Help Blog

Mowers and outdoor lawn equipment need regular maintenance to ensure long life and optimum performance. Now that it's time to get back to your regular mowing and lawn care schedule, follow our outdoor equipment spring maintenance checklist to make sure all of your gear is perfect working order.

For mowers and motorized outdoor equipment:

1. Change oil and oil filter

2. Change air filter

3. Clean the mower deck and underneath the deck 

4. Inspect spark plugs; replace if necessary

5. Inspect blades; sharpen or replace if necessary 

6. Stabilize the fuel if you didn't empty the tank before storing

7. Clean the carburetor 

8. Inspect fuel filter; replace if necessary 

9. Check tire pressure

10. Clean engine cooling fins

11. Inspect and clean gears; lubricate when necessary 

For outdoor equipment attachments:

1. Inspect wheel bearings; lubricate if necessary 

2. Inspect all bolts for appropriate tightness

3. Calibrate spreaders

4. Inspect tires; inflate if necessary

5. Straighten aerator spoons and tines; replace if necessary

7. Inspect all safety wirings

8. Inspect all other moving parts; lubricate if necessary 

Need new parts for your Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and MTD outdoor equipment? Use our Parts Lookup tool. Or, use our Parts Manuals page to locate the part you need. 

In place of the curburetor found on internal combustion engines, Kohler provides a closed-loop electronic fuel injection (EFI) system that's especially designed to meter your fuel, which provides operators with reduced fuel consumption, optimal engine performance, and compliance with emissions standards worldwide. 

How?

When your engine is in operation, an oxygen sensor in the muffler in constantly monitoring the composition of the exhaust gas. Thanks to this monitoring function, the sensor makes adjustments to the air/fuel mixture that's delivered to the combustion chamber. Compared to those open loop systems, Kohler's closed loop EFI system is able to deliver the exact amount of fuel that your engine needs by releasing fuel at the ideal time to each cylinder. Kohler's EFI system is designed to adjust for all possible operating conditions and loads over the life of your Kohler engine. 

What does that mean for owners of a Kohler engine? 

When you operate a Kohler engine, you're guaranteed: 

• consistently easy starts
• improved load pick up
• lower fuel consumptions
• optimal performance
• CARB compliance
• EPA compliance
• EURO compliance

Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Mowers offer you efficiency, maximum comfort, and ultimate durability. Whether you operate an RZT or Z-force mower, knowing proper operation tips ensures the longevity of your machine. 

Your zero-turn mower has front wheels that pivot easily so you have ultimate maneuverability in tight spots. Choose from steering wheel or lap bar operation for easiest operation. You can think of your lap bar steering like handles on a bicycle. When you want to turn left, move your left hand towards you; if right, move your right hand towards you. 

Zero-turn mowers are faster than the standard riding lawn mower, so don't be afraid when your zero-turn has more power than what you're used to. 

Safety is most important when operating your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower, and we're here to help you understand how to use your mower in its most efficient capacity. 

Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Mower Operation Guide

• Familiarize yourself with the owner's manual. Search for your Zero-Turn mower diagram here. Locate all the controls so you know how to stop and disengage your machine when necessary. 
• When mowing, make sure that all bystanders – this includes pets! – are at least 75 feet away from the machine. This prevents injury from any items thrown from the machine. If someone enters your mowing zone, stop the mower. 
• Do an inspection of your yard before mowing. Pick up all sticks, stones, wires, toys, and any other objects that could be picked up by your blades. 
• Avoid discharging towards sidewalks, roads, bystanders, and other obstructions. Debris that ricochets can cause serious damage. Instead, try to construct your mowing plan so the discharge goes back towards the yard. 
• Always use your discharge cover. 
• When riding over gravel, stop the blades. Also stop the blades when riding over walkways, roads, and when not cutting grass to avoid unnecessary injury from foreign objects.
• Never place your feet or hands near the rotating parts of your mower. When the machine is on and blades are in motion, don't approach the cutting deck. 
• If you have unusually dry, tall grass, don't attempt to cut it. Also avoid piles of dry leaves. These dry areas can come into contact with the engine exhaust, or build up on the mower deck and create a possible fire hazard. 
• If necessary, turn slowly uphill and use extra caution. Try to avoid turning on slopes. 
• Don't mow wet grass. 
• Unlike a bicycle, don't try to stabilize your zero-turn mower by placing your foot on the ground. 

Need blades, belts, or other parts for your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower? Use our Parts Lookup tool, or contact a trained Cub Cadet specialist. 

Safety should always be your top priority when operating your Cub Cadet snow thrower. Outdoor power equipment can be an essential tool in helping you get through heavy-duty tasks all year round, but they can also become dangerous machines if you don't practice proper safety techniques. 

Snow Thrower Safety Tips

1. Cold temperatures affect your machine. After turning the equipment on, but before operating, give your snow thrower some time to adjust to the temperature. 

2. Once you've started the snow thrower, don't try to make any adjustments or repairs. If you notice that your equipment needs an adjustment once you've started, move the snow thrower to a safe maintenance area, and shut down the engine before starting any work. 

3. While operating, make sure you have a safety zone of at least 75 feet. Make sure that no pets, children, or neighbors enter this area. If they do, stop the snow thrower and wait for them to pass. 

4. If you need to use the reverse function on your snow thrower, keep an extra cautious eye as to avoid any falling or slipping. 

5. Avoid using your snow thrower on steep slopes at all costs. If you have to operate near a mid-size slope, use absolute extreme caution. If there is little visibility due to snow, don't operate your snow thrower at all. 

6. Never attempt to unclog the chute assembly while the snow thrower is still operating. As stated in safety tip number 2, never attempt to do any adjustments or repairs while the snow thrower is in operation. Shut off the engine first and remain behind the handles until all of your moving parts have come to a complete stop. Follow these instructions for unclogging your snow thrower chute assembly. 

Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean you can't use your Cub Cadet mower. With the right attachments, your Cub Cadet mower becomes an all-season workhorse – use it to haul wood, or clear the driveway with a snow thrower accessory. But keep in mind: safety is always key. Winter weather conditions can make it harder to safely operate your riding mower. By installing tire chains on your Cub Cadet mower, you can safely use your power equipment all year long.

1. As always, refer to your owner's manual. Familiarize yourself with the operation of your mower as well as the tire chains. Note any special concerns your manual might outline for your specific model. 

2. Make sure the mower is on a level, flat surface. Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire as well as the red battery cable. 

3. Lay your tire chains so they are flat on the ground with the open sides of the cross chain hooks facing upwards. The C-hook should be on the inside edge of the tire. Make sure the chain is not twisted at any point. 

4. Holding the middle of the side chains, lay the tire chain over your tire. Open ends of the cross chain hooks need to be facing AWAY from the tire. 

5. Now take the loose ends of the chain and tuck them under the tire. Lightly push the mower forward. Take the hooks at the ends of the chain, and connect the C-hook to the second or third link of the side chain on the inside of the tire. 

6. Pull the chain tight. You can now connect the locking link to the second or third link of the chain on the outside of the tire. Fold the locking link back and under the chain to lock it in place. 

7. Once you've attached both sides, continue tightening until the mower's tire chain is very snug. You want to be sure the chains are even on both sides of the tire. To have the chains fit even tighter, you can deflate the mower's tire before tightening the chains. Make sure you refer to your owner's manual for proper inflation before starting the mower again. 

8. Your chains are now secured on your mower's tires. Use your cable ties to secure any unused links from the tire chains.

To make sure you get a fresh, clean cut on your lawn all year, regular maintenance is a must. Following a basic maintenance schedule will ensure the durability and longevity of your Troy-Bilt riding mower. 

Troy-Bilt Mower Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use

1. Check the levels of your engine oil
2. Inspect the air filter for loose and/or damaged parts

Every 10 Hours

1. Clean the hood/dash louvers
2. Check the levels of your engine oil
3. Inspect and clean the battery terminals
4. Lubricate the pedal pivot points

Every 25 Hours

1. Lubricate front axles and rims
2. Clean your engine cooling fins
3. Inspect, clean, and re-oil the air filter's pre-cleaner

Every 50 Hours

1. Change oil
2. Replace oil filter 

Every 100 Hours

1. Replace the air filter element
2. Inspect the condition and gap of your spark plug
3. Replace your fuel filter

Before Storage

1. Clean the hood/dash louvers
2. Lubricate the front axles and rims
3. Lubricate pedal pivot points
4. Clean the engine cooling fins
5. Inspect the condition and gap of your spark plug

 Need to replace your Troy-Bilt belts or blades? Use our Parts Lookup tool, or contact a trained specialist today.

Troubleshooting your MTD tractor's engine at home can prevent unnecessary and costly repairs. For more severe engine issues, you should contact a professional, but you can save time and money by following our simple MTD Tractor Troubleshooting Guide.

1. The tractor's engine won't crank at all. 

This could be happening for five different, but simple problems to fix: 

• Check to be sure the safety switch button is depressed, the deck completely disengaged, and the parking brake is fully engaged. You should be sitting in the operator's seat while checking these items. 
• Make sure your battery is properly installed. Proper installation is as follows: negative terminal attached to the black ground wire. The positive terminal is attached to the big red wire going to the solenoid. Make sure your battery is fully charged before installing. 
• If you suspect your battery is weak or even dead, check the fluid levels. If you find that the fluid is low, fill just below the split rings with water. Fully charge the battery. 
• Think it might be a blown fuse? Check the fuse box for loose connections, and pinched or bare wires. Replace with an automotive type fuse if necessary. 
• The problem may also be caused by a loose engine round wire. Check to make sure the black ground wire is running from the engine to the frame or mounting bolt. 

2. The engine will crank, but not start. 

Try these four easy fixes:

• Ensure the throttle/choke is in the starting position. 
• Do you have enough gas? If the tank is properly fueled, check to see if the fuel line or filter is compromised by debris or dirt. Clean your fuel line and replace the filter if necessary. 
• Connect your spark plug wire and then check it with a tester. Clean and reset the gap. Replace if necessary. 
• Inspect the air filter for any debris or dirt. Clean and replace if necessary. 

3. Seeing your engine smoking can be a scary thing. Try these two steps before contacting a professional for more intense maintenance:

• You may have overfilled the engine oil. Check the oil level. 
• Your engine might have lost its crankcase vacuum. This can be caused by a broken or improperly seated dipstick. If so, replace the defective part. Your engine breather may also be defective, which means you need to replace the engine breather.

While inspecting your MTD Tractor, you might find yourself in need of parts. Use our Parts Lookup tool, or shop for MTD belts, pulleys, and spindles at your convenience.

Performing regular and proper maintenance helps ensure the health and longevity of your Cub Cadet walk-behind mower. As part of your regular maintenance, it's important to change the mower's air filter to keep debris and dust out of the engine so it continues to run efficiently.

Cub Cadet suggests you change the air filter at least once a year; however you'll have to use your own judgement depending on the environment and conditions for which your mower is used. If you're using your mower on dusty, dry lawns in the summertime, you'll need to keep a close eye on your air filter as these conditions will cause clogging more quickly.

You'll need a replacement filter before beginning the replacement process. Some models offer a wash-and-reuse filter, while others require a new filter more frequently. Your owner's manual will direct you to the appropriate replacement filter.

-Safety is always first. Disconnect the spark plug ignition before you begin. To remove the cover of the air filter casing, unscrew the bolts.

-Separate the air cleaner body and air filter casing cover.

-Remove the Cub Cadet air filter from the mower.

-Replace the new filter into the base of the casing.

-Now replace the air cleaner lid and slide it into the air cleaner body. Fasten the bolt until securely attached.

-After you've completed replacing the filter and lid, reattach the spark plug.

Whenever you're performing maintenance on your Cub Cadet equipment, refer to your owner's manual for model specifications. If you have other questions, you can always contact a trained specialist.

MTD snow throwers are durable, reliable machines, but every so often, you'll hit a bump in the road. Diagnose some of the most common hiccups and follow our MTD snow thrower troubleshooting guide.

Problem: Snow Thrower Fails to Propel 

Cause: Drive control cable is in need of adjustment 

Solution: Adjust drive control cable

Cause: Drive belt is loose or damaged

Solution: Tighten drive belt, or replace if necessary

Cause: Friction wheel is too worn

Solution: Replace friction wheel 

Problem: Snow Thrower Loses Power

Cause: Loose spark plug wire

Solution: Connect and tighten spark plug wire

Cause: Gas cap vent hold is plugged

Solution: Remove the ice and snow from the gas cap; ensure the vent hold is clear of all debris

Problem: Snow Thrower Engine Runs Erratically

Cause: Engine is running on "CHOKE" 

Solution: Move your choke lever to the "OFF" position

Cause: Stale fuel

Solution: Fill the tank with fresh fuel

Cause: Water or dirt in the fuel system

Solution: Drain old fuel, replace with fresh fuel 

Cause: Carburetor is out of adjustment

Solution: Contact specialist for servicing