How to Troubleshoot a Cub Cadet Push Mower

The Cub Cadet Signature Cut push mower is sturdy and reliable so that you can focus on maintaining a pristine lawn. Occasionally, the Cub Cadet walk-behind mower has problems, but you can usually troubleshoot and solve these issues on your own.

Avoid more serious problems by regularly maintaining your lawn mower and inspecting your yard for rocks or other debris that may damage the mower before you start mowing. Troubleshooting problems right away can help prolong the life of the machine and keep you safe while mowing. While many steps may be similar or even identical among models, be sure to check your owner's manual for details on your specific Cub Cadet mower.

There are several potential reasons your Cub Cadet push mower won't start. Make sure the mower is filled with clean fuel. If there is no gas or if the fuel is old, the mower may not start. Old fuel can get gummy and can cause problems in the carburetor. If this occurs, you will need to take the mower in for service.

If the mower has clean fuel, a spark plug may be to blame. Check the spark plugs for black carbon buildup. If this is visible, replace the spark plugs. A dirty air filter can also prevent the mower from starting, so be sure to check it regularly and replace it as needed.

Another issue you may encounter is that the engine runs erratically or overheats. This may be caused by a blocked fuel line or dirt or water in the fuel. Clean the fuel line and make sure the tank has clean, fresh fuel. If dirty or old fuel is the problem, drain it first before adding new fuel to the mower. Next, check that the vent on the gas cap is clean and not blocked.

Overheating may be caused by low engine oil or a lack of airflow. Check the oil levels and add more if needed and clean around the engine to make sure nothing is restricting the flow of air needed to cool the mower.

If the engine skips or doesn't idle smoothly, spark plug problems may be the issue. Adjust the spark plug gap and replace spark plugs as needed.

You may notice other problems while operating the push mower. If the blades are loose, bent or damaged, the mower may vibrate more than usual. Tighten the blades or take the mower in for service to have them fixed or replaced.

If the blades get dull, you may notice that the grass is not evenly cut. A dull blade may also prevent the mower from mulching if you are using it for that purpose. You can sharpen the blades or have them replaced.

Wet or overgrown grass can also cause problems with your push mower. Avoid mowing when the grass is overly wet. If the grass is too tall, set the blade to a taller height and mow the yard. Then, lower the blade and make a second pass.