CUB CADET 2185 (01) PDF Document

To ensure your safety while servicing your CUB CADET 2185, please adhere to the following rules:

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

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

3. 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.

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

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

6. When operating a power washer to clean a machine before servicing, be careful at all times to avoid injury. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times. Never direct the spray at people or animals, as high pressure spray can cause serious injury.

7. If a portable heater is used to heat the service area, the following precautions must be observed:

a. Do not use portable heaters in the presence of volatile materials such as gasoline, paint or paint thinner. A fire or explosion may result.

b. When in operation, locate the heater away from the immediate work area to avoid accidental contact, which could result in severe burns or ignite your clothing.

c. Portable heaters consume oxygen and emit hazardous combustion fumes. A heater should be used only in a well ventilated area. Keep a window or door partially open to provide ventilation.

d. Keep the heater at least four feet from all combustible materials.

e. Never use gasoline as fuel.

8. Gasoline is highly flammable — observe the following precautions when handling gasoline:

a. Use an approved gasoline container.

b. Never remove the fuel tank cap or fill the fuel tank when the engine is running, is hot, or is indoors. DO NOT SMOKE when working around flammable fuel.

c. Avoid fires — be sure container or funnel does not touch the battery. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Wipe up all spilled gasoline.

d. Replace fuel tank cap securely.

9. Never use trouble lights or electric powered tools that have cut or damaged cords or plugs. Be sure all electric tools are properly grounded.

10. 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 out of or into the area. EXHAUST GASES ARE TOXIC. OPENING DOORS AND WINDOWS MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

11. After servicing, be sure all tools, spare parts, and/or servicing equipment are removed from the machine.

12. Electrical storage batteries give off highly flammable hydrogen gas when charging, and continue to do so for some time after receiving a steady charge. Do not, under any circumstances, allow an electrical spark or an open flame near the battery. Always disconnect the battery cables (negative cable first) before working on the electrical system.

13. Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can have enough force to penetrate the skin. Hydraulic fluid may also infect a minor cut or opening in the skin. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor at once. Serious infection or reaction can result if medical treatment is not given immediately. Do not attempt to repair or tighten hoses that are under pressure or with the tractor engine running. Cycle all hydraulic control valves to relieve all pressure before disconnecting lines or performing other work on the hydraulic system. Make sure all connections are tight and hoses and lines are in good condition before applying pressure to the system. To locate a leak under pressure, use a small piece of cardboard or wood. Never use your hands.

14. When using a welder or acetylene torch, always wear welding goggles and gloves. Keep a charged fire extinguisher within reach. Do not weld or heat areas near the fuel tank, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, or battery.

15. 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. Be sure jack stands are properly positioned to prevent tipping or rollover.

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

17. Use a safety catch on all hoist hooks. Do not take a chance, the load could slip off the hook.

18. Use pullers to remove bearings, bushings, gears, sleeves, etc. when applicable. Use hammers, punches and chisels only when absolutely necessary. Then, be sure to wear safety glasses.

19. Petroleum based solvents used for cleaning parts are flammable. Use care to avoid fire or explosion when using these solvents.

20. Be careful when using compressed air to dry parts. Use approved air fixtures so not exceed 30 psi, wear safety glasses or goggles, and use proper shielding to protect everyone in the work area.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Your CUB CADET 2185 is shipped with a dry battery. Electrolyte must be added and the battery activated. Proper activation of the battery will affect its life and performance. Failure to follow these steps can cause premature failure of the battery.

To activate the battery with electrolyte:

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 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.

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.

WARNING:

Battery cables must be disconnected in the proper order to avoid arcing. When disconnecting cables from the battery, ALWAYS remove the negative cable first, and then remove the positive cable.

Electrolyte is diluted sulfuric acid. Use extreme care to avoid spilling and to avoid contact with skin and eyes. Acid can destroy clothing and burn your skin. Should you come in contact with your skin, flush the area immediately with clean cold water. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute with clean water, then neutralize with a solution of baking soda and water.

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.

Battery cables must be installed in the proper order to avoid arcing. When connecting cables to the battery, ALWAYS connect the positive cable first, then connect the negative cable.

Follow this maintenance schedule for your CUB CADET 2185. Maintenance information for optional equipment may be found in the manual which is included with that specific piece of equipment.

The following table outlines the lubrication points, intervals, capacities, and types for your CUB CADET 2185.

If the battery on your CUB CADET 2185 will not hold a charge, there are several potential causes and solutions to investigate.

Probable Cause: Low electrolyte level

Possible Solution:

Use pure water and fill to level indicator or 1/2 inch above top of the plates. Refer to Appendix C Para. C-5.8 for more details.

Probable Cause: Electrolyte (specific gravity)

Possible 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. Refer to Appendix C Para. C-5.10 for more details.

Probable Cause: Battery capacity

Possible Solution:

Test capacity and evaluate condition.

• Minimum voltage of 10.5 volts measured across battery terminals.

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

If your CUB CADET 2185 engine has spark but fails to start, the issue is likely related to fuel delivery.

Probable Cause: Engine not getting fuel

Possible Solutions:

Perform services in a well ventilated area. Fuel vapors are very flammable. Do not service the fuel system immediately after operating the tractor. Allow all tractor components to cool and remove all sources of ignition before servicing.

• Check fuel tank for fuel.

• Check fuel flow to filter. If no flow, check tank and fuel lines for obstructions or kinks.

• Check fuel flow through filter. If no flow, replace clogged filter.

• Check operation of fuel pump as follows:

a. Disconnect carburetor fuel line at fuel pump.

b. Attach a test length of fuel line to the fuel pump and position over an appropriate container.

c. Start engine and check for a steady stream of fuel from the test line.

• If steady flow is present, refer to engine service manual.

• If fuel flow is weak, check engine vacuum. Refer to engine service manual if below specifications.

• If vacuum is to specifications, replace the fuel pump.

Probable Cause: Carburetor fuel solenoid not operating (Models 2160, 2165 and 2185)

Possible Solutions:

Use extreme caution when conducting electrical system tests. Short circuits and electrical sparks can cause fire, resulting in damage to the equipment and/or personal injury.

• With ignition in start position, test for battery voltage at the carburetor fuel solenoid.

• Models 2160 and 2165 – If no voltage, check continuity of diode assembly to starter.

• Model 2185 – If no voltage, check diode assembly in engine wire harness.

• If voltage is present – remove and check solenoid.

If the electric PTO on your CUB CADET 2185 fails to engage, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Probable Cause: Low battery voltage

Possible Solution: Check battery voltage. The battery voltage must be above 10.5 V. DC. Refer to Battery Troubleshooting.

Probable Cause: No voltage to PTO

Possible Solution: With the ignition switch in the RUN position, battery voltage should be present at the red wire of the PTO connection. Test for battery voltage in the red wire at the PTO connector. If no voltage, check for:

• Blown fuses — check positive and ground fuses.

• Check for loose or broken connections in red wire to PTO.

If voltage is present, proceed to the next test.

Probable Cause: Open circuit in PTO field coil

Possible Solution: Disconnect PTO connector. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance of the field coil.

• Models 2160, 2165 and 2185 — 2.4 to 3.4 ohms.

OR

With the ignition switch in the RUN position and PTO connected to the wire harness, test for battery voltage in the blue wire at the PTO connector.

If measurements are NOT within specifications and/or NO voltage is present, the field coil is defective. If within specifications and/or voltage is present, proceed to the next test.

Probable Cause: No continuity through blue wire

Possible Solution: Test for battery voltage in the blue wire connection at the PTO switch. If no voltage, check the wire. If voltage is present, proceed to the next test.

Probable Cause: Defective PTO switch

Possible Solution: Disconnect the wire harness and test the continuity of the PTO switch per Appendix C (C-3.2). If the switch is OK, proceed to the next test.

Probable Cause: Defective reverse relay

Possible Solution: Unplug the relay from the wire harness and test for proper operation per Appendix C (C-3.3). If the relay is OK, proceed to the next test.

Probable Cause: PTO safety circuit not operating correctly

Possible Solution: Test the safety circuit as follows:

• Using an ohmmeter, test the continuity of the brown wire between the coil terminal of the relay and the PTO switch terminal (7). If NO continuity, check wire and connections. If OK, proceed to the next test.

• Using an ohmmeter, test the continuity of the brown wire between the coil terminal of the relay and the contact pin terminal of the relay. If NO continuity, check wire and connections. If OK, proceed to the next test.

• With the ignition switch in the RUN position, test for battery voltage in the white wire at the reverse relay. If voltage is present, the PTO circuit is OK. If no voltage, proceed to the next test.

If your hydrostatic CUB CADET 2185 tractor will not move, check the following potential causes and solutions:

Probable Cause: Parking brake engaged

Possible Solution: Disengage parking brake.

Probable Cause: Hydro disengagement rod locked in disengage position

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

Probable Cause: Hydro transmission not being actuated

Possible Solution:

• Hydro adjustment rod disconnected from clutch cam on clutch shaft, or from control arm on hydro transmission. Connect adjustment rod.

• Set screw securing control arm to hydro transmission is loose. Reposition control arm and tighten set screw.

Probable Cause: No input to hydro transmission

Possible Solution: Pump adapter loose on hydro input shaft. Tighten bell washer and hex lock nut.

Probable Cause: Bypass valve stuck or jammed in the engaged position (Applies only to tractors equipped with the Model BDU-10L-219 hydro transmission)

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

Probable Cause: Hydro transmission not primed with oil

Possible Solution:

• Check oil level in transaxle.

• Inspect pickup tube and tighten tube fittings to prevent suction of air.

• Remove and inspect oil filter and filter nipple. Replace plugged oil filter. Ensure nipple is not blocking oil passage of transaxle.

• Remove charge pump and inspect for damage or excessive wear.

Probable Cause: Extensive internal wear or damage to hydro transmission

Possible Solution: Rebuild or replace hydro transmission.

Probable Cause: Drive collar disengaged inside transaxle

Possible Solution:

• Make certain hydro dump arm is securely fastened to shift yoke of transaxle.

• Pull arm rearward to ensure good spring tension against drive collar. If no tension is felt, disassemble transaxle and inspect compression spring.

• If tension is felt, release the dump arm while rocking the tractor forward or backward. Feel for drive collar to engage gear inside transaxle (tractor should stop abruptly). If drive collar does not engage, disassemble transaxle.

If your CUB CADET 2185 creeps when in neutral, it is likely due to an adjustment issue or a worn part in the hydrostatic transmission control system. Here are the potential causes and solutions:

Probable Cause: Centering spacer not properly positioned on neutral bracket.

Possible Solution: Referring to Section 6 — Adjustments, adjust the centering spacer so that the hydro control arm is in the neutral position.

Probable Cause: Hydro adjustment rod not properly adjusted.

Possible Solution: Readjust the hydro rod. The hydro rod should be readjusted whenever the centering spacer is repositioned.

Probable Cause: Set screw securing control arm to hydro transmission is loose.

Possible Solution: Reposition the control arm on the hydro transmission and tighten the set screw.

Probable Cause: Loss of tension or distortion in the neutral arm spring — preventing control arm from being consistently neutralized.

Possible Solution: Replace the damaged spring. The correct spring is yellow dichromate plated.

Probable Cause: Surface interference in neutral return bracket of clutch shaft causing sluggish return to neutral.

Possible Solution: Remove material from the bottom surface of the opening in the neutral return bracket per Service Bulletin CC-292.

Probable Cause: Defective damper cylinder restricting normal rotation of pedal/clutch shaft.

Possible Solution: Fully extend and retract the cylinder to test for return to static (neutral) length. Replace if defective.

Probable Cause: Swashplate leveler and/or leveler pin distorted.

Possible Solution: Repair or replace the hydro transmission.

To service the electrical system on your CUB CADET 2185, follow these removal steps. The electrical system contains safety interlock switches that are essential for operator safety. These devices must be present on the tractor and must be in proper working order.

1. Remove the side panels per paragraph 5-3.2.

2. Remove the battery (15, Fig. 5-5) as follows:

a. Remove the negative battery cable and main harness (1) ground lead from the battery by removing the battery bolt AND NUT (35).

b. Remove the positive battery cable and main harness lead (if applicable) from the battery by removing the battery bolt AND NUT (35).

c. Loosen the hose clamp and remove the drain tube from the battery vent nipple.

d. From underneath the battery, pull the bottom of the battery retainer strap (10) down and forward to release from the pedestal tab.

e. Lift the battery out of the tractor.

f. Remove the battery retainer strap (10) by pulling it down through the pedestal opening.

3. Unplug the reverse relay (16) from the main harness (1). Some relays have a silicone gasket on the terminals (See Service Bulletin CC-310).

4. Slide the fuse holders (28) off the fuse holder mounting clips (29) and remove the fuses (14) from the holders.

5. Pinch the locking barbs of the fuse holder mounting clips (29) to remove them from their mounting location.

6. Disconnect the main harness connector and ground wire from the voltage indicator (22) and quick connect lug (18). Remove the indicator and quick connect lug by removing the hex cap screw (5) and hex sems nuts (7).

7. Unplug the wire harness connector from the PTO switch (24); then remove the switch by pinching the locking tabs and pushing the switch up through the dash panel.

8. Unplug the harness connector and ground lead from the ignition switch (20), and remove the ignition switch by removing the ignition switch cap (12) and switch nut (11).

9. After unplugging the harness leads, remove the hour meter (19) and dash label by removing the truss hd. tapp screws (6) and pushing the meter outward from the underside of the dash panel.

10. From underneath the dash panel, turn the indicator bulb sockets counterclockwise and pull from the dash panel to remove the indicator bulbs (13).

11. Lift the retaining clip and unplug the wire harness connector from the reverse switch (23); then depress the locking tabs and push the switch outward from inside the frame pedestal.

12. Remove the interlock switch (21).

13. Spread the locking clips of the harness connectors to disconnect from the sockets of the head lamp bulbs (34). Turn the sockets (34) 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release from the headlight reflector and remove the bulb assemblies.

14. Remove the solenoid (17) as follows:

a. Disconnect the starter cable and battery cable (and the main harness battery lead, if applicable) from the solenoid by removing the hex nuts (9) and lock washers (31).

b. Disconnect the actuation lead from the solenoid by removing the hex nut (8) and external lock washer (32).

c. Pull the ground lead from the quick connect lug (18); then remove the solenoid (17) and quick connect lug from the bulkhead by removing the hex sems nuts (7) and hex cap screws (4).

15. Remove the main harness (1) as follows:

a. Disconnect the harness leads from the seat switch (25).

b. Remove the fender and running boards per paragraph 5-13.2.

c. Unplug the wire harness connector from the PTO clutch.

d. Remove the hex cap screw (3) and external lock washer (32) securing the engine ground.

e. Remove the starter cable and diode assy. (33) from the starter. Tag the harness leads and unplug from all other engine components (see Fig. 5-5).

f. Pinch the locking barbs to remove, or cut the several cable ties holding the harness to the tractor frame.

g. Note the routing of the harness and remove from the tractor.

To service the Power Take-Off (PTO) clutch on your CUB CADET 2185, follow these steps for removal, inspection, and installation.

Removal:

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

2. Remove the side panels and the hood and grille assembly per paragraph 5-3.2.

3. Disconnect the electrical connection from the PTO clutch.

4. Remove the hex flange lock nuts (14, Fig. 5-7) securing the muffler to the tractor frame and remove the muffler. Do not attempt to remove the muffler or PTO clutch when the engine is hot.

5. Remove the PTO clutch assy. (5) from the engine crankshaft by removing the hex cap screw (2), lock washer (6), and flat washer (8). Note the position of the electrical lead wires before removing the clutch assy.

6. Slide the spacer (4) off the crankshaft. Note the position of the beveled I.D. of the spacer.

7. Remove the torque bracket (1) from the engine by removing the hex cap screws (3) and bell washers (7).

Disassembly:

1. Remove the hex lock nuts (9) and slide the armature assembly (13) off the rotor (12).

2. Remove the compression springs (10) from the field coil studs and separate the rotor (12) from the field coil assy.

Inspection:

1. Clean all parts prior to inspection.

2. Inspect all threaded areas for damage.

3. Inspect the armature assy. (13) for excessive scoring or wear of the armature drive plate, bent or damaged plate leaf springs, and bent or nicked pulley sheaves.

4. Check the brake plate for distortion or excessive wear.

5. Check the bearing for binding and for excessive looseness, indicating internal wear.

6. Inspect the rotor (12) drive surface for excessive wear or scoring. Some scoring is common.

7. Check the keyway of the rotor hub for damage or wear.

8. Inspect the field coil assy. (11) for cracks or damage to the insulation of the coil windings and the electrical lead wires.

9. Inspect the compression springs (10) for damage or distortion.

10. Check the torque bracket (1) for wear or distortion.

Installation:

1. Assemble the rotor (12) onto the field coil assy. (11), making certain the rotor hub is fully seated in the coil bearing.

2. Place the compression springs (10) on the field coil studs and install the armature assy. (13) onto the rotor and field coil. Secure with the hex lock nuts (9).

3. Install the torque bracket (1) on the engine with the hex cap screws (3) and bell washers (7). Slide the torque bracket to its highest position and snug the screws.

4. With the beveled I.D. toward the engine, slide the spacer (4) onto the crankshaft.

5. Position the electrical lead as noted during removal and align the rotor key with the crankshaft keyway; then slide the PTO clutch assy. (5) onto the crankshaft.

6. Secure the clutch assy. with the flat washer (8), lock washer (6), and hex cap screw (2). For Models 2160 and 2165, torque the screw to 40 ft. lbs. On Model 2185, torque the screw to 50-60 ft. lbs.

7. Using a feeler guage, adjust the air gap to .017 inch. Refer to Adjustments in Section 6 for a description of this procedure.

8. Adjust the torque bracket (1) evenly against the top edge of the field coil back plate and tighten the cap screws (3).

To properly adjust the PTO air gap on your CUB CADET 2185, follow these steps. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking brake. The PTO clutch and engine may be hot. Allow the engine and clutch to cool before adjusting.

1. Locate the three access slots (1) which are equally spaced around the circumference of the armature brake plate (2).

2. Using a feeler gauge, measure the gap between the armature drive plate and the rotor at all three access slots. The air gap measurements should be equal and between .012 to .017 inch.

3. Loosen or tighten the self-locking nuts (3) as necessary to achieve an equal air gap measurement, within specifications, at all three locations. Re-measure each location after adjusting any of the self locking nuts.

The turning radius should be approximately equal in each direction, and the front wheels should toe-in approximately 1/8 inch. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and chock the rear wheels before beginning alignment procedures.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. If the steering knuckle clearances differ significantly, check the lower steering arm for proper position as follows:

a. Center the steering segment gear. Insert a 1/4 inch dowel into the alignment holes of the gear and the steering housing.

b. From underneath the tractor, check that the lower steering arm is approximately perpendicular to the tractor frame. If it is not properly positioned, disassemble and reposition the steering arm per paragraph 5-15.

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

a. The front of the tractor may be raised slightly to reduce the weight and ease movement of the front wheels.

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 on the front ball joints.

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 (and tie rod if necessary) in full turn increments, shortening the assembly by an amount equal to half (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.

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

Due to normal wear, the tractor brake system on your CUB CADET 2185 should be periodically tested for proper operation and adjusted as follows:

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

2. The following step applies to Models 2135, 2145, 2165 and 2185. Pull the hydro disengagement rod rearward and lock 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. If the tractor can be pushed AND the wheels 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 brake shoes or drum, excessively worn brake shoes, or possible internal transaxle damage. If unable to push the tractor with the brake disengaged, check for possible brake assembly and/or internal transaxle damage.

Incorrect neutral adjustment of the hydrostatic transmission will affect the output performance, most notably in reverse. If the tractor attempts to drive (creep) forward or rearward when neither the forward nor reverse pedal is depressed, neutral adjustment should be checked and read-justed. To check and adjust, 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. 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.

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 created when adjusting the neutral setting, use extreme caution to prevent the tractor from tipping or rolling. Serious injury could result. Similar precautions should be taken with any other method of over-riding the safety circuit, such as placing a weight in the seat. Never allow the tractor to be operated with the safety circuit disabled.

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

4. 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, slide the centering spacer slightly forward until wheel 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.

5. 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.