If you've just purchased a new Cub Cadet riding lawn mower and you aren't sure where to start, here is a quick overview of lawn mower basics to get you going. You'll also find helpful lawn mower tips to keep your machine running strong through the years. Before beginning any maintenance on your Cub Cadet lawn mower, ensure your mower is on a flat, level surface.
Instructions
Understanding lawn mower basics
Step 1 - Connect the battery cables on your Cub Cadet lawn mower
Remove the red battery terminal cover from the red terminal and attach the red cable to the positive terminal. Next, remove the black battery terminal cover from the black terminal and attach the black cable to the negative terminal. Once both cables are attached, place the red cap on the positive terminal. Do not allow the wrench the come in contact with any metal.
Step 2 - Check the oil on your riding lawn mower before each use
Check your engine's oil level with the dip stick before every use since too little or too much oil can damage your engine. You should also examine the oil quality every so often to know when it will need to be changed.
Step 3 - Fill the fuel tank
Using gasoline mixed with a stabilizer like STA-BIL, to extend the shelf-life of the gas, fill the fuel tank before each use so you don't run out while mowing. If you do run out, wait until the engine cools before adding fresh fuel.
Step 4 - Know lawn mower basics before starting your riding lawn mower
To start the mower, be sure you are seated back in the seat. If you are too far forward, the mower may not start. Engage the parking brake. Check to be sure the PTO lever is in the off position and activate the choke.
Step 5 - Start your riding lawn mower
Turn the key to the start position. Once the mower has started, release the key and allow it to return to the on position.
Step 6 - Operate your mower with our lawn mower help tips
To begin driving your mower, move the throttle to the rabbit position. Move the shift lever to forward, press the brake pedal to release the parking brake, and press the drive pedal to increase your speed.
Step 7 - Activate cruise control (on appropriate models)
Your LTX 1040 riding lawn mower is equipped with cruise control. Once you achieve a desired mowing speed, lightly press the cruise control lever downward and hold it in that position. Slowly release your foot from the drive pedal and then release the cruise control lever. You cannot engage cruise control in the fastest drive speed. Never attempt to engage cruise control while in reverse.
Step 8 - Release cruise control for complicated turns, smaller yards or when anyone is nearby
To disengage the cruise control on your riding lawn mower, simply press either the drive pedal or brake pedal.
Step 9 - Engage lawn mower blades
To engage the blades, be sure that your throttle or choke is in the rabbit position. Then, push the PTO or blade engage lever forward into the on position.
Step 10 - Learn how to operate your riding lawn mower in reverse
Properly operating your machine in reverse is one of the most important lawn mower basics. To set the mower in reverse mode, come to a complete stop and turn the blades off. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever into reverse position. Finally, turn the key to the reverse/caution mode. Push the PTO/blade lever to the on position to engage the blades. Before pressing the drive pedal, check the area down and behind your riding lawn mower to make sure there are no objects in your path.
Step 11 - Perform proper lawn mower maintenance
Before each time you mow, check your air filter for dirty, loose or damaged parts. It is highly recommended that the air filter, spark plugs, oil and oil filter are replaced every year when you prepare your mower for off-season storage.
Find other tools and accessories that help you do more with your riding lawn mower
There are many attachments and accessories available to help keep a beautiful lawn. For example, bagging is a highly recommended method of helping maintain a healthy lawn be reducing thatch build-up, increasing oxygen and nitrogen absorption and encouraging grass to grow in the bare areas of your yard. You can find baggers, plow attachments, utility carts, spreaders and sweepers for your Cub Cadet lawn mower in the operator's manual or online.
