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SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
NOTE: Refer to Maintenance Chart on page 30 for a
reference of recommended maintenance intervals.
WARNING: Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission
control devices and systems, which are being done at
the customer’s expense, may be performed by any
engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty
repairs must be performed by your Cub Cadet
Dealer.
Engine Oil
The engine-crankcase is filled with 10W-30 ship-away
oil at the factory. This oil may be used for the first 24
hours of engine operation at temperatures between
0°F and 80°F. If temperatures are not within this range,
drain the oil from the oil filter and crankcase and
replace with new oil.
The engine oil must be drained and replaced with new
oil after the initial 24 hours of engine operation and
every 100 hours thereafter. Refer to the Oil Viscosity
Chart to determine the proper oil type.
NOTE: To aid starting, the selection of crankcase oil
should be based on the lowest anticipated
temperatures prior to the next scheduled oil change.
Checking the Oil Level
It is important to check the oil level at least every four
hours of operation. Regular checking during the first 24
hours of operation is especially important. Check the oil
level before each use as follows:
• Allow the engine a few minutes to rest after opera-
tion. This will give the oil time to drain into the crank-
case sump and result in a more accurate dipstick
reading.
• Clean the area around the oil fill cap/dipstick to pre-
vent debris from entering the crankcase.
• Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick by lifting it (single
cylinder models) or twisting it (twin cylinder models)
out of the oil fill tube.
• Wipe the dipstick clean before pushing it all the way
back into the oil fill tube. Withdraw the dipstick to
check the oil level. Refer to figure at right.
• Always keep the oil level at or near the FULL mark
on the dipstick. If the oil is low, add oil of the proper
type up to the FULL mark. Always re-check the oil
level with the dipstick before adding more oil.
IMPORTANT:
Never operate
the engine with the oil level
below the ADD mark or
above the FULL mark on the
dipstick.
• After checking the oil
level (and adding oil, if
necessary), reinstall the
oil fill cap/dipstick by
inserting it into the oil fill
tube.
Adding Oil
If, after checking the oil level,
you find the dipstick reads ADD, proceed as follows.
• Place the tractor on a level surface and engage the
parking brake. Stop the tractor engine and remove
the ignition key.
• Clean the area around the oil fill cap and fill tube to
prevent debris from entering the crankcase.
• Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube
and SLOWLY pour oil into the oil fill tube. Do NOT
pour more than 6 oz. of oil at a time without first
stopping and re-checking the oil level.
• Fill the crankcase until the oil level reaches the full
(F) mark on the dipstick. See Figure above. Refer to
the viscosity oil chart earlier in this section for
information regarding the proper type of oil to add
to the crankcase.
IMPORTANT:
On models LT1042 & LT 1045, the engine
(with oil filter) has a capacity of 1.5 liters (50.75 oz.). On
models LT1046 & LT 1050, the engine (with oil filter)
has a capacity of 1.7 liters (57.5 oz.). Never overfill the
engine crankcase.
FULL
ADD
Operating Range
TEMPERATURE / OIL VISCOSITY CHART
Temperature Change Expected Before Next Oil Change
°C
°F
403020100-10-20-30
10080604032200-20
5W-20, 5W-30
10W-30 (Twin Cylinder)
10W-30 (Single Cylinder)
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is acceptable,
up to 4°C (40°F).
**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold below
23°C (-10°F).
**
*