New guy new to me mower

[Diverdog]

***If this is in the wrong topic forum mods please move and notify me. Sorry in advance***


Hello all!

I recently bought a home and with it came this wonderful beat up mower. It cuts like a dream however the previous owner did some wiring (rigging) of his own. None of the safety features function, however I don't mind this, it makes mowing much faster and easier. I know, I know but not safe. The main problem I have with this is that it will only start if I turn the key on, and jump it across the solenoid or starter. Not sure which.

The major concern I have is that it won't go in reverse up an incline at all. Seems as though there is no power or something is slipping. It also has trouble going up hill in a high gear, some times just sitting there doing nothing. I have to back up and put it in a lower gear and start out again slowly. This sometimes works sometimes doesnt. There is a dipstick on the back of the mower with a black knob. I have checked this oil and it within range of where it should be. Not sure if there is any other fluids that need to be checked, beside the regular oil, which is good.

I have no idea what year or model I am now the proud owner of. I am going to try and attach some pics and see if you guys can fill me in on what year and model it is. My wife told me to go to the dealer and just buy a new one. Said they had a very low interest rate and what not, but after reading on this site I'm not so sure if thats a good idear!

If this one is one of the better ones I have read about on here and I could fix it up to get me by a couple years I would much rather go that route. I just dont want to dump a few hundred bucks into something that will only run a year, or isnt worth the money spent. I would just as soon go get a new one. I know most will say to buy of CraigsList or something but I dont have the cash up front right now. You know how it is when you buy a new (old) home. Everything cost a thousand more than you thought, and when you go to fix one thing you have to fix 10 other things first.

I do know it's a 2000 Series for the simple fact it has a sticker saying so. It has a 12.5 horse Kohler motor I believe. I has been outside it's entire life so most of the stickers are wore off. It cuts really nice and I havent done a thing to it, so I know when I sharpen or replace the blades it should do even better. This is the main reason I am entertaining the idea of fixing it up. I have 2 acres to mow and 70% is an incline, so the slippage is really an issue.

I am going to try and attach some pics to see if you all could tell me more about it.

Thanks in advance for any and all help here fellas. From what I've read so far on this site you all are a great bunch of very knowledgable enthusiasts.

[Ozcub]

The model is a HDS2130 , I think they referred to the 12.5 as a 13 , go to Cub Cadet.com and you can download manuals etc to help you resurrect your machine

[Sam Mac]

Looks like one of the AGS Cubs. AGS is a 6 speed with a forward and a reverse clutch. It's not a hydro. You need to pick a gear and hold the pedal ALL THE WAY DOWN! Do Not let it slip. That burns up the clutches. Most of the time the forward clutch pack will start to slip first. As far as the starting issue my guess is one of the safety switches is still in the circuit and giving you problems. They don't like water and you said it lived out side.

[Vince_o]

But worse off is to keep it covered with a tarp, traps moisture! I did one the other day that all the idlers were bad, except 2. We asked him where it was stored, the guy said in the dry. We asked him like in a garage or barn, he said no under a tarp.

Sams been here at my house, he will tell you I only have one tractor in the dry. All the rest sit out in the weather. My first one has been out since day one. Runs like a top!

[TSWolf]

What wonders a shed can do

[ACecil]

Looks like my wife's 2130.

[Ozcub]

X2

Lever on right is Cruise Control
Lever on left is cutting height
Tall pedal is brake
Pedal directly underneath brake is forward
Small pedal is reverse
And it looks like a 42" deck ?

[Diverdog]

Thanks for all the help you guys have given. Should be enough to get me up and running. I believe the starting issue is just the solenoid. Little worried about the clutch packs. Not sure how much thats gonna cost to repair/replace.

As far as covering up, I will quit tarping it. It sat out without a tarp most of it's life. Im the one who threw the tarp on it. A large shed is on my list of things this summer but afraid it wont be til towards the end. I have a 10x12 at my old place but not sure how the heck I would get it here short of tearing it apart. May have to go that route.

I cut the yard with the old girl on Wednesday and she does do a good job. Just takes a bit longer than if it was running properly. I'm gonna download the manual and see what Im getting into.

[TSWolf]

Originally Posted by Diverdog

A large shed is on my list of things this summer but afraid it wont be til towards the end. I have a 10x12 at my old place but not sure how the heck I would get it here short of tearing it apart. May have to go that route.

Most places that sell sheds will also move them for you.