How to Service a Cub Cadet Zero Turn Lawn Mower

When servicing a Cub Cadet zero-turn lawn mower annually, you need to change the engine oil and filter, replace the air filter and fuel filter, clean around the engine and transmission, change the transmission oil and filter if necessary, scrape the deck, sharpen the blades, and replace worn or missing parts.

Read on for additional maintenance items you have to complete on your Cub Cadet zero turn.

Your dealership will perform your annual maintenance, so plan to spend about two hours plus parts. There is, of course, an increase in the expense if the mechanic is required to perform additional repairs.

We tested more than two dozen zero-turn mowers to come up with our top eight picks based on power, cutting deck size, deck height, special features, and price. We’ve also included a buyers’ guide and a resource list on How to Service a Cub Cadet Zero Turn Lawn Mower.

The first question is, what is a zero-turn lawn mower? An engine powers both drive wheels independently of each other on a zero-turn lawn mower. The operator can quickly maneuver the machine or create a U-turn by stopping the wheel.

It isn’t easy to get a good deal on zero-turn mowers. Generally, zero-turn lawnmowers cost more than other riding lawnmowers. In order of the spectrum. If necessary, invest in a high-quality zero-turn mower. 

How to Service a Cub Cadet Zero Turn Lawn Mower

• When a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower is 50 hours old or every year, it needs to be serviced.
• Safety systems should be checked
• Battery and starting system should be checked
• Change the oil and filter on the engine
• The transmission oil level should be checked. Ensure the transmission oil and filter are clean.
• The spark plug must be replaced
• Inspect the fuel lines and replace the fuel filter
• Lubricate the lug nuts and check the tire pressure
• If necessary, clean or replace the air filter
• Maintain clean exhaust, engine, and transmission systems
• Get the deck scraped
• Be sure to inspect the belts and pulleys for damage
• Modecks for deck zero-turn mowers should be lubricated

Take a look at Cub Cadet’s zero-turn safety system

Please refer to your Cub Cadet’s operating manual to verify that the safety system is functioning properly. A non-engaged parking brake, for example, will prevent the engine from starting. A PTO-enabled engine should also shut down if the operator leaves the seat while the engine is engaged.

Inspect all safety features of the Cub Cadet’s interlock system and verify that they are functioning properly How to Service a Cub Cadet Zero Turn Lawn Mower.

Check the rollover protection system (ROPS) and seat belt as well to ensure they are not compromised and working correctly. It is designed for the ROPS system to work together with the seat belt.

In spite of their safety features, zero-turn lawnmowers are dangerous. These dangers can be reduced by maintaining a working safety system. Be sure you follow the proper safety procedures by reading “Dangers of Zero Turn Mowers & How to Operate Safely”.

Replace or sharpen a Cub Cadet lawn mower blade

Dull blades will cause additional strain on your zero turns while also giving you a poor cut. It is possible that you have noticed that your lawn appears unhealthy after mowing, with brown ends. The blades on your zero-turn are probably dull.

The grass will get beaten up instead of precisely cut if the blades are not sharp. Your mower blades need to be sharpened or replaced whenever you service the zero-turn mower.

Replace any bent or damaged blades on your mower immediately.

In my article “Change & Sharpen Your Cub Cadet Mower Blades”, I discuss inspecting your mower blades and different ways to sharpen them.

On a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower, scrape the deck

If you want a better view of the underside of your zero-turn mower deck, use jack stands or one of these handy lifts from Amazon. Clean mower decks will result in a better cut and higher performance.

Buildup beneath the deck hinders the air movement required for a proper cut. In order to create air movement on the deck, the mower blades have been designed to move the air.

In the mower deck, the blade and the suction create an upright grass blade, which the blade is able to pass by and effectively cut.

If you need to service your zero-turn mower deck, use a deck scraper or metal putty knife. Also useful is a thick, sturdy or stiff wire brush.

How to charge a Cub Cadet zero-turn battery

You must disconnect the battery cables from the battery. Always remember: The positive cable (Red +) is the last one off and the first one on. Make sure the battery is fully charged if the caps can be removed. To fill the battery with water, add distilled water to the plates if they are not already wet. Battery care should be taken with well water. Using city water is a bit better than distilled water, but it’s always better to use distilled water for batteries.

The charger should be connected to the battery after the water level has been checked.

See how much voltage the battery has according to your meter. It won’t take long to charge the battery if it contains 11.8 volts. When it is 10.1 volts, you will have to recharge the battery for a while. Lower voltage readings will mean a longer charging time for your battery.

My favorite way to bake batteries is on a low setting. It is sometimes possible to switch between 6 amps, 4 amps, or 2 amps on some battery chargers. Taking a very small battery and charging it for about an hour on 2 or 4 amps will significantly recharge it.

You should check the voltage level after an hour to see if it is increasing. You should continue charging it for another hour if it is. Battery replacement is needed if it does not increase. Batteries can be purchased at lawnmower dealerships, hardware stores, and auto parts stores.

Conclusions

No Cub Cadet zero-turn mower is immune to occasional problems. This post mentions problems our engineers expect to encounter as time progresses How to Service a Cub Cadet Zero Turn Lawn Mower.

There is good news though: you can fix them at your convenience with the remedies provided here. It may be necessary to take it to a repairman if the problems persist.