Maintenance & Off-Season Storage - Cub Cadet 18M Operator's Manual


Maintenance
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
cleaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of
maintenance on your
machine.
We do not recommend
the use of pressure
washers or garden
hose to clean your
unit. These may cause
damage to electrical
components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or
the engine. The use
of water will result in
shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
Figure -1
General Recommendations
1. Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
2. The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
3. Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
4. All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
5. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle
at least once a season with light oil. The blade
control must operate freely in both directions. See
Figure 5-1.
2. If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels,
lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all
other types require no lubrication. However, if the
wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the
surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the
wheel with light automotive oil.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot points periodi-
cally with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.
Engine
1. Refer to the engine operation and maintenance
sections in this manual for detailed instructions.
2. Maintain engine oil level.
3. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions.
4. Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
Deck
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after
each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves,
dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate,
it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper
mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scrap-
ing clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
Blade Care
WARNING: When removing the
cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect your hands
with a pair of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especial-
ly if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
Follow the steps below for blade service:
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
2. Tip mower on its side making sure that the air filter and
the carburetor are up.
3. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 5-2.
4. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
5. The blade may be resharpened by removing it and
either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping as
close to the original bevel as possible. Do not attempt
to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.
6. It is extremely important that each cutting edge
receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an
unbalanced blade.
NOTE: Improper blade balance will result in excessive
vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and
mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade after sharpen-
ing. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance
condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Always remove blade from the adapter for testing
balance.
7. The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it
on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly.
8. Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter
to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the
inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
10