The blades on your Cub Cadet zero turn rider can become worn out or dinged over time. The gradual damage of the blades can reduce the effectiveness of your mower, so make sure to sharpen or replace the blades when you notice signs of wear. Check the blades at least twice a year, and more often if you mow year-round.
Before performing any maintenance on your machine, refer to your operator’s manual. It lists required maintenance, safety information, and instructions for your machine. Maintenance instructions vary by model, so depending on your model our instructions may vary slightly.
Begin by parking your mower on a flat, level surface. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool, remove the ignition key, disconnect the spark plug ignition wire to prevent accidental starting, and engage the parking brake.
To change the blades on a Cub Cadet zero turn rider:
Set your mower’s deck height to the lowest setting. Remove both belt covers. Use a 3/8-inch socket or wrench to remove the belt covers from the deck.
Remove the access panel. Use a ½-inch socket to remove the bolt from the panel. Some zero turn riders include a panel access tool, which can also be used to remove the bolt from the panel.
Remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Use a 9/16-inch socket or wrench to pull the idler pulley arm back to release the belt tension. Remove the belt from the idler pulleys and PTO clutch. Use both a 9/16-inch socket and wrench to loosen the idler pulley bolts.
Remove the cotter pins and deck pins from the deck. Slide the deck out from under the mower. Flip the deck over to access the blades.
Remove the blades. Wear gloves for protection. Use a block of wood and wedge it between the blade and the frame of the mower to stop the blades from rotating. Use a 15/16-inch socket or wrench to loosen the blade nuts.
Replace the mower blades and tighten the nuts. Make sure the word “bottom” or the blade part number is facing the ground when installing the blades.
Flip the deck over and slide the deck back into place under the mower. Reattach the deck and slide the deck pins back into place. Reconnect the cotter pins.
Reinstall the belt. Route the belt around the PTO clutch. Route the belt through the idler pulleys. Use both a 9/16-inch socket and wrench to tighten both idler pulley bolts. Route the belt around the spindle pulleys. Use a 9/16-inch socket or wrench to release the tension and finish routing the belt.
Reinstall both belt covers and then reinstall the access panel and bolt. Reconnect the spark plug wires.
Use our illustrated parts diagrams to locate any replacement parts you may need for maintenance on your Cub Cadet zero turn rider.
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Buyer’s Guide to Cub Cadet Ultima Series Zero Turn Riders
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Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
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