Maintaining Your Lawn Mower - Cub Cadet 18M 19-inch Operator's Manual


Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
performing any type
of maintenance on
your machine.
IMPORTANT: Do not
use a pressure washer
or garden hose to
clean your unit. These
may cause damage to
electric components,
spindles, pulleys, bear-
ings, or the engine. The
use of water will result
in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
Figure 5-1: Areas to lubricate on mower.
B
Figure 5-2: Remove rear flap.
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
• 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.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine, discon-
nect spark plug, and ground against
engine before performing any type of
maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least
once a season with light oil. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.
2. Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with
light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil. See Figure 5-1.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the rear
discharge door and side mulch plug periodically with
light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to
prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow
steps below for this job.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the
side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
A
time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine
causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
NOTE: Refer to the engine operation and maintenance
sections in this manual for detailed instructions.
• Maintain oil level.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and
combustible debris from muffler area.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. To remove rear flap, lift rear door, and press flap in on
either side to remove from hole. See Figure 5-2.
2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new
flap in the opposite order and manner of removal.
10
WARNING: Never tip the mower more
than 90º in any direction and do not
leave the mower tipped for any length of