Questions about Cub Cadet 2550

David0321 · Apr 10, 2005

Just bought a new 2550. Well not get my hands on it until some time next week. Can not wait. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

My question is about mowing in reverse. Just not understanding what the issue is with this. According to the manual Cub does not recommend mowing in reverse. I have a Sears mower now and I mow in reverse all the time. The 2550 has a setup with the key and you push a button to allow mowing in reverse. On the one hand they give you this option and in the manual it says not to do it. If you don't use the reverse option then if you back up it kicks the blade PTO out and you have to reset it when going forward again.

What have other owners done with this? I want to take good care of this tractor in the hopes it will last a long time.

David

Bird · Apr 10, 2005

David, I don't know anything about that key and button method, but the Cubs used to come wired so it turned off the blades every time you backed up. My dealer told me it was "illegal" for him to disable that (of course, I don't believe the "illegal" part), and I told him I had no use for it if it wouldn't mow in reverse, so he agreed that they could show me which wire to unplug (actually his mechanic unplugged it and told me not to tell the boss). I think quite a number of our members have done the same thing.

mark1 · Apr 10, 2005

Hi Dave:
Years of people getting run over and mangled by mowers backing up forced the mfg's to make their machines stop the blades when reverse is selected and even when one get's off the seat. It was found many operators just bypassed the switches, making the machines unsafe all the time no matter who used it.. Now they installed a key to allow it to work in reverse.That works good if you feel safe cutting in reverse you use it. However if you let the kid next door cut his lawn with your mower you don't give him the key as he may not be as carefull as you!
If you see one kid or pet that had been mangled or killed from thoses mower blades you too would understand the reasons for the kill switches.
Enjoy your cub cadet it's a great machine

CubTech · Apr 10, 2005

The purpose of the reverse safety switch is for your protection and the people around you.

But once you disconnect the safety switch you become liable for anything that happens. Even if it isn't related to the safety switch. You altered the unit. Some dealers enforce it...some don't.

I never understood the mowing in reverse craze. You don't mow your whole lawn in reverse. Ive been mowing for 20+ years and many different yards and lawns. Never came across a time where I had to mow in reverse.

But hey, it's your unit. Just be careful on what you do and how you use it.

Bob_Bainbridge · Apr 10, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The purpose of the reverse safety switch is for your protection and the people around you.

But once you disconnect the safety switch you become liable for anything that happens. Even if it isn't related to the safety switch. You altered the unit. Some dealers enforce it...some don't.

I never understood the mowing in reverse craze. You don't mow your whole lawn in reverse. Ive been mowing for 20+ years and many different yards and lawns. Never came across a time where I had to mow in reverse.

But hey, it's your unit. Just be careful on what you do and how you use it.

)</font>
You obviously have never had to mow my yard. I have trees, shrubs etc. that are spaced close together (probably 25 or so) and require much se-sawing forward and backward to mow close to them. Having to disengage and re-engage the PTO dozens of times would be hard on the mower, yet alone on my temper. Before I disabled the switch I had to reset the PTO 3-4 times just to mow around my mailbox. I mow 1 acre with a 3235 and 54 inch deck.

Bob B.

David0321 · Apr 10, 2005

Thanks for the reply guys. So it is a safty issue. I see with the new model if you set it to work in reverse it only last until you get off the seat. So you have to reset it each time you start to mow.

I'm glad at least that you have the option to mow in reverse. In my yard with lots of trees that will be a help.

David