How to Store Your Cub Cadet Walk-Behind Mower in the Off Season

Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Winter Storage

When fall rolls around, it's time to think about storing your lawn mower for the winter. These instructions will explain how to prepare your Cub Cadet walk-behind mower for storage in the off-season. Proper lawn mower storage and maintenance will keep your machine running safely and smoothly, and can prevent common malfunctions that arise from sitting unused for long periods of time.

Instructions

Step 1
Prepare the mower so it's safe to work on

• Be sure the mower is on a flat level surface. Turn the engine off and make sure it is cool. Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire.

Step 2
Replace the spark plug

• If the spark plug appears worn or damaged, take this opportunity to replace it. To find the correct replacement spark plug, check the old spark plug or your operator's manual for the correct part number.

Step 3
Change the oil

• Remove the dip stick. Then, place the top tube of your Atlas Siphon Pump into the dip stick hole on the engine, and the bottom tube of the siphon into the oil pan.
• Pump the siphon handle three to four times to prime the pump. Once the oil begins to flow, it will flow without further pumping.
• Remove the Atlas Siphon Pump.
• Add new oil. Reference your operator's manual to determine the correct type and amount of oil needed for your particular mower model.
• Replace the dipstick. After several minutes, use the dip stick to check oil level. The level should be within the range marked on the dip stick.

Step 4
Replace the air filter

• Release the thumb screw to remove the air filter cover
• Remove the paper and foam elements of the air filter
• Separate the foam element from the paper element
• Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the new foam element and squeeze out all excess oil
• Install the new foam and paper elements
• Replace the air filter cover and secure it to the mower

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Step 5
Clean the undercarriage of the mower and inspect the mower blade

• To access the undercarriage and blade, tilt the mower on its side with the air filter facing up. Thoroughly clean away dirt, grass clippings and other objects that may have become lodged in the undercarriage.
• While wearing protective gloves, inspect your blade for wear or damage
• If the blade requires sharpening or should be replaced, remove from the undercarriage. To do this, use the Atlas Blade Removal Tool to hold the blade in place. Then, using a socket wrench, loosen the bolt securing the cutting blade to the engine drive shaft.
• Remove the blade, taking care to avoid touching the sharp edges.
• Remove the Atlas Blade Removal Tool
• If a new mower blade is required, assemble the new blade and blade adapter on the engine crankshaft and tighten the bolt to the proper torque as indicated in your operator's manual.
• If your blade only needs sharpening, use the Blade Balancer Sharpener Kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when sharpening your mower blade to reduce the risk of accidental injury. Replace the sharpened blade by tightening the bolt to the torque indicated in your operator's manual.

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Step 6
Check the mower for any other broken or worn parts

• Check the belt cover, belts, discharge chute, bag, mulch plug and tires. Check cables for signs of rust, corrosion or cracking rubber and adjust or replace if necessary.
• Replace any of these worn or broken parts you find with the correct replacement parts as noted in your operator's manual.

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Step 7
Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank

• Fuel stabilizer helps to prevent old fuel from gumming-up the mower components with it is not in use and is an important element in your lawn mower's winter storage.

Follow this guide to prepare your walk-behind lawn mower for winter storage to help ensure safe and smooth operation for years to come. When performing maintenance on any tool or machine, be sure to work in a clean, well-lit area and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Doing so may prevent accidental injury and can help increase the lifespan of your walk-behind mower.