Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Push Mower — Model 18M WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by Cub Cadet LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Cub Cadet LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately. 14. a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms. b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you. d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Service 3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Notice Regarding Emissions Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER — ROTATING BLADES To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices d line (repr esent s a 15 ° slop e) WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate walk-behind mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Carton • One Lawn Mower • • One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil Assembly NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower. Handle 1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles. a. Pull up and back on upper handle as shown in Fig. 3-1. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up.
4. a. Hold blade control against upper handle. b. Pull starter rope out of the engine. Release blade control handle. c. Slip starter rope into rope guide. d. Tighten wing nut. Insert post on cable ties into holes provided on the lower handle. Pull cable tie tight and trim excess. A Grass Catcher 1. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher (if needed). Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside). a.
Side Discharge Chute Adjustments To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit, the rear mulch plug is removed, and rear discharge door is closed. 1. 1. On the side of the mower, lift the mulching plug. 2. Slide chute hooks under hinge pin on mulching plug assembly. Lower mulching plug. See Fig. 3-7. Do not remove side mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching. The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the rear left wheel. See Fig. 3-8. a.
4 Controls and Features Blade Control Choke Control Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Mulch Plug Figure 4-1 Blade Control Choke Control The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade. See Fig. 4-1. The choke control is located on the left side of the handle and when activated, closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine.
5 Operation Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower. 1. 2 Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the upper handle. See Fig. 5-1.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance 4. General Recommendations • Always observe safety rules when performing any 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.
Replacing Rear Flap 1. To remove rear flap, lift rear door, and press flap in on either side to remove from hole. See Fig. 6-2. 2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new flap in the opposite order and manner of removal.
7 Service Blade Care 5. Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine Fails to start Cause Remedy 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
9 Engine Operation Fuel Cap Air Cleaner Starter Grip Oil Fill Cap Oil Drain Spark Plug Figure 10-1 Pre-Operation Check 10w Oil Recommendations 20w NOTE: This engine is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty. • 1 Before starting engine, fill with oil. Do not over-fill. Oil capacity is about 20 oz.
Check Oil Level Check Fuel Level NOTE: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine stopped. 1. Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel. 2. Fill tank to approximately 1-inch below lowest portion of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill. 1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. See Fig. 10-2. NOTE: Before refueling, allow engine to cool 2 minutes.
10 Engine Maintenance WARNING: Shut off the engine before performing any maintenance. To prevent accidental start-up, disconnect the spark plug boot. IMPORTANT: If engine must be tipped to transport equipment or to inspect or remove grass, keep spark plug side of engine up. Transporting or tipping engine spark plug down may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, or oil saturation of air cleaner.
Oil Service Air Cleaner Service • Check oil level regularly. • Be sure correct oil level is maintained. Check every five hours or daily before starting engine. See oil checking procedure in the Operation section. Paper filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year or every 100 operating hours; more often if used in extremely dusty conditions. WARNING: Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.
Spark Plug Service 3. WARNING: DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed. DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending side electrode. See Fig. 10-4. The gap should be set to 0.030 in. To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits. 1. Remove the spark plug boot and use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug. See Fig. 10-3. Electrode Spark Plug 0.030 in. Figure 10-4 4.
Fuel Filter Service Storage The fuel filter cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once a year or every 100 operating hours; more often if run with old gasoline. Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts.
The SureStart Guarantee™ Provisions of Your Limited Warranty In addition to the other terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty applicable to your new mower, Cub Cadet LLC (“Cub Cadet”) hereby warrants that your mower’s engine will start on the first or second attempt by an able-bodied adult (subject to the limitations described below) for the duration of the manufacturer’s limited warranty applicable to your product.
Notes 11 25
Model 18M 44 42 36 43 24 38 37 39 41 25 5 46 45 40 4 6 35 12 14 46 56 49 55 B B 48 21 54 29 50 23 1 58 30 59 2 3 28 48 52 19 32 A 31 8 9 32 13 34 15 10 47 11 53 3 17 18 32 16 33 Wheel Tread A 7 26 51 22 3 20 57 27 26 56
Model 18M Ref No. Part Number Description Ref No. Part Number Description 1 787-01649 19” Deck 31 712-04063 Nut, Flange Lock, 5/16-18 2 731-05880 Spacer, .515 x 1.00 x .310 Lg. 32 712-04065 Nut, Flange Lock, 3/8-16 3 710-1241 Screw, 1/4-15 x 1.000 33 634-04346 Front Wheel 4 710-04744 Screw, HL, #12-16 x 1.
Engine Model - 1P70MO 21 29 8 9 15 29 20 1 7 3 13 2 19 18 24 25 11 26 17 10 17 6 28 4 5 12 14 27 22 23 16 28
Engine Model - 1P70MO Ref No. Part Number 1. 951-10368 Fuel Tank 2. 951-10369 Flywheel Shroud 3. 951-10335 Rubber Fuel Tank Mounting Washer 4. 951-10334 Oil Filler Tube Assembly 5. 951-10333 Dipstick Assembly 6. 951-10413 Cylinder Head Complete 7. 951-10414 Short Block Assembly 8. 951-10321 Stop Switch and Brake Assembly 9. 951-10319 Recoil Spring and Pulley Assembly 10. 951-10344 Push Rod Kit 11. 951-10345 Valve Kit 12. 951-10370 Oil Drain Plug and Washer Assembly 13.
Cub Cadet LLC (Cub Cadet), The United States Environment Protection Agency (U. S. EPA) Emission Control System Warranty Statement (Owner’s Defect Warranty Rights and Obligations) The U. S. EPA and Cub Cadet are pleased to explain the emissions control system warranty on your model year 2005 and later small off-road engine. New small off-road engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the stringent anti-smog standards.
(7) The engine manufacturer is liable for damages to other engine components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any warranted part. (8) Throughout the engine’s warranty period defined in Subsection (a)(2), Cub Cadet will maintain a supply of warranted parts sufficient to meet the expected demand for such parts. (9) Any replacement part may be used in the performance of any warranty maintenance or repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR walk-behind mowerS IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on required maintenance and service intervals.
