New member with a new to me 2182

BLSully · #1 09-25-2015, 10:20 AM

Hi folks,

I'm new to Cub Cadets (really tractors in general), and just recently bought a 2182 with a 54" deck to replace a very used JD LX277 that came along with the house when we bought it this past spring. It is intended to serve as mower duty and general yard chores for my 2 acre lawn, but I wouldn't mind finding a blade or 2-stage blower for it someday.

Condition:

It has only 1115 hours on it, which sounds like is next to nothing for that kubota under the hood. Motor runs like a dream. I know it sounds silly, but I was so excited when I heard that little 3-cyl pop to life and settle into a nice smooth idle. Frame and rear fenders are rust-free outside of a couple little nicks, but the deck and "foot plates" (cant' think of the right word for these) have heavy surface rust, though they're still solid pieces with no rust-through.

The only other major issue is the steering has TONS of play in it (previous owner reportedly had a snowblower on it, so that would make sense it had a lot of wear on the front end). The ball joints on the power steering ram as well as the tie-rods have lots of visible movement, so I've ordered up all new joints to tighten that up, but I would like to take the front axle play out as well which i believe will involve a bit more work. I have no idea how much play there was in these pieces when new... I can't imagine they were machined to very tight tolerances, but loose steering in any vehicle is a pet peeve of mine, so I will go to borderline-psychotic lengths to make the steering right on this guy

Restoration plans:

I've already got the front end apart and my new ball joints should arrive today
I'd like to take all the play out of the steering. There's about .029" gap in the steering pivot where it fits into the axle which I'd like to shim to take out the vertical play. The front axle pivot has significant play... trying to decide how to handle that. Maybe machine it for a bushing.... we'll see.
Paint deck, foot plates, belt covers. I'd love to freshen the plastics up, but we'll see what that takes in reality. They aren't bad, but my OCD wants to make it perfect
Drive it.

Can anyone enlighten me how to figure out what belt I need to drive the deck? Deck belt is in good shape but the PTO to deck belt is in sad shape. Can't figure out what part # I need and I know these were available with several different decks.

I will preempt the requests for pics by dumping the entire album of pics and videos I have of it here https://goo.gl/photos/45i8HNrAbTrA2HLZA

Here's an inline one too for all of your instant gratification needs

jaynjeep · #2 09-25-2015, 10:41 AM

Looks nice!! You will really like that tractor. Those Kubota gas motors are super smooth and powerful.. and they sound cool to boot!!

There are two thrust adjustment bolts on the front axle.. if the pivot pin isn't worn a simple adjustment may take care of the rest of your play.. my 1782 had tons of play with 917 hrs... original owner never adjusted the bolts.. a 5 min adjustment took all mine out.

Sam Mac has several great threads on here full of pictures and info about the Cyclops super series.. I would suggest taking some time and reading through them.. They have been a great help to me..

Have fun...

Sam Mac · #3 09-25-2015, 10:50 AM

Some light reading for you.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33244

BLSully · #4 09-25-2015, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Some light reading for you.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33244

Oh I like your gauges on the 1782 .... that's sexy... I'm a sucker for data (software developer by day

)

Thanks for the links!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaynjeep

There are two thrust adjustment bolts on the front axle.. if the pivot pin isn't worn a simple adjustment may take care of the rest of your play.. my 1782 had tons of play with 917 hrs... original owner never adjusted the bolts.. a 5 min adjustment took all mine out.

Thanks for the tips, sir! I didn't see those adjustment bolts when I took it apart, though I wasn't looking for them. Are the bolts on the axle itself or the frame?

jaynjeep · #5 09-25-2015, 11:17 AM

They are on the frame... they keep the axle pushed to the rear.. if they are out of adj it will let the axle run fore and aft.

Sam Mac · #6 09-25-2015, 01:10 PM

If you would like the service manuals PM me your e-mail address.

BLSully · #7 09-25-2015, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

If you would like the service manuals PM me your e-mail address.

Oh, that's very generous Sam. Thanks! Will send a PM shortly.

Unrelated:

I found the part # for the belt I need for the 54" deck : Cub Cadet 954-3047

Reference:

http://www.partstree.com/parts/cub-c...mower-adapter/

Is there any opinion on the aftermarket vs factory Cub Cadet belts? What's the best option? This is going to be my primary mowing tractor (about 50hrs/year I'd guess) so longevity is paramount.

jaynjeep · #8 09-25-2015, 06:13 PM

Sam is the Cyclops King... He has hooked you up with lots of great info!!

swacor · #9 09-26-2015, 12:51 AM

I hope you didn't order all the tie rod ends from cub cadet.

BLSully · #10 09-26-2015, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swacor

I hope you didn't order all the tie rod ends from cub cadet.

Nope. Patton Acres via eBay. I found the equivalents in the McMaster Carr catalog for a few bucks less, but figured this way I'd get "the right stuff" first try. Peace of mind is worth a few bucks now and then