Maintaining Your Lawn Mower - Cub Cadet 990 Series Operator's Manual


Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
cleaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of
maintenance on your
machine.
IMPORTANT: We do
not recommend the
use of pressure wash-
ers or garden hose to
clean your unit. These
may cause damage to
pulleys, bearings, or the
engine. The use of water
will result in shortened
life and reduce service-
ability.
Figure -1
Figure -2
General Recommendations
1. Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
2. The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
3. Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
4. All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
5. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against engine before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of
maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least
once a season with light oil. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.
2. Lubricate wheels and casters at least once a season
with light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for
any reason, lubricate the axle bolt and inner surface of
the wheel with light oil. See Figure 5-1.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on each
end of the adapter door at least once a season with
light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.
4. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
5. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica-
tion schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the
side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more
than 90 degrees in any directions and
do not leave the mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil can drain into the
upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
1. Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
2. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Refer to engine manual.
3. Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
4. Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.
Replacing Rear Flap
To replace rear flap, proceed as follows:
1. Cut off the flat end of the wire rod which secures it to
the deck. See Figure 5-2.
2. Attach the new flap and new rod to the deck, bending
the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck.
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