Cub Cadet SC 621, SC 621E Operator's Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Model Number
SC 621
SC 621E
Model SC 621 Shown
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
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 368023 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
CUB CADET CORP. P.O. BOX 368023 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10090A.fm
(12/99)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Maintaining Safety.............................................................................................3
Slope Gauge......................................................................................................6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower...........................................................................7
Know Your Lawn Mower ....................................................................................8
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................................................................9
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................11
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower...........................................................................13
Storing Your Lawn Mower..................................................................................16
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................17
Parts List............................................................................................................18
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an
authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number by looking down at the rear of the deck. A sample model plate is
explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the
equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
(Serial Number)
CUB CADET CORP.
P.O. BOX 368023
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line.
Call 1- (800)-528-1009 to reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line. Please have your unit’s
model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this
information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call .
2
SECTION 1: MAINTAINING SAFETY
This Warning 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 your lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in
personal injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.
DANGER: Your lawn mower 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 lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
GENERAL OPERA TION
• Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
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 replacemen t parts.
• Your rotary mower 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.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
power mower . Childr en 14 year s old an d over s hould
only operate mower under close parental supervision.
Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your mower.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help
prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
Although the area of operation should be completely
cleared of foreign objects, an object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause serious personal
injury to the operator or any others allowed in the
area.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the
arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be
thrown from the machine in any direction.
• Thoroug hly inspect the ar ea where the equipm ent is
to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys and other foreign objects which could be picked
up and thrown by the mower in any direction and
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your mowing pattern
to avoid discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid a
thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders and
helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in
operation.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge opening at all times as the
rotating blade can cause injury.
• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to
the mower if you are falling; release the handle
immediately.
• Never pull the mower toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a
wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and
then follow these steps:
• Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.
• Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
• Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half
way toward you.
• Repeat these steps as needed.
• Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units
so equipped while starting engine.
• 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.
3
• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious
personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk, never run. If you feel you are losing your
footing, RELEASE THE BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
IMMEDIATELY and the blade will stop rotating within
three seconds.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging 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 rotatin g.
• Never operate mower without proper guards, grass
catcher, plates or other safety protective devices in
place.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
• Only use accessories approved for this machine by
the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all
instruct ions provided with the approved accessory.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance.
SLOPE OPERA TI ON
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
as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on
that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise ex treme ca utio n when c hangin g dire ction on
slopes.
• Watch for ho les, ruts, hidden o bjects, or bumps. Tal l
grass can hide obstacles.
• 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 in less than 3
seconds.
DO NOT:
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children or other objects.
• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your
vision of a child or hazard.
SERVICE
• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• Never refuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where ther e is an o pen fl ame or s park such as a ga s
water heater, space heater, or furnace.
• Never run an engine inside a closed area.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked or
worn). Replace with blade which meets original
equipment specifications listed in this manual.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
4
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating the mower.
• Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of th is power mac hine to p ersons wh o read,
understand and fo llow th e warnings and ins tructions in this manual a nd on the mach ine.
NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your lawn mower.
protection, frequently check components and replace
with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when
necessary.
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are
dangerous.
5
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower
on such slopes.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
Do not mow on inclin es with a s lo pe i n e xces s of 1 5 de gr ees ( a r ise o f approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 fee t). A ri di ng m owe r could
overturn and cause serio us injur y. If oper ating a walk-be hind mo wer on suc h a slope, i t is ex tremely diffic ult to maint ain your footing
and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
F
O
L
D
O
N
D
O
T
T
E
D
L
I
N
E
,
R
E
P
R
E
S
E
N
T
I
N
G
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVE L WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
WARNING
15°
A
1
5
°
S
L
O
P
E
6
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
IMPORT ANT :
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
Removing Unit From Carton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, oil, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
Disconnecting Spark Pl ug Wire
• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground to a
bolt on the engine. See Figure 1.
• Remove grass bag from unit and set it aside.
• Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position. Make
certain the lower handle is seated securely into the
handle mounting brackets. Tighten the wing nuts
on each side of the handle (carriage bolts must be
seated properly into the handle) See Figure 2.
NOTE: Your mowe r is shipped with the handle in the
higher height position. If you wish to lower the height of
the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.
• Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the
weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Using a
pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle
against the handle mounting bracket. Insert the
hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on other side. See Figure 3.
Lower
Handle
Handle Mounting
Bracket
Inner Hole
Hairpin
Clip
Spark Plug
Wire
Figure 1
Setting Up Y our Lawn Mower
Handle Assembly
Wing Nut
Handle Mounting
Bracket
Figure 2
Spark
Plug
Figure 3
• Fasten the cables to the lower handle with the two
cable ties found on the lower handle. Be sure to
insert the post on the cable ties into the holes
provided on the lower handle. These holes may be
found on either the inside or outside of the handles.
Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess.
See Figure 4.
Cable Tie
Lower
Handle
Figure 4
NOTE: Make cer tain the drive cable is routed a round
the outside and above th e lower handle so it d oes not
interfere with attaching the grass bag.
7
Lower
Handle
• The rope guide, which is connected to the support
rod, is located on the right side of lower handle.
See Figure 5.
Starter
Rope
• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the
Rope
Guide
Support
Rod
engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the
starter rope into the rope guide.
Figure 5
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure
6 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
operator’s eyes and causing seve re eye damag e. Always w ear safet y glasses w hile opera ting the
mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Blade Control
Handle
Rear Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Recoil
Starter
Figure 6
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right lower handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start
the unit. See Figure 6.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release blade
control handle to stop engine and blade. See Figure 6.
WARNING: This blade contro l mechanism
is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass
its operations.
Rear Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The rear wheel cutting height adjustment lever is
located above the left rear wheel. The front wheel
cutting height is determine by the location of each
caster wheel. See Figure 6.
Drive Clutch
Control
Front Whe el
Caster Locks
Front Wheel
Height Adjuster
Shift
Lever
Drive Clutch Control
The drive clutch control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system.
Release the clutch control to disengage the drive
system. Release the clutch control to slow down when
approaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
See Figure 6.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the drive clutch 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 clutch control. See
Figure 6.
NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine is
running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine
off can cause damage to the mower.
8
Front Wheel Caster Locks
The caster locks are located on top of each caster
wheel. Refer to the Adjustment Section.
Engine Controls
See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the controls on the engine.
Stopping Engine
• Release blade control handle to stop the engine
and the blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it to the
post on the engine.
WARNING: Before using your lawn mower,
again refer to the Safety Section in this
manual. Always be careful.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Towards Better Mower Performance
1. Read this manual in its entirety before you start
the lawn mower. Instructions given here have
been designed for maintaining safety while
getting the best performance from your mower.
Follow the instructions closely.
2. Pour fresh, clean gasoline into the mower’s gas
tank until the tank is full. Do not use gasoline
that is more than 30 days old.
3. Always use a fuel stabilizer. It will double the life
of the gasoline used.
4. Make sure to connect the mower’s spark plug
wire before trying to start the engine.
5. Add engine oil to the oil fill on the mower engine.
Check the dipstick and add more if necessary.
Remember that the oil level has to touch the fill
line.
6. Locate the primer decal near the primer bulb on
the engine, and read its instruction. Using your
thumb, press the primer bulb slowly as many
times as the decal advises.
For more details about proper lawn care, visit our website at www.CubCadet.com
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from chute area on the cutting deck. The
operation of any lawn mower can result in
foreign objects being thrown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety glasses or
eye shields.
NOTE: For shipping p urposes your mower is set with
the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best
results raise the cutting position until it is determine
which height is best for your lawn. See the adjustment
section for details.
7. Hold control handle down and pull rope firmly to
start the engine.
8. Set cutting height adjustment lever to middle
setting and mow a single pass on your lawn;
then adjust to desired height for a closer cut.
9. When bagging the grass clippings, remove
mulch plug/cover and store.
10. When mulching, remove the grass bag and
store. Insert the mulch plug/cover on the mower.
11. In heavy growing season, it may be necessary
to mow la wn twi ce we ekly . Clu mps of gras s
clippings left behind on the lawn usually means
that the grass is too high to mulch.
12. Before storing the lawn mower for the winter,
use stabilizer-treated fuel and run the tank dry.
13. Thirty days before start of the new season,
check the air filter, spark plug and blade on the
lawn mower, and replace if needed.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors with
engine running or until the engine has
been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
Before Starting Your Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal c ap on the end o f the spark p lug w ire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug.
• Check for proper drive clutch operation using the
NEUTRA L ADJ UST MEN T TES T.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your mower.
Read instructions carefully.
Neutral Adjustment Test
To perform the neutral adjustment test answer the
following questions.
• With the drive clutch control released, push mower
forward and pull it backward. Does it move freely?
9
Loading...