In many ways, owning a Cub Cadet lawn mower is just like owning a car. The equipment requires frequent oil changes in order to keep running at peak efficiency. As with any car, a routine oil change also helps to keep the oil “fresh,” and minimize the likelihood of running into serious problems that might cause the engine to stop functioning permanently. Oil changes also increase mower efficiency and keep the equipment in like-new condition for a very long period of time. Simply put, this simple procedure is perhaps the most important to engine longevity and the long-term viability of any riding or walk behind mower model sold by Cub Cadet to consumers.
Safety Precautions: What to Know Before an Oil Change
Oil changes pose a significant risk of operator injury of proper safety precautions are not followed throughout the entire process. Before beginning, make sure that the engine has had time to cool off after any recent usage. A hot engine can lead to burns or even sparking of fuel and oil, causing significant headaches for the operator. With a cool engine, make sure to disconnect the spark plug wire, turn off the fuel valve, and remove the ignition key. This will guard against any unwanted engine starts or fuel spills, resulting in a significant safety advantage as a result.
Oil changes should be performed on a flat and level surface, in an indoor area where spills won’t negatively impact the environment. Due to the potential for injury and the nature of engine oil, pets and bystanders should be indoors or away from where maintenance is taking place. When all of these precautions are taken, an oil change can safely proceed.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Successfully Changing Cub Cadet Engine Oil
Oil changes are pretty straightforward and generally one of the easier maintenance procedures to follow throughout the spring and summer seasons. When undertaking the process, make sure to follow a logical, step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Prep the Area for Maintenance Work
Clean the oil fill area and make sure that it’s free of any dirt, debris, or other buildup that might have taken hold during the past few weeks of mower use. This will ensure clean, uncontaminated oil and safer work overall.
Step 2: Use a Siphon Pump to Remove Old Oil
The best and easiest way to remove old oil from the mower is to use an Arnold Siphon Pump. Begin by removing the oil dipstick and inserting the pump’s tube into the oil compartment. Use the priming pump to effectively bring oil to the surface and get the process started. Ensure that the other end of the pump is draining into an approved storage container that will make it easy to dispose of the oil in a quick, environmentally friendly way after the procedure has concluded.
Step 3: Remove the Pump and Add New Oil
When draining stops, remove the Arnold Siphon Pump from the oil compartment and add the appropriate oil as suggested by the Cub Cadet mower’s operator manual. Fill the oil to the appropriate fill line, and then insert the dipstick back into the compartment. Wait several minutes and then remove the dipstick once more, checking that oil comes up to the appropriate line and that it will operate properly in the mower after operation resumes.
Step 4: Check the Oil Filter
An oil change presents an excellent opportunity to check the oil filter and make sure that no excessive dirt, grime or damage has taken hold in recent weeks. Clean the filter using an appropriate solution and, if it shows any signs of significant wear or damage, replace it with an OEM Cub Cadet oil filter that will more easily do the job and keep the mower running efficiently.
Step 5: Prepare the Mower for Use Around the Home
With the oil replaced and the oil filter either cleaned or replaced itself, it’s time to bring the mower back into working order. This means replacing the spark plug wire and putting the ignition key back into place. Operators should also take this time to make sure the fuel tank is full and that the mower is in perfect shape for routine mowing.
CubParts.com is a Great Resource for OEM Parts, Fluids, and More
A routine oil change ensures that the mower’s engine remains in like-new condition for many years to come. The best way to make sure this is the case is to use OEM Cub Cadet oil and other parts, which can be easily found at CubParts.com. Equipment owners can use CubParts’ online parts lookup tool to find the appropriate parts and fluids based on their engine’s manufacturer, a specific part number or the model number associated with their exact Cub Cadet mower. It’s easily the best way to ensure the right tools are on hand for the job.