+subby1 Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 Lately, I have had a slew of Cub Cadet riding mowers come into my dad's shop. They all have the same problem- worn out spindles (the part that hold the blades on the deck and the pulleys on top where the belt is. Cub's have grease fittings on the spindle housing....you should grease them EVERY year, at the least. Other brands have these grease fittings as well, although not all of them do, but please check and look for them. Replacing spindles are EXpensive!!! Most people do not know to check for grease fittings and to grease them. Left un-greased, spindles will bite the dust in less than 2 years..however, if greased every year, they can last a lifetime. This also applies to the front end of the mower...there are usually grease fittings on the front ends of most riders....two on each side, one for the wheel and the other for the part that holds the shaft that allows the wheel to turn. GREASE is your friend!!!! And as always, check your oil before cranking up your mower. If the level is low, then simply add some more oil, BUT, if the oil level is high up on the stick, then gas probably leaked into the crankcase....which will blow the engine. Smell the dip stick if it's showing a higher level than usual..you'll smell the gasoline. Simply drain the crankcase, and refill, and have someone check your carburetor, since it's probably in need of attention. I also highly recommend installing a shut off valve on gravity fed riders. Turn the valve OFF after using the mower. Even a brand new carb can still have a sticking needle and allow gas to flow into the crankcase. These shut off valves can be bought for about 5 bucks at any auto parts store. Free advice to save you lots of $$$$$!!! If it's too late, and it's broke, you know who to call!! Glenn 678-315-8794 Link to post Share on other sites
Riograce Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 What's the best way to winterize a riding mower that (unfortunately) cannot be housed indoors? Link to post Share on other sites
+subby1 Posted October 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 What's the best way to winterize a riding mower that (unfortunately) cannot be housed indoors? Drain the gas out. and keep it covered with a tarp, if that's all you've got. Check the tire pressure every so often, as mower tires tend to leak..so it won't leak down enough to break the bead. Once the bead has broken you'll need some tricks and high air pressure to get it back right, plus cleaning the rim really well so it won't get junk stuck around it- which will make it leak regularly. Problem is, draining all the gas out....you really need to unscrew the solenoid or bolt from the bottom of the carb to make sure all the gas it out. I can do that on-site for anyone who needs it done for $35. (within a 10 mile radius, which you are). There's a couple of other things I do, as well, but those are trade secrets....I still have to make a living. But it's all included for the $35. BTW, I can take care of all the lubrication, greasing everything as I mentioned in the initial thread for another $25. Not much money, when you consider how much it will save you down the road. Link to post Share on other sites
+subby1 Posted October 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 BTW, folks...if you are looking into buying a new mower next year, you might want to skim thru this page. I'm not saying anything personally, but I think the link will give you an idea about what NOT to buy. LINK Link to post Share on other sites
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