XT2 Lawn Tractors

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Admin
XT2 Lawn Tractors

Stamped or constructed deck? Carburetor or EFI? A narrow deck for maneuverability or a wide deck for speed? No matter what you need from a lawn tractor, you can get it with the XT2. Built to handle rougher terrain than the XT1 line, these mowers can tackle large lawns and are compatible with a long list of attachments, making them useful year-round.

Decks

The XT2 is offered with decks in 42, 46, 50 and 54-inch widths that have a cutting height range of one to four inches. Most models come with a stamped deck. Forming the deck out of a single sheet of steel lets it take on a rounded shape that hugs the blades, providing maximum vacuum for the best finish.

The LX 46” EFI uses a fabricated deck. By welding steel plates together, this forms a deck that’s better at withstanding impacts, but its boxy shape reduces vacuum. Cub Cadet adds internal baffles to improve performance, but this deck won’t get the finish of their stamped decks.

Engines

Cub Cadet offers these tractors with a choice of two engines: the Kohler 7000 and the company’s own EFI V-Twin.

Kohler’s 7000 series is a residential engine based on their commercial Command Pro line. The automatic Smart-Choke helps the engine start at any temperatures, while the Consistent-Cut governor reacts swiftly to changing load demands to keep the blades from slowing down when moving into taller grass.

Cub Cadet’s 679cc EFI V-Twin is the first consumer fuel injected small engine on the market, bringing significant improvements in operating cost, performance and maintenance requirements. It uses 25% less fuel than carbureted engines and doesn’t have the issues with aging fuel. That means there’s no need to use fuel stabilizer during the mowing season, while remaining fuel can be treated and left in the tank during storage. It will even run on E15, further reducing fuel costs. Electronic control also delivers faster governor response for the best cutting performance.

Making Maintenance Easier

All XT2 mowers use the QuickAttach system. Both the decks and attachments are designed to be installed and removed without tools, making it easy to switch jobs or perform repairs.

Two of the XT2 models come with Cub Cadet’s new FastAttach blade system, which uses a locking collar to hold the blade in place. The blades can be installed and removed without tools, and since there are no bolts, there’s no need to check torque settings.

Models

Each version of the XT2 is named after its deck size. Here’s the equipment, engine and deck design you’ll get with each model:
LX42”
22 hp Kohler 7000
Stamped Deck

LX46”
24hp Kohler 7000
Stamped Deck

LX46” EFI
Cub Cadet EFI
Fabricated deck

SLX50”
FastAttach blade system
679cc Cub Cadet EFI
Stamped deck with nose roller

SLX50” KH
24 hp Kohler 7000
Stamped deck with nose roller

SLX54″
25 hp Kohler 7000
Stamped deck with FastAttach blade system

This mower comes with Cub Connect. Using your smartphone, you can connect to the hour meter via Bluetooth. From there, the Cub Connect app helps you keep track of maintenance and access information specific to your model including specifications and maintenance instructions.

GX54″ D
26 hp Kohler 7000
Fabricated deck

This model is designed for maximum performance when using accessories. It comes with a differential lock for increased traction, and it’s the only model in the XT2 lineup that works with ground-engaging attachments.

Accessories

Mulching kits are available for all decks. These add high lift blades and a discharge plug to cut clippings into small pieces that fertilize the lawn. Bagging kits are also available to collect clippings.

Cub Connect can be used with any model by adding a Bluetooth-enabled hour meter.

These mowers can also be useful in the winter thanks to a 42-inch three stage snowthrower, while the 42-inch dozer blade is useful for moving snow and dirt.

Need weather protection? The XT2 can be fitted with a sunshade or combination sunshade and snow cab. Need to protect your mower from front impacts? Add a front brush guard.

Cub Cadet makes compatible trailers with utility and dump beds as well as broadcast spreaders for overseeding and fertilizing. The rear cargo tray attaches to the trailer hitch, adding a little extra on-board storage.

Warranty

The chassis, deck shell, and front axle have a limited lifetime warranty, the chassis and front axle are guaranteed for 5 years, and the rest of the XT2 and Cub Cadet EFI engine are guaranteed for three years. Kohler offers their own three-year warranty on the 7000 Series.

Get the Most from Your Cub Cadet Mower

Cubparts.com is a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and Kohler, letting us offer OEM parts and accessories for everything on your mower. Our site has built-in parts diagrams and uses factory descriptions, making it easy to find what you need for your equipment. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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Tiller Operating Tips

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Admin
FT Garden Tillers

Cub Cadet’s tillers are easy to use, but knowing how and when to use them can be downright confusing. Do you really need to dig deep into the soil to get good results? What if you’re tilling ground you’ve planted previously? When is the best time to till? How do you keep your tiller from getting stuck? Here’s what you need to know to get the best results when establishing or reviving a garden plot.

When Should I Till?

The soil should be dry enough that if you pick up a handful and squeeze it, the dirt crumbles. If it forms a ball, it’s too wet. You can also test the soil moisture by pushing down a trowel in an area with unturned soil. If it’s difficult to dig in, the soil is ready to plow.

The soil temperature should be at or above 60ºF. If you don’t have a thermometer handy, you can test the temperature by sticking a finger a few inches into the soil. When the soil is warm enough, you should be able to keep your finger in the soil for a full minute.

If you plan on planting cool weather crops, the ground won’t be warm or dry enough to till when you’re ready to plant. Instead, till in the fall. Placing a layer of cardboard and mulch over the area will prevent weed growth and ready the soil for planting. This same method also works for getting a head start on next season’s bed preparation.

How Deep Should I Till?

For most areas, the tiller needs to dig into the top 6-10 inches of soil when creating a new seedbed. If the ground has been tilled before, the top two to three inches should be tilled to remove weeds and re-establish the plot. When applying fertilizer, limit the tines to the top 6 inches of soil.

In areas with heavy clay soil, it can be helpful to establish the plot with double digging. This improves drainage, although claims about root penetration are questionable. When done by hand, the top level of soil is dug up, then the second layer below it is turned and mixed. This results in a total depth of around 24 inches, or double the standard shovel depth. While your tiller won’t be able to reach that depth, there’s no reason to do everything by hand. Simply till the soil at your tiller’s maximum depth, then finish using a shovel.

How Do I Get the Right Bed Depth?

The depth bar should be lowered to a point that the handles are pointed slightly downward while tilling. If the tiller is moving forward too quickly, push down the handles, digging the depth bar into the soil. When the tiller doesn’t want to move forward, let up on the handlebars and shake them side to side to dislodge the tines. Raise the depth bar if the tiller still doesn’t want to move.

Tips for Getting Better Results

Water the soil a few days prior to tilling to make it softer, but don’t make it so wet that it won’t pass the moisture test. This will make it easier for the tines to dig in.

If you’re busting sod or turning soil that hasn’t moved in a long time, start with a depth of one to two inches for the first pass, then go another one to two inches deeper with every succeeding pass. Let the ground rest for a couple days before making a final deep pass.

Let the machine pull itself along. It should only take light pressure on the handles to keep the tines digging in.

To avoid compaction, walk on the untilled side and make only one pass at a time. Soil that has already been chopped up will compress when making contact with your feet or the tiller’s tines.

Keeping the tiller running at top speed will get the best results on hard soil while slowing down the engine will get better results when digging through loose, shallow or chunky soil.

Where Can I Get Parts for My Tiller?

If you need to do some maintenance to get your Cub Cadet tiller ready for spring, visit www.cubparts.com. As a certified Cub Cadet dealer, we’re able to offer replacement parts and accessories for all of their models past and present. Finding what you need is easy: select your model and serial number, and our site can show you diagrams and descriptions for each system on your equipment. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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Preparing Your Lawn for Spring

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet ZTT50 Zero Turn Tractor

It takes year-round dedication to get the best looking lawn, but no time is more important to get the lawn you want than spring. Proper application of seed, fertilizer, and herbicides along with proper watering and mowing practices can get your lawn off to a great start this year.

Prepare Your Equipment

There’s not much that you have to do to get your lawn mower running: air up the tires, add fresh fuel and oil, and making sure the cables move freely. While you’re getting your equipment out of storage, pay particular attention to the blades. If the blades are dull, they’ll bruise the top of the grass, leaving it open to infection. With diseases like fairy root and rust popping up in the spring, this is when your lawn will be most susceptible to damage.

Grass should be mulched whenever possible to return nutrients to the soil. Now is a great time to switch to a set of high lift blades to help your mower chop up grass into small, digestible pieces.

Clear the Lawn

Wind, snow, and ice can take down branches, while runoff can expose rocks in the soil. Removing this debris exposes the underlying turf so it can get sunlight, and it protects your equipment.

Get a Soil Test

If you want the best performance from your fertilizer, you need to know what the soil needs to support the grass. Getting the results can take a few weeks, so the sooner you send in the test, the better.

Apply an Herbicide

Pre-emergent herbicides can stop spring weeds from taking root, but they’ll also prevent new grass from sprouting. The more you can separate herbicide applications and overseeding, the better. Fighting crabgrass? The ideal time for application is when temperatures reach 50ºF.

Dethatch and Aerate

These processes do two entirely different things, but since they go hand-in-hand when taking care of lawns, they’re easy to confuse.

Thatch is the layer of decomposing plant matter on the surface of the soil. Some thatch is healthy as it helps fertilize the soil and reduce evaporation. Once it gets to over ½ of an inch thick, it can choke plants and cause them to grow roots over the soil. A dethatcher uses tines to rake the thatch off of the surface.

Compacted soil limits how deep roots can reach and prevents the absorption of rainwater. As the soil is kept cold and wet through the winter, weight from vehicles and foot traffic can tamp down the soil, compacting it. Aerating breaks up the soil using spikes or tines. If you’re using a core aerator, the cores can be broken up by your lawnmower. This will dull the blades, so be sure to sharpen them before you mow.

Fertilize

Using the information from your soil test, you should be able to find the right blend of nutrients for your lawn. When shopping for fertilizer, be sure to look for high levels of phosphorus, listed as “P” on the label, will encourage new growth.

Overseed

If you want a thick lawn, new grass needs to be mixed in with thinner, more mature plants. Ideally, temperatures should stay between 60 and 78 degrees when seeding, but more importantly, there must be no chance of snow or a heavy freeze.

Water

The soil should be kept moist but not saturated while new grass sprouts and older growth comes out of hibernation. Lightly water the soil two to three times a day after overseeding, then gradually shift to fewer waterings with more water applied each time.

Take it Easy on Mowing

After overseeding, wait until the new grass is two inches tall before the next mow. From there, you can mow normally, cutting up to 1/3 of the grass at one time.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Lawn Equipment

Cubparts.com is a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners. That means whether your equipment uses a Cub Cadet, Kawasaki, Honda or Briggs & Stratton engine, we have everything you need to keep it running. Looking for OEM accessories like bagging systems or broadcast spreaders? We carry those, too. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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What Size of Mower Do You Need?

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet Mower

Picking a mower is more than just getting the biggest deck you can afford. There are several factors at play that determine how well it will fit your needs from how easy it is to use to how it handles the shape of your yard. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a new lawn mower.

Riding or Walk-Behind?

Regular walk-behind mowers are best suited for lawns smaller than an acre and work best for lawns under a half-acre. Riding mowers have large decks and move faster so they can cover a lot more ground.

Wide area walk-behinds blur the line between these mowers. A mower like the CC 800 has a deck that mows more with each pass, letting the operator cover up to two acres per mow. If you don’t mind adding some walking to your lawn care, this is an inexpensive alternative to a riding mower. Cub Cadet’s new Pro Hydro Walk commercial mowers can be used with a sulky. The operator stands on this trailer as its pulled along by the mower, letting the deck cut grass at the same speed as a riding mower. Once in tight quarters, it can be used like a regular walk-behind, maneuvering around obstacles. While it won’t be as comfortable as a riding mower, these models are a great option for properties with a mix of open areas and obstacles.

Push or Self-Propelled?

Push mowers are lighter, cheaper and easier to steer. If you have a small lawn, these are a good choice.

Self-propelled mowers take most of the effort out of mowing, making them practical for larger lawns and areas with slopes. Owners used to have problems disengaging the drive system before their mower runs over flowerbeds and other landscape, but this is no longer a problem with Cub Cadet’s MySpeed drive. It’s controlled by the pressure the operator puts on the handle, so if you stop moving, so does the mower.

Low Wheels, High Wheels or Caster Wheels?

High wheel walk-behind mowers provide more leverage when lifting the front end to make turns, and they can handle uneven terrain better than low wheel mowers.

Front caster wheels like those found on the SC 500 Z let the mower be turned without lifting the front end. This makes it a great choice for lawns with a lot of obstacles. Wide area mowers also use casters so the operator doesn’t have to lift the heavy deck.

Mower Speed

Top speed on most mowers is intended for transport while getting a good mowing finish depends largely on the deck design. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to get good mowing quality on flat terrain at these speeds:

Walk-behind – 2 mph
Residential riding mowers – 5 mph
Professional mowers – 7-8 mph

Deck Size

Other factors aside, you can expect these decks to be the best match for the size of yard you’re mowing:

Half acre – walk behind mower
One acre – 36-42 inch riding or wide area walk-behind mower
One to two acres – 42-54 inch riding or wide area walk-behind mower
Over two acres – 46-60 inch riding mower
Over four acres – 60 inches or more

Tractor or ZTR?

Lawn and garden tractors have more stability on slopes, while ZTRs can more easily maneuver around obstacles. ZTRs can also turn back to the exact spot needed for the next pass, saving time on re-mowing the edge of the lawn. However, if you’re looking to use attachments with your mower, you’ll have a lot more options with a lawn or garden tractor.

Lap Bar or Steering Wheel?

Steering wheel-based systems are easier for beginners to learn. The four-wheel steering system on Cub Cadet’s Pro Z models increase mowing speeds even when used by professionals with plenty of lap bar experience. However, opting for this system does add to the cost of the mower.

The CC 30 Rider may look like a ZTR, but it’s really a compact tractor. It has the same steering limitations of other lawn tractors, but its small size helps with maneuverability.

Engine

Cub Cadet chooses the engines for their mowers based on each model’s needs, so there’s no direct advantage to choosing a model with more power. However, if EFI is an option for the model you want, it’s worth getting. These engines require less maintenance and have lower fuel consumption.

Can I Get Parts?

No matter which Cub Cadet you end up buying, you can get the parts and accessories you need from www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners, so we’re able to offer OEM replacement for everything from blades to spark plugs. Our site lets you search based on your model and can show you factory parts diagrams and descriptions so you know exactly what you’re ordering. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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Pro HW Walk Behind Mowers

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Admin
Pro HW Walk Behind Mowers

First shown at last year’s GIE+ Expo, Cub Cadet’s Pro HW wide walk-behind mowers are on their way to dealers. Built for commercial use, these large mowers come with an innovative control system that makes them great for at home use as well when cutting fields and trimming around complicated landscape features.

Lower Effort for Greater Precision

If you’ve used hydraulic controls before, you know how much effort it takes to get the levers to start moving. As soon as that initial resistance is overcome and the control valve is open, the lever swings forward with ease, causing you to open the valve far too much, making the device you’re controlling leap forward. Cub Cadet has solved this problem by connecting the steering controls to ball bearing linkages. This makes it easy to apply small amounts of hydraulic power to the steering system without having the mower leap over landscape features and into buildings. For many owners, it means they can use the HW in places where they’d usually rely on a small walk-behind, cutting job times in areas with heavy landscaping.

Deck

The HW uses a 10 gauge steel fabricated deck with 7 gauge top, bottom and leading edge reinforcements. It comes fitted with a replaceable ¾ inch trim-side polymer wear guard to handle minor scrapes. The operator is protected from ricocheting debris by a control tower surrounded by 7 gauge steel plate.

The blades attach to 5 inch cast aluminum spindles. These are the first units offered by Cub Cadet to be fully sealed, making them maintenance free. The deck height is set using an assisted pedal and has 7 settings ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.

Speed

All versions of the HW mower use Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 transaxles. These have a top speed of 7 mph going forward and up to 3 mph reverse. A cruise control function is built in to maintain a steady speed, even on rough terrain.

Engine

All models are powered by Kawasaki’s FS-Series engines. This proven design is a staple of top-end ZTR mowers thanks to its durability and simple maintenance requirements. It has a full pressure lubrication system with a spin-on automotive-style filter and a rotating grass chopper screen that helps keep debris out of the cooling ducts. The deck connects to the engine PTO via a Warner clutch rated at 125 lb-ft. An hour meter comes standard on all HW’s.

Models

Cub Cadet makes the Pro HW in three deck sizes with matching engines:

HW 336
36-inch deck
Kawasaki FS481v 14.5 hp engine with recoil start

HW 348
48-inch deck
Kawasaki FS541v 15 hp engine with electric start

HW 354
54-inch deck with anti-scalp wheels
FS600v 18.5 hp engine with electric start

Accessories

At top speed, operators would have to run to keep up with this mower. To get the most from this equipment, Cub Cadet offers single and two-wheel sulkies. The single wheel model is better for sharp turns, while the two-wheel model has a larger footplate, making it more comfortable for mowing long stretches of grass.

The deck is set up for side discharge from the factory, but it can also be used for mulching by adding a side discharge blocker, and mulching performance can be improved with a kit that adds baffles to seal the mowing chambers. A grass collection system is also available to pick up clippings.

The LED light kit increases visibility so you can mow in low light conditions.

Warranty

Cub Cadet covers the Pro HW with a two-year commercial warranty that has no hour limit. Kawasaki guarantees the engine for three years of use with no hour limit.

Getting Parts and Accessories For Cub Cadet Professional Equipment

From classic tractors to the latest additions to their lineup, if it’s Cub Cadet, you can get it from www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet as well as their manufacturing partners including Kawasaki Engines USA and Hydro-Gear, letting us offer replacements for everything on your Pro HW mower. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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Cub Cadet Pressure Washers

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet Pressure Washers

Keeping the outside of your home looking tidy requires more than just lawn care, which is why Cub Cadet has a line of pressure washers to help keep sidewalks, decks, driveways and buildings clean. Available with a range of engine and pump choices, these pressure washers are perfect for home and light commercial use.

Pumps

Cub Cadet uses AAA triplex pumps. While the brand may not be as visible as some of their competitors, they’ve been a major player in the market for almost 30 years. Their parent company, FNA Group, began as an importer of European-made pumps. After identifying issues with the pumps available on the market, they started developing and building their own pumps here in the U.S. under the AAA brand in 2009.

The standout feature of these pumps is their exclusive PowerBoost system. It uses a valve that blocks off the detergent injection system during high-pressure use. This increases the amount of available pressure at the nozzle while reducing heat and vibration inside the pump.

Other design features are built to deliver maximum reliability. The crankcase is die-cast aluminum, while the pump head is made out of forged brass, giving the pump high strength and high corrosion resistance. The pump shaft rides on oversized radial ball bearings, and every opening uses double seals to keep the pump watertight. There’s even a sight glass that allows the oil level to be checked without needing a dipstick, eliminating one more place for water to enter.

These pumps are sized according to the available power on each model:

CC3224 – 3,200 PSI at 2.4 GPM, 7,680 cleaning units
CC3425 – 3,400 PSI at 2.5 GPM, 8,500 cleaning units
CC4033 – 4,000 PSI at 3.3 GPM, 13,200 cleaning units

Spraying Performance

All models come with Simpson Monster hoses. These three-layer hoses have a brass-coated steel braid jacket to handle high pressures and 6-inch rubber bend protectors on each end to take the stress off of the areas where the hose bends most. The CC3224 and CC3425 come with a 5/16 inch by 25-foot hose, while the CC4033 has a 5/16 inch by 50-foot hose. These hoses use quick connectors for the spray gun and pump.

These models come with 25-degree green, 15-degree yellow and 0-degree red spray tips along with a 40-degree white soap nozzle that can draw from the pump’s detergent hose. This lets these washers be used for everything from cleaning cars and wood decks to blasting weeds out of pavement cracks.

Maximum pressure can be regulated directly from the pump to fit the job at hand. The CC3425 and CC4033 come equipped with a Dial ‘N Wash side assist handle for changing water pressure on the fly. This lets you switch pressure when moving between surfaces or vary the pressure to compensate for distance when cleaning large areas.

Engines

The CC3324 is powered by a 208cc Cub Cadet engine. Designed and built by the company specifically for their equipment, it offers unparalleled ease of use. There’s no choke or priming bulb, and it has an automatic decompression system to decrease the effort needed to pull the starter handle.

The other pressure washers come with Honda GX-Series engines. These commercial engines are built for years of heavy use while keeping noise and emissions to a minimum. The CC4033 uses a GX200, while the CC4033 has a GX270.

Warranty

Cub Cadet warranties these pressure washers and their engine for three years of residential use. Honda guarantees their GX-Series engines for three years of commercial use and AAA guarantees their pumps for 5 years of commercial use.

Getting Parts for Your Cub Cadet Pressure Washer

Cubparts.com is a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including Honda Engines and AAA pumps. This lets us ship OEM replacement parts and accessories for your equipment to any address in the U.S. or Canada. Need help finding a part? Our site can show you exploded parts diagrams and parts descriptions direct from the manufacturers so you can see exactly what you’re getting.

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SC 100 Walk-Behind Mowers

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Admin

SC 100 Walk-Behind Mowers
Mowing a small lawn doesn’t mean having to settle for a low-quality mower. The SC 100 is Cub Cadet’s most basic walk-behind model, but it still comes with the features that make their products easy to use and maintain so you can keep your lawn looking good with minimal frustration.

Deck

The SC 100 uses a 21-inch steel deck fitted with a standard mulching blade. It can also be fitted with Cub Cadet’s Xtreme cutting blade which increases the edge area to chop mulch finer and increase compaction to store more clippings in the bag.

An integrated mulch plug makes it easy to switch between side discharge and mulching. With the deck plugged, a 1.9-bushel bag can be attached to the back of the deck to catch clippings.

While small, this mower still provides the Cub Cadet Signature Cut. A unique deck shape with a low front end and curved top helps the blade generate vacuum, pulling grass up as it enters the mowing chamber. This cuts every blade to the same height for a consistent, professional-looking finish.

This deck comes with Cub Cadet’s Smart-Jet high-pressure washing system. By hook up a garden hose to the nozzle on top of the deck, you can flush out grass and debris just like you would on a riding lawn mower. Frequent cleaning keeps the mowing chamber open to maintain performance. A polycarbonate front end protects the deck shell from minor bumps.

The deck has 6 height positions to cut grass to a height between 1.25 and 3.75 inches. The left and right wheels are connected, so you’ll never leave one wheel to high or low when changing the deck height.

Controls

The handle can be set to 3 height positions, making it comfortable for operators of any height, while a thick handle on the mower bail reduces hand stress. When the mower needs to be stored or transported, the handle can be folded forward over the engine by loosening a pair of large knob screws.

The high wheel design uses 8-inch front wheels and 11 inch rear wheels. This increases leverage to make it easier to lift and turn the mower on slopes while still keeping a low front profile to roll under the edges of decks and boshes.

Models

Cub Cadet offers this mower with a choice of two engines:

The SC 100 HW uses Cub Cadet’s own overhead valve 159cc engine. Designed to be easy to use and maintain, it’s backed by the company’s SureStart guarantee. While the mower is under warranty, Cub Cadet guarantees the engine will start on the first or second pull.

The SC 100 H uses a Honda GCV160. This overhead cam engine uses an internal timing belt to reduce noise and valvetrain weight, reducing noise and vibration.

Both engines come with an automatic choke.

Warranty

Cub Cadet guarantees these mowers and the engine in the SC 100 HW for three years of residential use. Honda guarantees the GCV160 for two years of residential use.

Getting Parts for Cub Cadets

Whether you have a small walk-behind mower, a professional ZTR or anything in between, you can get the parts and accessories you need at www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and engine manufacturers including Honda Engines, which lets us offer OEM replacements for everything on your equipment. Our site can search for your mower’s model and serial number and show you factory parts diagrams and descriptions so you’ll always be sure you’re getting exactly what you need. We can ship your order to any address in the United States or Canada.

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Oil and Your Cub Cadet’s Engine

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Admin
Cub Cadet Push Mower

What’s the difference between gas, diesel and non-detergent oil? How do you check the oil on a small engine? Why does it need to be checked before starting the engine? Here’s what you need to know to keep your Cub Cadet lubricated.

What Does Oil Do?

Oil does more than lubricate. It also suspends dirt, which keeps it from acting as an abrasive on internal components. If the oil is black, it’s dirty, but that means it’s doing its job.

Oil also transfers heat away from components. Most heat is generated around the combustion chamber where the fuel is burned. The oil absorbs this heat and transfers it to the rest of the engine where it can be removed by the cooling system.

How Does Oil Move Around?

Splash lubrication keeps the oil in the crankcase, letting the crankshaft spin through it. This throws the oil around the inside of the crankcase, lubricating the engine’s internal components. Some engines have a small rod called a “dipper” that extends into the oil to help sling it around the crankcase.

Some older engines combined splash lubrication with an oil pump that brought oil to the valvetrain. Newer commercial engines use a full pressure lubrication system that pumps oil to components from the crankshaft to the valve guides.

Types of Oils

The American Petroleum Institute (API) issues standards for lubricants based on their function. These standards are updated occasionally to meet new wear requirements, and each new standard is backward compatible.

The oil weight is based on how it flows at 212°F (100°C.) Most oils used also have a “W” rating for winter use. This is how fast the oil flows at 32°F (0°C.) These oils coat the engine faster when warming up and make the engine easier to start.

Motor oil is designed to withstand heat and acidic compounds inside the engine. Manufacturers of gasoline engines used in Cub Cadets recommend oil with an API Service Category of SJ or later. Any new bottle of oil you buy off the shelf today will meet this requirement. ILSAC GF-5 is equivalent to API SN, making it safe to use.10W-30 is recommended for gasoline engines of all makes under most operating conditions. Cub Cadet recommends 5W-30 for use in their own engines when operating at temperatures consistently below freezing.

Unlike gas engines, API service categories for obsolete diesels are still available, but nearly all off-the-shelf oils will fall under CJ-4, CK-4 or FA-4 categories which are compatible with any diesel used in Cub Cadet’s tractors. Recent Yanmar and Kubota diesel engines use 15W-40, while some older engines need SAE 30 diesel engine oil.

There are also a few other non-engine lubricants you may need for your equipment:

Gear oil is formulated to adhere to gears, even when at high pressures. Oil with an API service category of GL-4 or GL-5 is recommended. Recent equipment including tiller transmissions use 85W-140 gear oil.

SAE 30 non-detergent oil is used as a gear oil in low-pressure applications and is recommended as a lubricant for pivot points including the handle and cable anchors on Cub Cadet equipment. While detergents are good for keeping engines clean, they can leave a sticky residue on parts that operate in low-stress conditions. This oil will either have no API certification or be SA certified, which means it’s additive free. Diesel SAE 30 should not be used in place of non-detergent, and vice versa.

Hydraulic fluid is a standard oil formulation designed to transfer force through a hydraulic system. This is a standard formula, but some manufacturers also make their own oils designed to get the best performance and wear from their pumps and hydrostatic motors.

How Do I Check the Oil?

On all engines over 50cc, there is a dipstick/filler cap located on the engine opposite of the exhaust. This cap will either be yellow or have an oil can symbol on the top. Make sure the engine is level, then remove the dipstick and wipe off the oil. On Briggs & Stratton engines and Cub Cadet engines with a screw-in filler neck, insert the dipstick without pushing it in. On all other engines, screw or push the dipstick in all the way. Remove the dipstick and check where the oil clings between the marks. It should be above the low mark, and if you just changed the oil, it should be at the full mark. Some oil loss is normal on all small engines, so it’s best to check the oil before each use.

Where Can I Get OEM Lubricants and Filters?

If you’re looking for genuine Cub Cadet oil, filters or anything else for your equipment, visit www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and the manufacturers of the engines that power them so we can provide you with everything you need. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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Tiller Maintenance

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Admin
Overview of Cub Cadet Garden Tillers

Have you spent the winter planning out this year’s garden? Now that spring is here, you can finally start turning the soil to make new seed beds and clean out planting rows to get a fresh start. Make sure your Cub Cadet tiller is ready with these maintenance tips.

Maintenance Schedule

Before each use or every 5 hours of operation: Check oil level, clean engine
First two hours of use: Check nuts, bolts and drive belts for tightness, change engine oil and check transmission oil level
Every 10 hours: Check nuts, bolts and drive belts for tightness, change the engine oil and lubricate the foam air filter element, if equipped.
Every 30 hours: Check transmission oil, tire air pressure, and tine wear.

Engine Oil

The Honda GC 190 comes with Oil Alert, which will shut off the engine if the oil level is too low. If you’re having trouble starting the engine, you may need to add more oil to the crankcase.
The 29cc Cub Cadet engine does not have a dipstick. When changing the oil, use exactly 3.04 oz (90 ml) of oil. Oil burn off should be minimal between oil changes.
To check the oil level on other models, make sure the engine is cool and sitting level on the ground. Set the tiller upright and remove the filler cap/dipstick from the oil filler neck. The method for getting an accurate reading will depend on your engine:
— On Honda engines and Cub Cadet 208cc engines with a quarter turn locking dipstick, screw the dipstick into the filler neck.
— On Briggs & Stratton engines and Cub Cadet 208cc engines with a threaded filler neck, push the dipstick cap in flush with the filler neck, but do not screw it in.

The drain plug for the 29cc engine is located in front of the cylinder. On all other engines, the plug is on the base of the crankcase to the left of the oil filler neck. Cub Cadet recommends disconnecting the spark plug wire and draining the fuel tank before tipping the engine to drain the oil.

SAE 30 is recommended for the 29cc Cub Cadet used in the CC 148. 10W30 is recommended for all other engines, but synthetic 5W30 can also be used in Cub Cadet 208cc and Briggs & Stratton engines.

Transmission Oil

If your tiller has a drive system, it will have a separate transmission with its own gear oil. Check the oil when the tiller is cool and sitting level. The fill cap is located on the tiller frame directly above the wheel axle. When the tiller is level, the oil should cover half of the main drive shaft. GL-4 rated SAE 140 or 85W-140 is recommended. SAE 80W90 can be used to top up the transmission.

Lubrication

Lubricate the handlebar hardware, tine shaft, wheel shaft and depth regulator lever. The tines and wheels will need to be removed to get full access to the shafts they’re mounted on. Cub Cadet recommends using any clean lubricating oil or multi-purpose grease.

Air Filter

To clean paper a paper air filter, simply hit it against a hard surface to remove any loose dirt.

If your engine has a foam filter element, clean it with a non-flammable solvent or water and a mild detergent, then let it dry completely. Honda filters should be soaked in clean engine oil, then squeezed out to remove any excess oil. Do not oil Briggs & Stratton foam filters.

Spark Plug

Replace the plug if it is fouled or the electrode or insulator is damaged. Set the plug gap according to your engine model:
Cub Cadet 29cc — 0.020 inches (0.5 mm)
Briggs & Stratton and Cub Cadet 208cc — 0.030 inches (0.76 m)
Honda — 0.028-0.031 inches (0.70-0.80 mm)

Cleaning the Engine

Let the engine cool for at least a half hour after use. Remove the cover. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the engine and inside of the cover. Clean out the cooling fins with a dry, stiff brush. Do not use a pressure washer: this can force water into the engine, contaminating the oil.

Tire Air Pressure

Recommended tire air pressure will be listed in your owner’s manual and on the tire sidewall. If you’re having problems with the tiller pulling in one direction, make sure the air pressure is the same in both tires.

Getting the Parts You Need for Your Tiller

Cubparts.com has the OEM parts you need for your Cub Cadet, including factory parts from Honda and Briggs & Stratton. Our site can show you factory diagrams and descriptions to help you find exactly what you need, and we can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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FT Garden Tillers

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Admin
FT Garden Tillers

If you have a garden, you probably find yourself needing tillers of different sizes through the season. In the early spring, the soil needs to be broken with a large tiller to create a bed, but after that, you need a narrow tiller to clean up the soil between rows. With Cub Cadet’s FT tillers, you can do it all with one machine. Its unique removable tine design lets it operate with a range of tilling widths without having to sacrifice power.

Getting Help from the Engine

Cub Cadet calls these “front tine” tillers, hence the “FT” model names. However, their design is more like a mid-tine tiller. The engine is almost directly above the tine reel to help push the tines into the ground. This makes it easier to keep the tines digging into the soil than a true front tine design, nearing the performance of a rear tine tiller without the added size, weight and cost.

The Right Size for Any Job

Usually, getting a tiller is a compromise: either buy something big enough to till anything and plant wide rows or get a small tiller for getting between narrow rows and rent a big tiller to turn the soil before the start of each season. With the FT, you can set it up for both jobs.
The tine stars on these models are held on by clevis pins, making them easy to remove. Depending on the number of stars installed, the tilling width can be 13, 22 or 24 inches. That size range overlaps with both mini and full-size commercial tillers.

Engine

These tillers are powered by Cub Cadet’s own 208cc engine. By designing a powerplant specifically for their products, they’re able to offer something that’s built for real-world use. That includes an automatic decompression system that decreases pull effort and easy-to-access service ports for simpler maintenance. Like the version found in the company’s snow blowers, this engine is fitted with a manual choke. This makes it easier to start in cold weather so you can start working the soil before weeds have a chance to take hold.

Tilling

The FT is designed to till up to 7 inches deep. An adjustable depth stake limits tilling depth for consistency. When it’s time to move to a new area, the tiller can be tilted back onto a transport wheel, keeping the tines from scraping the ground.

End caps are included with this tiller. When installed, they deflect dirt as it flies off of the tines. This reduces the amount of cleanup needed after tilling near pavement and keeps dirt off of nearby plants.

Models

Cub Cadet makes two versions of the FT. The FT 24 is little more than an engine and tine reel. The unit is pulled along by the action of the forward-rotating tines. The FT 24R adds a chain drive system with forward and power reverse gears. Since it doesn’t depend on the tines to move it along, it can move slower than the FT 24, cutting more times for each foot traveled. This makes it a better choice for tough soil.

Getting Parts for Cub Cadet Tillers

If it’s Cub Cadet, you can get the parts you need from www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer, letting us provide OEM parts for both the FT and the engine that powers it. Our site lets you find parts based on your model and can show you factory parts diagrams and descriptions so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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