Maintaining Your Lawn Mower - Cub Cadet 980 Series Operator's Manual


Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug and ground
against engine be-
fore performing any
type of maintenance
on your machine.
IMPORTANT: Do not
use a pressure washer
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 serviceability.
Figure 5-1: Areas to lubricate on the mower.
Figure 5-2: Cut wire to remove rear flap.
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing any
type of maintenance.
• 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.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect
spark plug, and ground against engine
before performing any type of maintenance on your
machine.
Lubrication
• 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.
• Lubricate the 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.
• 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.
• The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
• Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica-
tion schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º
in any direction 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.
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.
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
• Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Refer to engine manual.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
• 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
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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