If your mower just isn't up to its usual best, it might be time to invest a bit of TLC to get it back to it's glory days. More often than not you'd think this was a job for the professionals, but with these handy tips you may be able to get your mower back into proper working order on your own. Designed to save you time and money, Cub Cadet has produced handy tips to diagnose the issue of a sick mower, and the best steps forward from there.

  • Missing Spark?

    If your mower just won't start, check that you've got fuel. If you've got enough petrol then the next step is to check your mower's spark plug before taking your mower in to the specialists. Fouled or loose spark plugs can be a common occurrence and are easily tightened, cleaned or replaced. Always read your mower's instruction manual before you start cleaning or replacing spark plugs and be sure to reinstall the correct spark plug (make and model), as a different type of plug can cause serious engine damage. Call your local mower shop if you're unsure on which spark plug you need.

  • Fresh Fuel

    Your mower shouldn’t sound like its sick. If it’s spluttering along in the backyard as you mow, it is likely to be old or dirty fuel. Bad fuel can lead to troubles starting, so it’s a good idea to drain your mowers old petrol and replace with fresh stuff regularly. Over the cooler months mower usage declines, so be prepared to put these practices in place throughout the winter period.

  • Where there's Smoke

    If your mower doesn’t require you to mix fuel and oil manually and it’s blowing a light coloured smoke, you’ll need to take it in to see a professional, as it could be something serious.

  • Blunt Blades

    If your mower isn’t cutting well and you’re going over the same patch of grass again and again, it’s likely that your blades are dulling or completely blunt. Over time mower blades can become blunt or damaged from hitting rocks, sticks and other forms of debris in the back yard. Investigate the blades by switching your mower off, remove the catcher, lift the rear flap and inspect the blades. If you are replacing the blades, disconnect the spark plug before beginning maintenance.  Replace the blades through the rear flap, which saves having to lift the machine and turn it up side down which could cause damage to the engine. Otherwise take your mower to a local approved servicing dealer.

  • Engine not performing like it use to?

    Air filters keep your engine running smoothly by preventing dirt and debris from entering the engine. It is always best practice to check/replace engine and snorkel filters ahead of the peak summer mowing season. Engine Oil need to be topped up and changed periodically to ensure a clean flow of quality oil to the engine.