Riding Mower Maintenance Schedule and Tips

Riding Mower Maintenance Schedule and Tips

Proper riding lawn mower maintenance will help your machine run well for years. It's not enough to perform maintenance on riding mowers at just the start and end of the season. This riding mower maintenance schedule and checklist will help you know when to change the oil, replace lawn mower blades or just clean the different parts and attachments to extend the life of your mower.

Riding Mower Maintenance Schedule:


 

Before Each Use

Every 10 Hours

Every 25 Hours

Every 50 Hours

Every 100 Hours

Prior to Storing

Clean hood/dash louvers
 

X


 

 

 

X

Check engine oil levels

X

X


 

 

 

 
Check air filter for loose or damaged parts

X


 

 

 

 

 
Clean and re-oil air filter's pre-cleaner
 

 

X


 

 

 
Replace air filter element
 

 

 

 

X


 
Change engine oil and replace oil filter
 

 

 

X


 

 
Clean battery terminals
 

X


 

 

 

 
Lube front axles and rims
 

 

X


 

 

X

Clean engine cooling rims
 

 

X


 

 

X

Lube pedal pivot points
 

X


 

 

 

X

Check spark plug condition & gap
 

 

 

 

X

X

Replace fuel filter
 

 

 

 

X


 
Check & Sharpen or Replace Lawn Mower Blades
 

 

X


 

 

X

 

Riding Mower Maintenance Tips:

  • Periodically check to make sure the lawn mower blades come to a complete stop within approximately five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within this time frame, take your machine to an authorized service dealer.
  • Check the lawn mower blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage. Replace riding mower blade with the original manufacturers (OEM) blade only. Use of parts which do not meet specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety.
  • Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working conditions. The natural vibrating motion of your riding lawn mower can cause them to loosen throughout the season, so it's important to check periodically before use.
  • Sharpen lawn mower blades frequently to maintain the health of your lawn. Brown grass tips may be an indicator it is time to sharpen or replace blades.
  • Add fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline before adding it to your mower. Otherwise, the gas will begin to destabilize and leave deposits that gum up the engine. Stabilizer can extend the shelf-life of your gas pas 30 days and help keep the engine clean.
  • Watch for wear and damage on the grass catcher components, discharge cover and trail shield that could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace immediately with OEM parts only.

Find an authorized Cub Cadet Service Center near you to handle more complex repairs or to save time on seasonal maintenance.