Tips that may be of interest.

[IRNCTY]

I recently traded for an 03 model 2166 w/391 hrs. After going over it, the worse things I found wrong with it was the aggrevating saftey features and cosmetics. The headlight lens was busted out. I made a pattern from thin cardboard and fashioned lens from a clear face shield (grinding) and used small self tapping screws for installation. For the "too sensitive" seat switch, I pushed it down and wrapped a cable tie around the prongs, holding them in position as they are when someone is sitting on the seat. I bent the tab that kills the PTO in reverse too. Then, I got to the "creeping choke" problem. I tried scooting the cable housing both ways, but it did nothing. Finally I put a kink in the wire just where it clears the housing so it can't creep, but can still be pulled through for choking. Since doing all this, and polishing most scratches out, it is not a bad looking machine, and it performs great. I did change the hydor filter, which looked as if it had not been changed in awhile. The engine oil and filter had just been changed. The dealer put new blades and belts on, plus a new fuel line. By now I have put on about 9 hours. I like it much better than the new LT200 Snapper that my wife seems to love.

 

[3crom]

So? where is this "tab" that kills the engine when in reverse? thats a must do!!!

Dave

 

[LBrown59]

So? where is this "tab" that kills the engine when in reverse? thats a must do!!!

Dave

My gt2554 has a bypass button for that so you can mow in reverse.

 

[Tim12659]

The older model 2000 series do not have the "switch option" that allows you to mow in reverse. We call it the "IDIOT SWITCH"....in other words what IDIOT would back up w/o looking behind them? This was done, I was told, due to people backing over children while mowing. Ralph Nader's group supposedly got the Gov't to pass a law requiring this.
I remedied it on my 2176 and 3186 by removing the metal plate that presses against the "IDIOT SWITCH" when reverse is engaged. It is so blasted annoying to have to re-start the mower when backing up for a few inches. I do not know what year the by-pass was initialized (probably when the 2500 series came out) but it is a good idea as it would save a lot of trouble. No easy job to remove the metal plate from the reverse pedal link without taking the mower off. Especially on the 3000 series.

 

[LBrown59]

The older model 2000 series do not have the "switch option" that allows you to mow in reverse. We call it the "IDIOT SWITCH"....in other words what IDIOT would back up w/o looking behind them? This was done, I was told, due to people backing over children while mowing. Ralph Nader's group supposedly got the Gov't to pass a law requiring this.
I remedied it on my 2176 and 3186 by removing the metal plate that presses against the "IDIOT SWITCH" when reverse is engaged. It is so blasted annoying to have to re-start the mower when backing up for a few inches. I do not know what year the by-pass was initialized (probably when the 2500 series came out) but it is a good idea as it would save a lot of trouble. No easy job to remove the metal plate from the reverse pedal link without taking the mower off. Especially on the 3000 series.

I had an MTD that I just wrapped the shift lever with black elect tape so when it hit the switch it wouldn't make contact and ground the engine out.