Lawn tractors like the cub cadet 2166 typically service small lawn areas and are sleek and generally small in size. This is a 2WD tractor with the characteristic yellow and white color typical of cub cadets. The 2166 cub cadet is a member of the 2000 series of cub cadet tractors. It follows cub cadet 2164.
The Cub Cadet 2166 was first released in 2000 and continued to be produced till 2003 when it was discontinued. After decades of producing tools and machinery, the Cub Cadet outdid itself with this 2166 model that incorporates a decent power, sleek design for a tractor released in 2000, and a gasoline engine.
This piece highlights the specification, pros and cons, and everything about the cub cadet 2166 lawn tractor. So anybody with interest can quickly make an informed decision.
Cub Cadet 2166 Specs
| Model | Cub cadet 2166 |
|---|---|
| Production period | 2000 - 2003 |
| Series | 2000 series |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1190 mm (46.9 inches) |
| Length | 1820 mm (71.7 inches) |
| Height | 1060 mm (41.7 inches) |
| Weight | 335 kg (738 lbs) |
| Width | 1295 (51 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm (6 inches) |
| Cabin | Open operator station |
| Engine | |
| Model | Kohler command |
| Engine type | Four-stroke, air-cooled, inline |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Horsepower | 16 HP (11.9 KW) |
| Cylinder | 1 |
| Battery | 12V |
| Fuel tank capacity | 7.9 liters (2.1 US gal) |
| Bore × Stroke | 90 × 67 mm (3.54 inches × 3.64 inches) |
| Displacement | 426 cc (26 ci) |
| Torque | 25.3 N•m at 2400 RPM |
| Starter | Electric |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Idle RPM | 1400 - 3600 |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 1.9 L (2.01 US qt) |
| Chassis and Transmission | |
| Wheel drive | 4×2 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brake | Internal expanding |
| Transmission type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Speed | Maximum forward: 8.8 km/h (5.5 mph) Maximum reverse: 4.8 km/h (3 mph) |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse gears |
| Transmission oil capacity | 5.7 L (6 qts) |
Features of Cub Cadet 2166 Lawn Tractor
Tractors cost a significant amount in general, and so people tend to learn a lot about the product before investing in any. When it comes to cub cadet 2166, you’ll find a decent number of informational pieces online, but not many cover the full features in detail. This means you may have to combine many materials before getting a satisfactory level of information to buy.
This makes a piece like this with complete details of the cub cadet 2166 lawn tractor more valuable. There are so many lawn and garden tractors that choosing one becomes a challenging task. We can reduce the confusion by going product by product. Here we’ll be looking at the features of Cub Cadet 2166.
#1. Physical Features
Cub cadet tractors are known for their yellow and white painting. At just over 6 inches above the ground, it has a decent ground clearance to work on your field. This way, you can handle uneven lands and fields with tall grass.
The tractor weighs 335 kg which is around the average weight of a lawn tractor. It is 71.7 inches long and 51 inches wide, while its height is 41.7 inches. The wheelbase, which is the distance between the wheel centers, is 46.9 inches. The wheelbase distance balances the tractor, especially with its ground clearance above 6 inches.
Generally, this is a fairly compact tractor, as with most other lawn tractors, because they’ll work in small areas. This tractor comes with an open operator cabin area which allows more air to reach the user, is more spacious, and aids keep embarking and disembarking. However, an open operator cabin also means less safety.
Its tires are pretty small, with the front tires having a rating of 15×6-6 and the rear tires having a rating of 20×9-8.
#2. Kohler Command Engine
Cub Cadet 2166 uses a Kohler command Engine. Kohler is a popular engine manufacturer with its engine known for power and durability. The Kohler Command Engine has a four-stroke, air-cooled, inline engine type. The one-cylinder engine may not be the best but will do a decent job while holding up for long.
The displacement of 426 cc allows it to use more air for power generation, while its bore × stroke of 3.55× 2.67 inches makes for a powerful engine. But that’s not all; with a rated RPM of 3600, you know the engine can do a lot more. The power of this engine is set at 16 horsepower, which is not the most powerful for a lawn tractor but offers decent results. It shouldn’t be a problem if you’ll be handling a small field.
It has a small fuel tank capacity of 7.9 liters which means you will have to kill the engine to refuel when working for long. However, this tractor is more suited to small lawns, so this may be the reason for the small fuel tank capacity. The electric starter used here makes the engine easy to start and eliminates most of the engine starting issues you may face. The engine uses the popular SAE 10W-30 oil type with an oil tank capacity of 1.9 liters.
#3. Durability
Nobody wants to buy a tractor that’ll break down after several uses and require a lot of money to fix. How does the cub cadet 2166 measure up? We’ll find out soon enough.
Cub Cadet 2166 is a durable tractor with Kohler engines. You can improve the durability of its engine even further by regularly changing its oil. Typically after about 10-15 hours of use. You should be able to use your cub cadet for more than ten years without any major issues as long as you diligently service and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The parts of a one-cylinder engine must be extremely durable for it to last long, and the cub cadet did not disappoint here. The deck area is a little fragile and may need reinforcements for you to enjoy it for a long time.
#4. Safety
The overall safety of this tractor has been mentioned a little earlier in this post, but here’s a clearer view. The operator’s safety is the most significant factor here, and the operator station is one place to start. Cub cadet 2166 does not have a closed operator cabin area, nor does it include a rollover protective structure otherwise known as ROPS. If there’s an accidental rollover, the operator runs the risk of serious injuries.
Cub Cadet 2166 has a good wheelbase and ground clearance level to reduce the risk of rolling over and keep it firmly on the ground even after bumping into a hard surface.
#5. Comfort
The primary aim of a lawn tractor is not comfort, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t provide the user with some level of ease to make the whole activity enjoyable. The seat fitted on the cub cadet 2166 is soft and covered with vinyl material. However, it sports a low backrest which may be uncomfortable, especially after sitting for a long time.
The controls on the dashboard area are easy to reach while sitting without bending.
#7. Transmission
With a belt-driven hydrostatic, cub cadet 2166 can increase its power usage and effectiveness. There’s also a smooth transfer of power from the engine to other tractor parts. It uses manual steering, which is somewhat more demanding to control.
It uses internally expanding brakes that are more durable as the two shoes work to reduce the effect of friction that causes wear and tear in the braking system. There’s an infinite number of forward and reverse gears with a maximum forward speed of 8.8 km/h and a maximum reverse speed of 4.8 km/h. It has a large transmission oil capacity of 5.7 L.
Pros and Cons of Cub Cadet 2166
Here are more relatable reasons for and against buying the cub cadet 2166 lawn tractor.
Pros:
- Cub cadet sports durable parts due to its one-cylinder engine
- Smooth belt-driven hydrostatic transmission
- Infinite forward and reverse gears
- Durable internal expanding brakes
- Easy to reach dashboard controls
- A small size that is befitting a lawn tractor
- Runs quietly
- Minimal starting problems due to the electric starter
Cons:
- Small fuel tank capacity that leads to frequent stops to refuel
- A low back seat can lead to back pain
- Lack of proper operator safety features
- Manual steering can be difficult to control, especially on a small lawn
- Small horsepower means the tractor may not be suitable for larger-scale lawns
Conclusion
Cub cadet 2166 lawn tractor consists of horsepower rated perfect for small to medium-sized lawns. Its parts are most durable, with the deck area one of the most fragile parts and may need reinforcements. For a tractor last produced in 2003, the Caded 2166 has done well to remain relevant till now.
