of the tractor Figure 27 6 Install the new battery from the left side of the tractor and lower into the battery tray 7 Stretch the battery holddown strap downward across the front of the battery and hook to the tab below the battery tray 8 Rotate the mounting rod downward and insert through the bottom...

Page 32: ...ent on the tractor which exceeds the load capacity of the size of the tires on the tractor MOUNTING TIRES ON THE RIM WARNING Do not mount a tire unless you have the proper equipment Do not inflate the tire above the recommended pressure Do not stand over the tire assembly when inflating Accidental over inflation could cause an explosive separation of the tire and rim which could result in serious ...

Page 33: ...and the pin Refer to Figure 28 3 Install the lower hook of the lift assist spring into the hole in the right rear deck bracket See Figure 29 Figure 29 4 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 30 Figure 30 B DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS In order to achieve even cu...

Page 34: ...CK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT Figure 32 6 Lower the deck onto the hard level surface 7 Side to side leveling is obtained utilizing the adjustment ferrule and right hand hanger bracket Refer to Figure 33 Figure 33 8 Loosen the upper jam nut on the hanger bracket and turn away from the adjustment ferrule Turn the lower lock nut upward tighten on the threads of the hanger bracket to raise the right side of ...

Page 35: ...taining the correct front pitch to the deck tighten the front lock nut on that side until the rod just contacts the front of the slot 9 Tighten the rear jam nuts after adjustment is completed 10 Connect the spark plug wires if previously disconnected GAUGE WHEEL ADJUSTMENT WARNING Before making any adjustments place the PTO switch in the OFF position engage the brake pedal lock turn the ignition k...

Page 36: ...for each setting to prevent scalping 1 Push or pull the tractor implement lift handle to depress the button on top of the lift handle 2 Raise or lower the lift handle to obtain the desired mower deck cutting height 3 Release the button when the desired mower position is obtained Note the numbered position of the lift lever indicator so that the deck can be returned to this position C REMOVAL AND I...

Page 37: ...ut and rearward Refer to Figure 40 Figure 40 6 Remove the rearward end of the PTO belt from the upper pulley of the deck center double pulley See to Figure 41 Engage the deck idler arm lever back into its stop bracket Refer to Figure 40 Figure 41 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 remo...

Page 38: ...tach rod Pull the front 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 Refer to Figure 46 Figure 46 CAUTION 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 tr...

Page 39: ...the deck facing toward the front of the tractor Raise the tractor implement lift handle to its highest setting and slide the deck under the tractor Figure 48 3 Make sure the slot in both rear deck brackets aligns with the implement lift link on each side of the tractor Refer to Figure 49 Figure 49 4 Refer to Figure 50 to ensure the correct orientation of the front lift rod bracket assembly form be...

Page 40: ... is lowered to its lowest setting Refer to Figure 54 8 Pull both deck support pins outward and rotate rear ward to disengage the outer surface ot the rear deck brackets Release the pins making certain each deck support pin 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 See Figure 54 Fig...

Page 41: ... slowly 12 Disengage the deck idler arm lever from its stop bracket and release the spring tension by rotating the lever out and rearward Refer to Figure 58 Figure 58 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 installation instructions 13 Install the forward end of the PTO belt on the PTO clut...

Page 42: ...E CARE WARNING Before performing any maintenance 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 to avoid accidental starting and injury WARNING When servicing the mower deck be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades Clean the underside of the mower deck at the end of the mowing season or...

Page 43: ...e spindle as semblies and the spindle belt idler arm with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No 2 multipurpose lithium grease Excess grease will be expelled from the invert ed upper seals of the spindle assemblies Listen for the muffled crackling noise of grease being expelled through the seal to indicate the spindle assembly is ful ly greased Refer to Figure 65 Every 50 hours or twice yearly lubrica...

Page 44: ...used clean any buildup of grass clippings from the chute opening of the deck housing 2 Lift and hold the chute deflector in the upward position Refer to Figure 67 3 Position the mulching plug so that the retaining lip on the backside of the plug partially interlocks with the lower edge of the deck chute opening then rotate the top of the plug upward so that the hooks engage the deflector hinge rod...

Page 45: ...ng 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 falter then use the choke to keep the ...

Page 46: ...d 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 shown in Figure 68 Figure 68 MOWING WITH MULCHING OPTION 1 Do not cut wet grass For effective mulchi...

Page 47: ...other allied equipment can be purchased from and installed by your authorized Cub Cadet dealer The tractor is used for so many different types of work and because it is called on to operate under so many different conditions a variety or equipment is available to adapt it to the requirements of the user Refer to the attachment guide for a complete description of equipment and required components t...

Page 48: ... under dirty conditions X Check transmission oil level X Replace transmission oil filter After first 10 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 Grease front axle pivot bolt X Grease steering knuckles X Retorque rear wheel lug nuts After first 10 hours X Clean cooling fins external surfaces X Service air clean...

Page 49: ...orrectly 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 Adjust Refer to ADJUSTMENTS 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 Adjust the carburetor Oil level rises due to gasoline...

Page 50: ...kage 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 side panels dash intake screen or grille Keep the air intake ...

Page 51: ...P 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 30 Two strokes minimum of the lubricator using 251H EP grease or equivalent No 2 multi purpose lithium grease Steering gear housing 30 Two strokes minimum of the lubricator using 251H EP grease or equivalent No 2 multi purpose lithium gre...

Page 52: ...of each 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 i...

Page 53: ...rokes minimum or sufficient grease to flush out old grease and dirt 8 Spindle belt idler arm 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 30 Hours of Operation 9 Front wheel bearings Two or three strokes minimum of the lubricator using 251H EP grease or an equivalent No 2 multi pu...

Page 54: ...UBRICATION GUIDE 30 10 10 30 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 10 9 3 15 6 2 6 6 14 11 4 1 10 10 50 7 8 12 12 50 13 50 ...

Page 55: ...OU 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 never across t...

Page 56: ...56 ...

Page 57: ...TIC 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 Wheelb...

Page 58: ... grass bags rider deck wheels seats snow thrower skid shoes shave plates and tires c CUB CADET does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States of America its possessions and territories except those sold through CUB CADET S authorized channels of export distribution No implied warranty including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a partic...

Page 59: ... OBTAIN SERVICE Warranty service is available WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED CUB CADET DEALER To locate the dealer in your area please check for a listing in the Yellow Pages or contact CUB CADET by calling 1 877 282 8684 or writing to P O Box 361131 Cleveland Ohio 44136 0019 You may also log on to our Web site at www cubcadet com This limited warranty does not provide covera...

Page 60: ...ements Part No Change every 100 hours KH 12 050 08 Gap Requirements Part No 030 inch gap 759 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 Model Part No Model Part No 44 Deck 954 3039 44 Deck 954 3068 BLADES Original Equipment Blade...

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