Description

Cub Cadet 2160 Parts Catalog – Factory OEM Parts Breakdown for the 6-Speed Transmission

Every mechanic who has ever ordered a transmission part for a Cub Cadet 2160 knows the drill: you pull the old bearing, measure it with a caliper, call three dealers, and still end up with the wrong retainer ring. That’s because aftermarket diagrams grab part numbers from God-knows-where and call it a day. This Cub Cadet 2160 Parts Catalog is a factory-issued 72-page PDF. It gives you the exact OEM reference numbers, supersessions, and serial-number-specific breakdowns. No guesswork. No crossed threads because a washer was 0.002” off.

What This 72-Page Parts Catalog Actually Shows

Most parts catalogs for older tractors are lucky to have a single exploded drawing with numbers that are 20 years out of date. This one covers serial number range 326,006 through 389,000 for the 6-speed transmission. It’s broken down by assembly: LH and RH axle housings, differential housing, shift collars, drive shaft with first gear, and every bearing, washer, seal, and screw in between. Each section lists the part number, quantity, and whether it’s a service part (S), optional (P), or factory-only (F). The index starts on page 1 and goes through page 72. For example, the LH axle assembly (ref #1) is part 611-3008 – an 11.9-inch axle. You also get the inverted retainer ring (716-3015), the oil seal (721-3020A), and the bearing (741-3033A). All OEM numbers. All verified against the original bill of materials.

Why a Factory Parts Catalog Beats Aftermarket Diagrams

I’ve been turning wrenches for almost three decades. Every time a junior tech brings me an aftermarket diagram printed off some forum, I tell them to throw it out. Aftermarket drawings don’t show superseded parts, don’t list the correct screw thread pitch, and often combine different serial number ranges into one blob. This catalog lists the exact hardware: hex cap screw 710-0606 (1/4-20 x 1.5”) for the differential cover, a threaded plug 737-0177 (1/2-14 NPTF) for the housing, and even the Ultra Grey sealant (759-3746). You also see revisions: the LH differential housing changed from 619-3037 to 619-3037B, which requires two 715-3045 dowel bushings, a plug 710-1346 (M14 x 1.5), and washer 736-0600. That kind of detail is why you buy an OEM manual, not a $10 PDF from a reseller.

Every part number in this catalog comes from Cub Cadet’s own engineering records. If you want to cross-reference a bearing, the ball bearing 741-0361 appears on page 2, ref #16. That’s three per transmission. The factory also lists sealant and washer kits – zero guesswork. When you see “S/P/F” next to an item, you know exactly what you’re paying for. Service parts (S) are items you can order individually. /P means part of a kit. /F means factory assembly only. Try finding that clarity in an aftermarket diagram.

Transmission and Differential Breakdown: 6-Speed Specs

The 2160’s 6-speed transmission uses a laid-out gearset: first through sixth drive gears with matching shift gears. Page 2 lists the drive gears – 27T (sixth), 23T (fifth), 20T (fourth), 17T (third), 15T (second), and a drive shaft with first gear (717-3349). Shift gears are on page 2 as well: 18T (sixth), 22T (fifth), 24T (fourth), 27T (third), 40T (second), 58T (first). The differential pinion block (717-1180) and bevel gear (717-3347) are also listed. All tooth counts are exact – no asterisks, no “approximate.” If you need to rebuild the differential, the catalog includes both the left and right differential housings, the dowel bushings, and the ball bearings. One thing I appreciate: the wave washer (736-3122) is dimensioned – 0.79 x 1.125 x .012 inches. That’s the kind of spec that prevents end-play issues when you button up the case.

Casting Numbers and Bearing References: Find Any Part

I’ve seen too many home-garage guys pull a transmission, take a bearing to the parts store, and be told “we don’t carry that.” With this catalog, you don’t take a sample – you order the factory part. Each bearing, seal, and bushing has a Cub Cadet part number that crosses to genuine. The oil dipstick (727-3085) and the shift collars (718-3029 left, 718-3030 right) are listed. Even the neutral spacer (750-0991) and the shift key arm (718-3021) are there. If you’re dealing with a stripped spline or a broken shift fork, you can find the exact replacement. The catalog also lists the sealant requirement – Ultra Grey (759-3746) for the LH axle housing. That’s not a “use RTV” note; it’s a specific product recommendation from the factory.

Does This Catalog Cover the 2160 Tractor S/N 326,006 to 389,000?

Yes, but only that serial range. If your 2160 falls outside that band, this catalog may not match. Cub Cadet changed the housing castings and some gear ratios across different production runs. The catalog header on page 1 clearly states “2160 Tractor S/N 326,006 – 389,000 / 6-Speed Transmission.” It also notes that the LH differential housing revision 619-3037B superseded the earlier 619-3037. That means if you have a later model within that range, you need the updated dowel bushings and plug. The 72 pages cover everything from the axle to the shifting mechanism, but not the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system – this is strictly a drivetrain parts catalog for the 6-speed transmission.

Related Manuals You Might Need

If you’re working on another Cub Cadet model, check out Cub Cadet 2160 Parts Catalog – this same manual for a different serial range. For a close relative, the Cub Cadet 21121C29025 Parts Catalog – 73 Pages of Factory Specs gives you the same OEM-level detail for a different tractor. And the Cub Cadet 984 Parts Catalog – 128 Pages of OEM Factory Parts Breakdowns covers the larger chassis with a 12-speed transmission. For general background on the Automotive Industry Overview, you can check that link – though it’s more about cars than garden tractors.

Another external reference: Automotive Industry Overview – not specific to Cub Cadet, but it explains why OEM specs matter.

Can I use this catalog for a Cub Cadet 2160 with a serial number lower than 326,006?

No.

Are the part numbers in this catalog still current or have they been superseded?

This is an original factory catalog from the production period. Some parts may have been superseded or discontinued since printing. However, the catalog lists the exact OEM numbers that were used on the assembly line. When ordering from a Cub Cadet dealer, give them the part number from the catalog – they can check current availability and supersession history. For example, the LH differential housing 619-3037B superseded the earlier 619-3037, and the catalog includes the additional parts required for the change (dowel bushings and plug). That’s the kind of information aftermarket catalogs routinely miss. Use the catalog as your first reference, then confirm with your dealer if the part is still listed. It’s still far more accurate than trying to piece together a parts list from a forum.

Stop ordering the wrong parts for your Cub Cadet 2160. This 72-page factory parts catalog gives you the exact OEM numbers for every bearing, seal, gear, and screw in the 6-speed transmission and axle assembly. No third-party summaries. No re-typed diagrams. Just the original PDF from Cub Cadet’s engineering department. Cub Cadet 2160 Parts Catalog is your ticket to getting the job done with factory accuracy. Access the Factory Manual.