Cub Cadet 3235

Bob_Bainbridge · Aug 9, 2004

I replaced my 26 year old 1450 with a new 3235 in June. I really like it (after enabling reverse mowing) except with a 54 inch deck and bagger it's a little too wide to fit in a couple places that the 1450 navigated with no problem. One big omission IMO was the elimination of an ammeter. It gives you a good indication of battery condition and whether the generator is charging. I bought one at TSC for $8 and installed it myself. The only suitable place I found to mount it was the horizontal area on the black dash panel below the indicator lamps. I used a 2 inch hole saw to make the opening. I removed the two smaller wires on the starter terminal, connected them via a bolt and nut to one ammeter wire, and connected the other ammeter wire to the starter terminal. I taped the bolt connector well to prevent shorting. I used 10 guage wire to connect. If the ammeter reads backwards the wires need to be reversed.

Bob B.

OhioGuy · Aug 9, 2004

Hey Bob,
I keep thinkin about taking the plunge to the "new" Cubs, but I've had such great service from my 1872, I keep finding beter ways to spend my money. It's got the 60" deck, awesome on my flat piece of property.

I agree on the ammeter, and I've thought of adding an oil pressure gauge.

Curt

Bob_Bainbridge · Aug 10, 2004

The new ones (at least in the 3000 series) don't have an oil pressure guage but they do have an oil pressure idiot light and the Kohler engines have something called "Oil Sentry" that is supposed to kill the engine in the event of lost oil pressure. Mine also doesn't have a fuel guage but has a LOW FUEL light on the dash.

Bob B.

OhioGuy · Aug 10, 2004

My 1800 series had the low fuel lamp, it actually works pretty well. I think it turns on at maybe 1/2 gallon but way before that it would flash at an increasingly consistant rate untill it stays on steady. Is your deck ground following or suspended like on the 1250?

Curt

riches139 · Aug 10, 2004

On my 3235 you can run the deck both ways. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob_Bainbridge · Aug 12, 2004

Same here. I have the 54 inch deck but run it on the ground. It gives a nice even cut. It's a little more trouble to change the cutting height when it's set for ground following but I usually leave it at one setting anyway. You have to move 2 pins and clips and adjust a knob to change it.

Bob B.