GT3200 pedal presure

[Jim_Zis]

I've just purchased a GT3200 after having a GT2544 which I sold to a neighbor. I purchased the 3200 for the power steering and locking diff for the hills on my property. It now has 18 hours on it and I have two disapointments with it. First, the mower deck will not stay up overnight, it leaks down and the dealer and Cub Cadet Service say this is normal. I should use the deck adjustment to set the lowest point which the deck will decend to. Both tell me the leak down is normal. 2nd, the pedal presure is just too great. Its very uncomfortable after a while putting so much presure on the pedal and also it must be pushed almost to the floor for any kind of speed. The stated 8 mph is a myth, my GT2544 had a faster top end then the 3200. Don't get me wrong, all in all, I love this machine but there must be something I can do about the presure and travel distance on the accellerator pedal. Any suggestions?

 

[highboy1975]

maybe all the linkage is still tight from being factory fresh? try a lube job to loosen it up.

 

[Gator6x4]

I've just purchased a GT3200 after having a GT2544 which I sold to a neighbor. I purchased the 3200 for the power steering and locking diff for the hills on my property. It now has 18 hours on it and I have two disapointments with it. First, the mower deck will not stay up overnight, it leaks down and the dealer and Cub Cadet Service say this is normal. I should use the deck adjustment to set the lowest point which the deck will decend to. Both tell me the leak down is normal. 2nd, the pedal presure is just too great. Its very uncomfortable after a while putting so much presure on the pedal and also it must be pushed almost to the floor for any kind of speed. The stated 8 mph is a myth, my GT2544 had a faster top end then the 3200. Don't get me wrong, all in all, I love this machine but there must be something I can do about the presure and travel distance on the accellerator pedal. Any suggestions?

I can't address a GT3200 deck not staying up overnight, but I can address a 2084 deck and staying up overnight. I purchased the 2084 in 1993 and have used it since to mow at least once a week durning mowing season. The deck has always stayed up overnight, for weeks and one time for months before I noticed I had left it up. Has Cub (MTD) changed something? Is your dealer being candid? I think I would call Cub and ask them.

 

[CJ-8_Jim]

I have a 2004 GT3235... and I love it too..

SLOW SPEED:
I'll bet I know the problem with the slow speed... you have the transmission disengaged. Look at back of the machine and make sure the trans engagement rod is NOT pulled out and latched over the housing.

To engage the trans (and get 8mph), lift the lever/rod up so it is not latched over the housing. The reason for this feature is to allow you to tow or push your tractor when it is off.

NEVER pull or push your tractor when it is off with the transmission still engaged... not only will it be more difficult, but you'll cause premature failure of the georotor pump (and maybe transaxle too).


DECK:
Like you also when the mower is off, the deck will gradually fall to the floor over several hours. I believe this to be normal too... that is, it was designed that way.

Why? I don't know... it's probably not a saftey thing dictated by the gov't.
(As an aside, if you find one day your GT3200 won't start, make sure the cutting blade PTO switch is off... there is a safety switch that pervents the mower from starting with blades engaged... the electrical relays instead will just tick).

I suspect it's an intentional design to add an extra level of safety to counter claims by overzealous/overlitigous personal injury attorneys. That is, extra safety in addition to:
- the PTO safety switch mentioned above that prohibits engine starting
- the under deck safety switch which prohibits the mower blades from cutting when the tractor is in reverse (this can be disabled though)
- the driver's seat safety switch which turns the tractor off if the PTO is engaged or if the tractor is not in park with disengaged blades.
- the PTO brake that immediately brakes the cutting blades in any of the above scenarios.

OTHER:
Regarding your new features of hydraulic steering and locking rear axle.... it is VERY IMPORTANT that you observe the following (as stated in the manual):
- do NOT turn the steering wheel when the tractor is not running (you'll cause premature failure of the georotor pump).
- do NOT engage the locking differential when the tractor is in motion (event though you are able to, you will cause premature failure of the mechanical locking mechanism).