Cub Cadet 18M User Manual

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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

19-inch Self Propelled Rotary Lawn Mower — Model 18M

IMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any uniiproved forest-covered, brush-

covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

FORM NO. 769-02812

PRINTED IN U.S.A

CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

2/9/ 2007

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This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble,

www.cubcadet.com

CUB CADET LLC P. O. BOX

361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER:

877-282-8684

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge........................................................ 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment .......................................6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 14

Safety Labels ....................................................15

Cub Cadet LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs, and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Engine Appendix .............................................. 16

Engine Safe Operation Practices ................. 16

Operating Your Engine .................................. 18

Maintaining Your Engine ............................... 20

Parts List ........................................................... 24

Warranty .............................................Back Cover

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR NEW

EQUIPMENT, please locate the model plate on the

equipment and copy the information to the sample

model plate provided to the right. You can locate the

model plate by standing at the operating position and

looking down at the rear of the deck. This information

will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web

site, to obtain assistance from the Customer Sup-

port Department, or when contacting an authorized

service dealer.

Model Number Serial Number

Customer Support

Please do

purchased, without ﬁrst contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

• Visit www.cubcadet.com for many useful suggestions. Click on the Customer Service link and you will get several options

to help in answering your questions. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available.

• Phone our

Customer Dealer Referral Line, to find a dealer nearest you, at 1(877) 282-8684.

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was

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3IGHTANDHOLDTHISLEVELWITHAVERTICALTREE

ORACORNEROFABUILDING

ORAFENCEPOST

&OLDALONGDOTTEDLINEREPRESENTSASLOPE



Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes.

Slope

Gauge

WARNING

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).

Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

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WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if operator is not alert to presence of children. Children are often attracted to mower and mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.

4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child who may run into the mower.

5. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a power

mower. Children 14 years old and over should read and

understand operation instructions and safety rules in this

manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

General Operation

1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entiret y before

attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand,

and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before operation. Be completely familiar with

the controls and the proper use of this machine before

operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future

and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,

not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all

times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to

mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this

machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and

understand the instructions in this manual and should

be trained and supervised by a parent. Only responsible

individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe

operation should be allowed to use this machine.

4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to

be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys

and other foreign objects, which could be tripped over or

picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can

cause serious personal injury. Plan your mowing pattern

to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material

against a wall or obstruction, which may cause discharged

material to ricochet back toward the operator.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,

stay in operator zone behind handles and keep children,

bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower

while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters

area.

6. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during opera

tion and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect

your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious

injury to the eyes.

7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting

slacks and shirts. Shir ts and pants that cover the arms and

legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate

this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-weight

(e.g. canvas) shoes.

8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under cutting

deck. Contact with blade can amputate hands and feet.

9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade

contact or thrown object injuries.

10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled

over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping.

Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the

handle immediately.

11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are

walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or

obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping and

then follow these steps:

a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.

b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.

c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way

toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

12. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of

alcohol or drugs.

13. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so

equipped while starting engine.

14. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt

to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device

inoperative and may result in personal injury through

contact with the rotating blade. The blade control handle

must operate easily in both directions and automatically

return to the disengaged position when released.

15. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of

your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal

injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the

blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop

rotating within three seconds.

16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never run.

17. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

18. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is

generally a warning of trouble.

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19. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a

complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclog-

ging the chute.

The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after

the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in

the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped

rotating.

20. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge

cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety

protective devices in place and working. Never operate

mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can

result in personal injury.

21. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do

not touch.

22. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by

manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

23. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,

use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.

Do:

1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise

extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps

which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide

obstacles.

3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause

serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your

balance, release the blade control handle immediately, and

the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you

could lose your footing or balance.

2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on

the slope gauge.

3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes, which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

2. Use only an approved gasoline container.

3. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

4. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

5. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or

container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do

not use a nozzle lock-open device.

6. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources

of ignition.

7. Never fuel machine indoor because flammable vapors will

accumulate in the area.

8. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while engine is hot or

running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before

refueling.

9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch

below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion.

10. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

11. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.

Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting

engine.

12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an open

flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space

heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

13. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves,

or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and

remove any fuel soaked debris.

14. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

General Service:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip ment is in safe working condition.

6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, discon nect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower.

8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjust

ment while the engine is running.

9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail

shield are subject to wear and damage which could

expose moving par ts or allow objects to be thrown. For

safety protection, frequently check components and re-

place immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s

(O.E.M.) par ts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts

which do not meet the original equipment specifications

may lead to improper performance and compromise

safety!”

10. Do not change the engine gover nor setting or over-rev the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

11. Maintain or replace safety labels, as necessar y.

12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper

disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

This symbol points out important safety instructions, which if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all

instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.

HEED IT’S WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

Page 6

Setup and

Adjustment

NOTE: Stand behind the mower as if you were going to operate it. Your right hand corresponds to the right side of the mower; your left hand corresponds to the left side of the mower.

NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position.

NOTE: Each end of the lower handle must be placed in the same relative position.

Figure 3-1: Unfold handle and tighten hardware.

Figure 3-2: Secure lower handle to mounting brackets.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower.

1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles.

a. Pull up and back on upper handle as shown in

Figure 3-1. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely into the handle mounting brackets. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up.

b. Tighten star knobs securing upper handle to lower

handle. See Figure 3-1. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely into the handle mounting brackets.

2. Tighten star knobs securing lower handle to handle brackets. See Figure 3-2. Make sure that each carriage bolt is seated properly in the handle.

3. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide. See Figure 3-3.

a. Hold blade control against upper handle.

b. Pull starter rope out of the engine. Release blade

control.

c. Slip starter rope into rope guide.

d. Tighten wing nut.

4. Insert post on cable ties into holes provided on the lower handle. Pull cable tie tight and trim excess.

5. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher

(if needed). Make certain bag is turned right side

out before assembling (warning label will be on the

outside).

a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side

is at the bottom.

b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the

frame. See Figure 3-4. All plastic channels except center top of bag attach from outside of bag.

IMPORTANT

This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower.

Figure 3-3: Pull recoil starter through rope guide and tighten.

Figure 3-4: Assemble the grass catcher (if needed).

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c. Attach center top of bag from inside of bag.

6. Before attaching the grass catcher, the mulching baffle must be removed. See Figure 3-5.

a. Lift rear discharge door.

b. Remove mulching baffle.

7. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher:

a. Lift rear discharge door.

b. Place grass catcher on the pivot rod. Let go

of discharge door so that it rests on the grass

catcher. See Figure 3-6. To remove grass catcher, lift rear discharge door on the mower. Lift grass catcher up and out, off of the pivot rod. Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of mower.

8. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher

is off of the unit, the rear mulch plug is removed, and rear discharge door is closed.

a. On the side of the mower, lift the mulching plug.

b. Slide chute hooks under hinge pin on mulching

plug assembly. Lower mulching plug. See Figure

3-7. Do not remove side mulching plug at any time,

even when you are not mulching.

WARNING: Never operate mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly

seated on the pivot rod and the rear discharge door rests firmly against top of the grass catcher.

Adjustments

Setup and

Adjustment

Figure 3-5: Removing (or installing) the rear mulch plug.

WARNING

Never operate mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly

seated on the pivot rod

and the rear discharge door rests firmly against top of the grass catcher.

1. The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the rear left wheel. See Figure 3-8.

a. Pull the lever out and away from the mower.

b. Move the lever forward or back for desired cutting

height.

c. Release lever towards mower deck.

Figure 3-6: Attach the grass catcher.

Figure 3-8: Use adjustment levers at each wheel to change the cutting height.

Figure 3-7: Converting to side discharge.

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Know Your Lawn Mower

Drive Control

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

This blade control mechanism is a safety device. Do not bypass

its operations.

Blade Control

Choke Knob

Recoil Starter

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

Gas Fill

Oil FIll

Mulching Plug

Figure 4-1: The major components on the mower.

Use extreme care

when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable

and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

other sources of

ignition.

Now that you have setup your lawn mower for operation, it’s important to become familiar with its controls.

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.

WARNING: This blade control is a safety device. Do not bypass its operations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on the underside of the upper handle and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from propelling. See Figure 4-1.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the “Setup and Adjustment” Section

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start the unit.

Choke Knob

Pull the choke knob to activate the choke on the engine. Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

Mulching Plug

The mulching plug is used for mulching purpose. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in the grass catcher, your mower has the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. Make sure that the rear discharge door is closed and the grass catcher is removed from unit while mulching.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Refer to the engine section in this manual for engine information.

1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out of the box.

2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine section of this manual.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Page 9

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects

being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than

the operator is standing near the lawn

mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

1. Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the

upper handle. See Figure 4-2.

NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the

blade control against upper handle.

3. Pull the recoil starter lightly until resistance is felt,

then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and start the engine. Repeat if necessary. See Figure 4-2.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back against the rope guide.

4. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob.

Stopping Engine

1. Release blade control to stop the engine and the

blade.

2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and

ground against the engine.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop

completely before performing any work

on the mower or to remove the grass

catcher.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

1. Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control

against the upper handle to propel mower.

2. For best results, do not cut wet grass.

3. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third

of the total length of the grass.

Figure 4-2: Starting the mower.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug boot

from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

Using as a Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher (or side chute deflector) from the mower and lower the mulching baffle.

Using the Grass Catcher

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.

1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the

“Setup and Adjustment” section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower till grass bag is full.

2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control.

Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away

from the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete

Operating Tips

• New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a

narrower cut.

• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.

• Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.

• If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of

four inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4 inches or less before mulching.

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can re-

sult in foreign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, which can

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasses while

operating the mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the

lawn mower while

starting engine or op-

erating mower. Never

run engine indoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from

any moving parts on engine and lawn

mower.

Page 10

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Mower

Figure 5-1: Areas to lubricate on mower.

Lubrication

1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.

2. Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner surface of the wheel with light oil. See Figure 5-1.

3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the rear discharge door and side mulch plug periodically with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.

Deck Care

Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for this job.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.

2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.

WARNING

Always stop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and ground

against engine before

performing any type

of maintenance on

your machine.

IMPORTANT: Do not

use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

Figure 5-2: Remove rear ﬂap.

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.

• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.

• All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.

• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before performing any type of

maintenance on your machine.

WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in any direction and do not

leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.

3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a

suitable tool. Do not spray with water.

4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If

you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to remove it now.

Engine Care

NOTE: Refer to the engine operation and maintenance

sections in this manual for detailed instructions.

• Maintain oil level.

• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal

conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.

• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.

• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the

cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler area.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. To remove rear flap, lift rear door, and press flap in on

either side to remove from hole. See Figure 5-2.

2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new

flap in the opposite order and manner of removal.

Page 11

Blade Care

WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy

gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.

2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 5-3.

3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft. See Figure 5-3.

4. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle

of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.

WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to

mower and could break causing personal injury.

5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.

Blade Adapter

Blade

Blade Bell Support

Bolt

Figure 5-3: Remove the bolt and blade bell support to access the blade.

6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.

7. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.

To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.

Belt Care

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.

2. Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.

3. Tip mower on its side (air cleaner side of engine up).

4. Remove blade, adapter, and related hardware as instructed under “Blade Care” above. See Figure 5-3.

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement, protect

your hands with a pair

of heavy gloves or use

a heavy rag to hold

the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibration when rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Page 12

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Mower

5. a. Remove the self-tapping screws that secures the engine baffle to the deck . See Figure 5-4. Remove engine baffle.

b. Loosen self-tapping screw that secures deck baffle

to the deck. See Figure 5-4.

6. a. Working from the rear of the mower, carefully remove belt from transmission pulley.

b. Once belt is off transmission pulley, push down on

deck baffle to access engine pulley and slide belt off this pulley and out from under the deck. See Figure 5-5.

7. Replace with new belt, working it between the deck

and baffle, first around the transmission pulley and then the engine pulley.

NOTE: Make certain that belt is seated correctly and that it is riding smoothly on the engine pulley and is not pinched between the lower and upper pulley halves.

Figure 5-4: A. Remove the screws that hold the engine bafﬂe onto the deck. B. Loosen the screw that holds deck bafﬂe onto deck.

Figure 5-5: Remove belt from transmission and engine pulley.

NOTE: Make certain that belt is seated correctly and that it is riding smoothly on the engine pulley and is not pinched between the lower and upper pulley halves.

8. Tighten self-tapping screw securing deck baffle

loosened earlier.

9. Replace engine baffle and secure with self tapping

screws.

10. Replace blade, blade adapter, and associated

hardware. Follow instructions in Blade Care section for proper assembly.

11. Tip mower back onto its wheels and remove piece of

plastic from under gas cap (if applicable).

Off-Season Storage

The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.

• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in

the lubrication instructions.

• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean

your unit.

• Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to

prevent rusting.

• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to

corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn mower before storage.

Page 13

NOTES

Page 14

CauseProblem Remedy

Trouble

Shooting

For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed here, contact an authorized service dealer.

Engine fails to start

Engine runs erratic

Engine overheats

1. Blade control disengaged.

2. Spark plug boot disconnected.

3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.

4. CHOKE not activated.

5. Faulty spark plug.

6. Blocked fuel line.

7. Engine flooded.

1. Spark plug boot loose.

2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.

3. Vent in gas cap plugged.

4. Water or dirt in fuel system.

5. Dirty air cleaner.

6. Unit running with CHOKE applied.

1. Engine oil level low.

2. Air flow restricted.

1. Engage blade control.

2. Connect wire to spark plug.

3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

4. Choke engine as instructed in “Operating Your Lawn Mower”.

5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.

6. Clean fuel line.

7. Wait a few minutes to restart.

1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.

2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

3. Clear vent.

4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.

5. Refer to engine maintenance section.

6. Push CHOKE knob in.

1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.

2. Remove blower housing and clean.

Occasional skips

(hesitates) at

high speed

Idles poorly

Excessive

Vibration

Mower will not

mulch grass (If

Equipped)

Uneven cut

Mower will not

self propel

1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.

2. Dirty air cleaner.

1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.

2. Bent cutting blade.

1. Wet grass.

2. Excessively high grass.

3. Dull blade.

1. Wheels not positioned correctly.

2. Dull blade.

1. Belt not installed properly.

2. Debris clogging drive operation.

3. Damaged or worn belt.

1. Adjust gap to .030”.1. Spark plug gap too close.

1. Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.

2. Refer to engine maintenance section.

1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.

2. See an authorized service dealer.

1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.

2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting path.

3. Sharpen or replace blade.

1. Place all four wheels in same height position.

2. Sharpen or replace blade.

1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement.

2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot and clean out debris.

3. Inspect and replace belt.

Page 15

Read and follow Operating Instructions before running engine.

Gasoline is flammable. Allow engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling.

Engines emit carbon monoxide. DO NOT run in enclosed area.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT

OPERATE UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE. IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.

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Safety

Labels

WARNING

DO NOT remove safety (or any) labels from mower for any reason.

Page 16

WARNING: Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. If gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes, wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

Engine

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or ex-

plosion can cause severe

burns or death. If gasoline

is spilled on yourself or

your clothes, wash your

skin and change clothes

immediately.

Starting engine creates

sparking. Sparking can ignite nearby flammable

gases. Explosion and fire

could result.

Unintentional sparking

can result in fire or elec-

tric shock. Unintentional

start-up can result in

entanglement, traumatic

amputation, or laceration.

Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. If gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes, wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

• When adding fuel, turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2 minutes before removing gas cap.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.

• Use only an approved gasoline container.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to approximately 2 cm below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion.

• Keep gasoline away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.

• Never fuel equipment indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

• Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.

• When starting engine, make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place.

• Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.

• When operating equipment, do not tip engine or equipment at angle which causes gasoline to spill.

• Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.

• When transporting equipment, transport with fuel tank EMPTY.

• When storing gasoline or equipment with fuel in tank, store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have pilot light or other ignition source because they can ignite gasoline vapors.

Starting engine creates sparking. Sparking can ignite nearby flammable gases. Explosion and fire could result.

• If there is a natural or LP gas leakage in area, do not start engine.

• Do not use pressurized starting fluids because vapors are flammable.

Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea, fainting, or death.

• Start and run engine outdoors.

• Do not start or run engine in enclosed area, even if doors or windows are open.

Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock. Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic amputation, or laceration.

• Before performing adjustments or repairs, disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark plug.

• When testing for spark, use approved spark plug tester.

• Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.

Page 17

Running engine produces heat.

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Engine parts, especially muffler, become extremely hot. Severe thermal burns can occur on contact. Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc., can catch fire.

• Allow muffler, engine cylinder, and fins to cool before touching.

• Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

• Remove accumulated combustibles from muffler and cylinder area.

Rotating engine parts can contact or entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories. Traumatic amputation or severe laceration can result.

• Operate equipment with guards in place.

• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

• Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.

• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling draw strings or items that could become caught.

Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result.

• When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.

• Remove all external equipment /engine loads before starting engine.

• Direct coupled equipment components such as, but not limited to blades, impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.

Safety Label Location

This label warns you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read it carefully. Refer to Figure 8-1 for explanation of symbols. If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact the dealer for replacement.

Engine

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

Running engine produces

heat. Engine parts, es-

pecially muffler, become

extremely hot. Severe thermal burns can occur on contact. Combustible

debris, such as leaves,

grass, brush, etc., can

catch fire.

Figure 8-1: International symbols and meanings.

International Symbols and Meanings

Rotating engine parts

can contact or entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories. Traumatic

amputation or severe

laceration can result.

Rapid retraction of starter

cord (kickback) will pull

hand and arm toward

engine faster than you

can let go. Broken bones,

fractures, bruises or sprains could result.

Page 18

Know Your Engine

Fuel Cap

Air Cleaner

Operating

Your

Engine

IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.

IMPORTANT: Using non- detergent oil or 2stroke engine oil could shorten the engine’s service life.

Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

Starter

Grip

Oil Fill Cap

Oil Drain

Spark Plug

Muffler

Figure 9-1: The major components of the engine.

Read this section before starting your lawn mower engine. Compare the illustration in Figure 9-1 with your lawn mower engine to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Pre-Operation Check

Oil Recommendations

IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty.

• Before starting engine, fill with oil. Do not over-fill. Oil capacity is about 20 oz.

Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service classification SG, SF. Motor oils classified SG, SF will show this designation on the container.

SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general, all temperature use. If single viscosity oil is used, select the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area from the chart to the right.

20w40, 20w50

15w40, 15w50

10w40

10w30

(ºC)

-30º -20º

(ºF)

-20º

Ambient Temperature

1. Single Viscosity

2. Multi Viscosity

-10º 0º

0º 20º 40º 60º 80º 100º

10w

20w

10º 20º 30º 40º

IMPORTANT: Using non detergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could shorten the engine’s service life.

Page 19

Check Oil Level

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped.

1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. See Figure 9-2.

2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.

3. If the level is low, slowly add oil to the upper limit on the dipstick. See Figure 9-2 inset.

4. Tighten dipstick firmly before starting engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.

Fuel Recommendations

Use automotive gasoline (Unleaded or low leaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits). Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.

Oil Fill Cap/ Dipstick

Upper Level

Figure 9-2: Checking the oil level.

Operating

Your

Engine

WARNING

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.

Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.

Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.

Check Fuel Level

1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.

2. Fill tank to approximately 1-inch below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

IMPORTANT: Before refueling, allow engine to cool 2 minutes.

Starting The Engine

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

Figure 9-3: Starting the mower. (Your mower may differ from that shown)

2. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.

3. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and start engine. Repeat if necessary. See Figure 9-3.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

4. When engine warms up, push in the choke knob. See Figure 9-3.

Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment

moving parts. Do not use

a pressurized starting

fluid. Vapors are flam-

mable.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

1. Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the upper handle. See Figure 9-3. Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

Stopping The Engine

1. Release the blade control.

Page 20

Maintaining

Your

Engine

WARNING

Shut off the engine

before performing any

type of maintenance.

To prevent accidental

start-up, disconnect the spark plug boot.

WARNING: Shut off the engine before performing any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up, disconnect the spark plug boot.

IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport

equipment or to inspect or remove grass, keep spark plug side of engine up. Transporting or tipping engine spark plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.

Maintenance Schedule

Tasks

Check Engine Oil

Change Engine Oil

Check Air Cleaner

Service Air Cleaner

Check Spark Plug

Service Spark Plug

Clean Finger Guard

Clean Around Muffler

First 5 hours

Each use or

every 5 hours

Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is essential if high level performance is to be maintained. Regular maintenance will also ensure a long service life. The required service intervals and the kind of maintenance to be performed are described in the table below. Follow the hourly or calendar intervals, whichever occur first. More frequent service is required when operating in adverse conditions.

Every season

or 25 hours

Every season

or 50 hours

Every season or 100 hours

Service Dates

Before tipping engine

or equipment to

drain oil, drain fuel from tank by running engine until fuel tank

is empty.

IMPORTANT: Be sure

to check engine on a level surface with the engine stopped. Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining.

† Service more frequently when used in dusty areas. †† If operating under heavy load or high ambient temperature.

Oil Fill Cap

Drain Plug

Figure 10-1: Changing the oil.

Level

Oil Service

• Check oil level regularly.

• Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check every five hours or daily before starting engine. See oil checking procedure in the Operation section.

Oil Change

IMPORTANT: Be sure to check engine on a level surface with the engine stopped. Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining.

1. Remove oil fill cap and drain oil by either removing

2. Reinstall the drain plug (if removed), and tighten it

3. Refill with the recommended oil (see Operation

4. Reinstall the oil fill cap securely.

drain plug or turning mower on its side (air cleaner side up) and allowing oil to drain into a suitable container. See Figure 10-1.

WARNING: Before tipping engine or equipment to drain oil, drain fuel from tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

securely.

section) and check the oil level. See Figure 10-1.

Page 21

IMPORTANT: Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

Paper Element

NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the trash or pour it on the ground.

Air Cleaner Service

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly. Service more frequently when operating the engine in extremely dusty areas.

WARNING: Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

IMPORTANT: Never run the engine without the air

cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result.

1. Remove the wing bolt and the air cleaner cover. Remove the elements and separate them. See Figure 10-2. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears and replace if damaged.

2. Foam element: Wash the element in a solution of household detergent and warm water, then rinse thoroughly, or wash in nonflammable or high flash point solvent. Allow the element to dry thoroughly. Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil. The engine will smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam.

3. Paper element: Tap the element lightly several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt, or blow compressed air through the filter from the inside out. Never try to brush the dirt off; brushing will force dirt into the fibers. Replace the paper element if it is excessively dirty.

Foam Element

Figure 10-2: Servicing the air cleaner.

Spark Plug

Spark Plug Boot

Figure 10-3: The spark plug and boot.

Spark Plug Service

WARNING: DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.

1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug. See Figure 10-3.

Maintaining

Your

Engine

WARNING

Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the

air cleaner element.

A fire or explosion

could result.

DO NOT check for

spark with spark plug

removed. DO NOT

crank engine with

spark plug removed.

If the engine has

been running, the

muffler will be very

hot. Be careful not to

touch the muffler.

WARNING: If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

2. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.

Page 22

Maintaining

Your

Engine

WARNING

Accumulation of

debris around muffler

could cause a fire.

Inspect and clean

before every use.

IMPORTANT: Do not

spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.

Electrode

0.030 in.

Figure 10-4: Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge.

3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending side electrode. See Figure 10-4. The gap should be set to 0.030 in.

4. Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.

5. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.

NOTE: When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer. When reinstalling a used spark plug, tighten 1/ 8-1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.

IMPORTANT: The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly tightened spark plug can become very hot and may damage the engine.

Clean Engine

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove grass and dirt build-up from engine. Clean finger guard and around muffler. Clean with a brush or compressed air.

IMPORTANT: Do not spray engine with water to clean because water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, and water that passes through the element or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.

WARNING: Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every use.

Storage

Engines stored over 30 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.

1. Remove all fuel from tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel.

2. Change oil. See Oil Change section.

3. Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2 an ounce of engine oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil.

4. Clean grass and debris from around engine, under finger guard, and under, around and behind muffler. Touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.

5. Store in a clean, dry and well ventilated area away from any appliance that operates with a flame or pilot light, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.

6. If possible, also avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.

7. Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.

Removing From Storage

1. Check your engine as described in the Pre-Operation Check section of this manual.

2. If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, make certain it contains only fresh fuel. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.

3. If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.

Page 23

NOTES

Page 24

Model 18M

Wheel Tread

Page 25

Ref.

Part No. Description

No.

1 787-01471 19” Deck

2 748-04159 Transmission Support Bearing

3 710-1241 Screw, 1/4-15 x 1.000

4 710-04577 Screw, Machine, M4-.7 x 10.00

5 749-04312 Lower Handle

6 631-04232 Engine Shroud

7 736-0504 Washer, Wave, .510 x .750 x .017

8 748-04016A Blade Adapter

9 742-0739 Mulching Blade

10 736-0524B Blade Bell Support

11 710-1044 Screw, 3/8-24 x 1.50

12 731-05639A Trailing Shield

13 731-05746 Rear Mulch Plug

14 731-04177 Side Discharge Chute

15 687-02055 Mulch Plug (Incl. 16-18)

16 732-1014 Torsion Spring

17 747-0710 Hinge Pin

18 17032A Chute Deflector Adapter

19 736-0270 Beleville Washer

20 710-0599 Screw

21 731-05686 Rear Door

22 731-05634 Front Cover

23 687-02306 Handle Bracket - RH

687-02305 Handle Bracket - LH

24 664-04066 Grass Bag

25 647-04082 Grass Bag Frame

26 687-02317 Front Bracket Assembly

27 747-04680 Drive Control Pivot Rod - LH

747-04683 Drive Control Pivot Rod - RH

28 687-02304 Self Propelled Bracket Assembly

29 710-04667 Bolt, Carriage, 5/16-18 x .62

30 710-1242 Screw, 5/16-14 x .750

31 712-04063 Nut, Flange Lock, 5 /16-18

32 712-04065 Nut, Flange Lock, 3/ 8-16

33 634-04347 Front Wheel

34 634-04348 Rear Wheel

35 720-0230 Foam Grip

36 712-04064 Nut, Flange Lock, 1/4-20

37 749-04355 Upper Handle

Ref.

No.

Part No. Description

38 710-0606 Screw, 1/4-20 x 1.50

39 720-0279 Knob

40 725-0157 Cable Tie

41 710-1205 Rope Guide

42 746-04380 Choke Cable

43 746-04381 Control Cable

44 747-04665 Blade Control

45 710-1174 Bolt Carriage, 5/16-18 x 2.0

46 720-04072 Star Knob

47 731-05726 Rear Baffle

48 732-04264 Door Torsion Spring - RH

732-04265 Door Torsion Spring - LH

49 732-04338 Spring Lever

50 726-0101 Nut, Spd

51 736-3012A Washer, Wave, .390 x .825 x .016

52 754-04158 V-Belt

53 741-0492A Bushing, Lock, .505 Dia. X .62

54 747-04589 Rear Door Pivot Rod

55 749-04386 Cross Bracket

56 750-04305A Spacer, 6.60mm ID x 9mm OD

57 782-7551A Wheel Dust Cover

58 746-04373 Drive Cable

59 735-04061 Grommet

60 687-02312 Drive Control

61 618-04463 Transmission

62 710-04531 Screw, 1/4-20 x .390

63 715-0221 Dowel Pin

64 716-0198 Retainer Ring

65 717-04192A Spur Gear - RH

717-04184A Spur Gear - LH

66 731-05872 Spacer, Clip

67 731-05903 Engine Baffle

68 732-04262 Extension Spring, .429OD x 2.515

69 748-0390 Bearing Support Spacer

70 750-04790 Sleeve Spacer, .550ID x .280 Lg.

71 750-04791 Sleeve Spacer, .550ID x 7.97 Lg.

72 710-0654A Screw, 3/8-16 x 1.00

73 710-0896 Screw, 1/4-14 x .625

74 736-0329 Washer, Lock, 1/4

Parts List

To order replacement

parts, call the Customer

Dealer Referral Line at

1-877-282-8684,

or visit

www.cubcadet.com to

find the nearest Cub

Cadet service dealer in

your area.

Page 26

Engine 1P70FUA

Page 27

Ref.

No.

1. 951-10368 Fuel Tank

2. 951-10369 Flywheel Shroud

3. 951-10335 Rubber Fuel Tank Mounting Washer

4. 951-10334 Oil Filler Tube Assembly

5. 951-10333 Dipstick Assembly

6. 951-10413 Cylinder Head Complete

7. 951-10414 Short Block Assembly

8. 951-10321 Stop Switch and Brake Assembly

9. 951-10319 Recoil Spring and Pulley Assembly

10. 951-10344 Push Rod Kit

11. 951-10345 Valve Kit

12. 951-10370 Oil Drain Plug and Washer Assembly

13. 951-10366 Ignition Coil

14. 951-10310 Carburetor Assembly

15. 951-10307 Flywheel Key

16. 951-10412 Air Cleaner Housing Assembly Complete

17. 951-10342 Muffler Stud Assembly

18. 951-10364 Fuel Line Kit – Inc. hoses, clamps & filter

19. 951-10358 Fuel Filter

20. 951-10300 Fuel Cap Assembly

21. 951-10299 Recoil Starter Assembly

22. 951-10298 Air Cleaner Kit

23. 951-10297 Air Cleaner Thumb Screw

24. 951-10411 Muffler Guard

25. 951-10403 Muffler

26. 951-10402 Muffler Gasket /Heat Shield

27. 951-10387 Governor Return Spring

28. 951-10292 Spark Plug

– 952Z1P70FUA Engine – Complete

– 951-10326 Carburetor Kit – Major

– 951-10323 Carburetor Kit – Minor

– 951-10416 Gasket Kit – Complete

– 951-10417 Gasket Kit – External

– 951-10351 Spark Arrestor

NOTE: Illustrated parts without a numeric call-out are not servicable components.

Part No. Description

Illustrated

Parts List

To order replacement

parts, call the Customer

Dealer Referral Line at

1-877-282-8684,

or visit

www.cubcadet.com to

find the nearest Cub

Cadet service dealer in

your area.

Page 28

NOTES

Use this page to make notes and write down important information.

Page 29

NOTES

Use this page to make notes and write down important information.

Page 30

Cub Cadet LLC (Cub Cadet), The United States Environment Protection Agency (U. S. EPA)

Emission Control System Warranty Statement

(Owner’s Defect Warranty Rights and Obligations)

The U. S. EPA and Cub Cadet are pleased to explain the emissions control system warranty on your model year 2005 and later small off-road engine. New small off-road engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the stringent anti-smog standards. Cub Cadet must warranty the emission control system on your engine for the period of time listed below, provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your small off-road engine.

Your emission control system may include parts such as the carburetor, air cleaner, ignition system, exhaust system, and other associated emission-related components.

Where a warrantable condition exists, Cub Cadet will repair your small off-road engine at no cost to your including diagnosis, parts and labor.

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

This emissions control system is warranted for two years. If any emission-related part on your engine is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by Cub Cadet.

OWNER’S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As the small off-road engine owner, you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your Owner’s Manual. Cub Cadet recommends that you retain all your receipts covering maintenances on your small off-road engine, but Cub Cadet can not deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance to all scheduled maintenance.

As the small off-road engine owner, you should however be aware that Cub Cadet may deny your warranty coverage if your small off-road engine or part has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or unapproved modifications.

You are responsible for presenting your lawn mower to Cub Cadet LLC’s distribution center or service center as soon as the problem exists. The warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days. If you have a question regarding your warranty coverage, you should contact your local Cub Cadet dealer. To reach the Cub Cadet Customer Dealer Referral Line, please call (877) 282-8684.

DEFECTS WARRANTY REqUIREMENTS FOR 1995 AND LATER SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES:

This section applies to 1995 and later small off-road engines. The warranty period begins on the date the engine or equipment is delivered to an ultimate purchaser.

(a) General Emissions Warranty Coverage

Cub Cadet must warrant to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that the engine is:

(1) Designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with all applicable regulations adopted by the Air Resources Board pursuant to its authority in

Chapters 1 and 2,Part 5, Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code; and

(2) Free from defects in materials and workmanship that cause the failure of a warranted part to be identical in all material respects to the part as

described in the engine manufacturer’s application for certification for a period of two years.

(b) The warranty on emissions-related parts will be interpreted as follows:

(1) Any warranted part that is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the written instructions required by Subsection (c)

must be warranted for the warranty period defined in Subsection (a)(2). If any such part fails during the period of warranty coverage, it must be repaired or replaced by Cub Cadet according to Subsection (4) below. Any such part repaired or replaced under the warranty must be warranted for the remaining warranty period.

(2) Any warranted part that is scheduled only for regular inspection in the written instructions required by Subsection (c) must be warranted for

the warranty period defined in Subsection (a)(2). A statement in such written instructions to the effect of “repair or replace as necessary” will not reduce the period of warranty coverage. Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty must be warranted for the remaining warranty period.

(3) Any warranted part that which is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the written instructions required by Subsection (c)

must be warranted for the period of time prior to the first scheduled replacement point for that part. If the part fails prior to the first scheduled replacement, the part must be repaired or replaced by Cub Cadet according to Subsection (4) below. Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty must be warranted for the remainder of the period prior to the first scheduled replacement point for the part.

(4) Repair or replacement of any warranted part under the warranty provisions of this article must be performed at no charge to the owner at a

warranty station.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (4) above, warranty services or repairs must be provided at all Cub Cadet distribution centers

that are franchised to service the subject engines.

(6) The owner must not be charged for diagnostic labor that leads to the determination that a warranted part is in fact defective, provided that

such diagnostic work is performed at a warranty station.

EPA-1

Page 31

(7) The engine manufacturer is liable for damages to other engine components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any warranted

part.

(8) Throughout the engine’s warranty period defined in Subsection (a)(2), Cub Cadet will maintain a supply of warranted parts sufficient to meet

the expected demand for such parts.

(9) Any replacement part may be used in the performance of any warranty maintenance or repairs and must be provided without charge to the

owner. Such use will not reduce the warranty obligations of Cub Cadet.

(10) Add-on or modified parts that are not exempted by the Air Resources Board may not be used. The use of any non-exempted add-on or

modified parts shall be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim made in accordance with this article. The engine manufacturer shall not be liable under this article to warrant failures of warranted parts caused by the use of non-exempted add-on or modified part.

(c) Cub Cadet will include a copy of the following emission warranty parts list with each new engine, using those portions of the list applicable

to the engine.

(1) Fuel Metering System

• Cold start enrichment system (soft choke)

• Carburetor and internal parts

• Fuel Pump

(2) Air Induction System

• Air cleaner

• Intake manifold

(3) Ignition System

• Spark plug(s)

• Magneto Ignition System

(4) Exhaust System

(5) Miscellaneous Items Used in Above System

• Vacuum, temperature , position, time sensitive valves and switches

• Connectors and assemblies

EPA-1

Page 32

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR

The limited warranty set forth below is given by Cub Cadet LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. “Cub Cadet” warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use of any part, accessory or attachment not approved by Cub Cadet for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage. Normal wear parts are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Normal wear parts include, but are not limited to items such as belts, blades, blade adapters, grass bags, wheels, engine oil, air filters, and spark plugs. HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages, or contact Cub Cadet LLC at P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-877-282-8684, or log on to our Web site at www.cubcadet.com. This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases: a. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one year

warranty.

b. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade

sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.

c. Cub Cadet does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported

outside of the United States, its possessions and territories, except those sold through Cub Cadet’s authorized channels of export distribution

d. Replacement parts that are not genuine Cub Cadet parts.

e. Service completed by someone other than an authorized service

dealer.

f. Transportation charges and service calls.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose, applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other express warranty, whether written or oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall bind Cub Cadet. During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above. The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. Cub Cadet shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or damage including, without limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you. In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of safety features of the product shall void this warranty. You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product. This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a gift. HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of Purchase to obtain warranty coverage.

Cub Cadet LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-877-282-8684