Cub Cadet 3185 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

3000

TRACTOR

Model 3185

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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 368023 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9723.

CUB CADET P.O. BOX 368023 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9723

FORM NO. 770-0835B (9/98)

SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR UNIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

FINDING YOUR MODEL & SERIAL NUMBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CONTROLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ENGINE INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

TROUBLE SHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

QUICK REFERENCE PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

LUBRICATION ILLUSTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SLOPE GAUGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

LIMITED W A R R ANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

SECTION 2: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS.READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED ITS WARNING.

PAGE

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER:

rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the operator’s manual and on the mac hine before st arting. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the

• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the instructions to operate the machine. Know controls and how to stop the machine quickly.

• Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near rotating parts.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A small object may have been overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in operation. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Disengage blade(s) before shifting into revers e and back ing up. A lways look down and behind before and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in place.

• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

• Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.

• Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a comp lete stop b efor e (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload properly.

• Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine is running if operator must dismount to do so.

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.

• Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under power lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, before entering or leaving buildings, or in any other situation where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.

• Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.

• Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up on the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.

• Use only accessories approved for this machine by the manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory.

2. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge 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 resu lt.

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 enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.

• Follow the manufacturers recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking co uld cause the fr ont of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

3. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine operation.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years and over should only operate machine under close parental supervision and proper instruction.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or other hazard.

• Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.

4. SERVICE

• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

• Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will accumulate in the area.

• Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater, space heater or furnace.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which meets original equipment specifications.

• Keep all nut s, bol ts and s crews tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual .

• 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.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or a llow objects to be thrown. For your safety protection, frequently check components and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing blade(s).

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

• Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.

• Do not cha nge the engin e governor settings or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.

• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper disposal offluids and materials can harm the environment and the ecology.

• Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to dispose of waste from your local Environmental Protection Agency. Recycling centers are established to properly dispose of materials in an environmentally safe fashion .

• Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not use food or beverage containers that may mislead so meone into dri nking from them. Properly dispose of the containers immediately following the draining of fluids.

• DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other body of water. Observe Environmental Protection Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of

this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SECTION 3: CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION

If you have difficulties with the unit, have any question regarding the operation or maintenance of this equipment, or desire additional information not found in this manual, contact your dealer. If you need help locating a dealer in your area, contact the Customer Dealer Referral Line by calling:

1-800-528-1009

Before calling your local dealer, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready.

SECTION 4: FINDING YOUR MODEL & SERIAL NUMBER

This Operat or’s Manual is an important part of your new tractor. It will help you prepare, maintain and safely operate your tractor. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start to prepare your tractor for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it into the space provided in this Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer or the Cub Cadet customer support department.

• Every tractor has a model plate. The model plate is located on the right frame rail behind the right front tire. See Figure 1.

XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX

Model Number Mfg. Date

CUB CADET CORP.

P.O. BOX 368023

CLEVEL A ND, OHIO 44 1 36

Model Number

Mfg. Date (Serial No.)

Figure 1

• The engine identification numbers appear on a decal (or decals) affixed to the engine shrouding. Record your engine identification numbers below:

MODEL NO. TYPE NO. CODE NO.

SECTION 5: SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR UNIT

IGNITION

STOP

ST ARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. BE FAMILIAR WITH CONTR OLS BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AND OPERATING.

2. SET CHOKE, MOVE THROTTLE TO MID POSITION AND DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL.

3.TURN KEY TO THE START POSITION.

4.AFTER ENGINE STARTS OPEN CHOKE.

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1.DISENGAGE PTO AND SET PARKING BRAKE.

2.MOVE THROTTLE CONTROL TO MID POSITION AND TURN

KEY OFF.

POSITION

INDICATOR

WARNING

AVOID SERIOUS INJU R Y

• G O UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

• D O NOT OPERATE UNIT

• IF MACHINE STOPS

• DO NOT MOW WHEN

• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.

• LO OK DOWN AND

• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES

• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT

• KNOW LOCATION AND

• BE SURE THE BLADES AND

• BE FORE LEAVING

OR DEATH

WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.

GOING UPHILL, STOP PTO AND BACK DOWN HILL SLOWLY.

CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.

BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING

[GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES] IN PLACE AND WORKING.

COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADES.

FUNCTION OF A LL CO NTROLS. THE ENGINE ARE STOPPED

BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADES.

OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE PTO, ENGAGE BRAKE LOCK, SHUT OFF ENGINE AND REMOVE KEY.

READ OPERAT OR'S MANUAL

Figure 2

SECTION 6: CONTROLS

(Not Shown)

Figure 3

Parking Brake Lever

PTO Switch

Brake Pedal

Reverse Pedal

Forward Pedal

Ignition/Light Switch

Center Lift Height Indicator

Transmission Release Rod

Transmission Oil Fill /Dipstick

* Steering Wheel and Seat Removed For Clarity

Fuel Fill Cap

Cup Holder

Hydraulic Lift Lever

Steering Wheel Tilt Lock

Cruise Control Lever

Choke Lever

Throttle Lever

Seat Adjust ment Lever (Not Shown)

R Indicator Light Pod

NOTE: References to LEFT and

RIGHT indicate that side of the tractor when facing forward while seated in the drivers seat. Reference to FRONT indicates the grille end of the tractor; to REAR, the drawbar end.

Steering Wheel

The steering wheel is centered on the dash panel. It is used to change the direction (left or right) of the tractor while driving.

NOTE: This tractor is equipped with

power steering. Because of this feature, the steering wheel might not be center aligned.

Parking Brake Lever

Figure 4

The parking brake lever is located to the right of the steering wheel on the dash panel. With the brake pedal depressed fully, push the parking brake lever and release the brake pedal to lock the parking brake.

PTO Switch

The PTO switch is loc ated o n the ri ght side the dash panel. Pull upward on the right edge of the switch handle to engage the PTO clutch. Push the switch downward to disengage the PTO clutch.

Brake Pedal

disengage the cruise control. The brake pedal must be fully depressed to activate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.

Reverse Pedal

Figure 6

NOTE: Check behind the tractor to

be sure the area is clear of people, pets or obstacles and use a slower speed to maintain control of the tractor when traveling in reverse.

The reverse control pedal is located on the right running board below the brake pedal. Press the pedal down to move in reverse.

Forward Pe dal

Figure 7

The forward control pedal is located on the right running board below the brake pedal. Slowly press down on the pedal to start moving forward. The forward ground speed of the tractor is directly affected by the distance the pedal is depressed.

Figure 5

The brake pedal is located at the front of the right running board above the forward and reverse pedals. Press down to stop the tractor and

Deck Front Lift Rod Assembly

For shipping purposes, the deck front lift rod assembly has been installed on the tractor. Cut the tie strap holding the lift rod assembly to the tractor; then pull downward on the quick latch rod at the front of the tractor to remove the lift rod assembly.

Ignition / Light Switch

To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch when the tractor is not in use. The combination lights and ignition switch has four positions. See Figure 8 for a description of each position.

Off

On/Lights

mission oil dipstick serves as the fill tube plug and should fit snugly in the fill tube.

Fuel Fill Cap

The fuel fill cap is located on the fender to the left of the seat.

Cup Holder

The cup holder is located on the fender to the left of the seat.

Hydraulic Lift Lever

The hydraulic lift lever is located on the fender to the left of the seat. This lever is used to operate the tractor’s center lift system.

Start

Figure 8

Center Lift Height Indicator

The center lift height indicator is located in the left running board. This indicator shows the operator the relative height position setting of the hydraulic center lift system. The lower number indicates a lower setting.

T ransmission Release Rod

The transmission release rod is located at the back of the tractor in the draw bar. This rod, when engaged, allows the tractor to be pushed short distances by hand. To disengage the transmission, pull back on the rod until its locking flange is visibl e outside the dr awbar, then l ift the rod up into the slot and release. To reengage the transmission, pull back on the rod, drop out of the slot and release.

Transmission Oil Fill/Dipstick

The transmission oil fill/dipstick is located at the back of the tractor in the rear draw bar. The handle of the trans-

Steering Wheel Tilt Lock

The steering wheel tilt lock is located under the steering wheel on the dash panel.

Cruise Control Lever

Figure 9

The cruise control lever is located to the left of the steering wheel. Push the cruise control lever downward while traveling at the desired forward speed to engage the cruise control.

Choke Lever

The choke lever is located to the left of the steering wheel in the throttle/choke lever pod. Push the lever forward to close the engine choke plate.

Throttle Lever

This symbol shows the fast position.

This symbol shows the slow position

The throttle lever is located to the left of the steering wheel in the throttle/ choke lever pod. This lever controls the speed of the engine. Push the lever forward to increase the engine speed. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.

Indicator Light Pod

IMPORTANT: When using power

take-off operated equipment, best performance is achieved with the throttle lever in the “FAST” position.

Seat Adjustment Lever

The seat adjustment lever is located below the seat. This lever is used to adjust the seat forward or back. Refer to Figure 12 on page 15.

Oil Pressure Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Hour Meter

Figure 10

Hour Meter

The hour meter is part of the indicator light pod in the dash panel. The hour meter operates whenever the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “ON/LIGHTS” position. Record the actual hours of tractor operation to ensure all maintenance procedures are completed according to the schedule in this manual.

Oil Pressure Indicator

WARNING: Operating the tractor with low oil level or pressure could result in severe engine damage.

The oil pressure indicator is part of the indicator light pod on the dash panel. This indicator will illuminate when the engine oil pressure is low. If this indicator illuminates, stop the tractor

Not Used

Battery Charge Indicator

immediately and check the engine oil level. If the oil level is within the operating range, and the light remains on, contact your Cub Cadet dealer.

Low Fuel Indicator

The Low Fuel indicator is part of the indicator light pod on the dash panel. This indicator will illuminate when the tractor is low on fuel. If the gas tank is full and the light stays on, contact your Cub Cadet dealer.

Battery Charge Indicator

The battery charge indicator is part of the indicator light pod on the dash panel. This indicator will illuminate when the tractor’s voltage sensor reads low battery voltage. If the light stays on, contact your Cub Cadet dealer.

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