Cub Cadet 3186, Operator'S Manual

20

Battery Removal

The battery is located under the dash
panel in the frame pedestal.
To remove the battery:
• Open the tractor hood by lifting it at

the notches in the side panels.

• Remove the upper baffle of the

bulkhead from the front of the dash
panel by lifting upward on the
locking tab on each side of the
baffle.

• Pull the upper end of the rubber

battery strap rearward to unhook it
from the tab on the pedestal.

• Loosen the negative battery cable

clamp and disconnect the negative
lead from the battery first; then
disconnect the positive lead from
the battery.

• Carefully lift the battery up and out

of the tractor.

Install the battery by repeating the
above steps in the reverse order.
Always connect the positive lead to
the battery before connecting the
negative lead.

Battery Maintenance

The battery is filled with battery acid
and then sealed at the factory.
However, even a “maintenance free”
battery requires some maintenance to
ensure its proper life cycle.
• Spray the terminals and exposed

wire with a battery terminal sealer,
orcoat the terminals with a thin coat
of grease or petroleum jelly, to
protect against corrosion.

• The battery should be kept clean.

Any deposits of acid should be
neutralized with baking soda and
water. Be careful not to get this
solution in the cells.

• Avoid tipping the battery. Even a

“sealed” battery will leak electrolyte
when tipped.

Battery Storage

• When storing the tractor for extended

periods, disconnect the battery

cables. Removing the battery from
the unit is recommended.

• All batteries discharge during

storage. Keep the exterior of the
battery clean, especially the top. A
dirty battery will discharge itself
more rapidly.

• The battery must be stored with a

full charge. A discharged battery will
freeze at a higher temperature.

Specific Gravity

Freezing Point

1.265

–71°F

1.250

–62°F

1.200

–16°F

1.150

    5°F

1.100

  16°F

• Recharge the battery before

returning to service; or every two
months, whichever comes first.

Headlight Bulb Replacement

Figure 18  

The headlight assembly has two bulbs
one for the right and one for the left
reflector. To replace one or both
headlight bulbs:

• Lift the hood to expose the back

side of the headlight assembly.

• Pull both locking tabs away from

light bulb and pull wire harness
away. See Figure 18.

Wire Harness

Locking Tab

Locking Tab

Light Bulb Assembly