Cub Cadet 18M Operator's Manual page 11

Blade Adapter
Figure -
Rear Flap Replacement
The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower deck,
and is designed to minimize the possibility that objects
will be thrown from the rear of the mower toward the
operator. If the rear flap becomes damaged, replace as
follows.
1. To remove the old rear flap, lift rear door, and press
flap in on either side to remove from hole.
2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new
flap following these steps in reverse order.
Belt Care
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against
the engine.
2. Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic beneath
the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
3. Tip mower on its side (air cleaner side of engine up).
4. Remove blade, adapter, and related hardware as
described previously.
5. a. Remove the self-tapping screws that secures the
engine baffle to the deck . See Figure 5-4. Remove
engine baffle.
b. Loosen self-tapping screw that secures deck baffle
to the deck. See Figure 5-4.
6. a. Working from the rear of the mower, carefully
remove belt from transmission pulley.
b. Once belt is off transmission pulley, push down on
deck baffle to access engine pulley and slide belt
off this pulley and out from under the deck. See
Figure 5-5.
7. Replace with new belt, working it between the deck
and baffle, first around the transmission pulley and
then the engine pulley.
NOTE: Make certain that belt is seated correctly and
that it is riding smoothly on the engine pulley and is not
pinched between the lower and upper pulley halves.
8. Tighten self-tapping screw securing deck baffle
loosened earlier.
9. Replace engine baffle and secure with self tapping
screws.
Figure -3
B
Figure -4
10. Replace blade, blade adapter, and associated
hardware. Follow instructions in Blade Care section
for proper assembly.
11. Tip mower back onto its wheels and remove piece of
plastic from under gas cap (if applicable).
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn
mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in
the lubrication instructions.
2. We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer
or garden hose to clean your unit.
3. Refer to engine manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
4. Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should
be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts of your lawn mower before storage.
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Maintenance
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
Cutting grass in sandy
soil condition causes
abrasive wear to the
blade.