You’ve been mowing for a few months with your Cub Cadet mower, and suddenly find that you’re having a hard time getting things started. There is nothing more disheartening than gearing up to go cut your lawn and discovering that you can’t even get the engine to start. Many people lose hope at the first sign of troubles and start wondering how much they will have to spend to buy a new mower instead. Before you replace your Cub Cadet, take a minute to run through this quick checklist of troubleshooting tips and see if you can get it going. Thankfully, Cub Cadets are American made and this is a rare occurrence.
Spark Plugs and Wires
Easily accessible from the outside of your mower, you should be able to see your plug wires clearly. If they are broken, cracked or have been nibbled on by critters, you can quickly see why your engine isn’t getting a spark. If there is no visible damage to the outside, take a minute to clean the contact points with a wire brush. Take the spark plugs out and see if they have been fouled or if they need to be replaced. If they are in need of replacement, you can use our parts lookup tool for the correct part.
Check Your Filters
Clogged fuel filters and air filters are also a main contributor to engine starting problems. Make sure you don’t have water and other grime built up in your fuel system and inspect air filters to ensure that your engine can breathe freely while starting. You should be able to identify issues with filters instantly and replacing filters typically only requires a screwdriver and a couple minutes of your time. Check your owner’s manual for instructions. Fresh fuel should be added if you left the system sitting for a long period of time, as poor fuel quality can also restrict your mower’s ability to start. This may be the case if you’ve recently bought a used Cub Cadet and don’t know the full history of the mower.
Belts and Hoses
All of the rubber parts on your mower are susceptible to cracking and dry rotting as weather conditions change. Take a minute to inspect your main belt to ensure that it is tightly fitted around the engine pulleys, but still free to rotate. In addition, look for any signs of leaks around your fuel hoses while you’re at it.
If you are still experiencing difficulty starting your Cub Cadet mower, seek the help of a professional. Visit cubparts.com to purchase new filters, spark plugs and wires for your mower anywhere in the US. They can help you find the right parts for your mower and give you helpful hints about starting a difficult mower or recently acquired used mower.