New Cub 2518 and questions

[mc25a]

I just picked up a 2518, I think about a 2003 or so with 160 hours on it. Pretty decent shape and I'm happy with it after the first mowing. My last cub was a nice 1200 but in a fit of poverty I sold it. I have a few questions about this one.

1. Mine has a 20hp Kohler Command. I assumed the 25"18" meant 18 hp. Was this a later upgrade?

2. I have the 44" deck. Is it possible to fit a wider one, like maybe one for the newer 2500 series? This one is big enough for my yard, but I'd like the extra width for getting under some of my trees.

3. I hear that pto's are a costly common repair. Thinking ahead, whats a good place to get one? Wouldn't disabling the reverse kill switch save a lot of wear and tear on this part?

4. I saw some other mentions about the slow reverse. Mine was too so I adjusted the linkage and it's much better. I don't think I lost any forward speed though.

Thanks in advance, I've enjoyed reading some of your posts up to this point.

 

[micman32]

I bought a 2518 new in 2003. It was the first model of the 2500 series. If I remember right they had a choice of 3 deck sizes 44, 46 and 48. I would think you would be able to use a 50 in deck for the 2500 series. You might want to check with a dealer though.
When I got my 2518, I was looking at a 2186 which the only difference in the 2 was a 2186 had a aluminum transmission and the 2518 has the cast iron.

I have a little over 400 hours on mine and it has been a great machine. I did have to replace the PTO at 300 hours. It cost around $300 not including labor to fix it.
I have the 44 in deck and mow about 3 acres. It takes me around 3 hours if I go non stop. Over all I am very satisfied with the cut quality.
My Dealer took "care of" the mow in reverse switch so I have no issues with that.
I have a 2004 Cub brochure and they replaced the 2518 with a 2521 and 2523.The 2521 had a briggs 21hp with a 48 in deck and the 2523 had a kohler 23 hp with a 54 in deck. The model # of the tractors were determined by engine size at that time.

You have a good machine and I hope you like yours as much as I like mine!

Michael

 

[mc25a]

One more thing,

Is there supposed to be a hole behind the center deck spindle. I see the stamped round cutout for the spindle housing, but the spindle housing doesn't fill the entire cutout. I hope you can understand this description, but I haven't had the deck off yet to get a better look.

 

[diesel_nut]

The 2554 has a very slick mow-in-reverse set up. Once set it will mow in reverse as if there is no safety switch. One great thing they did on the newer ones for sure!!


To activate it you turn on the PTO, turn the key back one notch and push a button. Once it is set this way it works like 'normal'....no shutting off and no need to touch anything any further while you mow. And it has to save wear and tear on that PTO for sure.

 

[micman32]

Yes, all 3 spindles have those holes. I think it is supposed to help increase airflow. Personally, I think all those holes do is allow grass clippings to gather on top of the deck.

Michael

 

[diesel_nut]

If you watch most of the grass clippings come from the front tires. I'd always though of putting a "fender" mounted on the deck to keep the clippings from the tires from being flung onto the deck. At least on the 1872 this was a problem because it went much faster.
Doesn't seem to be as much a problem with the 2554 but they still get flung there.

 

[rcbe]

Micman - I use a elect leaf blower to get rid of any accumulated deck debris after each session. Those "holes" you see close to each deck spindle are to let more air in which helps the deck to exhaust clippings better.
Agree with Diesel's frt wheel observation - mebbe he will come up with workable fender idea..?

 

[drifter2518]

I bought my 2518 in 2003 new. Mine has a 20 hp Kolher, was told they put these in place of the 18 hp at the end of the model year. My CC has a 48 inch deck on it which works great! I mow 2 3/4 acres plus in the winter time plow a 500 ft driveway with a 3 bay garage. I (cough) modified (cough) my tractor so it will mow in reverse. Search the website and you will find out how.

 

[JTKub]

..Wouldn't disabling the reverse kill switch save a lot of wear and tear on this part?

Yes it will and it will greatly increase the life of the expensive PTO belt as well. Just move the paddle out of the way that mashes against the push button that dumps power to the PTO. I've got a neighbor up the road with a 2518. I swear he restarts his PTO 100X per mowing!!!! I gotta get over there and help the guy out.

Joel

 

[micman32]

I use a blower to get rid of the debris as well. JTKUB, You gotta help your neighbor with the mow in reverse thing! I still feel the pain of replacing my pto! OUCH!

Michael