Cub Cadet LT1046, LT1050 Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor, Engine Oil, Checking the Oil Level

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 24 hours of engine operation and every 100 hours thereafter. Refer to the Oil Viscosity Chart below 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 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 14.

•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.

***

*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is

.

acceptable, up to 40˚F

**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold (below -10˚F).

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 neces- sary), reinstall the oil fill cap/dipstick by inserting it into the oil fill tube.

FULL

Operating Range

ADD

Figure 14

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.

19