Seasonal service and maintenance is important for your Cub Cadet mower, but there are also annual tune-ups you can't miss! Changing your oil and gas on schedule are two of the best ways to make sure your Cub Cadet walk behind and zero-turns stay in tip top condition year round. What else? Read on to learn more from P&P Small Engines' Cub Cadet Mower Maintenance guide. 

 

Cub Cadet Mower Maintenance

How to Change the Oil on your Cub Cadet Mower

Safety is always first when maintaining your equipment. Place the mower on a level, flat surface. Make sure the mower’s power is off.

1) Once the engine is cool, disconnect the spark plug wire.

2) Take the dip stick out of the oil fill tube. Take your Arnold Siphon Pump and place the orange tube into the dip stick hole, and the black tube into the oil pan.

3) Pump the handle 3 or 4 times to prime the pump. When oil begins to flow, stop pumping.

4) Remove the orange tube from the dip stick hole and add new oil as detailed by your owner’s manual.

5) You can also change your oil the “traditional” way by removing the dip stick and tipping the mower onto wooden blocks. With the air filter facing UPWARDS, let the oil drain completely into a catch basin.

6) After new oil has been added, you can replace the dipstick. Reconnect the spark plug ignition wire.

7) You’ve successfully changed the oil on your mower, but make sure you properly dispose of the used oil.

Changing the Gas on your Cub Cadet Mower

1) Disengage the spark plug ignition wire.

2) Unscrew the gas gap.

3) Now take your Arnold Siphon Pump. Place the orange tube into the gas tank and the black tube into the appropriate used-gas receptacle.

4) To prime, pump the handle three or four times. When liquid begins to flow, stop pumping.

5) After you’ve pumped out the old or bad gas, remove the pump.

6) Add new gas.

7) Replace the gas cap. Reconnect spark plug ignition wire.

8) Don’t forget to properly dispose of your used gas.

How to Change the Air Filter on your Cub Cadet Mower

It’s important to change the air filter regularly to be sure that debris and dust aren’t harboring the operation of your mower’s engine. The filter ought to be changed once a year, though more difficult environments and operating conditions may require a more frequent inspection and replacement.

Be sure to obtain a replacement filter before beginning this process. You can find some models that offer a wash-and-reuse filter, while others will require a brand new filter. Your owner’s manual can tell you exactly which filter you need.

1) Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire.

2) Unscrew bolts securing the air filter casing cover.

3) Separate the air cleaner body and the casing cover.

4) Now remove the air filter from the mower.

5) Replace the new filter into the base of the casing.

6) Replace the air cleaner lid and slide it into the air cleaner body. Fasten the bolt until it’s securely attached.

7) After replacing the filter and lid, you’re ready to reattach the spark plug ignition wire.

How to Sharpen the Blades on your Cub Cadet Mower

A sharp mower blade is your best friend when you want a cleanly cut lawn. Even if you don’t intent to sharpen the blades, you should regularly inspect the blade for any nicks, rust, or cracks. If you notice any damage, you can use a mower blade sharpener to grind a new edge.

1) Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire. Place the mower on its side with the air filter and carburetor facing UPWARDS.

2) Never try to sharpen the blade while it’s still on the mower. Using thick work gloves is highly advised when performing any mower maintenance.

3) To remove the blade, first remove the blade ball support and hex bolt. Now you can remove the blade and adapter from the crankshaft. Secure the blade in a vice.

4) You can use either a grinding wheel or a mower blade sharpener. To sharpen, follow the blade’s original angle and grind. Equally grind each cutting edge to keep a balanced blade.

5) Test the balance on your blade before replacing. Place the blade on a round shaft screwdriver and shave the metal from the heavy side until the blade is at an even balance.

6) Before replacing the blade, lubricate the inner surface of the engine crankshaft and the blade adapter with light oil. Now you can slide the blade adapter back onto the crankshaft.

7) When replacing the blade, make sure the blade marked “BOTTOM” faces the ground when you turn the mower right side up. The blade needs to be aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.

8) Now replace the blade bell support and align the notches with the small holes in the blade.

9) Replace and tighten the hex bolt to the recommended torque that’s discussed in your owner’s manual.

10) Once you turn the mower right side you, you can reconnect the spar plug. If there are any vibrations or noises once you’ve started the mower, adjust the blade balance as necessary.