Cub Cadet GT2550 Problems

Although the Cub Cadet GT2550 is a strong and durable lawn mower, there are typical problems that it may encounter along the line that can affect its performance.

In this article, I highlight 6 common Cub Cadet GT2550 problems, the possible causes of these problems, and give you solutions to each of them.

Cub Cadet GT2550 Problems, Causes, and Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s have a look at an overview of the problems and their possible solutions :

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. Starting problems	Add enough fuel to the fuel tank. Clean the fuel lines and carburetor with a carb cleaner.  Replace the clogged fuel filter. Recharge the battery.  Replace the spark plug
2. Engine problems	Replace worn/dirty spark plug. Top up engine oil. Drain out stale fuel. Replace clogged fuel filter/line. Clean/replace the air filter.
3. Hydrostatic transmission problems	Top-up transmission oil. Replace worn-out pump seals. Purge the system. Replace glazed belt Repair the pump.
4. Battery problems	Charge the battery. Clean all corroded battery terminals. Tighten or replace loose/damaged connections. Replace damaged battery
5. Movement problems	Deactivate the parking brake.  Turn off the bypass lever. Balance the mower blades properly. Top up the transmission oil.
6. Excessive mower vibration	Replace the damaged drive belt. Clean the pulleys and deck. Replace drive sheaves. Tighten loose or unbalanced blades

1. Starting Problems

Starting problems are the most common Cub Cadet GT2550 problems.

They are usually encountered as a hard start, a no-crank situation, or an engine that won’t start at all.

Causes:

• No fuel in the fuel tank or carburetor
• Fuel line or carburetor clogged 
• Clogged fuel filter 
• Water in the fuel system 
• Dead/defective battery 
• Dirty or improperly gapped spark plug

Fix:

Check the fuel level in the tank and fill the tank with fuel. Replace the fuel filter if it is clogged with debris or worn out.

Clean the fuel line and carburetor with a commercial carburetor cleaner to get rid of debris/deposits that could be affecting fuel delivery.

Check the fuel for water contamination. If present, drain the tank and carburetor using a fuel siphon. Add new fuel and change the spark plugs if they are worn out.

Then, check the battery voltage and battery terminals. Clean the terminals if dirty and recharge/replace a battery that is producing less than 12 volts.

2. Engine Problems

Another frequently encountered Cub Cadet GT2550 problem is engine problems.

Engine problems could be a rough running engine, engine overheating, or loss of power from the engine.

These problems are usually caused by issues with spark production, air supply, or fuel supply.

Causes:

• Worn spark plug
• Insufficient/stale oil
• Stale fuel
• Clogged fuel system
• Dirty air filter
• Carburetor problems

Fix:

Inspect the spark plug and replace it if there are signs of carbon buildup, burnt electrodes, or visible damage.

The engine will run rough and overheat if the oil level is insufficient. Top up the oil to the required level. If the oil is darkened or stale, drain it out and refill.

Also, stale fuel will clog vital fuel parts and cause engine problems. If the fuel has stayed in the tank for over 30 days, drain it out and refill it.

Then, use a carb cleaner to clean the fuel lines and carburetor, and replace the filter if it is clogged.

Finally, clean/replace the air filter if dirty and clean the cooling fins of the engine using compressed air.

3. Hydrostatic Transmission Problems

Hydrostatic problems in your GT 2550 may cause system overheating, external fluid leakage, movement problems, and sudden power surges.

These problems are usually caused by issues with the belt, pulleys, pump seals, and other vital transmission parts.

Causes:

• Insufficient transmission oil
• Use of incorrect fluid type
• Worn-out pump seals
• Air contamination (cavitation/aeration)
• Glazed/misplaced belt
• Damaged pulley
• Pump failure 

Fix:

Check the transmission fluid level. Unless the hydraulic system is sealed, if the fluid level is too low, top it up. 

The system may be leaking if the fluid level is consistently low. System leaks may also result in overheating and fluid contamination. Find and fix any leaks in the system. 

You may need to bleed and replace the oil if you used the incorrect fluid type. Replace the oil as well if it becomes milky or black, indicating water contamination or overheating.

If there is any air pollution or leakage, purge the hydraulic system. Then, inspect the belt and pulley system for damage and tighten or replace the mower belt or pulley as needed.

If the piston pump seals are worn or damaged, they must be replaced. This would help to prevent unexpected power surges.

The pump may become worn or damaged and result in hydrostatic problems. Disassemble the pump and replace damaged/worn parts.

4. Battery Problems

The battery of your cub cadet mowing equipment may develop some problems along the line.

Without a well-functioning battery, the engine cannot run smoothly. Battery problems may even prevent your engine from starting and lead to electrical problems in the mower.

Causes:

• Low battery voltage
• Corroded battery terminals
• Loose/damaged connections
• Dead battery cells

Fix:

If you experience starting or electrical problems, the battery may be to blame. Use a multimeter or voltmeter to test the battery output voltage.

Recharge the battery if the voltage is less than 12 volts. If the battery won’t charge, clean the terminals and tighten/reestablish all connections, then try again.

If it still won’t charge, some battery cells may be dead or damaged. In this case, you may need to replace the battery.

5. GT2550 Will Not Move

Your Cub Cadet GT2550 may refuse to move even when the engine is running and everything is working properly.

Problems with the transmission or mower blades may cause this to happen.

Causes:

• Parking brake is applied
• The bypass lever is on
• Loose mower blades
• Improper blade balance
• Insufficient transmission oil

Fix:

You may have accidentally applied the parking brake if the mower refuses to move. Check the parking brake and unlock it if necessary.

Check the bypass lever and deactivate it if it has been activated, as this will prevent the movement of the mower.

Next, inspect the mower blades. If they are loose or unbalanced, make the necessary repairs and tighten all bolts and screws.

Insufficient transmission oil will result in a no-movement situation. Top up the hydraulic oil and purge the system if it is contaminated with air.

6. Excessive Mower Vibration

You may notice that your GT 2550 vibrates excessively when started or when the blades are engaged.

A defective traction drive belt is usually the main cause of the vibration issue with the Cadet GT2550. An excessive amount of vibration could also be caused by loose or unbalanced blades.

Causes:

• Worn or damaged drive belt
• Debris in pulleys or mower deck 
• Belt or pulleys out of centering 
• Malfunctioning drive sheaves
• Loose or unbalanced blades

Fix:

Check the belt first if you notice excessive vibration in your mower. Replace the belt if it is shredded, torn, glazed, or damaged in any way.

Remove debris from the pulleys and replace any stuck or damaged ones. Then, clear the mower deck of caked-on grass and debris.

Replace the drive sheaves if they are damaged. Then, tighten the blades and balance them properly.

What Majority Of Users Think About The Cub Cadet GT2550

The Cub Cadet GT2550 is a powerful mower. The attachments that the GT 2550 is compatible and allows it to perform a wide variety of other tasks in addition to its primary use as a lawnmower, which is very versatile.

In comparison to a single large blade, the Cub Cadet GT2550’s mower deck has three smaller blades, making it more effective at cutting your lawn and providing a more even cut. 

However, numerous people have noted some issues with the GT2550. These issues are mostly engine problems and transmission problems which I have previously discussed and provided solutions to.

Conclusion

The Cub Cadet GT2550 although being a powerful mower may experience starting problems, engine problems, transmission problems, battery problems, or movement problems.

These issues can be diagnosed and fixed by following the troubleshooting guides outlined in this article and applying the recommended fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions