Cub Tank (MK-54?) questions
 

Hello all,

I have a new to me Cub Tank (Zero turn) with the Kawasaki 23 hp engine that I need information on.....

1) Is there a Factory Service Manual (not owners manual) available on these, like what you would purchase for an automobile? If yes, where do you get one?

2) What is the best oil to run in this engine, how much required, and can I purchase an oil filter at my local auto parts house, or do I have to get filter from dealer?

3) I am trying to get this mower ready for the mowing season, changing fluids, greasing it up, checking belts, etc., are there common problem areas on these mowers that I might need to pay special attention to?

Some of this information maybe covered in the owners manual, but I don't have one yet... I have source for one, just haven't gone to pick it up yet.

The Cub Cadet dealer should be able to get the manual you need.

Thank you Sir......:beerchug:

Anytime! Glad to help! :ThumbsUp:

I'll answer my own questions...... The IH Dealer sells the oil filter for $10.08 each, plus sales tax. My local auto parts house sells aftermarket oil filters such as STP, Fram, etc., for approximately $4.50 each. The Fram PH4967 oil filter was $4.19,. The engine holds just a hair less than 2 quarts of oil. The dip sticks says I can use either 10w30 or just 30w. I prefer the 30w.

As far as resetting the hour meter when it flashes "Lubrication", I was told to ignore it, and it will automatically reset itself.

I hope this information is of benefit to other Cub newbies.

Don't know about the Kawi engines, but I believe on Kohler engines, such as the Command, they have hydraulic lifters and call for 10w-30 oil whereas on engines such as the Magnums and Courage engines, with solid lifters, they call for 30w oil. I think the multiviscoity oil helps with the hydraulic lifters.

Someone please correct me if I am off the mark with the above.

Thanks!
Bill

I have no idea what lifters are in this engine. I just as soon have no reason to find out what the inside of engine looks like (grin). The dipstick had required oil weight printed on it, so I went with that.

How do you know when it's time to replace the blades? From my understanding, you do not sharpen these blades, but replace them...
It's been wet here and the grass has been growing fast. and thick.... when I cut it, it seems to leave more grass clipping than I remember it leaving before (even considering the thick grass)..... I end up running across the yard several times but it doesn't really seem to chop the clippings the way I think it should. My ground speed is fairly slow, the RPM's are almost at max... Do I need new blades, or is this grass just too thick? Are the "Gator" blades worth the additional money? Is one type of blade better than another?

I've never seen a blade that couldn't be sharpened..... Don't let someone who sells blades fool you.

haha, true, true...

However if you are going to replace the blades go with a set of Oregon G6 gators.