Typically, most homeowners work with their Cub Cadet lawn tractor “as-is,” without any modifications that change the way it handles grass clippings during mowing. This means that most homeowners are simply discharging clippings to side, or perhaps bagging them for disposal after mowing. While a smart option for many homeowners, others prefer to use a mulching kit so that fresh clippings can add essential nutrients back into the lawn immediately after mowing. This helps the lawn keep its color and helps it resist disease, while the fine nature of mulching ensures that clippings will be largely invisible and will resist blocking sunlight.
Cub Cadet’s mulching kit for its popular lawn tractors is actually quite easy to install. The kit immediately transforms how the lawn tractor handles clippings, and requires only a quick deck removal, blade installation, and replacement of the cutting deck. For those who prefer this type of cutting, a few steps will make the transformation a breeze.
A Quick Safety Disclaimer for DIY Mulch Kit Installers
The great thing about Cub Cadet equipment is that a lot of modification, installation, and regular maintenance, can be performed without the help of an authorized service technician. Even so, homeowners should keep in mind that these lawn tractors are powerful pieces of equipment, and the blade work required during installation could pose a serious risk of injury. As a result, maintenance should only be performed when the engine is cool, when the spark plugs and fuel valves are disconnected and switched off, and when bystanders have been removed from the surrounding area. Protective gloves should also be worn during deck removal, kit installation, and deck replacement, to guard against cuts and scrapes.
Step-by-Step: Installation of the OEM Mulch Kit from Cub Cadet
Turning a Cub Cadet lawn tractor into a mulching mower is actually pretty easy. To get started, follow the company’s recommended series of steps that includes deck removal, blade installation, and more.
Step 1: Remove the Mower’s Cutting Deck
The mulching kit largely requires installation into the cutting deck, which can only be performed once that deck has been removed from underneath the lawn tractor. Every lawn tractor model requires a slightly different removal procedure, which may require different tools and parts. As a result, equipment owners should consult their original equipment manual to determine the pats needed to remove key bolts and belts, freeing the deck from its position underneath the lawn tractor. When the deck is removed, continue to the next series of steps.
Step 2: Flip the Deck and Secure the Blades
With the deck carefully removed from underneath the lawn tractor, equipment owners should flip the deck over and lay it carefully onto a piece of cardboard or an old towel. This will protect the top of the deck from damage and make it easy to access the internal components that cut and mulch the turf. With the deck flipped onto its back, make sure to secure the existing blades using a block of wood. Securing the blades greatly reduces the risk of cuts, scrapes, and other injuries that can occur if the blades begin to rotate during installation work.
Step 3: Remove the Blades
The mulching kit is essentially a new set of blades, which means the old ones must be removed from the deck. As with the cutting deck removal itself, equipment owners should consult the manual for their specific model to learn which parts must be removed to free the blades. Generally, this requires the removal of a hex flange nut that keeps the blades in place, but the specifics may vary by model.
Step 4: Install the New Mulching Blades
With the old blades removed, install the new mulching blades that came as part of the Cub Cadet much kit. This can be done simply by following the tractor’s blade removal instructions in reverse.
Step 5: Flip the Deck and Install the Mulch Plug
With the new blades installed, carefully return the deck to its standard position. Next, install the included mulch plug in the area cut out for the discharge chute. This will ensure that mulching material is not discharged to the side, as clippings typically would be.
Step 5: Reattach the Deck
Finally, reattach the cutting deck to the mower by following the instructions in the equipment manual. Make sure that all fittings and fixtures are secure before reattaching the spark plug and opening the fuel valve.
CubParts.com Carries a Full Line of Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor Parts
Whether it’s a much kit or any number of OEM replacement parts that are essential for regular equipment maintenance, CubParts.com can help. The website features an easy-to-use parts lookup tool, which allows equipment owners to browse for available parts according to their lawn tractor’s engine manufacturer, model number, or the specific part number of the piece they need to get the job done. All of this is in addition to a full selection of new lawn tractors that play an essential role in summertime lawn maintenance and year-round lawn renovation and general outdoor work.