Cub Cadet 990 User Manual
Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
21” Self-Propelled Mower — Model Series 990
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 unimproved 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. 770-10090J
PRINTED IN U.S.A
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
10/25 /2006
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
Cub Cadet LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs, and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................ 16
Safety Labels .................................................... 17
Parts List ........................................................... 18
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFORE ASSEMBLING 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 Support 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
• The
tions, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with
your unit, for more information.
Customer Dealer Referral Line, to find a dealer nearest you, at 1(877) 282-8684.
engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifica-
NOT
return the unit to the retailer from which it was
2
3IGHTANDHOLDTHISLEVELWITHAVERTICALTREE
ORACORNEROFABUILDING
ORAFENCEPOST
&OLDALONGDOTTEDLINEREPRESENTSASLOPE
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes.
1
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). A riding mower
could overturn and
cause serious injury.
If operating a walkbehind mower on such
a slope, it is extremely
difficult to maintain your
footing and you could
slip, resulting in serious
injury.
Operate RIDING
mowers up and down
slopes, never across
the face of slopes.
3
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowers across the
face of slopes, never
up and down slopes.
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.
2
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.
-
4
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.
-
-
2
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.
5
3
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: For shipping
purposes your mower
is set with the wheels
in a low cutting
height position. For
best results raise the
cutting position until it
is determined which
height is best for your
lawn.
NOTE: This Operator’s
Manual covers several
models. Lawn Mower
features vary by
model. Not all features
discussed (or engines
pictured) in this manual
are applicable to all
Lawn Mower models.
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.
b. Tighten hand knobs securing upper handle to
lower handle. Make sure that each carriage bolt is
A
B
Figure 3-1
B
A
Figure 3-2
seated properly in the handle.
2. Locate hairpin clip in one hole on the weld pin on each
side of lower handle.
a. Remove hairpin clip from this hole. Using a pair of
pliers, insert hairpin clip into the other hole on the
weld pin. Repeat on other side. See Figure 3-2.
b. Insert a carriage bolt from the hardware pack into
the upper hole on the handle mounting bracket.
Secure with one plastic wing nut, also included
in the hardware pack. Repeat on other side with
remaining items from hardware pack.
3. The rope guide, which is connected to the support
rod, is located on the right side of the lower handle.
See Figure 3-3.
a. Hold the blade control against upper handle.
b. Pull starter rope out of the engine. Release the
blade control.
c. Slip starter rope into rope guide.
4. Attach cables to the lower handle with the cable ties
already on the lower handle. Insert pegs on cable ties
into the holes on the lower handle. Pull cable ties tight
and cut off the extra.
5. The mower was shipped with the mulching baffle
installed on the unit. For bagging purposes, you will
have to attach the grass bag and its adapter in place
of the mulching baffle.
a. Remove three wing nuts holding the mulching
baffle in place and remove from unit.
b. Replace with grass bag adapter, while making
sure the front lip of adapter goes under the edge
of the deck. Secure with wing nuts previously
removed. See Figure 3-4.
A
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.
B
C
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
6
c. Lift chute door on the grass bag adapter and slide
grass bag onto the adapter. See Figure 3-5.
6. Follow steps below to install the side discharge chute:
a. Remove mulching baffle or grass bag adapter from
unit by disconnecting wing nuts.
b. Attach side discharge chute to unit and secure
with the three wing nuts. See Figure 3-6.
7. The cutting height adjustment lever is located above
the rear left wheel. See Figure 3-7A insert.
a. Pull lever out and away from mower, move lever
forward or back for desired cutting height, and
release lever towards mower deck.
The front wheel cutting height is determined by select
ing one of six positions on each caster assembly. To
adjust front cutting height, proceed as follows:
b. Remove wing nut from axle bolt. Slide axle bolt
and wave washer from the assembly and select a
cutting height.
With wave washer on axle bolt, reinsert hardware
in the square hole desired through wheel assembly
and secure with wing nut previously removed.
The casters can be locked in a straight ahead position
or position to swivel freely. See Figure 3-7C insert.
c. Lift and place lock pins in larger holes to lock
wheels. Place pins in smaller holes to allow
casters to rotate freely for turning.
8. The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control
handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the
drive belt. You will have to adjust the drive control if
any of the following happens:
a. The mower does not propel itself with the drive
control engaged.
b. The mower’s drive wheels hesitate with the drive
control engaged.
If either of these conditions occur, rotate the adjustment
wheel clockwise to tighten and counter-clockwise to
loosen cable to adjust the drive control. See Figure 3-8.
Tighten
Loosen
-
2
Side
Discharge
Chute
1
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
B
Wing Nuts
A
1
C
3
Setup and
Adjustment
CUTTING HEIGHT
All wheels must be
in the same relative
position. For rough or
uneven lawns, move
the height adjustment
lever to a higher
position.
Drive Control
For some people the
drive control may not
be in a comfortable
position. You can
adjust the handle by
tightening the adjustment wheel.
NOTE: Make certain
the drive cable is
routed around the
outside and above
the lower handle so it
2
3
2
1
does not interfere with
attaching the grass
bag.
The chute door has
been designed to move
the starter rope out
of the way of the bag
when the chute door is
opened.
Figure 3-8
Figure 3-7
7
4
Operating
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control
Electric Start
Drive Control
Shift Lever
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
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.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Refer to warning
label on the unit.
Recoil
Starter
Figure 4-1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for operation, get aquainted with its controls and features. These
are described below and illustrated on this page. This
knowledge will allow you to use your new equipment to
its fullest potential.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle of
the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper
handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and
blade.
WARNING: This blade control mechanism is a safety device. Never attempt
to bypass its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above
the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to
“Setup and Adjustment”.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system.
Release it to disengage the drive system. Release
the drive control to slow down when approaching an
obstacle, making a turn, or stopping. See Figure 4-1.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the drive control housing
on the upper handle. This lever is used to select the
forward speed of the mower. When changing speed
selection, release the drive control.
Height Adjustment Lever
NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine is
running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine
off can damage the mower.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is connected to the support rod and
is located on the right side of the lower handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start it.
Electric Start
The ignition switch is located on the left side of the handle
panel. It is used only for the electric starter.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
manual for this.
2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
engine manual. See Engine manual for location of oil
and gas fill.
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.
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.
8
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