CUB CADET 2145 (01) PDF Document

To ensure your safety while working on your CUB CADET 2145, follow these essential rules:

• To prevent accidental starting, always pull the high tension wire(s) off the spark plug(s) before servicing or adjusting the machine.

• To prevent injury, do not allow children or bystanders in the vicinity of the machine while it is being adjusted and/or serviced.

• Do not wear jewelry (rings, wrist watches, necklaces, etc.) or loose fitting clothing when working on machinery; they could catch on moving parts, causing serious injury. Wear sturdy, tough-soled work shoes. Never adjust and/or service a machine in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.

• Always wear safety glasses when using a hammer, chisel or other tools that may cause chips to fly.

• Be sure to reinstall all safety devices, guards or shields after adjusting and/or servicing the machine.

• Gasoline is highly flammable. Observe the following precautions: use an approved gasoline container, never remove the fuel tank cap or fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or hot, do not smoke when working around flammable fuel, and avoid fires by ensuring the container or funnel does not touch the battery.

• Never run an engine in a confined area, such as a garage or storage building, any longer than is necessary for immediate moving of the machine. Exhaust gases are toxic.

• Electrical storage batteries give off highly flammable hydrogen gas when charging. Do not do so in a poorly ventilated area. After receiving a steady charge, do not, under any circumstances, allow an electrical spark or an open flame near the battery.

• Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can have enough force to penetrate the skin. Do not attempt to repair or tighten hoses that are under pressure or with the tractor engine running.

• Always use safety stands in conjunction with hydraulic jacks or hoists. Do not rely on the jack or hoist to carry the load; it could fail, causing serious injury and/or damage.

• When removing or supporting components or disassembling machines, be sure to use safety stands and adequate supports to prevent tipping or rollover.

Your CUB CADET 2145 tractor is shipped with a dry battery that must be activated with electrolyte. Follow these steps for proper battery activation:

1. Remove the battery from the tractor and place on a work bench or table.

2. Fill each cell to the top of the plates with electrolyte.

3. Allow the battery to sit for 30 minutes. This will allow the chemical action to take place between the electrolyte and battery plates. When the battery is charged, the heat will cause expansion of the electrolyte.

4. Re-check the electrolyte level and, if necessary, add electrolyte to completely cover the plates.

5. Connect the charger to the battery per instructions with the charger. Charging the battery at more than the recommended 4 AMPS will shorten the service life of the battery, and may cause the plates to warp and short out the battery.

6. Charge the battery at 4 AMPS maximum until the specific gravity of each cell is 1.250 or higher.

7. Check the level of electrolyte in all cells and add, if necessary, to bring level up to split ring.

8. Wash off any spilled electrolyte.

9. Install the battery in the tractor and connect the POSITIVE battery cable to the positive terminal of the battery.

10. Connect the NEGATIVE battery cable to the negative terminal of the battery.

Follow this maintenance schedule to keep your CUB CADET 2145 in optimal condition.

Refer to the table below for lubrication points, service intervals, and lubricant types for your CUB CADET 2145.

If the battery on your CUB CADET 2145 is not holding a charge, investigate the following possible causes and solutions:

Probable Cause: Low electrolyte level

Solution: Use pure water and fill to the level indicator or to 1/2 inch above the top of the plates. Never use electrolyte to fill an operating battery, as plate separators will be destroyed.

Probable Cause: Electrolyte (specific gravity) issue

Solution: Test each cell and evaluate the condition.

• All readings even at 1.250 or above — Battery O.K.

• All readings even but less than 1.250 — Recharge and retest.

• High-low variation between cells less than 50 gravity points — Recharge and retest.

• High-low variation between cells exceeds 50 gravity points — Replace battery.

Probable Cause: Low battery capacity

Solution: Test capacity and evaluate the condition.

• A minimum voltage of 10.5 volts should be measured across the battery terminals.

• Recharge the battery for 10 minutes at a 25 amp charge rate, then measure for an increase in voltage across the terminals. If voltage increases, recharge the battery at the recommended 4 amp charge rate. If no increase, replace the battery.

If your CUB CADET 2145 battery is not charging, the cause is likely the charging system not operating. Follow these steps to diagnose the issue:

• With the ignition switch in the ON position, check for battery voltage at the charge terminal of the regulator. If there is no voltage, check the wire harness for broken wires or connections.

• If battery voltage is present at the regulator, start the engine and check charging voltage from the output terminal of the regulator (12.5 to 14.5 VDC). If voltage is low, check the engine stater output (24 VAC minimum).

If the battery on your CUB CADET 2145 is boiling over, it may be due to the battery being overfilled or an issue with the charging system. To resolve this, you should:

• Adjust the electrolyte level to the proper amount.

• Check the voltage regulator output to ensure it is within the correct range.

If the engine on your CUB CADET 2145 cranks but fails to start, investigate the following possibilities:

Probable Cause: Spark plugs

Solution: Remove the plug(s) and check the gap and condition of the electrodes. Re-gap to engine specifications if questionable. If the condition is questionable, replace the plug(s).

Probable Cause: Defective ignition module

Solution: Use a spark tester and check for spark at the plug. If no spark, remove the yellow wire from the connector block where the tractor harness and engine harness connect. Crank the engine. If there is still no spark, refer to the engine service manual for ignition module testing and replacement. If the engine has spark, the ignition module is O.K. Test the tractor harness and switches for proper operation.

Probable Cause: Grounded yellow wires or defective safety switches

Solution: Test the tractor harness and switches for proper operation.

If your CUB CADET 2145 with a hydro transaxle will not move, check the following potential issues:

Probable Cause: Parking brake engaged

Solution: Disengage the parking brake.

Probable Cause: Hydro disengagement rod locked in disengage position

Solution: Release the disengagement rod from the notch of the drawbar plate.

Probable Cause: Hydro transmission not being actuated

Solution: Check if the hydro adjustment rod is disconnected from the clutch cam on the clutch shaft, or from the control arm on the hydro transmission. Connect the adjustment rod. If the set screw securing the control arm to the hydro transmission is loose, re-position the control arm and tighten the set screw.

Probable Cause: No input to hydro transmission

Solution: Check if the pump adapter is loose on the hydro input shaft. Tighten the bell washer and hex lock nut.

Probable Cause: Bypass valve stuck or jammed in the engaged position

Solution: Actuate the valve button to ensure smooth operation, then check that the button extends approximately 0.22 inches from the bottom of the plug.

Probable Cause: Hydro transmission not primed with oil

Solution: Check the oil level in the transaxle. Inspect the pickup tube and tighten the tube fittings to prevent suction of air. Remove and inspect the oil filter and filter nipple. Replace a plugged oil filter. Ensure the nipple is not blocking the oil passage of the transaxle. Remove the charge pump and inspect for damage or excessive wear.

Probable Cause: Extensive internal wear or damage to hydro transmission

Solution: Rebuild or replace the hydro transmission.

Probable Cause: Drive collar disengaged inside transaxle

Solution: Make certain the hydro dump arm is securely fastened to the shift yoke of the transaxle. Pull the arm rearward to ensure good spring tension against the drive collar. If no tension is felt, disassemble the transaxle and inspect the compression spring. If tension is felt, release the dump arm while rocking the tractor forward or backward. Feel for the drive collar to engage gear inside the transaxle (the tractor should stop abruptly). If the drive collar does not engage, disassemble the transaxle.

If your CUB CADET 2145 is not reaching its normal operating speed in one or both directions, consider these potential causes and solutions:

Probable Cause: Low engine RPM

Solution: Move the throttle control lever to the full throttle position. Check and, if necessary, adjust the top no load engine speed to specifications (Usually 3500-3600 RPM).

Probable Cause: Improper brake adjustment or operation causing drag on transmission

Solution: Check for a too tightly adjusted brake rod and readjust it. Check for a damaged, weak, or missing brake return spring and replace it. Check for a corroded or damaged brake actuator seizing in the brake plate and repair or replace components. Check for broken or damaged brake shoes or a drum causing binding and replace necessary components.

Probable Cause: Trunnion arm of hydro transmission not being fully actuated

Solution: Ensure the hydro adjustment rod is correctly installed; the pivot sleeve should be in the lower hole of the control arm, and the ferrule at the front end of the rod should be in the rear slotted hole of the clutch cam. Readjust the hydro adjustment rod. Ensure the hex flange lock nut on the rear end of the adjustment rod is completely tight. Set the screw securing the control arm to the hydro transmission if it is loose, allowing slippage. Test the damper cylinder for full extension and retraction; replace if defective.

Probable Cause: Full input not being transmitted to hydro input shaft

Solution: Tighten the pump adapter if it is loose on the hydro input shaft.

To remove the hood, grille, and side panels, follow these steps:

Side Panel Removal:

1. Open the hood and loosen the rear wing nuts.

2. Loosen the upper front wing nuts on each side of the grille.

3. Grasp the side panel just behind the grille and pull outward to release the side panel from the tapered bushings on the grille.

4. Slide the side panel forward and out of the slot in the dash panel.

Hood and Grille Removal:

1. Disconnect the wire harness from the head lamp bulbs from the back of the headlight reflector.

2. Pinch the locking barbs to release, or cut the cable ties that secure the wire harness to the RH grille bracket.

3. Remove the hex wash. hd. tapp screws which secure the LH and RH grille brackets and the hood to the tractor frame.

4. Lift the hood and grille assembly off the tractor frame and place in a work area that will prevent scratches or damage to the painted surfaces.

Follow these steps to safely remove the battery and electrical components. Always disconnect battery cables in the proper order to avoid arcing.

1. Remove the side panels.

2. Remove the battery: ALWAYS remove the negative battery cable from the battery before removing the positive cable. Remove the negative cable and main harness ground lead from the battery by removing the battery bolt AND nut. Then, remove the positive battery cable and main harness lead.

3. From underneath the battery, pull the bottom of the battery retainer strap down and forward to release from the pedestal tab.

4. Lift the battery out of the tractor.

5. Remove the battery retainer strap by pulling it down through the pedestal opening.

6. Unplug the reverse relay from the main harness.

7. Slide the fuse holders off the fuse holder mounting clips and remove the fuses from the holders.

8. Pinch the locking barbs of the fuse holder mounting clips to remove them from their mounting location.

9. Disconnect the main harness connector and ground wire from the voltage indicator. Remove the indicator and quick connect lug by removing the hex cap screw and hex sems nut.

10. Unplug the wire harness connector from the PTO switch; then remove the switch by pinching the locking tabs and pushing the switch up through the dash panel.

11. After unplugging the harness leads, remove the hour meter and dash label by removing the truss hd. tapp screws and pushing the meter outward from the underside of the dash panel.

12. From underneath the dash panel, turn the indicator bulb sockets counterclockwise and pull from the dash panel to remove the indicator bulbs.

13. Lift the retaining clip and unplug the wire harness connector from the reverse switch; then depress the locking tabs and push the switch outward from inside the frame pedestal.

14. Remove the interlock switch by releasing the parking brake, temporarily removing the bottom internal cotter pin from the brake lock rod, disconnecting the main harness connector, and pinching the locking tabs to remove it from the lower right frame pedestal.

15. Spread the locking clips of the harness connectors to disconnect from the sockets of the head lamp bulbs. Turn the sockets counterclockwise to release from the headlight reflector and remove the bulb assemblies.

16. Disconnect the starter cable and battery cable from the solenoid. Disconnect the actuation lead from the solenoid by removing the hex nut and external lock washer. Put the ground lead from the quick connect lug on the bulkhead by removing the hex sems nuts and hex cap screws.

17. Remove the main harness by disconnecting it from the seat switch, fender/running boards, PTO clutch, and engine ground. Pinch locking barbs or cut cable ties holding the harness to the tractor frame. Note the routing for reassembly.

To remove the Power Take-Off (PTO) clutch on your CUB CADET 2145, follow these steps, noting variations based on the engine factory code:

1. Set the parking brake and remove the battery ground cable for safety.

2. Remove the side panels and the hood and grille assembly.

3. Disconnect the electrical connection from the PTO clutch.

4. Remove the three hex flange lock nuts securing the muffler to the tractor frame and remove the muffler.

For Engine Factory Code 11187:

5a. Remove the hex cap screw, lock washer, and flat washer from the engine crankshaft.

5b. Loosen the hex nut and remove the hex cap screw from the engine.

5c. Slide the PTO clutch assembly and spacer off the engine crankshaft. Note the position of the beveled I.D. of the spacer.

5d. Remove the torque stud from the engine.

For Engine Factory Code 11317:

6a. Remove the hex cap screw, lock washer, and step spacer end cap from the engine crankshaft.

6b. Slide the PTO clutch assembly and spacer off the engine crankshaft. Note the position of the beveled I.D. of the spacer.

6c. Remove the torque stud from the engine.

To service the 42-inch mower deck on your CUB CADET 2145, follow these removal and installation procedures.

Removal:

1. Engage the parking brake. Remove the mower deck from the tractor (see Owner’s Manual). Remove the front lift rod/lift bracket assembly from the tractor frame.

2. Remove the RH belt cover by removing the hex nuts and flat washers from the hex cutting screws.

3. If not done previously, release the tension handle from the handle stop bracket, and also remove the PTO belt from the PTO clutch.

4. Note the position of the handle stop bracket then remove it and the LH belt cover from the deck by removing the hex nuts and flat washers from the hex cutting screws.

5. Rotate the tension handle rearward to remove the extension spring from the tension handle and pulley pivot arm.

6. Pull the flat idler pulley away from the spindle V-belt to release the tension and remove the V-belt from the deck.

7. Remove the extension spring from the idler arm and shoulder bolt.

8. Pull the clevis pins w/detent ball from the wheel brackets of the deck housing and remove the deck axle/deck wheel assembly.

9. Remove the deck wheels from the deck axles by removing the shoulder bolts, flat washers, and bell washers.

10. Remove the deflector assembly by removing the two hex cap screws and bell washers.

11. Remove the cotter pin and withdraw the roller pin to remove the deck roller.

12. Remove the short and long extension skirts from the underside of the deck.

13. Remove the mounting plate and its assembled components.

Installation:

Installation is generally the reverse of the removal procedure. Key points include:

• Install the spindle assemblies onto the deck housing. Torque the hex cap screws to 35-50 ft-lbs.

• If removed with the V-pulleys, tap the woodruff keys into the keyways of the spindle shafts.

• Align the keyways of the V-pulleys with the woodruff keys and install the pulleys on the spindle assemblies. Secure with the hex jam nuts and torque to 50-60 ft-lbs.

• Install spacers and cutting blades on the bottom of the spindle assemblies. Torque the hex nuts to 90-110 ft-lbs.

• Install the mounting plate, short extension skirt, long extension skirt, and deck roller.

• Install the deck axle/wheel assemblies onto the wheel brackets of the deck. Position the axle/wheel assemblies in the lowest hole of the axles, through the front to back holes of the deck wheel brackets.

• Install the extension spring, then route the spindle V-belt.

• Install the deflector assembly, RH belt cover, and handle stop bracket.

• Install the mower deck on the tractor; check the deck leveling to make the final adjustment of the front lift rod/lift bracket assembly, and reposition the deck wheels.

To properly align the hood and grille on your CUB CADET 2145, follow these steps:

1. Open the hood and check for distortion of the hood guide engagement area of the engine bulkhead. Repair if necessary.

2. Be certain the dash panel is installed squarely on the frame pedestal.

3. Close the hood and press downward on the front of the hood to completely close the hood.

4. Check for an even spacing of approximately 0.100 in. between the rear edge of the hood and the flange of the dash panel.

5. Loosen the hex wash. hd. tapp screws securing the LH and RH grille brackets to the frame.

6. Adjust the grille brackets as necessary to obtain the proper spacing.

7. Holding the hood in position, tighten the hex wash. hd. tapp screws.

The front wheels on your CUB CADET 2145 should be adjusted for approximately 1/8 inch of toe-in. Follow this procedure:

1. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and chock the rear wheels before beginning alignment procedures.

2. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and note the distance between the front pivot axle and the steering stop on the left steering knuckle.

3. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right and compare the distance between the axle and the right steering knuckle stop with the distance observed in the previous step. The clearances should be approximately equal.

4. If the steering knuckle clearances differ significantly, check the lower steering arm. Center the steering segment gear and insert a 1/4 inch dowel pin into the alignment holes of the gear and the steering housing. From underneath the tractor, check that the lower steering arm is approximately perpendicular to the tractor frame. If not, reposition the steering arm.

5. If the lower steering arm is correctly installed, re-adjust the tie rods and set the 1/8 inch toe-in as follows:

a. Remove the hex lock nuts from the front ball joints to remove the tie rod assemblies from the arms.

b. Manually place each front wheel in the straight ahead position (as close as visually possible).

c. Place a mark at the same spot on both front wheels; for example, the mold seam in the center of the tire tread or the inner bead flange of the wheel rim.

d. Rotate the wheels to position the marks at the front horizontal diameter of the wheels, then measure the distance between the marks.

e. Rotate the marks to the rear horizontal diameter and measure the distance between the marks. The distance between the marks at the front should be 1/8 inch less than the distance measured at the rear.

f. If the difference between the measurements is more or less than 1/8 inch, move each wheel equally, in the direction necessary, to achieve the required toe-in dimension.

g. Loosen the hex jam nuts from the front ball joints, if necessary.

h. Turn the ball joint in or out on each tie rod, as necessary to align with the hole in each steering arm.

i. Reinstall the ball joints in the steering arms, but do not tighten the jam nuts against the ball joints now.

j. Remove the dowel pin from the segment gear, and repeat steps 1 and 2 above to ensure the steering knuckle clearances are approximately equal.

k. If the steering knuckle clearances are not approximately equal, determine the difference between the two measurements by subtracting the smaller from the larger.

l. Disconnect the tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle having the least clearance. Turn the ball joint an appropriate amount of full turns (or closest to half) the difference. Reinstall the tie rod assembly in the steering arm.

m. Disconnect the other tie rod assembly and lengthen by the number of full turns required in the previous step. Reinstall the tie rod assembly in the steering arm.

n. Tighten the hex jam nuts against the ball joints.

6. The turning radius and toe-in should now be correctly adjusted. Recheck and, if necessary, re-adjust per the previous instructions.

Due to normal wear, the tractor brake system on your CUB CADET 2145 should be periodically tested and adjusted as follows:

1. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and stop the engine.

2. Pull the hydro disengagement rod rearward and lock it in the slot of the drawbar plate to disengage the hydro transmission.

3. Depress the brake pedal and engage the park brake lever. While observing the rear wheels, push the tractor forward or rearward. The wheels should not rotate. If the wheels do rotate, the brake tension must be increased.

4. Depress the brake pedal to disengage the park brake lever, then release the brake. While observing the rear wheels, push the tractor forward or rearward. If the wheels do not rotate, the brake tension must be decreased.

5. Release the brake pedal and adjust the brake tension as follows:

a. Working from underneath the tractor, remove the internal cotter pin from the adjustment ferrule and disconnect the brake rod assembly from the brake cam.

b. Lightly pull the brake rod forward to ensure the rod is fully seated in the spring and that the spring hook is at the front of the hole in the brake arm. DO NOT actuate the brake arm when pulling the rod.

c. Turning one full turn at a time, turn the adjustment ferrule inward or outward on the brake rod to align the ferrule with the hole in the brake cam.

d. Turn the ferrule outward one full turn and install the ferrule in the brake cam.

e. Depress and release the brake pedal, then check to ensure the spring is not tensioned. There should be a small amount of slack in the brake rod and spring.

f. Manually depress the brake pedal and observe that the spring begins to extend during the initial movement (approximately 1 inch) of the pedal.

g. Repeat steps 4 and 5 above to again test the brakes.

If you are able to rotate the wheels with the park brake engaged, check for oil on the brake shoes or drum, excessively worn brake shoes, or possible internal transaxle damage.

Incorrect neutral adjustment of the hydrostatic transmission on your CUB CADET 2145 will affect performance. If the tractor attempts to drive (creep) forward or rearward when neither the forward nor reverse pedal is depressed, a neutral adjustment should be checked and made. Proceed as follows:

1. Drive the tractor for approximately 5-10 minutes to warm up the hydro transmission, then stop the engine and engage the parking brake.

2. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and chock the front wheels before raising the rear wheels from the ground. Use jack stands to support the rear of the tractor when raised.

3. Raise the rear of the tractor so that the rear tires are at least one inch above the surface, and set it on jack stands. Make certain the jack stands are positioned to balance the tractor and prevent tipping.

4. The operator presence safety circuit will stop the engine if the seat is empty when the brake pedal is released. If an assistant is needed when adjusting the neutral setting, use extreme caution to prevent the tractor from tipping or rolling. Serious injury could result.

5. Carefully start the tractor engine and release the parking brake. Observe both rear wheels for rotation in either direction.

6. If wheel rotation is observed, adjust the neutral setting as follows:

a. Disconnect the hydro adjustment rod from the control arm by removing the internal cotter pin from the pivot sleeve.

b. If wheel rotation stops when the rod is disconnected, check and readjust the rod per paragraph 6-10. Also check the pedal linkage and damper cylinder for binding.

c. If wheel rotation continues, loosen the hex top lock nut and hex cap screw securing the centering spacer to the neutral bracket.

d. If the rotation is in the forward direction, slide the centering spacer rearward until the wheels just begin to rotate in the reverse direction. Then slowly slide the spacer slightly forward until wheel rotation stops.

e. If the rotation is in the reverse direction, slowly slide the centering spacer slightly forward until rotation stops.

f. Carefully tighten the hex cap screw and top lock nut, making certain the spacer does not move.

g. Stop the engine and engage the parking brake.

h. Check and, if necessary, readjust the hydro adjustment rod per paragraph 6-10.

7. If unable to obtain a neutral setting by adjusting the centering spacer, refer to paragraph 5-25 for information concerning inspection and repair of the hydrostatic transmission.

The 190-315 Mulching Kit is designed for the 42″ deck of the Tractor Model 2145. Follow these installation steps:

1. Deck and Blade Removal:

• Stop the tractor engine, disengage the PTO, place all controls in neutral, and engage the brake before performing deck removal.

• Remove the deck from the tractor. Let the unit cool before touching the grille and PTO clutch.

• To remove the cutting blades, place a block of wood against the housing and cutting edge of the blade to assist in removal of the hex nut securing the blade. Remove the hex nuts, flat washers, cutting blades, and spacers from the deck. Save the hardware to mount the mulching blade assembly.

2. Mulching Baffle Installation:

• Assemble the top baffle to the side baffle with two carriage bolts and hex nuts.

• Assemble the retaining bolt with the hex center lock nut. Tighten to eliminate side play while still allowing the retaining bolt to pivot.

• When installing the baffle assembly, the short flange at the bottom of the side baffle must be wedged to above the finger guard welded across the bottom of the deck discharge opening.

• With the retaining bolt and locking bracket projecting through the discharge opening, position the baffle assembly in the underside of the deck and press the side baffle into the discharge opening as far as possible.

• Hook the locking bracket onto the edge of the deck and tighten the wing nut until snug.

• Use a rubber mallet to tap the side baffle through the discharge opening. Re-tighten the wing nut until the baffle is completely seated.

• Insert the hex cap screw from the underside of the deck and secure with the wing nut.

3. Installing Mulching Blades:

• Slide two flat washers onto each spindle shaft.

• Install the mulching blades, making certain the sharpened edges are in the correct direction for blade rotation (sharp-ened edges pitch upward toward underside of deck).

• Install the two plate adapters.

• Make sure the lift wings point toward the deck housing. Install the cutting blades and loosely secure with the flat washers and hex nuts previously removed.

• NEVER use the pilot holes of the mulching blades, adapters, and cutting blades to bolt them together. They are only to be used to align the blades at 90° to each other and to hold in that position as the hex nuts are tightened.

• Align the pilot holes of the blades and adapters to 90° to each other and insert a Phillips screwdriver or drift punch through the holes.

• To prevent the spindle shaft from turning, use a 1-1/4 inch wrench to hold the hex shaped hub of the V-pulley.

• Tighten the hex nuts to 90 to 110 ft-lbs.

• Install the mower deck on the tractor per the instructions in the Owner’s Manual.