A regular oil change is the best way to guarantee that your Cub Cadet Riding Mowermaintains perfect running order. It is also the best way to ensure that the mower is operating at peak efficiency, using both Cub Cadet Parts and fuel in the most efficient way. In an era of expensive repairs and increasingly expensive fuel, the importance of these two things cannot be overstated.
Changing the oil in any Cub Cadet mower is relatively easy and straightforward, although those new to the process might be a bit intimidated by the number of precautions and intricate steps that need to be taken. For those new to Cub Cadet oil changes, here’s a step-by-step look at how to complete the process successfully. The best resource is always the manufacturer’s operations manual.
Precautionary Steps:
Ensuring a safe and smooth oil change, safety is extremely important when working with any engine and fluids, and the Cub Cadet riding mowers are no exception to this rule. Prior to the oil change, be sure to follow the following safety precautions.
- Place the riding mower on a flat surface to ensure that any fluid changes, or dipstick readings, are level and accurate before proceeding. This will help to avoid placing too much, or too little, oil into the engine.
- Check that the engine is cool before attempting an oil change in order to avoid burns or fires.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure maximum safety and reduce the risk of shock or other injuries.
- Clean the oil fill area of the mower and rid the area of any debris that has accumulated since the mower’s fluids were last checked or changed.
Getting the Job Done: Moving Beyond the Precautionary First Steps
Now it’s time to siphon out the old oil and replace it with a fresh fluid that will last the machine for several more months of intense use around the home’s outdoor spaces. This is typically done using a siphon pump. Before siphoning, check that the siphon pump which is being used is compatible with Cub Cadet riding mowers.
- Remove the oil dipstick from the engine area and set it aside.
- Using a siphon pump, place the black tube connected to the point into the hole where the dipstick was located.
- Place the orange tube into an oil pan to collect the discharged oil produced during the removal process. Pump the siphon pump’s handle up and down a few times, engaging in what is known as “priming the pump.”
- After a few manual pumps, oil will begin to flow from the engine to the oil pan on its own, without further intervention.
- When the oil has stopped flowing into the oil pan, the siphon pump should be removed from the dipstick tube. Oil can also be removed by taking off the drain plug that sits underneath the dipstick tube.
- Place the oil pan underneath this area, remove the drain plug from the oil drain sleeve, and then drain the oil into the oil pan.
- When this process has finished, replace the drain plug.
- Remove the existing oil filter from the engine, and use lawn mower oil to lubricate the gasket attached to the replacement oil filter that will be placed into the engine. When the gasket has been sufficiently lubricated, slide in the new oil filter and dispose of the used one.
- Finally, add new oil to the engine. This must be lawn mower oil that is specifically rated to be compatible with the model of Cub Cadet being serviced. Check the owner’s manual and instruction guides for the oil name, number, and rating, before purchasing and replacing.
- Replace the dipstick and wait several minutes. After a brief wait, remove the dipstick and check the oil level in the engine.
- If the mower was on a level surface and everything was performed properly, the oil should be at the correct mark and no further action will need to be taken. If the oil is still too low, add additional mower oil until it reaches the proper height on the dipstick.
- Replace the spark plug wire so that the riding mower can once again be started and operated.
- Dispose of any old oil properly, and remember to store the Cub Cadet riding mower in a location where it will be protected from the elements.
Cub Cadet Riding Mower Oil Changes: Pretty Easy, and Highly Recommended
Just like a traditional vehicle, the oil in a Cub Cadet riding mower must be regularly changed in order to ensure a long engine life and maximum efficiency. Because the process is so easy, there’s really no reason not to give a Cub Cadet mower regular oil changes throughout the height of the traditional mowing and lawn care season.