Setting Up and Using the BB230 Blower

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Admin
Setting Up and Using the BB230 Blower

Cub Cadet may be phasing out their backpack blowers, but there’s still a lot to like about the BB 230. Here’s what you need to know to set up one of these machines out of the box and get the best use out of it.

Assembly

To assemble this blower, you’ll need a T-20 Torx screwdriver.

Place a hose clamp over one end of the flex tube, then slide the tube over the elbow pipe on the blower. Tighten the clamp.

Slide a hose clamp over the opposite end of the flex tube, then slide the flex tube over the tube with the throttle control. Tighten the clamp.

Slide the throttle control tube over the lower blower tube. Twist the lower tube to the right until it clicks into place. Slide the nozzle over the lower blower tube. Turn the nozzle to the right until it clicks into place.

Loosen the two screws on the bottom of the throttle control. Put the blower on and move the control around until you find a comfortable hand position. Tighten the screws.

Fueling

Cub Cadet recommends using fuel within one month of purchase. Cub Cadet’s own two-stroke oil is recommended, but if it isn’t available, the fuel should be blended with two-stroke oil and a fuel stabilizer.

The engine in this blower needs gas mixed with 2 stroke oil at a ratio of 50:1. That’s equivalent to 2.6 oz. of oil for every gallon of gasoline. Mix the gas and oil in a separate container before adding it to the blower’s fuel tank. If you aren’t using Cub Cadet oil, add 0.8 oz (23 ml) of fuel stabilizer per gallon of gasoline. Always add fuel with the engine off and the blower sitting on a flat, level surface.

Starting

Before starting, check the muffler, air intake, and filter for blockages or debris buildup. This buildup can cause performance problems and may catch fire as the engine warms up.

Press the primer bulb, located just to the left of the starter handle, until fuel is visible inside the bulb. This should take around 10 presses.

Close the choke by moving the choke lever, located above the priming bulb, to the fully closed position.

Turn the cruise control lever on the throttle all the way clockwise to the Fast position.

Crouch next to the blower and hold the top with one hand. With your other hand, pull the starter handle 5 times.

Move the choke lever to the middle position. Pull the starter handle another three to 5 times. If you’re using a drill with the Power Start bit, push the bit onto the bolt at the back of the blower and run the drill in two-second intervals. The engine should start.

If the engine doesn’t want to start, repeat the process, starting with priming the carburetor. After this attempt, if the engine still won’t start, move the choke lever all the way to the right and pull the starter handle or use the Power Start bit until the engine starts.

Once the engine is running, let it warm up for 30 seconds to a minute, then move the choke lever all the way to the right. Let the engine warm up another minute. The blower is now ready to use.

Tips for Using this Blower

The BB 230 is rated at 73dB, which is quiet for a leaf blower but isn’t quiet by any other standard. Even if you don’t have local noise ordinances, it’s a good idea to limit use to daytime hours so as not to annoy your neighbors. This equipment should also be used with hearing protection and a dust mask to protect yourself from noise and dirt particles.

Loosening packed leaves and debris with a rake or broom will make it easier to clean them up with the blower. Slightly dampening dry material will reduce dust.

The cruise control lever can be set for steady power with the throttle trigger being used for quick bursts of air when dislodging leaves. To keep the noise down, keep the throttle open just enough to get the job done.

The nozzle is designed to be used near the ground, skimming the surface of the soil to gently push leaves. Avoid blowing debris at people, animals, open doors and open windows.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Cub Cadet

Cubparts.com is an authorized Cub Cadet dealer, letting us carry the full line of OEM replacement parts and accessories for your equipment. We make finding the right part easy: just select your model and serial number, and our site will show you exploded parts diagrams and descriptions straight from the manufacturer for your equipment. No matter what you need, we can ship it to any address in the USA or Canada.

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How to Use Your Cub Cadet Pressure Washer

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is a useful tool for any homeowner, but it can also be dangerous to you and your property if handled incorrectly. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls so you can use it to clean safely, quickly and effectively.

Treat Injuries Seriously

Basic pressure washer safety is the same as using any outdoor equipment: use eye and hearing protection, keep people and animals out of the way and wear clothing that won’t restrict movement or cause you to slip on slick surfaces. What isn’t as obvious is the damage that can be done if the stream of water comes in contact with your skin. While the cut this can leave may not seem serious, the water injected into the wound can lead to a serious infection. If you accidentally injure yourself or someone nearby, the wound needs to be inspected and cleaned by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Picking the Right Nozzle

When in doubt, use a wider nozzle than you think you need. Your pressure washer has more than enough power to damage surfaces when used with a narrow-angle nozzle.

The 0-degree red nozzle concentrates the water into an area about the size of a quarter. It’s good for removing tough stains on concrete and bare metal, but it will damage most other surfaces. Even when used properly, the jet must be moved constantly to keep from eroding the surface being cleaned.

The 15-degree yellow nozzle is best used for removing paint and heavy buildup on hard surfaces.

The 25-degree green nozzle can be used as a water-based sweeper, pushing dirt and leaves off of decks and pavement. It’s also safe enough for cleaning cars and boats.

The 40-degree white nozzle is useful for cleaning delicate surfaces like windows.

The black nozzle is the soaping tip. It sprays at 65 degrees, and it’s the only tip that draws from the detergent system. This wide angle is designed to lay down soap quickly and has little cleaning power on its own.

Selecting a Detergent

You should only use detergents made specifically for pressure washers. Other cleaners may be too thick to be drawn through the detergent system, not apply properly, or even damage the pump. Strong bases and acids including bleach and muriatic acid should be avoided.

Most consumer detergents available at your local hardware store can be used straight from the bottle, while professional detergents and detergents shipped by mail are usually concentrated and need to be diluted before use. Check the label for the right ratio of detergent to water.

Look for detergents that are biodegradable. This makes the runoff safer for the environment, and it’s often required in areas with storm drains. These drains go directly to waterways without treatment, which means imperishable detergents can damage aquatic life.

Using the Wand

Start four feet away from the surface you’re cleaning and work your way in until you get the desired cleaning power and spray pattern. Never get closer than two feet from the surface.

Keep the spray at a 45-degree angle from the surface. This helps the water push away dirt. Spraying directly can force dirt into the surface, especially on porous materials like brick and concrete.

When using water, working your way from the bottom to the top of the surface will prevent streaking. When applying soap, start from the top and work your way down.

Tips

Before starting the engine, squeeze the trigger on the gun to let water flow through the pump and wand. This relieves pressure on the pump and will make the engine easier to turn over.

The pump is cooled by the water running through it. If you aren’t going to use the wand for more than two minutes, shut off the engine to keep the pump from overheating.

Many detergents have dwell times: once they’ve been applied, they need to sit for a few minutes to soak in and absorb dirt before being washed off. Check the label for manufacturer recommendations.

When cleaning heavily soiled surfaces, use plain water to sweep off loose dirt and grime before applying detergent.

Get Quality Parts for Your Cub Cadet

Cubparts.com is an authorized dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including AAA, Simpson, and Honda, so we’re able to offer OEM replacements for everything on your pressure washer. Not sure what you need? Just type in your model and serial number, and our search engine can show you factory diagrams and descriptions so you can see where and how each part fits on your equipment. We can ship your order straight to your door whether you live in the U.S. or Canada.

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Servicing Your Cub Cadet Pressure Washer

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet Pressure Washers

Is your Cub Cadet pressure washer not working as well as it used to? Do you want to make sure you get maximum life out of the pump? Here’s what you need to service your pressure washer and keep it running like new.

Pump Oil

Simpson recommends using their Premium Pump Crankcase Oil, but if this isn’t available, 15W40 motor oil can be used. The oil should be changed after the first 50 hours of operation, then every 100 hours or three months after that. AAA pumps are made by Simpson and have the same maintenance requirements.

To check the oil, look at the sight glass on the side of the pump. The oil level should come up the middle of the glass.

To change the oil, remove the oil fill plug on the top of the pump, followed by the drain plug on the bottom of the pump. Collect the oil in a suitable container for recycling. Once the pump is empty, reinstall the drain plug. Add oil through the fill port until it comes up to the middle of the sight glass, then reinstall the fill plug. Oil capacity varies from model to model, but it should need somewhere between 6 and 8 ounces.

Fittings

Connections to pressure washer hoses, the gun, and the spray wand should be cleaned regularly. Apply a light oil or lithium grease to prevent leaks and O-ring damage.

Nozzles

If a nozzle becomes clogged, flow will be restricted and the pump will pulsate. The nozzle should be cleaned immediately to prevent pump overheating.

Shut off the engine and squeeze the gun trigger to relieve any remaining water pressure. Remove the nozzle. Use the cleaning tool included with your pressure washer to push debris out from the outside of the nozzle. Flush the outside opening with water.

Water Inlet Filter

This filter sits inside the fitting that attaches to the garden hose. It should be inspected before each use and cleaned if there is any visible debris.

To clean the filter, pull it out by hand and flush both sides of the screen with water. Reinstall the filter with the screen facing out.

Storage

When storing your pressure washer, be sure the high-pressure hose and wand are free of water.

Simpson recommends using Pump Guard or Powerwasher Protector to protect the pump seals during long-term storage. Set up the bottle according to the instructions on the label and screw it into the pump inlet. With the ignition off, pull the engine starter handle while squeezing the bottle. This is easier if you have one person handle the bottle while another person pulls the starter. Stop once the fluid is coming out of the pump outlet.

Tips for Increasing the Life of Your Pressure Washer

When the engine is on and the wand isn’t being used, the pump is recirculating high-pressure washer. This leads to heat build-up that can cause pump damage. If you won’t be using the pressure washer for more than two minutes, shut off the engine and relieve the pressure by holding down the trigger. It’s normal to see a leak after two minutes of idling. This is the emergency pressure relief valve opening, However, repeated overheating can crack the pump case.

The pump needs a steady supply of water. The recommended flow rate for all models is 20 psi at 5 gallons per minute. Municipal water sources should be at or above this flow rate so long as the hose used is no longer than 50 feet. If you’re drawing from a well, Cub Cadet recommends limiting hose length to 30 feet. If the flow is insufficient, the pump will starve, leading to poor performance and overheating.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Cub Cadet

Take the hassle out of getting parts for your pressure washer by going to www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including AAA, Simpson, and Honda Engines, so we stock everything you need to maintain your equipment. Ordering is easy, too, thanks to the factory descriptions and parts diagrams built into our search system. We can ship what you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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Cub Cadet Chipper Shredders

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet Chipper Shredders

Fall is finally here, which means it’s time to clean up leaves and branches to keep your property tidy and prevent issues with drainage and sun exposure that can damage your lawn. Bagging is time-consuming and leaves massive bags of leaves that are expensive to clean up, but with Cub Cadet’s chipper/shredders, you can get the job done quickly while turning piles of debris into compact, nutrient-rich mulch.

Lawn Vacuums

Fall lawn cleanup involves picking up leaves and chopping up fallen limbs, so why not get a machine that does both? Cub Cadet’s vacuums can pick up leaves using either the 24-inch vacuum head for open lawns or a built-in 7-foot hose that’s great for reaching around bushes and other landscape features to pick up hard-to-reach leaves.

Under ideal conditions, the 13.5 inch cast aluminum impeller can chop up leaves, compacting them up to one eighth their original size. The chute next to the engine leads to a set of 6 cast steel flails that can cut limbs up to 1.5 inches thick. The resulting mulch is collected in a two-bushel felt-lined bag.

Cub Cadet offers two models: the CSV 050 is a push vacuum, while the CSV 070 comes with a self-propulsion system. Both come with a 159 cc engine designed and built for Cub Cadet specifically for their equipment, and they ride on ball-bearing mounted wheels, making them easy to roll.

Vertical Chipper Shredders

For big jobs, these chipper shredders come with powerful engines and cutting heads. Small materials can be dumped into the hopper, while the chute leads to a set of flails that can handle thick branches. Unlike most models on the market, these shredders have a bagging system just like the vacuums, making it easier to dispose of debris. The included felt bag can hold up to 5 bushels.

Between the 12-inch shredding blade at the bottom of the hopper and the 12 cast steel flails at the end of the chute, these machines can reduce organic material up to 10:1. The built-in tow bar has a pin hitch so the chipper shredder can be moved using your riding lawn mower.

Cub Cadet offers two vertical chipper shredder models. The CS 2210 is powered by a 208cc Cub Cadet engine and can handle wood up to two inches in diameter. The CS 3310 replaces the Cub Cadet engine with a 250cc Briggs & Stratton 1150. This gives it the power to cut through branches and trunks up to three inches in diameter.

Warranty

All four models of chipper shredders are guaranteed by Cub Cadet for three years of residential use. Cub Cadet offers the same warranty for their engines, while Briggs & Stratton guarantees the 1150 for 24 months of consumer use or 90 days of commercial use.

Get the Parts You Need to Maintain Your Chipper Shredder

Cubparts.com is more than an online retailer. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including Briggs & Stratton. That means we carry all the OEM parts you need for your chipper shredder and the engine that powers it. Finding the right part is easy: when you enter your model and serial number into our search engine, you’ll be shown parts diagrams and descriptions for your specific machine. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

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BV 428 Blower

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Admin
BV 428 Blower

If you want a hassle-free handheld blower, it’s hard to beat Cub Cadet’s BV 428. Hate dealing with two-strokes, but need plenty of power? This blower uses a lightweight four-stroke engine that out-powers electric blowers. Want to pick up leaves and debris? The BV 428 includes everything you need to turn it into a vacuum. Find using a blower tiring and uncomfortable? The handle and throttle design reduce hand fatigue.

Power

The blower uses Cub Cadet’s own 25 cc PRO engine. Unlike most engines found in handheld blowers, the PRO is a four stroke. That means it’s quieter, easier to start and has a wider torque band so it won’t bog down when letting up on the throttle. It also keeps the oiling system separate from the fuel. You can use regular gasoline in the fuel tank, and the crankcase just needs a couple ounces of fresh SAE 20 oil after every 40 hours of use.

The 428 can move up to 450 cubic feet of air per minute at a maximum speed of 150 mph, putting it well ahead of any rechargeable blower on the market.

Comfort

Four-stroke engines usually come with a weight penalty, but this blower tips the scales at just 13 lbs or about four pounds more than an equivalent two-stroke. The end of the crankshaft is keyed for a Power Start bit, letting you use a drill to spin the crankshaft instead of relying on the starter handle.

The handle has a variable throttle trigger, letting you use full power when cleaning large areas and low power when gathering leaves into piles for disposal. Gripping the throttle can lead to hand fatigue, so Cub Cadet added cruise control. It uses a thumb throttle lever to fine tune the blower speed and retracts the throttle trigger when in use for a more comfortable grip.

Vacuuming

The BV 428 can be converted into a vacuum for light cleanup of leaves and paper. The impeller that moves the air through the blower has sharp edges that chop up this debris, compacting it as much as 10 to 1 to store more in the bag and save on waste disposal.

Everything needed to make the switch from blowing to vacuuming is included with the blower. By unclipping the impeller shield, the vacuum tube can be fitted over the intake, while the blower tube is replaced by the opening for a bag with a built-in shoulder harness. Thanks to a long connecting tube, you can have the bag over one shoulder while the other arm holds the blower, balancing the weight on your body.

Maintenance and Storage

The only tool needed to take apart the blower for maintenance or switch between blowing and vacuuming is a flathead screwdriver. Both the blower and vacuum tubes are constructed as two interlocking pieces, making the blower more compact when you put it in storage.

Warranty

The entire blower is covered by Cub Cadet for three years of residential use.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Cub Cadet Blower

When you need something for your Cub Cadet, visit www.cubparts.com. We’re not just a parts warehouse: we’re a certified Cub Cadet dealer, so you know you’ll always get quality OEM parts. Our search system can show you parts diagrams and information direct from Cub Cadet so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We can ship parts and accessories to any location in the U.S.A. and Canada.

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Trimmer Head and Line Replacement

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Admin
Cub-Cadet-String-Trimmer

Having trouble getting new line onto the head of your Cub Cadet string trimmer? Want to swap out the bump head for a blade to do some brush cutting? Here’s everything you need to know to get your trimmer cutting the way you want.

Replacing the Line in Your Bump Head

Check your owner’s manual for the correct line size; most models are designed to use 0.095-inch trimmer line. The head is designed to hold 10 feet of twin strand line or two 10 foot sections of standard line.

1. Unscrew the bump knob. Remove the reel and spring. Set the spring aside.

2. Find the two holes on top of the inner reel. Insert one end of each section of trimmer line into each hole. Pull the lines through until all but two or three inches of line are left on the outside of the hole. Make sure the lines sticking out of the holes are the same length. Slide the short ends of the lines into the opposite inner reel hole. Pull the long ends of the lines to close the loop.

3. Wind both pieces of trimmer line around the reel in the direction of the arrow on the reel’s side. Leave 6 inches of line unwound. Push this loose line into the slots marked with the line size, typically ‘0.95”’. This keeps the line from unwinding while you fit the reel into the head.

4. Put the spring back on the shaft. Feed the trimmer line into the eyelets on the head. Put the reel onto the shaft, lining up the holding slots with the eyelets. Hold the wheel down against the spring and screw on the bump knob.

5. Once everything is in place, pull on both ends of the trimmer line. This will pull them out of the holding slots so more line can be released as you use your trimmer.

Using the Coupler to Switch Attachments

Newer brushcutter models including the BC 280 and BC 490 use separate boom attachments to go between the string trimmer and blade heads.

To remove an attachment:

1. Set the trimmer on a flat surface.
2. Turn the knob on the boom counter-clockwise to loosen it.
3. Push in on the release button opposite of the knob and slide the attachment out of the boom.
4. Put the hanger cap on the end of the attachment.

To install an attachment:

1. Remove the hanger cap from the end of the attachment.
2. Loosen the knob on the boom by turning it counter-clockwise.
3. Align the release button on the attachment with the guide recess hole on the trimmer.
4. Push the attachment into the coupler. It’s in place when the button snaps into the recess hole.
5. Tighten the knob on the boom.

Switching Between Bump Head and Brushcutting Blade on Older Models

On older models, the cutting head screws onto the drive shaft at the end of the boom. This shaft is left-hand threaded. A J-shaped locking rod is needed to keep the shaft from moving when tightening or removing the shaft bolt.

To remove a blade or bump head:

1. Slide the locking rod into the slot on the left side of the cutting head.
2. Hold the rod in place by gripping it against the boom.
3. To remove the bump head, turn it clockwise off of the output shaft. To remove a cutting blade, loosen the nut by turning it clockwise.

To install a cutting blade:

1. Slide the locking rod into the slot on the front left of the cutting head. Hold the rod in place by gripping it against the boom.
2. Place the blade on the driveshaft followed by the blade retainer washer and nut. The cone on the washer should face away from the trimmer head.
3. Turn the nut counter-clockwise to tighten it. If you have a torque wrench, torque the bolt to 27-28 lb-ft. If you don’t, once the nut seats, turn it another ¼ to ½ turn counter-clockwise.

To install a bump head:

1. Slide the locking rod into the slot on the front left of the cutting head. Hold the rod in place by gripping it against the boom.
2. Place the blade retainer washer on the driveshaft with the cone facing away from the head. Turn the bump head counter-clockwise by hand until tight.

Get Everything You Need for Your Cub Cadet

Lost a spring or washer? Need to replace a beat up bump head or a worn blade? Cubparts.com carries OEM replacements for everything Cub Cadet from trimmers to commercial ZTRs. Our site has factory diagrams and descriptions for each model, making it easy to find compatible parts for your equipment. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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How to Mow to Get the Best Results

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Admin
cub cadet mowers

Almost everyone who lives outside a city center knows how to mow a lawn, but that doesn’t mean they know how to do it well. By making a few changes to your mowing habits, you can get a healthier, better looking lawn.

Staying Safe

Check the lawn before you mow. A loose rock or hidden toy can turn into a dangerous projectile once it’s hit by your mower’s blades. Once you’re underway, shut off the engine before crossing areas that aren’t grass-covered. If the blade hits pavement, it can snap or make the mower buck violently.

Small engines are loud. While your first concern may be annoying your neighbors, it should be your ears. Always wear hearing protection when using your mower.

Run out of fuel? Take a break. If you give the mower a few minutes to cool down, it’s far less likely that a small spill from your fuel will turn into a fire. Once the tank is topped up, roll your mower a few feet away before starting. This keeps the engine heat from igniting any lingering fumes.

Mowing Height

This is one of the most common mistakes in lawn care: homeowners think that mowing lower means they’ll need to mow less often. While that’s technically true, it also damages the grass: damaged crowns are hard to repair, a lack of leaf area limits the amount of energy the grass can produce, and grass can be cut away entirely through scalping.

How short should you cut the grass? It depends on the varieties that are growing on your lawn. These are the recommended heights for common turf grasses:

  • Bent: ¼ to 1 inch
  • Hybrid Bermuda: ½ to 1 inch
  • Common Bermuda: ¾ to 1 ½ inches
  • Centipede and zoysia: 1 to 2 inches
  • Ryegrass: 1 ½ to 2 inches
  • Fine fescue and St. Augustine: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches
  • Kentucky bluegrass: 1 ¾ to 2 ½ inches
  • Bahia, tall fescue, buffalo and blue grama: 2 to 3 inches

Keep the grass longer in stressful conditions, whether temperatures are high or sun-loving grass is trying to grow in the shade.

Only mow 1/3 of the total length of grass at one time to make it easier for the plants to recover. If you let the grass get too long, do one pass to shorten the grass, then wait a couple days before making a second pass to get it to the right height.

When you seed new grass, let it grow until it’s at least one inch higher than the recommended cutting height.

When to Mow

Avoid mowing when the ground is wet. This makes it harder for the blades to cut through the grass, and the weight of the mower can compact the soil, leading to root damage and drainage problems.

If your mower can mulch, this mode should be used most of the time. Switching to side discharge will get a better cut on wet grass, while bagging can be used to stop the spread of weeds.

If you’re using the side discharge, mow in a circle, aiming the clippings inward. This lets your mower chop up larger clippings into a smaller size that’s easier for the soil to digest.

Mowing Around Trees

A mower can do major damage to trees by slicing into exposed roots and damaging bark during impacts. If you want to protect your trees, add some landscaping around the trunk so you can keep your distance. This also helps the tree stay cool and retain water in the summer.

Use Quality Parts to Get a Quality Finish

Do you want to start mulching? Is your mower due for some new blades or some general maintenance? Everything you need for your Cub Cadet is available from www.cubparts.com. We’re a dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including Kawasaki, Kohler and Briggs & Stratton, which means we’re able to offer everything you may need for your mower. Our site lets you look at parts diagrams and descriptions for your model straight from the manufacturer so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We ship to both the US. and Canada.

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Maintenance Tips for Your Push Mower

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Admin
SC 100 Walk-Behind Mowers

Push mowers are simple devices, and most of us grew up using one. That makes it easy to fall into old habits when it’s time to change the oil or sharpen the blade, but you may be missing some new techniques that can make maintaining your Cub Cadet easier, cleaner and safer.

Increase Your Safety in a Couple Seconds

Before you do any work on your mower, take a moment to disconnect the spark plug wire. This will prevent accidental starts should you get the starter handle hung up while moving the mower around. Make reconnecting the wire the final step in the repair, and you can be sure you won’t accidentally start the engine when parts are missing.

Tilt the Deck the Right Way

Need to access the underside of the deck to get to the blade or do some cleaning? If you tilt the deck the wrong way, gas can flood the carburetor, making the mower hard to start. To avoid this, always tip the mower so the carburetor and air filter are facing up.

If the mower will be sitting on end for a while, gas and oil can seep out onto the ground. Before you do major repairs, it’s a good idea to remove these fluids.

Get a Siphon Pump

Oil and fuel can be drained from your mower by tipping it over a pan or container, but it’s a lot easier and cleaner if you use a siphon pump. Cub Cadet’s Arnold siphon pumps have tubes that are color-coded so it’s easier to get fluid moving where you want: the orange tube goes into the crankcase or fuel tank, while the black tube goes into the collection container.

Add a Fuel Stabilizer

Whether it’s “straight gas” or an ethanol blend, modern fuel degrades quickly. When you buy fuel for your mower, add a fuel stabilizer immediately. This slows down water absorption and breakdown that leads to corrosion and lacquering in the fuel system. While untreated fuel should be used within 30 days of purchase, stabilized fuel can be left in the tank for up to 90 days.

If the fuel is old, dispose of it by using it in your car. The fuel injection system will have no problem burning the fuel, and it will be diluted by the gallons of fresh gas already in the tank.

Use a Blade Removal Tool

You can wedge a piece of wood between the deck and the blade to keep the blade from spinning, but a removal tool will do a much better job. It surrounds the blade, keeping it from moving in either direction when you’re loosening the blade bolt or tightening it to the correct torque.

Lubrication isn’t Limited to the Engine

Cub Cadet recommends lubricating the crankshaft and blade adapter before installing the mower blade. This makes the blade easier to fit, and it prevents rust that can make it harder to remove the blade the next time it needs to come off.

Check the Balance

If you’ve ever ridden in a car with an out-of-balance wheel, you know how badly the vibrations can affect the ride. The same goes for the blade, which can cause your mower to shake violently if the blade’s sides aren’t the same weight.

Cub Cadet’s sharpening kit includes a balancer that shows which side of the blade is heavier, but you can also balance the blade by hanging it on a nail. If it sits parallel to the ground, it’s balanced. If it tilts, file off some metal on the side of the blade pointing to the ground.

Get the Parts You Need Delivered to Your Doorstep

Cubparts.com is a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their engine partners including Kawasaki, Honda, and Briggs & Stratton. We carry everything to keep your mower running including blades, cables, and even OEM oil. Our site can show you exploded diagrams and factory descriptions for the parts used on your model so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We can ship the parts and accessories you need to any location in the US. or Canada.

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Side Discharge, Mulch or Bag?

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Admin

SC 100 Walk-Behind MowersVirtually all Cub Cadet mowers give you a choice of mulching, bagging or discharging clippings, either straight from the factory or with the addition of a few accessories. When should you use each mode? It depends on the condition of the grass, its health and the look you want it to achieve.

Side Discharge

As the grass is cut, the clippings are thrown out a small chute on the side of the mowing deck. This is the simplest, most power efficient way to deal with clippings. This works best with standard or “low lift” mower blades. They have a profile that flings grass outward, throwing clippings out of the chute where they can settle on the ground. Side discharge is a good choice for cutting heavy, thick grass, and wet grass that clumps together as it’s cut.

Mulching

Mulching works by cutting grass clippings multiple times to make smaller. These tiny pieces integrate themselves into the thatch where they’re broken down by microorganisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

To get this fine consistency, the blade creates a vacuum, throwing large clippings upward into the mowing chamber where they can fall back down to be cut again. Small pieces can slip between the blade edges and land on the ground. Cub Cadet builds all of their mowers with tall mowing chambers for good mulching performance, while high lift blades are shaped to produce the maximum vacuum. Stamped decks have a curved profile that hugs the blades, increasing vacuum. Constructed decks are more open, but they can get similar performance by adding a set of baffles. These are included in Cub Cadet’s mulching kits.

If you’re just starting to mulch, it may look like you’re increasing the amount of thatch on your lawn, but over time the opposite will happen. The microorganisms in the soil will thrive on this new food source, and in turn, they’ll be able to break down the woodier materials in the thatch layer faster.

Having trouble mulching a thick lawn? Cub Cadet makes Xtreme blades for most decks. These have added cutting surfaces near the tips of the blade for better mulching performance.

Bagging

Bagging results in the cleanest finish, but by removing clippings, you’re also taking away the nutrients they contain. On average, a lawn that is constantly bagged will need twice the fertilizer treatment to keep the soil nutrients balanced. That’s not to say it should be avoided completely. Bagging clippings can halt the spread of mold spores and weed seeds, making infestations easier to manage.

If you want to bag your grass throughout the season, consider composting. By letting the clippings break down naturally, you can use them to fertilize your lawn or as cover for gardens. Fully digested mulch will be free of any surviving weed seeds or fungi spores.

Bagging works best with high lift blades. Mulched clippings pack down more so more grass can be held inside the bag.

Leaf Control

When fall comes, you can use your mower to help manage falling leaves. Whichever method you choose, you can reduce or eliminate the amount of yard waste you need to dispose of. This is better for the environment and your wallet.

In most circumstances, it’s fine to mulch the leaves. The soil should be able to handle mulch from layers three to four inches deep. You can also use your mower in side discharge mode, making two passes to cut the leaves down to size.

The leaves of black walnut trees have a toxic chemical in them that can harm many types of grasses and plants, so it’s better to bag these leaves instead of mulching them. However, if these leaves are composted, the digestion process will break down this chemical in about a month, making it safe to spread them on your lawn.

Looking for Blades and Kits for Your Cub Cadet?

Whether you live in the U.S. or Canada, you can get the parts and accessories you need for your mower from www.cubparts.com. That includes mulching kits, blades, replacement bags and baffles for constructed decks. Finding parts is easy, too: browse our blade section, or select your model and serial number from the search engine to see parts that will fit your model.

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RZT S Zero

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Admin
RZT S Zero

In the past, electric mowers have been little more than low-end walk-behinds used for tiny lawns. Cub Cadet’s changed all that with the RZT S Zero. Introduced nearly 5 years ago, this full-size residential ZTR has proven to be a serious competitor to traditions gas-powered mowers. Since then, Cub Cadet has listened to feedback, updating this model to deliver the performance buyers expect with the convenience of battery power. Today, there are plenty of reasons to consider this mower outside of being green.

It’s Quiet

When you remove the engine from a mower, all you’re left with is the sound of moving blades. When Consumer Reports tested the Zero, they likened the sound to standing next to a washing machine. This makes it easier on the operator and anyone else nearby. Better still, if you want to mow late in the evening or early in the morning, you can be sure that you won’t be disturbing your neighbors.

It Still Has Cub Cadet Cut Quality

For the most part, the deck is just like the ones you’ll find on any RZT mower. 12 gauge steel is stamped into shape to make the 42-inch deck shell. This gives the blades maximum vacuum to delivering the high-quality finish Cub Cadet is known for. The company’s Smart Jet washing system is included so the underside can be cleaned out by simply attaching a garden hose. The deck height system also works the same as other ZTRs with 8 height positions ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches.

The difference comes from the drive system. Instead of using a set of belts running from a PTO, the spindles are driven directly by their own electric motors. These motors have a normal mode that can handle most mowing conditions and a high power “blade boost” mode to cut through thick, wet grass and thoroughly slice up clippings to make high-quality mulch.

It’s Easy to Handle, Even on Slopes

This mower has a four-wheel steering system that works in much the same way as the Synchro Steer system found in some of Cub Cadet’s commercial ZTRs. Each drive wheel is powered by its own motor, while the casters are turned by their own servo motors. Instead of using lap bars, the mower reads inputs from a steering wheel and a set of pedals to change the drive wheel speed and caster angle. Turn the wheel all the way in either direction, and it will spin in place like a regular ZTR. Cruise control is included to keep a steady mowing speed without having to use fine control of the forward pedal. Top speed for this model is 6 mph.

With batteries sitting well below where the engine would be in a normal ZTR, the S Zero has a low center of gravity that lets it mow safely on slopes up to 15 degrees.

It Has Enough Power for Most Mowing Jobs

Four 48 volt, 92 Ah batteries provide enough power for 60 minutes of cutting time with no fade in Blade Boost mode, while staying in normal mode can be extended mowing times to as long as 90 minutes per charge. Running out of power? A warning will turn on if the battery is low, and the deck will shut off so you can drive back to a charging point. It takes between 10 and 16 hours to fully recharge the batteries using the included quick charger.

It’s Easy to Take Care Of

There are still blades to sharpen, wheels to air up and points to grease, but a lot of the maintenance has been eliminated. There are no belts to replace or oil to change, and since there isn’t a hydrostatic drive, there are no hydraulic hoses that can spring a leak. Instead of draining the fuel system, you can just recharge the battery before putting the mower into storage. Both the drive and servo motors are brushless, so they’re virtually maintenance free.

It’s Cheap to Own

The entire mower is warrantied for three years or 120 hours of operation, but the batteries have an expected lifespan of around 6 years. While they’ll need to be replaced at least once during the life of the mower, the total cost of ownership should be lower than a traditional mower that needs gas and oil.

Find Parts for Any Cub Cadet, Past or Present

www.cubparts.com is a dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners, letting us offer parts for everything from classic tractors to the latest equipment including this electric ZTR. Need help finding a part? Just select your model and serial number from the drop-down menus in our search engine, and it can show you factory parts diagrams and descriptions for every system on your equipment. We ship across the United States and Canada.

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